Punta Cana, nestled on the Dominican Republic’s eastern coast, is a dream destination for beach lovers. With 30 miles of pristine white sand meeting the turquoise Caribbean Sea, it’s no wonder families flock here. The abundance of resorts, especially all-inclusive options, makes planning a family vacation a breeze. Imagine days filled with snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing, or simply relaxing by stunning hotel pools and enjoying rejuvenating spa treatments. For golf enthusiasts, world-class courses are also readily available.
The beauty of Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts lies in their simplicity and upfront cost. No need to worry about keeping track of every meal and drink – it’s all covered, allowing for truly carefree family time. From vibrant water parks to engaging kids’ clubs, these resorts are designed to cater to families seeking a memorable and stress-free getaway.
Here are 15 of the top all-inclusive family-friendly resorts in Punta Cana, perfect for your next vacation:
1. Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa & Casino
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-grand-palladium-palace-resort-ALLINPNTACANA0624-d6bba10e2b51408fb96c609f6816d8e4.jpg)
Courtesy of Palladium Resorts
What Makes it Family-Friendly: The Grand Palladium Palace is a comprehensive beachfront destination that caters to families with its wide array of entertainment options. Kids clubs for babies to teens ensure that children of all ages are engaged and entertained, while parents can enjoy the casino, spa, and various sports facilities. Access to sister hotels within the complex expands dining and activity options for the whole family.
Things to Consider: The resort complex is large, requiring some walking or golf cart rides to navigate between different areas and sister hotels.
Located on the beautiful Bavaro Beach, the Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa & Casino is part of a larger complex that includes the Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa. This expansive area is ideal for families, offering a world-class casino for adults and the Zentropia Spa & Wellness Center for relaxation. Six pools provide ample swimming space, and entertainment programs are designed for children from toddlers to teenagers.
Dining is a breeze with eight a la carte restaurants, five buffet dining rooms, six bars, and 24-hour snack availability. The resort offers 366 guest rooms, including garden view rooms and spacious beachside suites. For families needing extra space, the garden view Loft Suite features two levels, an extra sofa bed, and a half-bath. The Junior Swim Up Suite adds a fun element with a private swim-up pool and furnished terrace.
The all-inclusive package covers unlimited buffet meals, a la carte dinners, snacks, and both domestic and select international drinks at some bars. House wine is included with lunch and dinner, and the in-room mini-bar is stocked with water, soft drinks, and beer. Non-motorized water sports, fitness facilities, daily activities, and nightly entertainment are all part of the package, along with free disco admission (drinks included) and access to the other resorts in the complex. All taxes, service charges, and gratuities are also included.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Kids’ Clubs: Dedicated clubs for babies (1-3 years), kids (4-12 years), and teens (13-18 years) ensure age-appropriate activities and supervision.
- Spa: The Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Center offers wet areas (hot tubs, pool, sauna, steam baths) for a fee of $10 per day per guest (included for Royal Suites guests and Palladium Travel Club members).
- Water Sports: Windsurfing, kayaking, and catamarans are complimentary. Additional water sports like banana boats, fishing excursions, and diving courses are available for a fee.
- Proximity to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ): 14 miles.
- Nearby Family Excursions: Punta Espada golf course, Dolphin Island Park, Bavaro Adventure Park, and Manati Park are easily accessible for off-resort family fun.
- Gratuities: Included.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rates: Starting at $370 per night.
2. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-hyatt-zilara-cap-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0624-6bc7cb8f5e4a43dc8433b2806ba4ecc2.jpg)
Courtesy of Hyatt
Family-Friendly Highlight: While Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is an adults-only resort, its proximity and shared amenities with the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana make it a great option for multi-generational family trips. Guests can easily access the dining and entertainment at Hyatt Ziva, ensuring everyone in the family, regardless of age, has a fantastic vacation experience.
Things to Consider: As with many popular resorts, securing poolside lounge chairs might require arriving early in the day.
This luxurious five-star adults-only resort is situated on the beautiful Juanillo Beach within the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana. Recognized as a winner in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 World’s Best Awards, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, a thrilling water park accessible at the adjacent Hyatt Ziva, swim-up suites, and a remarkable 25 restaurants and bars shared between both resorts.
