Arena Gorda-Macao, Playa Bavaro, Seccion Baigua-Higuey, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | (888) 905-8267
Water park with multiple slides and water features
Elegant lobby with welcome drinks upon arrival
Large pool area with a snack bar and shaded lounge areas
Walking distance to kids' activities including the water park, go-cart area, and mini-golf
Access to other areas of the resort for restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Clean rooms with canopy beds and spacious bathrooms
Premier units are available for more space and amenities
All units have coffeemakers, jetted tub/shower combos, and sofa beds
Entertainment options nearby at the two main lobbies
Not directly on the beach; a walk or shuttle ride is required
The beach area can get crowded
Decor is not modern -- think patterned bedspreads and drapes
A la carte restaurant reservations can be complicated and limited
Limitations on daily usage for non-motorized water sports
Charge for the safe and Wi-Fi in rooms
The upper-middle-range, 502-room section of the enormous Grand Bahia Principe Resort is one of the newer areas of the complex, but it doesn't show -- expect patterned bedspreads and drapes. Still, families will appreciate close proximity to a water park, children's spa (yes, a spa for kids!), tennis courts, mini-golf course, go-cart track, and playground area. Low prices for the basic level means that guests can expect limitations on a la carte restaurant reservations and non-motorized water sports. As this section is farthest from the beach area, most guests don't mind sticking to the pool -- but beware of early risers who reserve prime pool spots. Premier Suites (and their higher prices) come with more space for families with young ones, and extra amenities such as bathrobes and slippers.
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Scene
A water park and low prices attract families on a budget.
Turquesa is one of the newer sections of the entire resort, located closer to the main entrance for easy arrivals, but also farthest from the beach. The check-in with welcome drink and check-out process is simpler than at larger lobbies nearby, though the area can get crowded with children running around during the day, so non-parents can chill by the main pool and snack bar, or hike to the beach. The property draws both families (thanks to the proximity to the water park) and couples.The elegant lobby is a nice spot for pre-dinner drinks. Guests can eat at the main buffet with a children's area on-site, or venture to the non-Luxury sections of the resort for a la carte dinner options (only three reservations are allowed per week). The Turquesa's vibe feels a bit more intimate than some other sections, and is easygoing and relaxed for families.
Location
A huge resort complex 35 minutes from the airport
The Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a large resort complex consisting of five separate properties, near Arena Gordon and about a 35-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. Because the grounds are so expansive, it's about a 15-minute walk or golf cart shuttle ride to get to the beach, though it's worth the trek. As is the case with all of Punta Cana, there is not much to do outside of the resort, so most guests are content to stay on the premises.
Rooms
Units have classic decor and basic amenities
Most of the 502 rooms are the basic level, Junior Suite, that come with either two full beds or one king bed. Despite this being one of the newer areas of the resort, decor is classic with wood furnishings, tile floors, and patterned drapes and bedspreads. All rooms have sofa beds, coffeemakers, and jetted shower/tub combos, as well as safes and Wi-Fi for an extra fee.Premier level rooms are more expensive -- twice as much in some cases -- and are closer to the water park. The benefit is additional space and amenities, including a welcome gift, bathrobes and slippers, a baby station, and microwave. These guests have access to babysitting services and a private lobby area as well.
Features
Plenty of kids' features, including a water park and go-cart area
A plus side to staying at Turquesa is that parents have quick and easy access to family-friendly amenities, including the water park, playground, mini-golf course, tennis courts and go-cart area. Though this section is farthest from the beach, the natural beauty of the sea is worth a trek. Guests have one free hour per day to use the non-motorized water sports, such as kayaks, boogie boards and snorkel gear.The Turquesa resort has a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a snack bar that stays open late. The food gets mixed reviews. In addition, guests can make reservations three times a week at restaurants at the non-Luxury sections of the resort for local, Spanish, and Italian cuisine, with specific menus for children. After dinner, families can attend shows and nightly entertainment, or parents can arrange babysitter service for a romantic night at one of the many bars around the resort complex.The water park is a clear highlight, and is equipped with multiple slides, shallow zero-entry waters, a small rope bridge, and plenty of splash water features. The main pool has a swim-up bar and big whirlpool, but loungers can get snatched up early.
