Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana

Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana sits on the Bahia Principe complex, a huge resort development that features four other properties. Out of them all, the Fantasia property might have the most modern interiors, though it's a huge and family-friendly spot that also includes access to the other Bahia Principe properties. There's shuttle service for getting from point to point, and many of the facilities are shared between the different hotels here. The Fantasia section's claim to fame is the presence of three Disney-style castles that host restaurants and a kids' club, with rooms spread out across Spanish colonial-style structures with terra-cotta red roofs. Most of the common areas are outside around the pool, though there is an elegant  plantation-style lobby with marble floors, high ceilings supported by whitewashed pillars, and a bronze statue of a dancing woman in the center. This particular property is geared towards families, though it also gets couples and groups of friends. 

The Fantasia sits on the sprawling Bahia Principe resort complex, located in an otherwise quiet area on the coast. The development is about a half-hour drive from the Punta Cana International Airport. Most visitors tend to stick around the resort complex, as it offers direct access to Playa de Arena Gorda, though there are a few other beaches in the area worth venturing out to, including Playa de Arena, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and Bavaro Beach, a 25-minute drive away. 

This property offers only Junior Suites, all of which are essentially identical and only distinguishable by their views. Those views aren't of the ocean, though, but instead are of the property's castles or the less-adorned grounds. Each room comes with one king bed or two queens along with living areas that hold sofa beds, which can be turned out for children. All rooms sleep a maximum of three adults and two children. Decor is contemporary, but soft, with polished off-white tile floors, cream-colored furniture paired with beige accent walls, and soft lighting, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout drapes that lead out to small balconies. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable, irons and ironing boards, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and umbrellas, plus free Wi-Fi for up to two devices that's accessible throughout the resort. Bathrooms are spacious, but private when the blinds are closed over the peek-a-boo windows. They include double vanities, makeup mirrors, walk-in rainfall showers, toilets in small booths with frosted-glass doors, and separate whirlpool bath tubs. Basic toiletries are provided. We did spot a bit of mildew in the grout, though this is common in the region given the high humidity.

Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is designed for guests who don't want to leave the premises much, with all sorts of on-site amenities and activities for all ages. You'll also find fairly generous all-inclusive packages at the Fantasia Bahia Principe, though top-shelf liquor is excluded. At the heart of the property is a gigantic pool area with numerous jetted tub areas and a castle at the center. The beach is also a huge draw, and guests get an hour of free non-motorized water sports equipment  per day; options include boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and kayaks. There are also plenty of lounge chairs; just arrive early for the prime waterfront spots. For families, there's a water park for kids, mini-golf, go-carting, and a variety of excursion packages available, from ATV trips to zip-lining. There's also a kids' club and a teen's club along with an educational Bahia Scout Program featuring nature activities. For travelers looking to relax, the Bahia Principe Spa offers a wide variety of treatment options plus excellent facilities, with a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool available to those who have booked treatments. For active travelers, there's a fitness center, tennis courts with lessons available, and a soccer field.The resort offers a wide array of dining options, with a main buffet restaurant, a pool restaurant, and a beach restaurant offering all sorts of international options. The Garden Circus Restaurant is housed in one of the property's three castles, while a second castle hosts the Kokoro sushi bar. There are also plenty of a la carte restaurants on the property, with Mediterranean food, a steakhouse, a Dominican spot, a Mexican restaurant, and a Japanese restaurant that offers special teppanyaki dinner shows. Domestic alcohol and unlimited access to the a la carte restaurants is included in the all-inclusive packages, but the food and drinks here get mixed reviews.