Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Perhaps due to its slightly higher rates and removed location (away from Punta Cana’s party scene in Bavaro), the Dreams Punta Cana Resort lacks the raucous spring break vibe that so many associate with Punta Cana, and instead attracts families and couples seeking a tranquil vacation. Even during peak season, the property rarely feels overcrowded, thanks to pristine sprawling grounds (where flamingos, parrots, and other wildlife can be spotted) and one of the largest freeform outdoor swimming pools in the Dominican Republic. The beach, however, can get a bit congested during the day; guests staying in Preferred Club rooms have a designated VIP spot on the sand.

On the downside, rooms are showing wear and most don’t have ocean views, and adjacent construction can be a nuisance for some guests (as of late 2019). For a similar value in the Uvero Alto area, families should compare rates at the Nickelodeon Hotels & resorts Punta Cana. Couples, meanwhile, may prefer the luxurious and adults-only Excellence El Carmen, which also has more impressive rooms.

The Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is located on a pretty, white-sand beach in Uvero Alto, a more relaxed beachfront area that’s a 20-minute drive from the main tourist area of Bavaro. Punta Cana International Airport is a 40-minute drive away. Once arrived, guests mostly stay on the property: There's not much outside of the complex's gates, though the hotel staff can help arrange excursions within or outside of Punta Cana.

The 620 rooms at the Dreams Punta Cana Resort are contemporary and elegant, either outfitted in an ocean-inspired blue-and-white color palette, or more warm red-and-green design. Regardless, except wood furniture, tile floors, and decorate accents. On the downside, rooms are showing wear and they’re on the small side relative to comparable hotels – rooms start at 291 square feet (27 square meters). All units feature furnished balconies or terraces, and most overlook the pool and grounds.

Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, free daily restocked minibars with beer, juices, soft drinks and bottled water, coffeemakers, MP3 docking stations, and laptop-sized safes. Ironing equipment, hairdryers, and air-conditioning are also provided. Bathrooms have separate tubs and showers, plush robes, and nice bathroom extras such as incense, sunscreen, and toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Staying in a Preferred Club room gets guests additional perks. Guests receive personalized check-in/check-out, upgraded amenities, and access to a lounge serving snacks and cocktails, and a designated VIP area at the beach. Suites are the most luxe option with separate living rooms, massive balconies with whirlpool tubs, and large bathrooms with double vanities and upgraded toiletries.

The rooms are spread out over nine buildings; while some are just about a two-minute walk from the beach, others are about seven minutes away from the sand.

Often one of the biggest complaints at all-inclusive properties is the food, and the food at the Dreams Punta Cana Resort is decidedly above average. With the Unlimited Luxury policy, guests have limitless access to five a la carte restaurants, a buffet eatery, pizza joint, and cafe. A la carte options consist of Bordeaux, a French adults-only eatery; Himitsu for Pan-Asian cuisine; seafood restaurant Oceana; Portofino for Italian dishes; and Seaside Grill for dishes such as steak. Barefoot Grill offers beachfront fare during the afternoon.

Restaurants do not require reservations, and 24-hour room service is also free.

Name-brand top-shelf liquor is also served at all of the restaurants, as well as in the property’s multiple bars. A pool bar, swim-up bar, lobby bar, and theater bar are some options.

Grounds at the Dreams Punta Cana Resort are massive, and yet you can see the pool from just about every point; this gives you an idea of its massive size. In fact, the property’s pristine pool, with a swim-up bar and lazy river elements, is one of the largest in the Dominican Republic and it rarely feels crowded. The beach, on the other hand, can get a bit packed by midday. It is lovely, nonetheless, and offers a long list of included non-motorized water sports. As is typical for Punta Cana, vendors are present on the beach.

Families will likely appreciate the property’s numerous kid-friendly amenities; it features a great kids’ club, where children can enjoy arts and crafts, as well as a sprawling playground and a mini water park with fun features such as a pirate ship and slides. Nightly entertainment is often geared towards those with tots in tow. Daytime activities are numerous, and other recreational options include sports such as beach volleyball and basketball and games like ping-pong.

Couples will also find plenty to enjoy; after all, there’s a reason the Dreams hosts about hundreds of weddings annually. The property features a spacious fitness center, with several cardio and weight-training machines, a casino, and a lovely spa -- the latter being the resort’s most romantic feature. The spa houses a salon, tranquil outdoor walkways spanning over koi fish ponds, airy treatment rooms, and numerous features such as sensations showers, steam baths, whirlpools, and ice baths.

Tours and excursions can be booked through the property, including to nearby islands, golf courses, and Scape Park, a natural theme park with cenotes and caves.

Wedding packages are available and on-site coordinators can help with planning.