From gourmet cuisine and vibrant local festivals to luxury accommodations and nature-focused tours, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is a prime destination for luxury travelers looking to combine a variety of experiences while minimizing travel time, and recent upgrades have made the hotel even more appealing.
Although I’ve traveled to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s most popular beach resort, several times, this was my first time staying at the 15,000-acre Puntacana Resort & Club, and I quickly realized the benefits of booking a room within the complex.
Related: Overview: The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
Credit: 2024 The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
Property Highlights
The first thing I noticed was the surprisingly short transfer time from the airport to the resort. The 200-room Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is just a 10-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport, and ground transportation is a breeze. Upon arriving, I began to notice the many impressive changes that have taken place over the past year or so, the result of a multi-million dollar investment by the hotel’s owner, Grupo Puntacana. Renovated rooms, two new restaurants, and a refreshed lobby are just a few of the improvements.
After checking in, I headed to Arena, a beachfront restaurant just steps from the soft white sand and turquoise waters that perfectly combines an upscale lounge atmosphere with the joy of al fresco dining. I munched on mouthwatering short rib tacos and took plenty of photos. (Parents might be interested to know that the hotel offers a Westin Eat Well Kids Menu, which aims to provide healthier options for little guests.)
Related: Best Caribbean Family Hotels with Kids Clubs
After lunch, we hopped in a golf cart and headed to Six Senses Spa, which offers stunning beach views. Unfortunately, due to a recent injury, I was unable to enjoy any spa services (this was the only disappointment of my stay). Still, I was impressed with the facility’s design, which evokes classic hacienda style, the picturesque setting, and the wide range of services. In addition to massage therapies, the spa also offers “yoga detoxes” and private guided yoga sessions. For post-spa dining, there are multiple restaurants nearby as well as a full-sized pool.
After the tour, I settled into my spacious room with a king-size bed, a large work desk, and a huge balcony overlooking the large (and never crowded) pool. I walked out onto that balcony many times during my stay, enjoying the view and taking photos.
On our first night, we experienced Bao, one of The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club’s newest restaurants, a stylish Asian fusion hotspot opening to the public in 2023. Next door, Brassa Grill is another new eatery, a contemporary steakhouse where we dined on beef and seafood the following night. Both new eateries exude an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere that complements their fantastic cuisine. For breakfast, we thoroughly enjoyed Anani, which serves buffet and à la carte dishes every morning.
Credit: 2024 The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
Activities near The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
The Westin’s location within the Punta Cana Resort & Club makes it especially easy to plan a variety of interesting outings, and you can also take advantage of two championship golf courses (Corales Golf Club and La Cana Golf & Beach Club) or take part in a variety of water sports without ever leaving the resort premises.
On my first morning, I discovered a noteworthy option for nature lovers: the Los Ojos Eco Journey, a guided tour around the resort’s sustainability center in the Ojos Indigenous Ecological Reserve, which is home to a beehive, iguana habitat, and a hawk sanctuary. After telling me about the area’s flora and fauna, our guide took us on a short walk to a series of postcard-perfect lagoons, similar to Mexico’s popular cenotes, where visitors can swim.
Credit: 2024 The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
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The timing of my visit was especially perfect, as the annual pre-Lent Carnival Punta Cana festival, organized by Grupo Punta Cana, was taking place in Punta Cana Village, just minutes from the hotel. The hotel can arrange for you to enjoy the parade in comfort, with VIP seating and snacks and beverages. The parade is accessible, uncrowded, and takes place in a family-friendly environment, making it the perfect way to experience Latin American Carnival. The colorful costumes, lively dancing, and music make it an unforgettable experience that’s worth planning your vacation for. After the parade, a festival begins nearby, with even more music and dancing.
For travelers looking for a multifaceted, luxurious Caribbean getaway, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club truly has it all.
