Punta Cana Barcelo Dominican Beach

Pros

• Gorgeous white-sand beach is kept in pristine condition
• Island-style rooms feature large flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
• Guests have free access to many of the Palace Deluxe's amenities
• Poolside massage huts

Cons

• Bathrooms in Standard Rooms feature shower/tub combos
• Fee for Wi-Fi (except in Club Premium rooms)

Bottom Line

The adults-only Bavaro Beach is the smaller resort in the Barcelo Bavaro complex, and offers the tranquil vibe of a smaller property, but the extensive features of a megaresort, including a spa, fitness center, golf course, and numerous pools. However, most of these amenities are about a five-minute shuttle ride away at the Palace Deluxe resort. This romantic, upscale spot in Punta Cana is located on one of the best beaches in the area, and features four on-site restaurants, two bars, and rooms with modern technology and beachy decor.

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Oyster Hotel Photos

Scene

Tranquil, romantic vibe - with a bit of a party scene at the pool bar

The Bavaro Beach resort is the adults-only option in the Barcelo complex and attracts plenty of honeymooners and couples. The open, airy property is centered around the pool, which features views of the ocean.

The resort is part of the Spanish Barcelo chain, and attracts numerous European travelers as well as Americans. Pool and beachside activities such as volleyball and dancing take place daily, but unlike at some resorts that line the beach, the music isn't too loud here and the hotel staff doesn't pressure guests to join. Those who do participate did seem to having a good time, however, and the pool bar scene is lively.

Though the beach collects some seaweed during the day, multiple staff members rake it up to keep the sand pristine. The beach here is a real highlight and is considered one of the nicest in the area.

The Barcelo Bavaro Beach has fewer than 400 rooms, compared to the Palace Deluxe's 1, 600. Bavaro Beach features its own pool, restaurants, and stretch of beach, but features such as the fitness center and spa are located at the Palace, about a five-minute shuttle ride away. Guests have access to all of the Palace's amenities, including the restaurants, but the reverse is not true, which makes the atmosphere at Bavaro Beach quieter and more exclusive.

Location

Located in Bavaro, the northern area of Punta Cana

The Barcelo complex is in Bavaro, the area north of Punta Cana airport. It is about a 30-minute ride from the airport. The beaches along this northern stretch of the coast generally see much stronger waves and have steeper drop off than those to the south in Punta Cana. Bavaro is also home to a limited smattering of restaurants and nightclubs, mostly in and around the town of Friusa, that offer locals and tourists a change of pace from the dominant presence of resorts.

Beach

Clean, soft white sand, somewhat choppy waters, and crowds of vacationers bodysurfing, playing volleyball, and tanning

This beach is one of the most beautiful in Bavaro and Punta Cana. The water and sand are clean and inviting, and though seaweed debris can accumulate during the day, an army of rakers clears the sand early in the morning to maintain the pristine setting. Guests shouldn't expect to swim far from shore or find large secluded swaths of sand, as the waves can get rough and the beach is certainly crowded.