Hyatt Zilara features 375 suites, ranging from comfortable junior suites to opulent beachfront swim-up suites. For enhanced luxury, guests can upgrade to club-level rooms, which include exclusive lounge access, premium spirits, and private access to the Club Pool. Nightly entertainment, dance classes, and optional activities like golf, deep-sea fishing, and excursions are available.
The all-inclusive rate covers dining at all restaurants within both Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva, including gourmet buffets, bars, lounges, food carts, and 24-hour suite service. Unlimited premium cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included. Guests have full access to Canapolis Water Park, beachfront infinity pools, hot tubs, aqua classes, a fitness center, live entertainment, beach parties, dance classes, and daily activities. Spa treatments and private cabanas are available at an additional cost.
Family-Friendly Details (shared with Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana):
- Proximity to Family Fun: Direct access to Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and its family-oriented amenities, including Canapolis Water Park.
- Canapolis Water Park: Open to all guests of both resorts, featuring a lazy river with a grotto cascade, water cannons, and seven exciting slides.
- Distance to Punta Cana International Airport: 7.5 miles.
- Spa: Shared Larimar Spa with Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, offering a range of treatments at an extra cost.
- World of Hyatt Points: Members can redeem points, ranging from 42,000 to 58,000 a day, at this Category F property.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rates: Starting at $464 per night.
3. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hyatt-ziva-cap-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0522-d944b9a94ce6496e9c45d53fea428dea.jpg)
Courtesy of Hyatt
Family-Friendly Paradise: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is a luxurious, family-focused resort renowned for its spacious all-suite accommodations and exceptional amenities, most notably its impressive water park. It’s designed to provide a memorable vacation for families of all ages, with activities and facilities that cater to both children and adults.
Things to Consider: Restaurants and bars can get busy, potentially leading to longer wait times, especially during peak seasons.
“Cap Cana boasts a stunning stretch of sand nestled between the vibrant Caribbean Sea and the lush Dominican Republic interior,” notes Brad Japhe, a T+L contributor. “Hyatt Ziva offers the perfect contemporary vantage point to soak it all in. The expansive lobby, with its hanging greenery and bamboo-lined ceilings, immediately impressed me. My suite was equally dazzling – sleekly designed with local cultural touches and offering unobstructed ocean views.”
Nightly entertainment includes musicians and dancers performing in the resort’s outdoor amphitheater. A dedicated kids’ club and supervised games keep younger guests entertained, while teens aged 13-17 can enjoy Formula 1 racing at the teen club. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana truly embodies the essence of a great all-inclusive family-friendly Caribbean resort.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the pools and hot tubs, situated right at the edge of the beach. Dining options are plentiful, including the beachfront Chinola restaurant,” Japhe adds. “I found the best dishes at El Mercado, where the daily buffet highlights Caribbean flavors.”
Henley Vazquez, a T+L A-list travel advisor and Fora co-founder, describes the property as “popular with advisors and travelers because it offers incredible daytime activities for kids — including fantastic water slides — and wonderful amenities for adults, too.” She also highlights, “The rooms are beautiful, the food is excellent, and the direct flights into Punta Cana make it incredibly convenient.”
Family-Friendly Details:
- Inclusions: Comprehensive all-inclusive package covering food and beverages, water park access, land and non-motorized water sports, and live entertainment.
- Kids Club: Free access to the kids club for children aged 3-17, offering a wide range of supervised activities.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 11.5 miles.
- Rates: Starting from $599 per night.
4. Secrets Tides Punta Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-secrets-tides-punta-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0624-8ddcbbe332744dc881ade7bb462e0b8f.jpg)
Courtesy of Secrets Tides
Family-Friendly (Adults-Only Option for Grown-Up Getaways): Secrets Tides Punta Cana, while an adults-only resort, is perfect for parents seeking a luxurious and romantic escape. It offers a serene and pampered environment, ideal for couples’ retreats or vacations with adult family members.
Things to Consider: This is an adults-only resort, so it’s not suitable for families with children. Note that the room rate is per person per night.
