Rating8.1
Rating6.6
Rating6.6Good
Based on 5k reviews
Stunning Views
Guests are consistently amazed by the resort's breathtaking cliff-top location and panoramic views of Samaná Bay and the surrounding green hills.
Exceptional Service
The staff receives widespread praise for being "super attentive," "fun," and providing outstanding, friendly service across the resort.
Delectable Buffet Food
The buffet is frequently lauded for its high quality, diverse selection, and often considered among the best all-inclusive food in the Caribbean.
Immaculate Cleanliness
The entire resort, including rooms and grounds, is consistently described as spotless, well-maintained, and exceptionally clean.
Comfortable Rooms
Rooms are found to be very clean, spacious, and comfortable, often featuring hydro-massage bathtubs and excellent sea-view balconies.
Average Beach Quality
Despite the stunning views from the cliff, the actual beach itself is often described as small, average, and occasionally impacted by historical sewage concerns.
Wi-Fi Costs & Limitations
Expect to pay extra for full, reliable Wi-Fi access beyond the lobby, as free options are limited and paid service is a significant, added fee.
Slow A La Carte Service
While overall service is excellent, some guests have noted "terribly slow" service at the specialized à la carte restaurants, affecting dining experience.
Extra Costs Add Up
Be mindful that many amenities and services like premium drinks, motorized water sports, spa treatments, and in-room safes incur additional charges.
Loud Night Music
Noise from "very loud music" near the pool at night has been reported, which can disrupt conversation and quiet enjoyment for some guests.
Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice
2020
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice
2021
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence
2014
Tripadvisor
Travelife Gold award
Travelife
Noble Beach Prize
2023 for 'The View–Priceless.'
CheapCaribbean.com
Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa occupies a hillside above Samaná Bay, and the glass elevator ride from the resort's grounds down to the private beach is one of the more distinctive arrival moments at any Dominican Republic all-inclusive. During December through March, humpback whales migrate through the bay — guests with sea-view balconies and beach access have a genuine chance of spotting them, which is not something you can say about resorts on the Bavaro strip. That combination of setting and seasonal wildlife is the reason to choose this over a more conventional Punta Cana property.
The Cayacoa suits couples, honeymooners, and families who want a quieter, more distinctive experience than the large Punta Cana complexes. Guest reviews consistently rank the food — particularly the buffet and the service — as among the best in the country for all-inclusives, which is an unusual claim that appears across enough independent reviews to be credible. The Orquídea gourmet restaurant at the top of the property has genuine panoramic views and receives good reviews for its experimental menu.
The beach is the main honest limitation: guests repeatedly describe it as small and 'average,' lacking the expansive white sand of Bavaro or the north coast. The bay location means the water is calm but the beach footprint is limited. À la carte restaurant service can also run slow — guests note that staff quality in the dining rooms is inconsistently excellent vs. leisurely.
Opened in 2006 and reopened after updates in Fall 2022, the resort has 295 rooms across four categories. It's 40–45 minutes from Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) — a winding coastal road that can cause motion sickness; Gravol is worth packing. Wi-Fi beyond the lobby requires a paid upgrade (roughly $79 for the week). The Golden Club tier unlocks 24-hour room service, bathrobes, and private concierge.
