This 55-room boutique hotel markets itself to couples. A recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond Award, the hotel has its own private beach, tennis court, spa and wellness center. Guests can use the available water sports equipment for sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and kayaking. Suites at the Sivory Punta Cana start at 650 square feet, with a balcony and soaking tub for two. Some are oceanfront with a private terrace and personal plunge pool.
What sets the hotel apart from other Punta Cana resorts is the cuisine, according to Travel & Leisure magazine. "Since neighboring resorts are more buffet than soufflé, the hotel's emphasis on food and cocktails is a welcome change." With three upscale restaurants, an 8,000-bottle wine cellar on property and an all-inclusive option, Sivory Punta Cana is a good choice for gourmands.
Sivory Punta Cana
Playa Sivory
Uvero Alto/Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
809-333-0500
sivorypuntacana.com
The Paradisus Palma Real, just 25 minutes from the airport, has something for everyone, from singles to couples to families. Frommer's named it the "favorite all-inclusive hotel in Punta Cana." This all-inclusive resort is quite large, with 496 suites, five a la carte restaurants, two poolside buffet restaurants, nine bars, private beach, five tennis courts, casino, game room, full-service spa, golf and "Kids Zone."
Guests can upgrade to a "Royal Service" suite, which comes with personal butler service, preferential reservations at specialty restaurants and private beach area with valet service. Families can request "Family Concierge" service, which includes private family check in with gifts for the kids, private pools and beach with valet service, exclusive family activities and a VIP lounge designed with kids in mind.
Paradisus Palma Real Resort
Playa de Bavaro, Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
809-688-5000
paradisus.com
Just 15 minutes from the airport, the all-inclusive Natura Park resort offers moderately-priced lodging. The eco-conscious resort has a mangrove forest and natural lake on the property, with exotic birds roaming the grounds. According to Fodor's, "this resort appeals to a niche group that prefers low-key, if any, activities." Natura Park has a small beach, freshwater swimming pool, water sports, tennis and a kids club with air conditioned play areas and a children's pool.
The resort's 490 double rooms have balconies or terraces offering garden or sea views. Twenty suites have sea views and a separate living room. All rooms have a mini bar that is stocked daily with complimentary beer, soft drinks and water. The resort has one restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet-style, including a "wellness buffet" offering low-fat meals. Three additional restaurants---specializing in Italian, barbecue and seafood--are open for dinner only.
NaturaPark Beach Eco Resort & Spa
Cabeza de Toro
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
809-221-2626
blauhotels.com
