Paradisus Punta Cana Resort

The expansive, relatively uncrowded Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is spread over peaceful garden grounds sprinkled with wild orchids, palms, and exotic statues. There are over 30 two-story bungalow-style buildings holding close to 700 rooms. The Paradisus Punta Cana Resort layout may take a few days to get down -- identical-looking buildings and winding pathways can cause confusion at onset, but clear signage makes the process easier. The resort’s base is at the lobby, a comfortable open-air space that has plenty of lounge areas for drinking coffee, reading, or enjoying drinks and dancing when evening entertainment begins (there’s a casino here, too).

Just past the lobby is an area where guests can hitch a ride via golf cart shuttle to be taken to other areas of the resort. Guests can also use the signature tangerine bikes, which are located at stations all around the property. Walkers can take time to smell the flowers and explore the lush gardens. Unfortunately, the resort is set back from the beach, so most rooms have garden views instead of overlooking the ocean.

As many rooms as there are, the resort never feels crowded -- it’s too big for that. If guests aren’t relaxing at the lobby, pool, or beach, they may be taking part in a range of activities which include cooking, wine tasting, a spa treatment, or yoga in the bright fitness center.

At night, guests often dress up and head to the impressive restaurants or quality buffet spreads that are mostly located near the beach and pool area. After dinner, many guests flock to the trendy Gabi Beach Bar, which lights up at night -- even the futuristic beach chairs glow -- for dancing and chilling with cocktails prepared by charismatic bartenders. It's a cool alternative to the more typical resort-style entertainment occurring simultaneously at the other end of the property.

So which is the best Paradisus resort in Punta Cana? This is the most affordable of the resorts. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort is similarly priced and offers many of the same features, but it’s a bit more luxurious and geared toward adults with in-room whirlpool tubs. Although pricier, The Grand Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real is more luxurious, offering spacious and sleek one- and two-bedroom suites with whirlpools and dining areas. Finally, The Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real is the smallest and most peaceful of the properties, and it has a family concierge service.

The Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is located a bit farther north than its sister properties at Palma Real, and guests will find it takes a 30-minute ride to get to the resort from Punta Cana International Airport. As is the case with all resorts along the route, there’s not much to do outside of the security gates, aside from visits to Punta Cana Village, Higuey, or the Cocotal Golf & Country Club, which guests have exclusive access to. Most guests are content to stay put on the property and enjoy the beach (make sure to catch the sunrise), pools, bar, dining options, and activities.

There are nearly 700 rooms on the entire property, including 514 luxury suites, housed in identical two-story bungalow-style buildings. Rooms have furnished patios or balconies, and the bulk of the rooms overlook the gardens, though a few have partial ocean views. The 148 Royal Suites have additional benefits, including access to more restaurants, as well as to a private lounge, pool, and beach area. Ambassador Suites and Garden Villas have even more space and facilities, making them a popular choice for brides and grooms getting married on-site. Royal Service rooms also include personal butlers.

All rooms are contemporary, but have different styles depending on the type. Most, such as the Luxury Junior Suites, tend to be ultra-contemporary with silver couches and modern art, while some have more classic decor with mahogany furniture. Standard amenities consist of coffeemakers, free minibars restocked daily, CD players, flat-screen TVs, pull-out sofa beds, and free Wi-Fi. Most come with a king bed or two full beds upon request.

Paradisus Punta Cana Resort offers tons of features for both adults and kids. The beautiful white-sand beach is popular and lined with loungers, but it requires a long walk or golf cart ride to get to it. Waiter service and palapa umbrellas are provided. There’s a private section of the beach for Royal Service guests, as well as an exclusive pool. The main pool is large and attractive, offering a swim-up bar, a zero-entry area, and greenery. Note that the shaded loungers tend to get taken early. Another well-sized pool is available for children.

With beach and pool activities, yoga, the use of a high-end fitness center, and of course walks to and from each of these areas, guests have plenty of opportunities for exercise. The bike program provides another way to stay active, though guests do have to fill out some paperwork before they can take advantage of it. Guests also have access to tennis courts and a golf area a few miles away.

The luxury YHI spa is Asian-themed with indoor and outdoor treatment areas, as well as a nice outdoor pool for relaxation.

Live evening entertainment each night is not contained to the usual all-inclusive cheesy kind, and appeals to all ages, which helps make the resort a fun choice for destination weddings. There’s also a casino.

Royal Service is available for adults over age of 18 for an extra cost, and offers a more boutique environment within the resort. Royal Service guests get access to a private lounge with champagne and gourmet snacks, as well as to a private pool and beach area. They also can use the spa facilities for free.

The Paradisus brand has a few things that make its resorts stand out, including its food and beverage program and the hallmark charismatic service. This high level of service can be felt through most areas of this large property -- especially from those working in the restaurants and bars. The Paradisus Punta Cana Resort all-inclusive package covers most restaurants, alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic beverages, and in-room minibars.

Restaurant options are unique and sophisticated for an all-inclusive resort –- even the buffet spreads contain a range of quality items to suit picky and well-traveled eaters. Passion (adults only), from a Michelin-starred Spanish chef, and La Palapa (located on the beach), are not included in the normal rate but are worth a splurge (reservations should be made in advance). The Italian eatery Aqua, which is included, has a beautiful setting with private palapa dining areas overlooking lush gardens separated by individual wooden pathways. Mole is a tasty Mexican option, while The Grill provides steak dishes. Asian and Latin American eateries are also available.

Drink service at the pool and at the beach is prompt for the most part, and there's rarely a wait if approaching the bar yourself.