Family Club at Barcelo Bavaro Palace

True to Barceló’s upscale brand, the resort is modern, chic, and island-inspired. Spanish Colonial furniture, thatched-roof buildings, tropical greenery, and huge common areas all remind guests of where they are. The long list of kid-friendly amenities -- a bowling alley, the Barcy Kids’ Club, a pirate-themed water park, a beautiful soft sand beach, and multiple pools -- set the resort a full step above Punta Cana’s other family-friendly alternatives. Parents seeking more adult-centric entertainment and activities will find many such amenities -- including numerous gourmet and romantic restaurants, adults-only pools, upscale shopping, and world-class golfing -- throughout the Barceló Bávaro compound. Many guests are Americans and it's common for parents to divide their vacation between dedicated family time, and dropping little ones off at the kids' club for adult relaxation. 

The Bávaro area north of Punta Cana proper is an ocean of massive, all-inclusive beachfront mega-resorts. The Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe feels like a town unto itself where guests needn’t ever live. Indeed, getting around often requires long walks or the use of golf carts or the resort’s free electric train. The town-sized grounds are so large that walking in either direction only takes guests to other resorts in the compound. For most guests looking to explore the area’s other shopping, golf courses, casinos, and outdoor adventure opportunities, they’ll need to hail a taxi. Rates -- even to Punta Cana International (PUJ) Airport 20 minutes away -- are zone-based and reasonable.

Room decor is bright, upscale, and contemporary. Dark wood trim, crisp tile flooring, and bold pops of lime green collectively create a feel that’s tasteful and fun. The layout in every category is family-friendly with two separate bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Family Junior Suite Premium Level rooms upgrade to an additional full bathroom. The long list of standard amenities includes multiple flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and kid-friendly minibars stocked with milk, juice boxes, and cereal -- plus soft drinks and beers. In-room Wi-Fi requires a daily surcharge. Bathrooms are designed with upscale materials and features like travertine tile, rain showerheads, and stand-up shower stalls with stone inlays. Hairdryers and Lavarino Cosso brand bath amenities are provided. Every room also features a furnished terrace or balcony with a private hot tub. Views are somewhat limited, and ocean views are only available in Premium Level suites. 

While the property is really a “wing” of the larger Barceló resort compound, it features several exclusive amenities aimed at families with young children. The pirate-themed water park features a large, replica Spanish galleon and a state-of-the-art wave pool. It’s technically shared with the entire Barceló property. However, it’s typically packed with families and small children. A second, family-friendly water park, El Barcy, has waterslides and other water features and is available exclusively to Family Club guests.The Barcy Kids’ Club is a bright, modern space with supervised indoor and outdoor play areas. Outside is a full, fenced-in playground with slides, swings, and jungle gym equipment. The interior features ball pits, general play areas, and video game consoles. A second building also houses a retro-modern bowling alley  with arcade games, and laser tag (all for fees). There's also a dry nightclub specifically for teenagers.Guests also have access to most of the amenities at the adjacent Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe. The long list of five-pearl facilities includes nearly a dozen buffet and specialty restaurants, numerous bars including a 24-hour sports bar, a 24-hour casino, an upscale shopping mall, and a luxurious spa. Free daily golf outings are also provided (limited) at the adjacent golf course.Wi-Fi is only available via pricey daily plans, and many guests complain of slow, unreliable service. Self-parking is free in a secure, staffed lot.