Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Iris Sinilong
Travel experts, Doug Griffin, Spencer Clarke & Jean Arseneau give us the scoop from their Transat Holidays Fam Trip this past September. They visited over 30 resorts in one week in Punta Cana, and here is what they have to say:
Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro
The Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro features a total of 3114 total rooms. It is surprisingly compact for such a huge resort, although there’s a kilometre distance between the lobby and the beach. There are pools on both sides of the central path each with swim-up bars. At the beach, guests will come across a very large pool with a water park that is open to everyone. You can get free Wi-Fi in the lobby, but it cost extra anywhere else. Guests will also appreciate the Macao beach, which features white sands, some shade and palapas.
If you are looking for a place to spend your honeymoon, you will receive a bottle of rum and a fruit plate upon arrival at the Grand Bahia Principe Complex. There is a family section being built on the inland section, which will take up to families of eight using connecting rooms.
Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana
Located on the east side, the Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana offers the same features as the Bavaro complex. During our visit, we spent some time at the PUJ buffet restaurant, which was a boxed food court with seating areas on two sides.
Luxury Bahia Esmeralda
The Luxury Bahia Esmeralda offers 510 rooms suitable for children. It is located by the PUJ Golden Club villas at the beach. In here, adults can use the Ambar facilities. There are also two handicap-accessible rooms in the complex, three-floor villas with internal courtyard and elevators. In terms of gastronomy, food conscious clients will enjoy their buffet which has a “healthy corner.” Guests may also opt for the Golden Club Room which comes with a mini bar, a Jacuzzi, shower, and two sinks.
Luxury Bahia Ambar
The Luxury Bahia Ambar is located by the Bavaro Diamond Club villas at the beach and features 588 adult-only rooms. Guests at this resort will enjoy the exclusive pool and beach section available, and will have access to any of the Esmeralda facilities. The Ambar also offers wooden walkaways, two wheelchair accessible palapas situated directly on the beach, making this property a great option for all types of travelers.
Iberostar Grand
It was a beautiful drive into a palatial front of this property: Moorish yet modern décor. The Iberostar Grand features 4-storey buildings with elevators. There are 275 rooms in this property which are situated in a U-shape leading to the beach. Guests will also be pleased with the butler service available here. Overall, the Iberostar Grand is a WOW resort for adults over 18.
There is a snack bar restaurant available during the day; while guests may enjoy disco and the casino at night.
Iberostar Bavaro
The Iberostar Bavaro features 596 junior suites located in 8-suite bungalows. It has very sharp grounds and buildings that just ooze quality. The lobby at this property opens up to a road leading directly to the beach. Among its well-appointed amenities are the 5 a la carte restaurants, a beach café, a miniclub for ages 4 to 12, an aquatic park, and a stunning beach with trees and palapas.
There is also free Wi-Fi in the lobby so guests can feel connected with loved ones from any part of the world any day! Overall, it’s an excellent resort, but just a notch down from the Iberostar Grand. We would give it a 4 ½ stars.
Iberostar Punta Cana
The Iberostar Punta Cana virtually mirrors the Dominicana and shares facilities with it. The Iberostar features 1-long 4-storey buildings with 347 rooms and 80 junior suites. There are elevators in the facility for easy access. Wi-Fi at this property cost extra: $10 for a day, $20 for 3 days, and $35 for 7 days.
To learn more about the various inclusions available at the above listed properties, please contact:
Doug Griffin
douggriffin@tripcentral.ca or 1-800-665-4981 ext. 7334
Spencer Clarke
spencerclarke@tripcentral.ca or 1-800-665-4981 ext. 7340
Jean Arseneau
jeanarseneau@tripcentral.ca or 1-800-665-4981 ext. 7228
Watch out for Part 3 next week!
