Punta Cana Holidays
Colonial towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and sandy beaches make up the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic. Holidays to Punta Cana take you to Caribbean shores lined with white sands and green palms.
La Costa del Coco
Punta Cana is part of La Costa del Coco, or the Coconut Coast. This area of the Dominican Republic was given its name for the huge number of coconut palms that line the shores. You can see Palms almost all the way along the 50-kilometre coast between Uvero in the north and Juanillo in the south. The stretches of sand near Bavaro are some of the most popular. The beaches here have loungers, activities like parasailing and banana boat trips, and nearby markets selling beachwear and handmade jewellery. Just so you know, the beaches on this stretch of coastline sometimes experience increased levels of seaweed – called sargassum. It’s influenced by the weather and ocean currents. If your hotel’s affected, the staff will do everything they can to clear it.
Activities on land and sea
Many of the biggest attractions in Punta Cana make the most of the warm Caribbean waters. Scuba diving and surfing are popular choices, along with boat trips to Isla Saona. This mangrove-covered island is a nature reserve off the Dominican Republic’s south coast. Its coral reef is home to starfish and the beaches have been used by movie directors to create the classic ‘desert island’ setting. However, those who prefer to stay inland will also have plenty of choices. Rainforest buggy tours and tree-top zip lines are great for thrill-seekers.
Colonial Caribbean
Around a 40-minute drive from Punta Cana lies the city of Higüey. Higuey was developed by European settlers, and the city retains much of its British and Spanish colonial charm to this day. The Basilica de La Altagracia here is one of the region’s most visited sites, known for its unusual arch design. Many of the shops in Higuey sell the ‘faceless doll’, which is a famous Dominican Republic souvenir made from clay.
4* Barcelo Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Location
This hotel is located directly on the Playa Arena Gorda sandy beach, which crosses over the vast Playa Bávaro beach in the southerly direction. Surrounded by green palm trees and a beautiful tropical garden, just 32 km from the Punta Cana international airport Punta Cana (1 hour transfer time). Higüey is located around 65 km from the hotel.
Facilities
Guests have a choice of 798 rooms, including 45 suites and 735 double rooms, located in a 4-storey main building and a 7-storey auxiliary building. Multilingual staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and cash machine. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on holiday. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities and a lift. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket and souvenir shop. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a TV room and a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the car park. Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car hire service, medical assistance, a transfer service, translation services, room service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry, a hotel doctor and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests can make use of the bicycle hire service to explore the surrounding area.
Rooms
Air conditioning, central heating and a fan ensure that rooms maintain comfortable temperatures. Guests can enjoy the sea view from a balcony or terrace. Rooms have a double bed or a queen-size bed. Extra beds can be requested. A safe and a minibar are also available. Additional features include a refrigerator, a mini fridge and a tea/coffee station. An ironing set is provided for guests' convenience. A direct dial telephone, a television with satellite/cable channels, a radio, a stereo system, a CD player, an alarm clock and WiFi (for a fee) are provided as well. Slippers are included. Bathrooms are equipped with a shower, a bathtub and a whirlpool bath. A hairdryer and bathrobes are provided. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Guests can also book wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The hotel has family rooms and non-smoking rooms.
Sports/Entertainment
Guests can work out or just relax in the outdoor and indoor pools. Kids can splash about in a special swimming area just for them. The pool area also includes a hot tub, a waterslide and a pool bar. A short break or an entire afternoon on the sun terrace, which features sun loungers and parasols, is time well spent. The hotel offers an extensive outdoor sports programme, including cycling/mountain biking, tennis, bocce, beach volleyball, volleyball, basketball, golf, fishing and horse riding. With water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, canoeing, sailing, catamaraning, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and aquafit available, fans of water sports will have plenty to choose from. Guests can enjoy a wide range of indoor sports, including a gym, table tennis, badminton, billiards, darts, squash, yoga, callisthenics and aerobics. Various wellness options are available at the hotel, including a spa, a sauna, a steam bath, a hammam, a beauty salon, massage treatments, hydrotherapy treatments, thalassotherapy treatments and Ayurveda treatments. Additional leisure activities include an entertainment programme, a kids' club, live music, a dance club, a casino and a nightclub.
Meals
Dining facilities include a dining room and a bar. Delicious specialities await guests in 7 non-smoking, air-conditioned restaurants. Refreshing drinks at the beach bar are a perfect way to enjoy warm weather. All-inclusive can be booked. For breakfast (continental), lunch, and dinner, guests serve themselves at the buffet or choose their favourite dishes from the à la carte options (for dinner). Diet meals, gluten-free meals, vegetarian dishes and children's meals can be prepared on request. In addition, special catering options and snacks are available. The show cooking is a particularly special attraction. The hotel offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
