Why make a reservation?
Located in a turquoise oasis, Paradisus Palma Real definitely makes the most of its tranquil surroundings.
set the scene
An upscale luxury hotel located on the pristine beauty of Bavaro Beach, Paradisus Hotel understands the Punta Cana vibe. Feel the sea breeze, feel the sun melting on your skin as you walk outside, and feel the Caribbean Sea sparkling in the distance as you enter the lobby. Unlike most resorts in the area, it boasts lush ocean views. From there, I walk through gardens dotted with emerald shrubs, listen to the morning choir of vervain hummingbirds sing their eternally upbeat tunes, and head to my room, where I drop off my overstuffed luggage, breathe a sigh of relief, and gaze out at the unreal blue ocean.
inside story
This much-loved hotel was built in 2010 and wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but it underwent renovations in 2022 and has become a shining staple in Punta Cana. A cool, lively and bright space for couples and honeymooners, it clearly stands out among the four Paradisius hotels in the area.
room
A blindingly white palette that squints in the sun, Paradisus’ look is a mix of colonial and tropical fun. The sparkling pool water reflects off tall white columns, Spanish tiles, and cobblestone paths that lead to hidden gardens. But when it comes to rooms, I’ve seen more color in black and white movies. The suite is a calming space defined by neutral tones, incredibly elegant yet surprisingly empty. Polished marble floors, wooden bed frames, gray curtains, carpets, and bright bed sheets can add character to your space.
Eating and drinking
Expect a sumptuous dining scene at the à la carte restaurant, although there is a fee. Breakfast and lunch are served on a first-come, first-served basis, but the dinner spot, which requires reservations, has an even more upscale feel. As the sun sets into the evening, visitors trade their damp, sandy beachwear for floral dresses and white linen suits as chefs bring international cuisine to the table, adding a Caribbean twist to traditional dishes. One night, I settled down at a table by the water in Santé and drank a glass of Cab Sauv as the sun set. Afterwards, I had a plate of lobster ravioli with a rich white wine sauce. The dish was so delicious that it almost distracted us from the spectacular stars appearing above the crashing waves of Crepuscule.
spa
Much like the atmosphere of Punta Cana, this spa is almost completely secluded, surrounded by forest nature, with a Zen-like tranquility. The team of experts emphasizes fluid acupressure techniques over deep tissue massage, and the treatments and décor seem to be inspired by Southeast Asian spas. There was no pain or initial stiffness that is common with resort massages, and I finished the Thai massage feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Afterward, we soaked in the soothing hot tub under glowing candles at the entrance to the spa.
neighborhood
The hotel is located behind a famous golf course, miles from civilization. It is perfectly located for visitors who come here just to enjoy the sunshine and complete solitude. Here, you won’t be disturbed by car horns or annoying phone calls, only the splashing of the pool, the waves crashing on the sand, the symphonic chirping of birds, the palm trees dancing slowly in the breeze, the clink of wine glasses against the parchment white walls, and the spontaneous poetic melodies of a 40-person holiday sound orchestra.
accessibility
All rooms are wheelchair accessible.