This adults-only resort focuses on romantic elegance and is located on a private beach in Uvero Alto. It’s also an excellent choice for groups of friends seeking luxury and attentive service. Dedicated concierges are available 24/7 to assist with special requests, dining reservations, activity arrangements, and ensuring every guest feels pampered. Dining options are abundant with nine restaurants, including six à la carte, a buffet, a grill, and a café. The beachside hot dog and burger option is perfect for a relaxed lunch. Guests can start their day at Coco Café with coffee and pastries and enjoy nightly entertainment at the Showtime theater bar.
For daytime fun, the resort features two infinity pools, three hot tubs, and complimentary snorkeling and kayaking at the beach. Introductory scuba lessons are also available, and catamaran cruises can be arranged for an additional fee.
The all-suite resort offers accommodations with views of the pool, garden, or ocean, all equipped with soaking tubs, daily refreshed mini-bars, and 24-hour room service. For an elevated experience, the Preferred Club provides upgraded suites in premium locations, access to the Preferred Lounge and pool area, enhanced mini-bar and room amenities, a dedicated beach area, and an exclusive restaurant.
Family-Friendly Details (for adult families or parents’ escapes):
- Adults-Only Serenity: Designed for adults seeking a peaceful and luxurious environment.
- Pet-Friendly: Small dogs are welcome, with special amenities provided.
- Distance to Punta Cana International Airport: 28 miles.
- Spa: The Secrets Spa offers treatments at an extra cost, including a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy circuit.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rate: Starting at $213 per person per night, depending on view and location.
5. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/aerial-margaritaville-island-reserve-cap-cana-MARGVILLECAPCANA0521-6c6d9f32a06046f596a69ea94701dc81.jpg)
Courtesy of Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Family-Friendly Convenience: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana offers a unique two-resorts-in-one concept with both adults-only (Hammock) and family-friendly (Wave) sections. The Margaritaville Island Reserve app streamlines planning with easy dinner reservations and activity scheduling, enhancing the overall family vacation experience.
Things to Consider: While Hammock is adults-only, it’s part of the larger Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Cap Cana, which also includes the family-friendly Margaritaville Cap Cana Wave.
Located on a private beach in Punta Cana, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana combines two distinct resorts: the family-friendly Wave and the adults-only Hammock. The property features 519 suites, 40 luxury villas, 10 restaurants, a spa, and two pools. Guest rooms include furnished balconies and customizable in-room refreshment centers. Daily entertainment, water sports, tennis, pickleball, cocktails, meals, beverages, and all taxes and gratuities are included in the rate. The Parakeets Kids Club caters to children aged four to 12 with daily programs and activities.
The all-inclusive experience encompasses all meals, specialty snacks, fitness center access and classes, 24-hour room service, and premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Beach volleyball, pickleball, bocce ball, cornhole, cooking and mixology classes, music, and entertainment are all part of the package. Guests can also enjoy activities at the adjacent Cap Cana Wave resort. Treatments at St. Somewhere Spa are available at an additional cost.
“As a sun-seeking Northeasterner, I spend winters planning getaways to warm destinations with beautiful beaches, and Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana was an ideal couples escape in January 2022,” says Travel + Leisure contributor Robin Catalano. “During the day, I primarily stayed on Margaritaville’s section of Juanillo Beach and the quieter adults-only area of the resort. I also visited the St. Somewhere Spa, enjoying hydrotherapy circuits followed by the polar plunge pool, sauna, and a massage.”
Family-Friendly Details:
- Proximity to Family Resort: Access to family-friendly amenities and activities at the adjacent Margaritaville Cap Cana Wave resort.
- Parakeets Kids Club: Daily programming and activities for children ages 4-12.
- Distance to Punta Cana International Airport: 7 miles.
- Spa: St. Somewhere Spa offers hydrotherapy circuits, massages, and facial treatments at an extra cost.
- Activities and Amenities: Guests can utilize restaurants, lounges, and activities at Cap Cana Wave.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rate: Starting at $611 per night.
