VIK Hotel Cayena Beach

While VIK's sister property next door is quiet in comparison to other megaresorts in Punta Cana, those looking for something even more intimate will find a truly peaceful setting at the boutique section called Cayena (guests here wear different bracelets to distinguish them). There's a separate and more compact reception area here along with a pool, bar, restaurant and even a separate VIP beach area with hammocks.The seaside restaurant is reserved for Cayena guests only, and though it normally serves just breakfast and lunch, about once a week it does have special buffet nights with live entertainment (guests can always attend the disco next door, too). Otherwise, many guests stick to a pretty simple routine: hit the beach, congregate for a gourmet lunch (usually with wine), hit the beach again until dinnertime, and then head to one of the restaurants at VIK Hotel Arena Blanca next door. Reservations are not necessary. The pool complex is dazzling when lit up at night and provides a romantic ambiance pre- and post-dinner. Many guests hail from Europe, South America, and Canada, and the resort draws many repeat visitors.

The long stretch of white sand and beautiful turquoise waves that makes up Bavaro Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Punta Cana airport. Visitors here at Cayena –- as is the case at all resorts in the area -- typically stay on the premises, as there isn’t much else to do in the immediate area (and nothing within walking distance). Walking to and from the property next door is easy, though some amenities such as the fitness center and spa are a bit farther away.

The 47 units include both regular suites (which can fix two adults, or one adult and two children) and larger suite option with separate living area (which can fit three adults or two adults and two children). These take up three floors of one building, which is within easy walking distance of the lobby, pool, restaurant, and beach. Along with the obvious peace and quiet that this smaller property affords, another major plus that helps keep guests coming back year after year is the fact that every room has a balcony and sea view.Rooms, on the other hand -- though comfortable and clean -- are pretty outdated with dark woods and yellow tones, including patterned comforters. Guests also report some maintenance issues. Honeymooners may not want to have to push their beds together, as rooms come with two full beds or two twin beds. Bathrooms have nice counter space, jetted tubs, and possibly some rather awkward toilet positioning. 

A special aspect of this smaller property -- other than the private VIP beach area with comfortable lounge chairs, shaded palapas, and hammocks –- is the fact that guests not only have access to the features here, but also the larger sister resort next door (and not the other way around).Therefore, typical all-inclusive amenities are accessible, if desired, such as evening entertainment from the animation team, a late-night disco, and casino. In the daytime, guests can use the spa and fitness center -- though both need some renovations. Guests at Cayena tend to take full advantage of their area of beach or one of two pools: the smaller one on-site or the larger one next door, which is romantic when lit up at night.Eating and drinking takes place in the open-air seaside restaurant, mere steps from both the beach and pool, making it the natural hub of the resort. It is open daily for breakfast and lunch, and the bartender serves drinks until the late afternoon. Lunch is not buffet-style, but a la carte, and many guests stay for long, leisurely meals with wine.Once a week this restaurant (normally closed for dinner) serves an impressive buffet dinner with live entertainment. On all nights, guests can head to the restaurants next door, including the main buffet as well as the a la carte options, which include Mexican, Italian, and seafood. Reservations are not necessary.The private VIP beach area is smaller than the Arena's beach (because this entire property is smaller) and has cushioned lounge chairs, palapas, and hammocks. Still, guests can head next door for more sand and walk for miles in either direction. A number of water sports can be arranged and non-motorized water sports are free of charge.