The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana

The Reserve has smaller, more upscale entrance than that of the main Paradisus resort, and during the personalized check-in process guests will get to sit down and receive a warm towel in the air-conditioned reception area. The lobby is open at all times and has comfortable seating areas, computers, a flat-screen television, coffee-making facilities, and a pretty presentation of gourmet treats.There are separate concierge members in each room building to assist with arrangements and directions. Some buildings are farther away than others and may require a ride from the lobby. Guests with families, for an additional fee, can upgrade to the Family Concierge Section for even more amenities. Thanks to the Kids Zone and family section of the pool, kids remain unobtrusive. The place is peaceful and relaxed.The Gabi Club -- the main bar and restaurant, where three meals a day are served overlooking the pool-- is the hub of the property. During the day, the pool has a snack station and pool bar, and a specific family section with slides. At night, families can have an early meal at Gabi Club or head out to one of the a la carte restaurants either here or next door. Entertainment and music occurs mostly at the main Paradisus lobby, but many couples are content to stay here to enjoy quiet drinks and the lovely grounds, which are particularly romantic when lit up at night.

A bit farther north than its sister properties at Palma Real, guests at the Paradisus Punta Cana properties will find it takes about a 30-minute ride to get here from Punta Cana International Airport. As is the case with most resorts around here, there’s not much to do outside of the gates besides perhaps a visit to Punta Cana Village, Higuey, or the Cocotal Country Club and Golf Resort, which guests have free access too. It’s about staying on property and enjoying the beach (check out the sunrise), great pool areas, restaurants and amenities. In order to get between the Reserve and the larger Paradisus resort, be prepared to walk, bike, or wait for a ride on golf cart shuttles.

The Reserve is smaller than the adjacent Paradisus Punta Cana, with 170 one-bedroom luxury suites. All have classic decor -- mahogany furniture, marble floors, and muted tones -- as well as big balconies. These units are more spacious than those next door and have separate living/dining areas with kitchenettes (this is where the coffeemakers and minibars containing beer, soda and snacks are held). The dining tables in each unit allows guests to enjoy room service (the kitchenettes are not meant for serious cooking), and the living room is comfortable with a pull-out sofa bed (for larger families, adjoining rooms are available). The flat-screen TV comes with a CD/DVD player, and free Wi-Fi is available.Huge bathrooms are the standout feature in these units, with dual sinks and large jetted tubs for two people. Walk-in showers, though high-tech in design, have complicated nozzle systems can be a bit confusing to some.Of these units, 48 are designated Family Concierge Suites that, for an extra cost, provide families with a dedicated family concierge and extra family-oriented services (such as turndown service with milk and cookies).

Those who pay the extra money to stay at The Reserve also get access to the Paradisus, so they get the best of both worlds: a smaller, more tranquil boutique resort with bigger rooms, plus all the features of a megaresort.The Gabi Club, a buffet restaurant serving all three meals, is the main hub at the property. Like all restaurants in the Paradisus complex, if offers unique and sophisticated fare for all ages. The changing buffet spreads are photo-worthy. For a la carte restaurants, guests can stay on-site, or splurge on a kid-free meal at Passion from a Michelin-starred Spanish chef. This and the beach restaurant La Palapa are not included in the normal rate; however, Aqua (included) has special private dining areas separated by individual wooden pathways.The kids club, called Kids Zone, is a well-used feature with workshops and activities; it accommodates children four months and up. It's where many parents end up spending time, too. In addition, the pool at The Reserve has different child-friendly areas with toys and slides. While the kids are taking part in the Kids Zone, parents can hit the gym or have an outdoor couples massage at YHI spa, an Asian-themed luxury spa.To get to the beach as well as the pool areas, restaurants, and evening entertainment at the neighboring Paradisus, guests may want to consider renting bikes for their stay (there are different sizes available); it's worth the hassle of picking up a lock. Guests also have access to tennis courts and free green fees at a golf area a few miles away.