6. Finest Punta Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-finest-punta-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0624-0d5ae23c71e54203b131aa7eb4b8b492.jpg)
Courtesy of Finest Punta Cana
Family-Friendly Luxury: Finest Punta Cana excels in providing luxurious accommodations and family-friendly amenities. The beach experience is enhanced with palapas, lounge chairs, hammocks, and attentive food and beverage service. The resort balances adults-only exclusivity with dedicated family areas, including splash pools and kids’ clubs, ensuring a premium vacation for all family members.
Things to Consider: The resort features both an adults-only Excellence Club and a family-friendly area, ensuring distinct experiences for different types of travelers within the same property.
Finest Punta Cana offers a variety of room categories to suit families, including suites that accommodate up to five guests, swim-up suites, private pool suites, and expansive Family Suites at 1,750 square feet. The Excellence Club rooms are situated in the adults-only section, featuring exclusive restaurants, a separate pool, and a swim-up bar. Travel + Leisure contributor Alison Fox stayed at Finest Punta Cana in the adults-only section and noted in her article, “I was staying in the hotel’s adults-only side, the Excellence Club, which included its own check-in area, exclusive club-only restaurants, and a pool that tended to be quieter than the kid-friendly one on the other side.”
Fox also enjoyed the hydrotherapy circuit at the One Spa: “One hydrotherapy session — complete with a relaxing scalp massage — is included in each Excellence Club and Finest Club room, and it’s worth every minute.” The resort offers a fitness center, live music, seven pools, six hot tubs, yoga, dancing, Spanish language, and cooking lessons. Water activities include kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and beach volleyball, with deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and private yacht excursions available for an additional charge.
Dining options are diverse, ranging from the casual Market Kitchen to specialty restaurants like Lizo for Mexican cuisine, Italian, French, and Japanese options, Duke’s Lobster & Seafood, La Cocinita Food Truck, and a healthy cuisine spot.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Family-Focused Activities: The One Spa offers treatments for youngsters, and the Imagine Kids’ Club provides supervised activities and a mini waterpark. Room amenities include cribs, high chairs, and baby monitors.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 22 miles.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rates: Starting at $375 per night.
7. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-lopesan-costa-bavaro-ALLINPNTACANA0624-3c61a389019049a2b57de74875506c9e.jpg)
Courtesy of Lopesan Resorts
Family-Friendly Variety: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino welcomes guests of all ages and offers distinct areas tailored to different preferences, including family-friendly zones, adults-only sections, and the upgraded UNIQUE area. The resort’s extensive amenities, including a large water park and kids’ club, ensure a fun-filled vacation for families.
Things to Consider: With 1,042 guest rooms and suites, the resort is quite large, which might not be ideal for families seeking a more intimate vacation environment.
Families can choose from a range of resort rooms, from junior suites to swim-up and two-bedroom suites. The adults-only Club Rooms, located in a separate area, also offer swim-up suites and views of the pool and the Caribbean Sea. UNIQUE rooms provide ocean views, terraces, and prime locations within the resort.
The resort boasts seven freshwater pools, including a bi-level infinity pool, a 16,000-square-foot water park, an adults-only pool, and a dedicated children’s pool. Sports activities include scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing. The Panchi World Kids’ Club offers supervised activities for younger guests.
Dining options are plentiful with two international and regional cuisine buffets, as well as specialty restaurants serving Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes. Guests can also enjoy a Steak House or a traditional Italian trattoria.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Family-Focused Activities: A mini-club for ages 3-12, a mini-disco, a playground, and VIBE for teens aged 12-16 in a separate area, ensuring entertainment for all age groups.
- Water Park: A significant 16,000-square-foot water park provides hours of fun for kids and families.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 9 miles.
- Spa: A comprehensive spa, hair salon, and fitness area for relaxation and wellness.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rates: Starting around $650 per night.
8. Paradisus Grand Cana
Family-Friendly Space and Activities: Paradisus Grand Cana is an all-suite luxury resort offering spacious accommodations and a variety of family-friendly activities. The large suites, ranging from 796 to nearly 3,000 square feet, provide ample room for families. The resort also features a water park and Kids Camp, making it a great option for families seeking space and entertainment.
Things to Consider: Guests are often encouraged to upgrade to premium rooms and services for enhanced amenities and experiences.
