The Punta Cana Airport

Punta Cana’s airport is not only a welcoming structure to visitors arriving on the island, but also an environmentally-friendly building that gives back to the island’s environment.

As the flight reaches the Dominican Republic, one cannot miss the thatched roof and the open air design of the Punta Cana International Airport. The airport was designed to both welcome visitors, and be environmentally responsible, using native design and materials.
There is a modern new air-conditioned terminal for passenger arrivals.

Upon arriving at the Punta Cana airport, each passenger is required to purchase a $10.00 tourist card before entering customs. After retrieving luggage and clearing customs, passengers are usually greeted by their tour company representative and directed to board the correct bus for transfer to their resort. The Department of Migration photographs United States citizens who enter the Dominican Republic with birth certificates and photo identification. This will not affect United States citizens who travel using their passports. This is being done to prevent illegal entry back into the United States. The computerized systems are in place at each of the international air and maritime ports. However, visitors in general are advised to confirm travel documentation with the nearest Dominican Republic Consulate.

all inclusive resorts punta cana

All Inclusive Vacations Punta Cana

A Review of Popular Punta Cana Resorts

Punta Cana is made up of over a dozen beautifully situated resorts spread over 20 miles of white sand beaches. Many of the resorts are all-inclusive — offering travelers everything from food, drinks accommodations and activities in one set price.

Club Med established the first resort in Punta Cana in 1981. It was once known for being a popular haunt of singles but in recent times it has become a sought after resort for families. This beachfront resort is situated just ten minutes from the airport and offers all kinds of activities like windsurfing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, water polo, beach volleyball, tennis, flying trapeze, archery, kayaking, basketball, rollerblading and soccer. Visitors can enjoy the daily regatta, get down to some deep-sea fishing, play a game of golf and go horse riding. The resort has wonderful rooms with breathtaking views of the ocean or the lovely tropical gardens. Typically priced at an average of $295 per night, each room has air conditioning, cable or satellite TV and a mini-refrigerator.

The Punta Cana Resort and Club is situated on the largely undeveloped eastern tip of the island. This 432-room resort is set a away from the beach. The resort uses a variety of environmentally sensitive features like water- and energy-efficient buildings, gray water recycling, organic gardens and the use of native plants. The resort maintains at least 30 percent of the original vegetation on every plot. The open-air common spaces are made of local coral stone, wood and the
cana leaves that gave the area its name. The resort offers ample opportunities to ride horses on the beach, play tennis, windsurf, kayak, dance at the nightclub and enjoy fresh local fish.

Accommodations range from $80 per person per night to $1,950 per villa per night. The RIU hotel chain has an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana situated on prime property that runs from the beach back to the lush tropical interior, where the accommodations are located. Visitors can use the shuttle facilities to commute between the restaurants, room and beach. The chain has five hotels in Punta Cana, each having both family-sized and other suites. The suites have air conditioning and satellite TV and are situated so that each has a stunning view of the lush tropical gardens.

The Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort is located 13 kilometers away from the Punta Cana International Airport. Situated on Bavaro beach in the midst of a coconut grove, it is part of a complex of five different hotels, with a full range of features including a casino, activities and various forms of entertainment. The all-inclusive plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, at different restaurants. There are facilities such as free non-motorized water sports, tennis, and two discotheques.

The guest rooms at the Barcelo Bavaro are spacious and equipped with a balcony or terrace, each offering a brilliant view of the ocean. There is also an oceanfront swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. The accommodation prices vary from $260 to $346 per night.

all inclusive resorts punta cana

All Inclusive Vacations Punta Cana

A Guide to Punta Cana Beaches

Punta Cana Beaches are among the most beautiful in the world and offer a recreation area for young and old to enjoy.

The beaches around Punta Cana and Bavaro, are full of white sand and beautifully maintained. The clear blue waters lined with tall palms, seem to go on forever. The calm waters around the Punta Cana area make for great swimming, especially for younger children, and are ideal for water sports as well. All beaches offer a wide range of excursions, water sports, and beach activities including beach volley ball, boat tours, paragliding and sailing trips. Most of the beaches offer guided instructions and classes for diving and other water sports ranging from beginner courses for children and advanced training for professionals.

There are various diving packages available ranging from $41 for one dive with your own equipment to $800 for 25 dives and equipment is also available to rent on the spot. There are also diving tours available for those who prefer them. Prices of these tours may vary from $200 to $1,200 depending on the kind of package offered. Before taking part in these activities it is advised that visitors carry a doctor’s note stating your fitness level.

