Punta Cana (Bávaro Beach), Dominican Republic
Rating8.2
Rating8.1
Rating7.9One of the most comprehensive activity programs in the Caribbean, centered on a sports complex with 8 pickleball courts, 6 tennis courts, a full soccer field, basketball, archery, and mini-golf. The beach activity program includes complimentary water sports. Three kids clubs cover every age from 1 to 17.
Signature lagoon-style pool for Bavaro guests. Maximum depth 2.4 meters with a swim-up bar, dedicated children's shallow area, and full lounger service. The most social pool in the complex. Open 9 AM–7 PM.
Lake-style pool with a swim-up bar section and adjacent children's zone. The El Behique buffet restaurant is poolside — convenient for lunch without moving far. Open 9 AM–7 PM.
Lake-style pool in the Grand Palladium Punta Cana section. Swim-up bar operates 10 AM–6 PM. More spacious lounger area than the Bavaro pools. Open 8 AM–7 PM.
In the Palace section with children's area and swim-up bar. Generally less crowded than the Bavaro main pool. Open 9 AM–7 PM.
The quietest pool in the entire complex. Adults-only, open until midnight — the only pool in the three-resort complex with evening hours. Premium loungers, dedicated bar service. Best option for couples seeking a calm atmosphere.
Shallow children's sections integrated into the Boca Chica, Samana, and Barahona main pools. Adjacent to kids club facilities.
Blue Flag-certified, approximately 1 kilometer of wide white sand running the length of the complex. The combination of soft sand, calm turquoise water (protected by offshore reef), and swaying palms makes this one of the Caribbean's most photographed beaches. Five beach kiosks serve drinks 10 AM–5 PM. Complimentary loungers and umbrellas. Non-motorized water sports (windsurfing, catamaran, kayaking, snorkeling) from the beach activity center. East-facing beach provides spectacular sunrise views. Coral reef offshore provides natural wave protection and excellent snorkeling depth.
Equipment and instruction at the beach activity center. Included.
Hobie Cat sailing on Bavaro Beach. Equipment provided; beginner instruction available. Included.
Single and tandem kayaks on the calm Bavaro Beach waters. Included.
Equipment included; the nearby coral reef provides good visibility. Included.
Courts on Bavaro Beach. Organized games during peak season. Included.
Six courts; clinics and organized play available. Included.
Eight courts — the most extensive pickleball facility of any resort in the Dominican Republic. Included.
Full artificial grass soccer field. Organized and pickup matches. Included.
Six courts; clinics and organized play available. Included.
Eight courts — the most extensive pickleball facility of any resort in the Dominican Republic. Included.
Full artificial grass soccer field. Organized and pickup matches. Included.
Court available. Included.
9 AM–10 PM. Supervised indoor and outdoor play for toddlers with trained staff. Included.
On-property course. Included.
Gaming, table sports, themed events, supervised by monitors. Included.
Professional entertainment across the three-property complex each evening. Included.
Weekly event on Bavaro Beach. Advance reservation required — sign up at the start of the week. Included.
Weekly chocolate-themed afternoon at the Hemingway's cocktail lounge. Included.
Fully equipped, air-conditioned gym with treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and free weights. Open 6 AM to 10 PM daily.
Weekly cooking workshops where guests learn Dominican and international recipes. Additional workshops include juice-making, intro to mixology, mamajuana preparation, and paella cooking.
The Pirate's Castle baby club provides supervised care and age-appropriate activities for the youngest guests, operating from 9 AM to 10 PM. Parent's room available with microwave and first aid kit.
Comprehensive kids club in a pirate-themed castle featuring arts and crafts, outdoor play areas, a kids' pool, and organized activities. Open 9 AM to 11 PM with engaged bilingual staff.
Dedicated teen space with video game lounge, table sports (pool, ping-pong, table football), patio area, and organized evening events and social activities.
Nightly shows in two amphitheaters featuring live bands, DJs, dance performances, and themed events. Weekly highlights include the Monday White Party, Tuesday Foam Party, and Thursday Forever Rock Show.
On-site casino featuring slot machines and various poker games, open 10 AM to 3 AM. Cold Dominican beer available. Entry is free but gaming costs vary.
PADI-certified scuba diving school offering beginner courses and guided reef excursions for certified divers. Explore the coral reefs off the eastern Dominican coast.
Guided boat trips along the Punta Cana coastline with snorkeling stops. Various half-day and full-day excursion options available through the concierge.