This all-suite luxury resort features 683 suites, including swim-up options and several two-bedroom suites. Welcoming guests of all ages, Paradisus Grand Cana offers a water park and Kids Camp with games, crafts, and supervised activities for younger visitors. The expansive resort is arranged in a circular layout, and bicycles are available for easy navigation around the property. Shuttles also provide convenient transportation around the resort and to the beach, which is a short ride away.
Dining options include a steakhouse, a sushi and Asian cuisine restaurant, and an international indoor/outdoor gastro hall. The resort also features a spa, a fully equipped gym, a spin room, and a casino.
The Royal Service upgrade enhances the experience with an exclusive pool, private beach area, additional restaurants, free spa access, a private lounge, larger suites, and personal butler service. The Destination Inclusive Program offers cultural experiences, private cooking classes, workshops with local artisans, beachfront yoga, and catamaran rides, particularly beneficial for guests in swim-up rooms.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Kids Camp: Engaging Kids Camp with games, crafts, and supervised activities for children.
- Water Park: On-site water park providing fun for kids of all ages.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 11 miles.
- Golf: Access to the Cocotal Country Club with 27 championship holes for an additional charge.
- Spa: Indoor and outdoor treatment rooms are included with the Royal Service upgrade.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rate: Starting around $600 per night.
9. Dreams Flora Resort & Spa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DRFPC-INT-Motor-Lobby2-RNDR-bc4317e2f4ac467f99b3f47d20fbc604.jpg)
Dreams Flora Resort & Spa
Family-Friendly Beachfront Fun: Dreams Flora Resort & Spa is ideally located near a beautiful beach and offers a wide range of room types suitable for families, along with a dedicated water park and kids’ clubs. The resort’s focus on entertainment and activities ensures a vibrant and engaging vacation for families.
Things to Consider: Securing lounge chairs around the pools can sometimes be challenging due to high demand.
This family resort features 520 rooms and offers unlimited dining, drinks, entertainment, and 24-hour room service. Room types range from doubles and queen rooms to junior suites and connecting suites for larger families. Preferred Club-level rooms offer enhanced amenities, including access to the Preferred Club Lounge, personalized check-in and check-out, exclusive pools, an adult-only pool, an exclusive a la carte restaurant for breakfast and lunch, upgraded mini-bar and bath accessories, and concierge service.
Eight dining options include a beachside grill, an international buffet, and a la carte restaurants serving French, Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisine. Thirteen bars include pool bars, swim-up bars, beach bars, a theater bar, and a mocktail bar for teens.
Five pools, big-screen movies, theme nights, dance classes, and various activities keep guests of all ages entertained. Scuba diving and fishing excursions can be arranged at an additional cost.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Family Activities: On-site waterpark, non-motorized water sports, game room, childcare services, Explorers’ Club (ages 3-12) with games, crafts, and campouts, and Core Zone Teens’ Club (ages 13-17) with social events and video games.
- Spa: The spa includes a hydrotherapy area, oceanfront palapa massage cabins, and a variety of body treatments, massages, and facials.
- WiFi: Yes.
- Rate: Starting from about $600 per night.
10. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/011ParadisusPalmaReal-ColonialPlaza-cb65063eddf447b094756b9fe96e23b4.jpg)
Meliá Hotels International
Family-Friendly Elegance: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort offers a blend of elegance and family-friendly amenities in a more intimate setting compared to larger Punta Cana resorts. The resort features both family-friendly and adults-only sections, ensuring options for different family needs. The Kidsdom and family-focused Nikté experiences cater specifically to families with children.
Things to Consider: Restaurants can be busy, so making reservations early is recommended.
This elegant resort welcomes families with its family-friendly offerings and The Reserve, a private adults-only hotel within the resort. Spacious suites, swim-up options, enhanced in-room amenities, and access to VIP areas are benefits of The Reserve suites. Nikté, designed for families, offers upgraded experiences, revamped rooms, and special amenities.
Guests of The Reserve and Nikté enjoy Destination Concierge services and Destination Inclusive off-site activities like workshops with local artisans and private cooking classes. On-site activities include tennis, volleyball, basketball, and dance lessons.