In Punta Cana, there are a lot of large, all-inclusive resorts along the beach that seem like small, self-contained cities. Resorts like the Bavaro Beach, Paradisus, Iberostar and others offer everything from swimming and water sports activities, different restaurant and nightlife options, casinos, golf courses, spas, tropical gardens and even mini-zoos. Some resorts have freshwater lagoons and provide facilities for visitors to snorkel among a fantastic array of sea creatures.

Some beaches are children-friendly while others have big waves, strong undertow and rocks. Visitors are advised to stick to the shore whenever in doubt. As with anywhere else in the world, the same rules apply in Punta Cana. It is best not to take a swim soon after a meal. Avoid swimming alone and leave your valuables at the hotel in order not to risk losing them.

all inclusive resorts punta cana

All Inclusive Vacations Punta Cana

Secrets Sanctuary – Dominican Republic Hotel

As compared to other Dominican Republic hotels, the Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana is considered as the perfect venue for special events most especially weddings. The exclusive resort hotel is located in a scenic area in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

When you arrive at the Punta Cana Airport, the travel time to get to the resort is only fifteen minutes so you will not get tired at all. Upon reaching the resort hotel, you will be impressed with its lovely brick pathways, exquisite fountains, and lush gardens with palm trees all over the place.

In addition, you will be amazed with the splendid Spanish Colonial design of the whole resort. Certainly, the place will give you an authentic European feel while at the same time enjoying the ambiance of a secluded Caribbean island. The over-all design is simply stylish and accented with modern embellishments.

For the pleasure of all the guests, the sprawling hotel has 175 villas and suites to choose from. Usually, you can choose from the range of rooms based on your budget and preference. But whatever room you choose, you can be certain that it is spacious and with a view of the beach. To top it all, the beds are comfortable and the rooms are always kept clean.

As for the food, a buffet style dining is available in the resort and they usually prepare Italian, Asian, and American dishes. Typically, this buffet style dining is already included in the hotel package. All of these dishes are first-rate and served excellently. However, if you want to experience something more, you can choose from the 5 other restaurants that are also found inside the resort hotel.

Moreover, the entertainment that they offer every night are so much fun because the entertainers themselves are often in a great mood and they are focused on making the people to have a great time. The kind of entertainment that they give really makes the whole resort so alive.

all inclusive resorts punta cana

All Inclusive Vacations Punta Cana

A Review of Popular Punta Cana Hotels

Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical setting. There are hotels that range from moderate to the luxurious. Capitalizing on cheap land and the virtually insatiable desire of Europeans for sunny holidays during the depths of winter, a half-dozen European hotel chains have rushed to acquire large tracts of sugarcane plantations and pastureland. As a result there are at least a dozen mega hotels, most with over 500 rooms, that attract a large clientele.

Some hotels in Punta Cana are designed by prominent Spanish architects – and are very impressive. They include all kinds of amenities from offering delicious food, drink, exceptional entertainment to sports activities and business facilities. Visitors can find hotels to suit both their budget and taste. Some hotels have their own Web sites and booking facilities while information on others can only be accessed through government tourist centers on arrival.

Built in 1993, the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel that caters to every taste. The property is situated on the beach and is surrounded by impressive greenery and a lovely coconut grove. The hotel has 594 rooms, each of which have balconies or a terrace with an excellent view of the beach. Apart from the regular hotel activities, this hotel has facilities for ping-pong, water polo, badminton, and other sports and games. It also includes a business center, multilingual staff, swimming pools for children, tennis courts and access to the beach. Accommodations offer air conditioning, telephone, television, mini bar and broadband Internet access.

The Barcelo Bavaro Golf and Suites is a deluxe hotel located 13 miles from Punta Cana Airport. It is also convenient to reach the hotel from the Santo Domingo Airport. This hotel overlooks the Bavaro Golf Club and is surrounded by tropical gardens that provide a tranquil atmosphere. The Barcelo Bavaro Golf and Suites resort can be the perfect getaway from hectic city life. The nearby Bavaro beach offers a wide variety of water sport facilities. Accommodations are comprised of elegant guest rooms with all modern conveniences. The hotel offers two restaurants serving Italian and Mexican cuisine. As the name suggests, this hotel is known for its 18-hole golf course. The hotel pampers its guests with personalized service to add to the facilities it offers.

Secrets Excellence Punta Cana is a relatively new hotel located on a mile-long stretch of beach. Situated approximately 50 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, this hotel is strictly for adults. The hotel has a large pool with bridges, a swim-up bar, snack bar, and six restaurants. There is also a more intimate pool. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, 24-hour fitness programs, and evening entertainment that include both performances and interactive shows. All 446 rooms have balconies or terraces, hot tubs, bathrobes, hairdryers, vanity mirrors, data ports, mini-bars, irons, coffeemakers, and cable TV. The prices of the rooms range from $308 to $476 per night.

all inclusive resorts punta cana

All Inclusive Vacations Punta Cana