Arena Gorda-Macao, Seccion Baigua, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | (586) 210-9239
Family-friendly, all-inclusive property with reasonable prices
Beautiful beach within walking distance
Two large pool areas with swim-up bars
Huge variety of restaurant and bar options
Access to other resort amenities like the water park
Access to next door’s Punta Cana resort with more restaurant and bars
Spacious rooms with pull-out sofas and whirlpool bathtubs
Junior Suite Club Hacienda rooms have additional amenities
Nightly entertainment on-site
A value resort; do not expect intimacy or high design
Only generic brand liquor and drinks tend to be weak
Most rooms do not have direct beach access (a walk or shuttle is required)
Pool areas are busy and chairs get snatched early
Charge for Wi-Fi and to use the in-room safe
Some complaints about ants and mosquitoes
As the biggest section of the Grand Bahia Principe (five hotels within), the Bavaro has a whopping 816 rooms in itself, in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Hacienda level with a few extra amenities like closer proximity to the beach, coffeemakers, bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels upon request. The beach requires a walk from most rooms -– worth the trek, especially at sunrise -– and it's typically the easier bet to get a prime spot during the day (chairs by the two pools tend to fill up quickly). Rooms are spacious and clean with minibars, though they mostly contain outdated décor. There's a pesky charge for the in-room safe, but with a water park and plenty of a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment, this huge resort is meant to keep the masses happy.
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Scene
A big resort within an even bigger resort
Like Punta Cana's property next door, the Bavaro section begins at one of two large lobby areas closer to the main entrance, which could help for an easier arrival, though it's best to have the exact name of the resort written down. Not many people speak English at the resort so it's best to practice a few Spanish phrases before arrival.It’s easy to get lost when exploring the grounds -- expect it to happen often in the first few days -- as Grand Bahia is one of the biggest resorts in the Dominican Republic. The Bavaro section is one of the cheaper areas within, and guests can access sister properties like Punta Cana for additional bars, restaurants, nightlife, and the new water park using the frequent golf-cart shuttle service. The atmosphere can be crowded and noisy -- the Grand Bahia is not considered an intimate vacation experience.
Location
35-minute drive from the airport with access to a beautiful beach
The Punta Cana and Bavaro sections of the Grand Bahia resort are not directly on the beach, but in the middle of the entire Grand Bahia Principe resort complex. It’s fine for the avid walker (just don’t forget sunscreen), but most guests rely on the shuttle buses to get around. The entire resort complex is located in Bavaro, which is theoretically a neighboring village of Punta Cana about 35-minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport. The resort is one of several resorts on the nearly 10-mile stretch of Bavaro Beach -- with different sections -- and it is considered one of the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic. As is the case for all resorts in the region, there isn't much to do outside of the gates, so guests tend to stay put after arriving.
Rooms
Basic but clean rooms have canopies and older furnishings
With over 800 rooms in this section alone, it's easy to get lost in the first few days between the identical-looking two- and three-story buildings. Rooms are spacious, clean, and cheerful, though guests should not expect modern design. They come in two categories: Junior Suite (basic level) with a king-size bed or two full beds, a whirlpool tub, and decent-sized balconies with views of the manicured gardens or pools.The Club Hacienda Junior Suites have slightly higher prices but are closer to the beach and have coffeemakers, beach towel service, bathrobes, and slippers. All rooms have pull-out sofa-beds for families -- and there are many of them at Grand Bahia.
Features
Two pools and plenty of activities to keep the kiddos happy
Guests at the Bavaro section tend to be families, and those with little ones have access to a number of kid-friendly activities around the resort. There's a new water park that will keep them busy, as well as a basketball court, go-cart track, mini-golf course, tennis courts, and animation activities at the pools and beach to keep rambunctious ones moving. The beach is a great place for building sand-castles while parents relax in the lounge chairs.There are two main pools close to most of the rooms. Both pools have a swim-up bar, a self-service soda bar, and plenty of lounge chairs, though they get snatched early. The animation team makes frequent visits to the pool and beach to initiate dancing and to get people energized.Guests have access to the Bahia Spa for indoor treatments like couples massages and body treatments. For shopping, Pueblo Principe Village is a replica of Dominican village, at the center of the resort. It features vendors selling artisan crafts and plenty of shops selling swimwear, sunglasses, and other knickknacks.At night, guests can choose from this property's restaurants and bars, as well as next door at Punta Cana. There are quite a few options with spotty service, and reservations for the a la carte restaurants (Mediterranean, Italian, International cuisine, Japanese, Tex-Mex, seafood) can be a challenge. It is recommended that guests make reservations as early as possible.For after dinner, there are plenty of bars and lounge areas. The lobby has live music and features different alcoholic drinks every night. The theater is also open after dinner for two shows that are an hour apart giving families with little ones a chance to see the earlier version before the kids go to sleep.
