I recently had the privilege of visiting Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Barcelo Bavaro Beach is an adult only, all-inclusive resort that sits on the same site as Barcelo Bavaro Palace, the sister property that is family friendly. Here are my highlights:
The most important part of any Caribbean vacation for my wife (Wendi) and I is the beach! The beach at Barcelo definitely does not disappoint. There is natural shade from the abundance of palm trees covering the white, soft, sand. The water was a clear blue with very calm tides that allow you to really enjoy the ocean. One thing that cannot be controlled when visiting any island in the Caribbean is sargassum (seaweed). Mother Nature always wins. However, the staff at Barcelo did an excellent job at maintaining its beaches and keeping them clean.
Even when we we’re not relaxing on the beach, the entire resort has a laid back, relaxing atmosphere throughout. Plus, everything you need during your stay is available to you on site in close proximity. There is a large pool with plenty of loungers and friendly wait staff to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Nearby, Caribbean Buffet Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you do not have to go far when ready to eat. Also close by is an outdoor lounge and bar offering plenty of seating, pool tables, table tennis, and a stage for nightly entertainment.
Pro Tip: For extra romance, add on a private romantic dinner on the beach. I splurged on the experience for Wendi’s birthday and it was well worth the money!
One of the greatest benefits to staying at Barcelo Bavaro Beach is that you are able to enjoy all of the amenities at both Barcelo Beach as well as Barcelo Palace, the adjacent family-friendly sister property. You can get there by either a short walk along the beach, or you can take one of the trams that run between the properties for much of the day and evening. While Barcelo Bavaro Beach is small and intimate, the opposite is true for Barcelo Bavaro Palace. The resort is much larger with more restaurants, shopping, pools, and activities. With a bowling alley, escape room, arcade, game room, water park, and splash pad there is plenty to choose from and perfect for families with kids of any age. Barcelo Palace also features a large theater that feature a wide variety of nightly entertainment.
For the golfer in your party, both resorts have access to an onsite golf course, with green frees included in your reservation. There are also plenty of excursions you can add on to your trip to explore more of the local area. Wendi and I enjoyed horseback riding on the beach and a snorkeling excursion that were both wonderful additions to the trip.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or some added adventure, you will be able to find what you are looking for at Barcelo in Punta Cana. Have any questions for me or ready to book your next getaway? Fill out a Vacation Request Form to get started!
Written by Brian McGee
Brian is a Leisure Travel Consultant at Uniglobe Travel Designers who has a passion for all things travel, sports, and music. Outside of the office you can find Brian drumming for a local duo country band or working at a local sporting event or concert. He and his wife Wendi have been married for 18 years and have 4 children, 2 precious grandchildren, and French Bulldog pup Roux.
