At these elegant beachfront resorts, a refreshing dip is just steps away
The Dominican Republic is known for its upscale all-inclusive resorts. At these premier beachside properties, guests want for nothing, and enjoy a rich smorgasbord of activities, entertainment and fine dining. And forget hotel rooms, the trend here is suites, rivaling the average Manhattan apartment in size, and decorated as lavishly as a Park Avenue penthouse. And as icing on the cake, a number of resorts have added in a final element of indulgence: immediate access to a private terrace and swimming pool. Here are three of our favorite resorts in the Punta Cana resort area that offer swim-up suites.
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
The swim-up suites at this five-star property open to one of the most spectacular pools in the Caribbean. This free form waterway stretches for more than 800 feet through the heart of the resort, and just beyond the pool’s outer edge are the white sands of Bavaro Beach and big views of the Atlantic Ocean. With both indoor and outdoor whirlpools, Bali beds and separate living and sleeping spaces in each thousand-square-foot suite, there is a wealth of private relaxation spaces to enjoy. But there are even more incentives to venture out and discover the Majestic Elegance’s full range of upscale amenities and services. Seven on-site restaurants offer a range of international cuisines, along with 16 bars spaced from lobby to pool, beach and casino. The property includes both family-friendly areas and an adults-only Elegance Club. Also on site are an on-site spa, two-story fitness center, theatre and nightclub.
In addition to providing easy access to a prime section of Bavaro Beach, ground floor suites at the Majestic Elegance are just steps away from a huge pool. Photo: Majestic Resorts
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real Resort
This resort within a resort is a boutique enclave designed with families in mind. In addition to direct access to a dedicated family-friendly pool, the recently completed suites of The Reserve are designed with numerous private spaces for family leisure including a large shaded terrace with a whirlpool and a garden area with a thatched cabana that creates a Caribbean beach feel right outside the room. Each suite features a pull out second bed, and suites can connect for added space. Guests at The Reserve are served by a family concierge, and a dedicated lobby with a relaxation area with snacks, a reading corner and Internet service, all specially designed for children ages 2 to 12. Teens and adults are not slighted either, as they have access to all of Paradisus Palma’s extensive amenities, including two additional pools, a beach club, private golf course and the YHI spa. The resort in noted for the quality and variety of its dining options, and for an extensive program of activities, workshops, parties, shows and live music, suitable for all ages.
The family friendly suites of The Reserve at Paradisus Palma add a touch of Caribbean charm with thatch-roofed palapas, gardens and private verandahs. Photo: Melia Hotels
Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites
As part of a recent property-wide renovation, the Grand Palladium added six oceanfront suites that became an instant favorite with honeymooners and anyone else seeking to transform a vacation into a truly memorable stay. The views are unrivaled, with each suite opening onto a private terrace, with direct ocean views framed by palms and a sparkling pool reserved for the exclusive use of suite guests. Private amenities include Bali beds, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, king-sized memory foam bedding and, should you want to bring the youngsters, a pull out bed in the living area. With 14 restaurants and 15 bars on site, and full privileges at two adjacent Palladium properties, guests have an almost overwhelming range of choices for dining, relaxation and entertainment. The something-for-everyone appeal is enhanced by dedicated adults-only areas, a highly rated kids club, and a full range of complementary land and water sports to sample.
The beachside pool at the Grand Palladium is reserved for guests staying in the adjacent suites. Interiors feature marble floors and rich mahogany woodwork. Photo: Palladium Hotels