Guest rooms range from junior suites to swim-ups and exclusive adults-only Reserve and family Nikte suites. Dining options include Dominican, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Asian, and international cuisines, along with various cocktail bars and The Winery for wine selections.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Kidsdom: Dedicated Kidsdom offering games, activities, shows, and crafts for young guests.
- Family-Focused Nikté: Upgraded rooms and special amenities designed for families.
- The Reserve: Access to a private pool and beach area for guests of The Reserve.
- Golf: Access to Cocotal Country Club.
- Spa: YHI Spa featuring traditional therapies and modern treatments.
- Rate: Starting at about $235 a night.
11. Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-bahia-principe-punta-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0624-5d8a3f9aa7534ad9854cc06fd443a89c.jpg)
Courtesy of Bahia Principe Punta Cana
Family-Friendly Value: Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana offers an affordable family getaway with a wide range of activities, beach access, diverse restaurants, a water park, and a mini-club. The resort’s value proposition makes it an attractive option for families looking for a budget-friendly all-inclusive vacation.
Things to Consider: As part of a large complex with four resorts, the property is spread out. Accessing the beach or certain restaurants and activities may require shuttle service or a considerable walk.
The resort features nearly 800 guest rooms and suites with balconies and modern bathrooms, including two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to four adults or three adults and two children. The all-inclusive rate includes three a la carte dinners per week, breakfast buffet, water park access, fitness center, children’s activities, mini-bar, and one hour per day of free kayaking, snorkeling, tennis, or catamaran use. Two main pools, a children’s pool, a beach, nightly entertainment, and off-site activities (additional charge) provide numerous options for recreation.
Guests can access nine à la carte restaurants, entertainment, activities, and the children’s water park at the neighboring Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa. A Mini-Club is available for children aged 4-12. Guest room minibars are restocked daily with snacks, juice, soft drinks, and beer.
“Making the most of this all-inclusive spot with glistening ocean vistas means taking full advantage of the neighboring resorts. With a stay at Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, you also have access to the dining and facilities at Grand Bavaro and Grand Turquesa. Explore them all and don’t hold back!” recommends T+L contributor Jesse Scott.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Water Park Access: Complimentary access to the water park, a major attraction for kids.
- Mini-Club: Supervised Mini-Club for children ages 4-12.
- Access to Sister Resorts: Guests can utilize facilities at neighboring Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro and Grand Turquesa.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 7 miles.
- Spa: Bahia Principe Spa with sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge, and various treatments.
- Shopping: Pueblo Principe Village located within the complex.
- Golf: Access to golf at Punta Cana Golf Club and White Sands Course (additional charge).
- Rates: Starting at about $120 per person per night.
12. Melia Punta Cana Beach
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-melia-punta-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0624-894272d21c8c4a87a3507544994c6108.jpg)
Courtesy of Melia Punta Cana
Family-Friendly (Adults-Only Wellness Focus): Melia Punta Cana Beach, while an adults-only resort, is ideal for parents seeking a wellness-focused getaway. With its emphasis on health and relaxation, it offers a rejuvenating environment for couples or adult family members. The Wellness Experience Rooms and spa facilities cater to those looking to prioritize well-being during their vacation.
Things to Consider: This is an adults-only resort. Guests are encouraged to upgrade to The Level for enhanced room locations, private areas, superior dining, and additional services.
Melia Punta Cana Beach features approximately 400 adults-only rooms, creating a more intimate resort experience. Room categories range from Deluxe and Premium to suites within The Level upgrade program, including beachside, garden, and wellness suites. All rooms include balconies or terraces, minibars, and walk-in showers. As a Wellness Resort, Melia Punta Cana offers Wellness Experience Rooms equipped with yoga mats, exercise weights, thermal mattresses, healthy minibar snacks, Vitamin C-infused showers, and complimentary bicycle rental. Stays of five nights or more include one complimentary spa treatment and The Level premium services.
Dining options include an international breakfast buffet, Vietnamese cuisine at Muoi, and the Mosaico international buffet. Guests of The Level have access to The Level Lounge, offering daily continental breakfast, premium beverages, exclusive dining at Quimera Restaurant, and a private pool and beach area.
