Why make a reservation?
At Punta Cana’s lush Uvero Alto, you can rest assured that everything from the rooms to the food to the experience is organized to high standards.
set the scene
I have been to an all-inclusive resort twice in my life. The first time was on a family vacation when my palates were too young, and the second time was during spring break in college when I was old enough to know more. When we think of all-inclusive concepts, predictable color stories come to mind: white sand beaches, green palm trees, blue pools, yellow piña coladas. However, I understand that all-inclusives have made a comeback in recent years, appealing to travelers (like me) who come back from vacation saying they need a break. We seem exhausted and need someone as respectable as Marriott to teach us how to relax. In this way, I ended up spending three days at W Punta Cana in September, almost side by side.
The hour-long drive from Punta Cana International Airport was a line of walled resorts, but the resort’s entrance, emblazoned with its trademark “W,” had a decidedly open and particularly chic feel. Green plants spread out from the high wood-framed ceiling, water cascaded down like rain from a towering waterfall, and the grounds seemed to unfold through an airy tunnel. When I arrived, the resort was only at about 25% capacity, but I had a general view of the adults-only land. A businessman, a couple, and a group of friends, probably in their 30s.
The friendly front desk staff encouraged me to download the Marriott Experience app. From the app, I was able to view restaurant options, access a map of the resort, and check out a daily program that included everything from Tabata HIIT workouts to Dominican cacao tastings. I immediately relaxed on the WET deck, which features an 80-foot infinity pool that mirrors the Atlantic coastline.
inside story
This is W Hotels’ first foray into the all-inclusive world. Construction began on the site in 2023, and the resort officially opened in June of this year. Designed by architect Pino Violante of Zanobia Arquitectura, this minimalist structure is horseshoe-shaped and exudes a communal feel, but also has pockets for more private moments, including a palm-shaded chill pool (where you can listen to lo-fi music or request a spritz from the swim-up bar). The surrounding nature is highlighted by a blue reflecting pond and an elevated boardwalk that protects native flora. Natural materials, such as Caballero white marble from the north coast, are used throughout the property, giving it a sandy, neutral look. I was intrigued by the pyramid-like structures dotted around the site and was pleased to learn that they serve a sustainable purpose by concealing a network of energy-efficient service routes.
room
W Punta Cana has the Dominican Republic’s largest selection of entry-level guest rooms, each measuring 700 square feet with bathtubs and king-sized beds. Beyond the standard amenities, you can choose from rooms with everything from private plunge pools and ocean views to outdoor showers and direct beach access.
I was lucky enough to stay in a two-bedroom Oasis Suite and it was so spacious that I counted the number of steps I took from one point to another. The neutral decor, from brown midcentury modern cabinetry to smooth slate floors, was accented by rugs and decorative pillows with pops of red, orange, and blue. The design was certainly understated, but there was a touch of whimsy in the bulbous light fixtures and swirling contemporary artwork. The suite featured a family-style dining table, kitchenette, huge sectional sofa, and best of all, a terrace with a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. However, I will say that not all the views were perfect. One of the bedrooms faced a somewhat undeveloped property, which the resort calls a “tropical view.” The W Hotel team says that as vegetation continues to grow, the site will eventually be covered with a green canopy.
Eating and drinking
Perhaps the easiest way to differentiate a run-of-the-mill all-inclusive from a high-end all-inclusive is the food and beverage options. I was curious to know if the dishes would be reheatable and a buffet style offering repackaged into a selection menu. But the flavors were actually made to order and everything came out piping hot (except for the fresh ceviche of course). From the five-course Caribbean meal at Scena to the nori tempura at Noodle Bar, I was impressed by the attention to detail (think ingredients like hand-fermented hibiscus flowers and seaweed-infused butter) and the fact that each of the four restaurants I tried had their own cocktail menus.
There are 12 eateries on site (although not all were open when I visited). I would say that the dishes I tasted were bold and experimental. Therefore, sometimes there are hits and sometimes there are losses. There were moments when I wanted to go for something simpler, without foam or emulsion. Dishes like the perfectly executed Dominican fried chicken and plantains served at Colmadito Night at The Plaza really hit the spot. As someone who is adamant about avoiding food waste, I was happy to see that the portions were reasonable, far from the excesses that usually come with all-inclusives. Perhaps my favorite feature, and the most luxurious, was the 24-hour in-room dining menu. It was so nice to order fresh fish for lunch when I didn’t want to leave my room, or a plate of saucy chicken fingers when I got hungry between meals.
spa
The two-story, 4,000-square-foot Away Spa features 10 treatment rooms, several pools (including a heated pool and cold plunge), a beauty salon, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and a fully equipped 24-hour gym. Hydrotherapy experiences are included with all treatments, but these are not included in the all-inclusive package. Treatments, from bodywork to facials, feature local products such as turmeric, arnica, and single-pressed moringa seed oil, often referred to as the island’s “miracle oil.”
I chose the Herbal Healing Body and Face Treatment. This includes an exfoliation session, deep-tissue massage with moringa oil, and an express facial. I appreciated how flexible the spa menu was with add-ons, making it easy to supplement with facial extractions. Before my treatment, I enjoyed some time in the sauna and steam room. Then, one of the lovely spa assistants taught me a boot camp style session where I was in a cold pool and then a hot pool for 40 seconds in a row. This whole experience was the highlight of my stay and I left the spa feeling somehow relaxed and rejuvenated.
Neighborhood/area
The Uvero Alto area is a more secluded area of Punta Cana, known for its laid-back beaches. With the Cordillera Mountains rising in the background, you can take part in a variety of outdoor excursions. Reservations can be made through the resort’s Adventure Center. These include everything from mountain buggy rides and cenote diving to private sails and visits to national parks, all within a 45-minute drive. Private tours can also be booked through the hotel’s agents and offer a snapshot of Dominican culture, including tasting mamajuana at a nearby ranch.
service
There was always someone there to hand me a towel if I sat on a sun lounger or point me in the right direction if I looked lost walking around the resort. I could tell the staff were excited to be a part of this new venture, and the spirit was contagious as I interacted with many of them, from the barista who memorized my coffee order at the Outpost Cafe to the publicist who performed magic tricks by the pool with playing cards. I was assigned a “personal butler” (a service provided when booking a Supreme or Oasis suite) who helped me with anything I needed via WhatsApp, from making dinner reservations to delivering the kettle after dinner. It seemed almost ridiculous to need an assistant at a resort where meal times and activities were already scheduled in the app, but I won’t lie. I enjoyed it when Algenis seriously asked how I felt and acted in a way that suggested he actually cared. That made the experience more personal.
Eco initiatives
As mentioned above, this property has been designed to take full advantage of the environment, including sea breezes and natural light. It utilizes a solar power system, natural ventilation and rooftop insulation using local gravel. Maintaining a natural landscape is low-maintenance and reduces water usage.
accessibility
There is an elevator throughout the property and it is wheelchair accessible. Six room styles are fully ADA compliant and four accommodate the hearing impaired.
Is there anything worth mentioning?
At the time of our visit, there was one unopened guest room building scheduled for completion in October. Like many beaches in the Caribbean and Mexico, this beach has been plagued by sargassum problems, which are expected to clear up once hurricane season ends in November.
