Rating8.2Rating8.1Good
Based on 8.1k reviews
Stunning Beach & Pools
Guests consistently rave about the resort's direct access to the beautiful Playa Bávaro and the well-maintained, inviting swimming pools.
Exceptional Staff
The friendliness, attentiveness, and accommodating nature of the resort's staff receive widespread praise, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.
Family-Friendly Activities
The extensive Star Camp program and diverse activities cater wonderfully to children and teens, making it an excellent choice for families.
Diverse Dining Options
Many guests appreciate the variety and quality of food available across the buffets and specialty restaurants.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Iberostar Group's 'Wave of Change' initiatives and the on-site coral lab are unique aspects that resonate positively with eco-conscious travelers.
Food Variety Over Time
While initial dining experiences are good, some guests note that food options can become repetitive during longer stays.
Wi-Fi & Room Maintenance
Occasional issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and minor maintenance concerns or humidity in rooms are sometimes reported.
Sales Pressure
A few guests mention experiencing a 'hard sell' for additional services, excursions, or commercial presentations.
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.
Travellers' Choice
2024
TripAdvisor
Travellers' Choice
2022
TripAdvisor
Traveller Review Awards
2023
Booking.com
Traveller Review Awards
2024
Booking.com
World Golf Awards
2022
Iberostar Selection Bávaro Golf Course
Platinum GreenLeader
2018
TripAdvisor
The Iberostar Waves Dominicana — formerly Iberostar Dominicana — is one of the older properties on the Punta Cana strip, built in 1995 and last significantly renovated in 2006. The recent rebrand to 'Waves' signals a repositioning rather than a renovation. Guests who visited as Iberostar Dominicana will find the physical product largely unchanged; the food and service remain consistent, but the rooms show their age relative to newer competitors on Bávaro Beach.
Two things set this property apart from a dozen similar Punta Cana all-inclusives: the P.B. Dye-designed 18-hole golf course is right on the property, not a shuttle ride away, and the resort hosts a working coral restoration lab as part of Iberostar's Wave of Change environmental program. The lab is a genuine ecological project — not a marketing display — where endangered coral species are propagated for reef restoration. It's an interesting stop for guests with kids or any environmental interest.
The property works well for families specifically because of access to the larger Iberostar Bávaro Suites complex, which shares the beach and expands the restaurant roster considerably. Guests also get one hour per day of non-motorized watersports — kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing — included without booking. The Star Camp kids club splits children into age groups and runs from morning to early evening.
The honest limitation is building age. Guest reviews from the past two years mention dated room decor, occasional maintenance issues, and a buffet that functions adequately without inspiring enthusiasm. For travelers prioritizing room quality, there are better-renovated options on Bávaro. For travelers who prioritize beach quality, golf access, and a functional kids program at a moderate price point, this is a solid choice. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is 20 to 30 km away.