“In September 2020, needing a wellness retreat, I chose Meliá Punta Cana Beach,” says T + L contributor Jesse Scott. “It revitalized me, perfect for a solo or couple’s wellness adventure. Built in 2019, the adults-only resort’s rooms feature white columns with tan and gold accents, with beachside suites at a premium. Meliá’s Level package is worth the upgrade, including access to a private pool, lounge, and wellness ritual, among other perks.”
Family-Friendly Details (for adult families or parents’ escapes):
- Adults-Only Wellness Retreat: Focused on wellness and relaxation for adults.
- Wellness Experience Rooms: Rooms equipped with wellness-focused amenities.
- Spa: YHI Spa offers wellness treatments, massages, and facials.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 10 miles.
- Rate: Starting from $415 per night (The Level suite Beachside from $610).
- Adults Only: 18+
13. Grand Bávaro Princess Punta Cana
Family-Friendly Suites and Beachfront Location: Grand Bávaro Princess Punta Cana offers spacious suites and a prime beachfront location on Bávaro Beach, making it a great choice for families seeking comfortable accommodations and easy beach access. The resort’s all-suite concept ensures ample space for families, and various upgrade options cater to different needs and preferences.
Things to Consider: The expansive grounds may require considerable walking to access some activities, which might be a drawback for families with young children or those with mobility concerns.
This all-suite resort on Bávaro Beach features 1,290 spacious suites, including Platinum Suites, Bungalow Suites, Honeymoon Suites, and a Presidential Suite. “I’m not usually one for all-inclusive experiences, but the Grand Bavaro is different,” notes T+L contributor Brad Japhe. “It has a relaxed feel, enhanced by its serene beachfront setting.”
The all-inclusive rate covers three daily meals and snacks at 10 restaurants, a coffee shop, two food trucks, and six bars, including a 24-hour sports bar. The resort features a relaxing swimming pool near the spa and another pool for all ages near the beach. Guests can enjoy non-motorized water sports, a fully equipped gym, tennis courts, and a kids’ club for ages 4-12.
“There’s much to explore across the grounds, including an eco-park with local flora and fauna,” adds Japhe. “I even encountered peacocks while strolling. While there is a good deal of walking involved, for me, that was a positive aspect rather than a negative one.”
Family-Friendly Details:
- Princess Family Club: Offers private check-in, 164 spacious rooms (some with pool access), a water theme park with slides, a children’s club, and an exclusive snack bar.
- Kids’ Club: Dedicated kids’ club for ages 4-12.
- Platinum Area: Upgraded rooms, VIP amenities, and personalized service for enhanced luxury.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 10 miles.
- Rate: Starting from about $300 per night.
14. Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nickelodeon-resort-punta-cana-pineapple-fb9cf509c76f488ab6c7bc09addeae21.jpg)
Courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Family-Friendly Themed Fun: Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is a vibrant and playful resort themed around popular Nickelodeon cartoons like SpongeBob SquarePants and Paw Patrol. The resort offers spacious rooms and suites, connecting room options, and a dedicated water complex (Aqua Nick), making it an ideal destination for families with young children and cartoon enthusiasts.
Things to Consider: Room service and restaurant wait times can sometimes be longer than expected, particularly during peak periods.
“We visited this colorful, all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotel in Punta Cana for a week-long family vacation in spring 2018. Staying in a Swim-Up Suite, my family of four was comfortable with a king-sized bed and pull-out queen, with a shared swimming pool right off our deck,” says Travel + Leisure contributor Aimee White Beazley.
For a truly unique experience, consider staying in The Pineapple, a villa inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants’s famous undersea home. This lodging features two bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an infinity pool. Dining options include Italian cuisine, Asian fusion, and casual poolside dining. “The hotel’s nine restaurants included the family-favorite BRGRS, and parents appreciated a night out at Verdello Sicilian Kitchen, while kids were safely entertained at Club Nick, a dedicated kids-only club,” Beazley adds.
