Iberostar Selection Bávaro

With a whopping 75 yellow and orange, bungalow-style buildings holding nearly 600 Junior Suites, the resort is maze-like. It’s easy to get lost during the first 24 hours, and guests will be doing a lot of walking amid the pretty, lush grounds since golf cart service is only available upon request.This well established Spanish-brand draws a mix of guests from Europe, South America, and North America. Well-heeled parents, spring breakers, and romantic-minded couples intermingle here, though honeymooners tend to choose the more luxurious Grand Bavaro next door.The beach and property is between the Iberostar Dominicana (separated by a beach volleyball court), and the more private, couples-only Iberostar Grand Bavaro. The Bavaro Suites' own beach and pool areas are well-used; the first row of beach chairs, closest to the water, will probably get snatched early in the morning, but it's not hard to find a spot at any point in the day. The swim-up pool bar has a lively scene.The late-night bars are located in a building that sits in front of the Bavaro Suites and Dominicana lobbies, thankfully far out of ear shot from most rooms. The grounds become romantic at night with low lighting, covered walkways, ponds, and flowering trees.

The expansive Iberostar Bavaro Suites is about 17 miles from Punta Cana International airport, on the northeast side of the island along the 10-mile coast of Bavaro Beach. This is considered one of the most beautiful areas in Dominican Republic, and the beach has been awarded with a Blue Flag -- a French-based organization that rates beaches all across the world on a range of factors like cleanliness, water quality and safety. The Iberostar Bavaro Suites is larger than its sister properties with nearly 600 rooms, and sits between the Dominicana and Grand Bavaro. The latter is adults-only and off-limits to Bavaro guests, though guests can walk along the beach.

Junior Suites are the only room type here, and there are eight units per two-story bungalow. Those with baby strollers or handicaps can request a lower floor, and some rooms do adjoin for more space. Guests can also request a cot or two for little ones, or use the two sofas in each room.Rooms open up to the hallway, mirror, closet and bathroom area. The bathrooms are slightly cramped due to design, but have a separate bathtub and stand-up shower, plus a smallish toilet area. Single sinks have some counter space.The rooms themselves are nicely decorated with white duvets and accents that range from bright colors to muted tones. (Furnishings are more contemporary than at the Dominicana.) The bedroom area leads down a step to the seating area, with two sofas, table, and flat-screen TV. These rooms also come with CD players, coffeemakers (though no milk), bathrobes, slippers, and stocked minibars with water, soda and beer (refilled only every few days).Patios have a chair, table and small sofa for comfortable seating. Though ocean view rooms are hard to get, it is worth requesting for not only the view but easy access to the beach.

Like all Iberostar properties, the Bavaro Suites is known for its good food and beverage programs, which helps the brand stand out compared to other all-inclusive resorts for the same price. The main buffet is open for all three meals and has a beautiful terrace that overlooks a pond and flowering gardens. The cuisine here has plenty of variety for long stays, especially since the resort rotates buffet stations and offers themed dinners such as Dominican night on Fridays, complete with local beverages and live music.A la carte restaurants (reservations required) include Japanese (sushi, too), a French bistro, a steakhouse, and southern restaurant with specialty items like jambalaya.Parents can hire a babysitter at night, and the mini-club during the day is available for kids ages four to 12. The main pool has a separate children's area with a water park and slides. The adult area of the pool has a shaded swim-up pool bar, and another bar and snack area steps away. The beach, which is next to the pool, has picture-perfect medium-sized waves. It's an award-winning beach for cleanliness (the grounds team works hard to clean up seaweed every morning) and safety standards.Nightlife tends to move from the lobby bar after evening entertainment to one of three bars that serve drinks until the wee hours, including a sports bar and disco. There's also a casino.Activities include a nice tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course (for a fee), fitness center with views of the sea, and spa services. Wi-Fi is available for guests at no charge, but can be difficult to connect to.