This picture of a vibrant rainbow pretty much sums up my feelings about Punta Cana’s Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort. Located on what’s known as the “Coconut Coast” in the Dominican Republic, this resort complex is home to two adjacent resorts, making this property enormous. With an endless amount of things to do, including shopping, eating (obviously) and relaxing poolside, it’s like as if Disneyworld collided with a tropical paradise.
From the moment I arrived on the property, I already knew I was in for a treat! I was welcomed with a glass of Champagne and escorted to my suite where I couldn’t have been happier to find a patio overlooking the pool complex, lush palms and the sparkling ocean. Best part? It came decked out with a private hot tub! I took a bubble bath every night.
This all-inclusive is basically a huge party every day where the frozen margs flow freely, the sun shines daily and you can spend all day bouncing from one pool to the next without getting bored.
There’s a 24-hour casino, a nightclub, a bowling alley and even a shopping center all on property. Each night guests are invited to take in a Vegas-inspired show performed with dancers and live music. For those insane people who like to stay fit during their vacations, the property features a fully-equipped fitness center, an 18-hole golf course, a soccer field and a tennis court. For those more like me, there’s a lovely therapeutic spa that offers relaxing massages and treatments.
Though I spent a lot of my time laying out on the pristine beach and swimming in its clear, warm Caribbean waters, adventurous guests can take their pick of complimentary kayaks, windsurf boards, sailing boats, paddle boards and catamarans.
Aside from the beach, I highly recommend getting off property and going on some adrenaline pumping excursions! I absolutely loved ATV-ing through the lush, rugged landscapes of the Punta Cana countryside. Not only is it exhilarating, but there’s really no more fun way to get over to the picturesque Macao Beach.
Before you leave, don’t miss out on Rancho Macao, where you can learn about hand-rolled cigars, coffee and cacao production. And most importantly, taste it all! I’m a huge fan of pineapple wine which tasted even more refreshing after having dove into an underground cave filled with crystal clear water and a waterfall. What I wasn’t such a huge fan of was smoking a cigar.
Another bonus of staying at Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort? It has 14 specialty restaurants including à la carte options ranging from Japanese to Italian cuisine. Oh and did I mention there are 16 bars throughout the property? Rest assured there are zero reasons not to have a piña colada in your hand at all times.
For more details on my tropical adventures in Punta Cana, check this piece out.
Chelsea is a San Francisco-based journalist whose passion revolves around exploring the world, immersing herself in foreign cultures, and of course, eating and drinking everything delicious.
Her work can be found in TravelPulse, Forbes, INSIDER, SF Gate and more. She covers all things food, drink and travel and is always up for an adventure, whether that means an adrenaline-pumping excursion or trying a new cuisine.
