Expan Experience: Touring all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana and Miches

Punta Cana is one of the most highly rated destinations in the Caribbean . Its expansive beaches , turquoise waters , pleasant climate , idyllic surroundings , and delicious cuisine are the main reasons to visit this jewel of the Dominican Republic . But what truly wins over tourists are, without a doubt, its all-inclusive resorts .

In this new edition of Expan Experience , Bárbara Díaz , travel advisor for North America, Central America and the Caribbean , tells us the details of her most recent trip to Punta Cana , where she visited the facilities of some of the best hotels and resorts in Playa Bávaro , such as the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort & Spa , Iberostar JOIA Bávaro and many more.

DATE 2025 in Punta Cana

Within the framework of the DATE 2025 fair ( Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange ), one of the most important showcases of Caribbean tourism , a special trip was carried out that allowed to meet, talk and connect with the best of the hotel offer of the Dominican Republic .

Delegations of tourism providers traveled from different corners of the continent, including representatives focused on the Chilean market , to immerse themselves in the Caribbean experience , from the simplest hotels to the most exclusive resorts .

" If there's one thing that became clear after this tour of Punta Cana and Miches , it's that the Dominican Republic has it all: options for tight budgets , adults-only hotels , family alternatives with water parks , and luxury resorts amidst picture-postcard landscapes ."

From three stars to premium experiences

The trip began with a visit to the Hotel Vista Sol , a superior three-star option that pleasantly surprised.

" Ideal for those traveling on a tighter budget but seeking Caribbean charm . Its strength lies in its commitment to beach care and environmental cleanliness . Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive spa , adding an extra touch to the experience ."

The route continued with a key stop: the Princess hotel chain. Here you can choose between family-friendly options or adults-only resorts , such as the Punta Cana Princess . Within this chain, the Tropical Deluxe and the Caribe Deluxe stand out as excellent family choices .

The superior Family Club category is ideal for large groups : spacious rooms , a spectacular water park , an incredible beach , and golf cart service for exploring this expansive resort . The Princess offering shines for its balance of infrastructure, entertainment, and service .

Another Dominican classic is Iberostar Waves , with its complex that includes different categories such as Punta Cana and Dominicana , in addition to the Iberostar Selection Bávaro and the exclusive adults-only JOIA .

" This chain enjoys great popularity in Chile , and it's no coincidence: its all-inclusive offering is truly comprehensive. It also stands out for its commitment to sustainability : they have eliminated the use of plastic bottles and only use glass , in line with an ecological and modern vision ."

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort & Spa, a must-see

Another memorable experience was our stay at the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort & Spa . A giant hotel with a water park , expansive beaches , a top-notch spa area , and new family sections on the way.

" Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort & Spa is ideal for those planning long stays and wanting to make the most of the facilities. This resort impresses with its architecture , attention to detail , and commitment to guest well-being ."

Furthermore, this Lopesan resort will soon have a new opening in its complex, which will feature family rooms , thus becoming an option for both couples and families .

Uvero Alto and Cap Cana are worth it

Further north, in Uvero Alto , a new hotel star has emerged: the Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana . Compact, family-friendly, and featuring a water park , this hotel is an excellent alternative , boasting golden sand and deeper blue waters . It's an attractive, well-designed property with great potential .

In Cap Cana , one of the most exclusive areas, we find Dreams Cap Cana : " This family resort stands out for its excellent beach , spacious villas , and Preferred Club service , an ideal option for families seeking a superior level of experience . Its personalized attention and tranquil surroundings make it one of the most highly recommended ."

Miches: A jewel in progress near Punta Cana

About two hours by car from Punta Cana airport , you can reach Miches , a tourist destination very close to Bávaro . Promoted by the Dominican government , this destination is growing rapidly and promises to become the next big hotel boom on Playa Esmeralda .

" In this area, Emerald Beach dazzles with its sea color and extensive coastline, where we highlight the preservation of sea turtles in certain sectors ."

The main attractions in Miches are the Inclusive Collection hotels, part of World of Hyatt , which will soon open two resorts : the family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda and the adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda , which will feature an adults-only Preferred section, a hotel within the hotel . Both hotels share adult-only amenities .

" An excellent idea is to combine your stay in Miches with a few nights in Punta Cana , to enjoy the best of both destinations. While you can take excursions between them , the distance to Miches makes splitting your stay more convenient than going and returning in a single day ."

Hotels under development: what's coming to Miches

Currently under construction, the Zemi by Hilton is preparing to open its doors at the end of June. Its initial offering will be the adults-only section , while the family area, including a water park , will open later.

" It will be a full five-star resort , with villas , à la carte restaurants , and a white sand beach next to a mangrove . A modern concept that will undoubtedly be the talk of the town ."

Another giant in the area is Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda , designed for a very specific profile: active families and guests looking for activities throughout the day .

" With adults-only areas and an endless array of entertainment options , including yoga classes, snorkeling , paddleboarding , zip lines , ropes courses , and more, this resort invites you to enjoy an immersive stay without ever leaving the hotel. It also boasts a golden beach and unique natural areas ."

More tranquil, the Marriott Miches offers a relaxed and sophisticated style . Currently, only its adults-only section is open while the family area is being renovated. It's ideal for seniors or travelers seeking nature , peace and quiet , and a nearly pristine beach accessed by crossing a mangrove forest on a wooden bridge .

Finally, Viva Miches positions itself as a more affordable alternative, ideal for families seeking excellent value for money . With a wide range of entertainment options , it's a perfect choice for families who want to enjoy themselves without overspending.

Recommendations for traveling to Punta Cana

In all these hotels, from the simplest to the most luxurious, there is one common factor that deserves to be highlighted: the quality of service . The attention is friendly, personalized, and always delivered with a smile.

" From check-in to check-out, the staff asks if everything is okay, offers fresh water , makes sure the air conditioning is working properly, and is interested in every detail of the guest experience ."

If you're looking for a different activity outside the resorts, the Coco Bongo show is an excellent option. With a Broadway -style flair, it offers a unique experience for adults who want a different kind of night out in Punta Cana .

A key tip for travelers: always purchase travel insurance , which can cover unexpected expenses such as medical care , lost luggage , flight cancellations and other unforeseen events that may arise during your trip.

" Furthermore, it is essential to choose the right type of hotel according to the traveler's profile: if you are traveling as a couple , opt for an adults-only hotel ; if you are going with children , make sure to choose a family resort that offers activities for them ."

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