T + L contributor Madeline Bilis, who visited the resort in 2024, notes, “As a self-proclaimed Spongebob superfan, I had a blast watching my favorite episodes in the open-air theater and sipping slime smoothies at the swim-up bar.” Located on Uvero Alto beach, this resort embraces cartoon themes, creating a fun and splashy getaway for families.
Family-Friendly Details:
- Aqua Nick: Complimentary access to a large water complex with slides and splash zones.
- The Pineapple Villa: Unique SpongeBob SquarePants-themed villa for an unforgettable stay.
- Club Nick: Dedicated kids’ club providing supervised entertainment.
- Autism Double-Checked: Program including Autism Concierge and services for specific needs.
- Spa: Vassa Spa offers treatments, cold and warm water pools, and bubble beds for family pampering.
- Pajama Jam: Sleepover experience with activities, family breakfast, photos, and entertainment (additional charge).
- Rate: Starting from $500 per night.
15. Club Med Punta Cana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-club-med-punta-cana-ALLINPNTACANA0624-f59836f78a474df9b6db37b6bf690d53.jpg)
Taylor McIntyre / Travel + Leisure
Family-Friendly Activities and Sports: Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med’s flagship family-friendly property, spans 100 oceanfront acres and offers an extensive range of included land and water sports, such as sailing and trapeze. Appealing to active families, the resort provides numerous activities and kids’ clubs for all age groups, ensuring an action-packed vacation.
Things to Consider: The resort has only three restaurants, which may limit dining variety compared to other larger resorts.
Club Med Punta Cana is known for its value-packed amenities and comprehensive activity offerings. According to Travel + Leisure contributor Lauren Dana Ellman, “There’s truly something for everyone here. The included amenities, like complimentary sailing lessons and a state-of-the-art circus and trapeze facility, are amazing. These are just some of the over 30 activities included, like archery, pickleball, snorkeling, kayaking, and tennis and dance lessons.”
“While I didn’t travel with children, I was impressed by the kid- and family-friendly programming, including dedicated spaces like a children’s pool. Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med are available for kids 0-2 and 2-3, respectively. Mini Club Med, for ages 4-10, offers activities like sailing and archery lessons. There’s also Teen Club Med (ages 11-13) and Chill Pass Club Med (ages 14-17).” Ellman suggests, “For larger families, consider staying in one of the newly renovated, tropical-inspired two-bedroom family suites.”
Family-Friendly Details:
- Included Activities: All drinks and dining, unlimited land and water sports, and gratuities are included in the package.
- Kids Clubs: Free kids’ clubs for children ages 4-17. Clubs for ages 0-4 are available at an additional cost.
- Extensive Sports Facilities: State-of-the-art circus and trapeze facility, sailing lessons, archery, pickleball, snorkeling, kayaking, and tennis.
- Distance to Punta Cana Airport: 6 miles.
- Rates: Starting at $170 per person per night.
Know Before You Go
Upgrades: Are They Worth It?
Many resorts offer upgrade programs that include better room locations, more dining options, and access to exclusive pools, check-in areas, and lounges. Some guests report feeling pressured to upgrade at check-in, increasing vacation costs. Research in advance to decide if an upgrade is worth the extra expense for your family’s needs.
All-Inclusive Program Details
All-inclusive programs vary by resort. Thoroughly understand what’s included (taxes, gratuities, activities) before booking to avoid surprises. Sometimes, listed amenities and restaurants are only part of upgraded programs.
Resort Size and Getting Around
Punta Cana resorts are often large, some with multiple hotels on one property and similar names. Check details like beach and restaurant distances and if golf cart shuttles are available. For guests with special needs, confirm accessibility of lobbies, restaurants, and rooms.
Restaurant Reservations
Popular a la carte restaurants often book up quickly. Make reservations in advance or plan to dine during off-peak hours. Check menus beforehand, especially if traveling with children with specific dietary preferences.
How We Chose These Hotels
Travel writer Patricia Doherty consulted with fellow journalists, reviewed user feedback, and explored Travel + Leisure editor picks and World’s Best Award winners to select these top all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Her extensive travel writing experience informed the research process. These recommendations align with T+L Hotel Values, ensuring quality and value for travelers.
