tourist capital Dominican RepublicPunta Cana is currently the Caribbean destination most sought after by Brazilians. It is in this tropical paradise that the Iberostar Grand Bávaro is located, an adults-only resort in Punta Cana, all-inclusive five stars, which we had the pleasure of meeting. So, come and be enchanted with us!
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Adults-only resort in Punta Cana
Location
Located 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, the luxury hotel in the Dominican Republic is located on Arena Gorda beach, a region north of Bávaro Beach, and is part of the Punta Cana Hotel Zone. To get there, you can take a taxi (US$50) or hire the services of one of the transfer companies located in the airport lobby. We used Iberoservice, from the Iberostar Group, which costs US$17 per person.
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First impression remains
As soon as we arrive at the adults-only resort in Punta Cana, we are greeted by a friendly staff member who offers us a cold, damp towel. A beautiful way to welcome! After all, temperatures always hover around 30º C. Upon entering the imposing hall, we feel not only the warm breeze coming from the Caribbean Sea, but also an intoxicating aroma of flowers that makes us sure that wonderful days are to come. . In fact, this delicious smell is a characteristic of the entire Iberostar Hotel & Resorts network.
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No check-inattentive staff give us the resorts signature bracelet all-inclusive and we are now offered a glass of sparkling wine or, if you prefer, a piña colada. Cheers!
Structure
The Iberostar Grand Bávaro, an adults-only resort in Punta Cana, is part of the Iberostar Playa Bávaro Complex, which also has three other five-star hotels: Iberostar Bávaro, Iberostar Dominicana and Iberostar Punta Cana. It is the most luxurious among the four resorts in the complex and also the most private. The main building has Greco-Roman style architecture, in a “U” shape, and houses the rooms, restaurants and shops.
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Those who stay at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro, for example, can use the entire structure of the other three hotels in the complex. Therefore, to get from one place to another, just request an electric cart and a driver will take you. There are 274 suites in the same category with the option of one king size bed or two queen size beds. The difference between them is the location, which can overlook the garden, pool, lake or sea.
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My suite, for example, had a view of the garden. With 47m², it comfortably accommodates a couple. Right at the entrance is an anteroom that has a closet with hangers, bathrobes, slippers, iron and ironing board and electronic safe. In addition, there is also a coffee maker, coffee, tea, bar, some snacks and a minibar with several drinks that are replenished daily.
My room
In the bedroom, a cama king size very comfortable, 42” TV, work table with two chairs, one chaise, telephone and alarm clock. The decor is sophisticated, in sober tones and with classic wooden furniture. The all-marble bathroom had a bathtub overlooking the garden, double sink, hairdryer and a very powerful shower. Amenities include products from the English brand Gilchrist & Soames, as well as combs, cotton swabs, nail files, cotton wool and a sewing kit. On the balcony, a table, a sofa and a retractable clothes dryer.
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Among the facilities offered are, for example, personalized concierge and butler services. Therefore, they include restaurant reservations, turndown, pillow menu and preparation of the bathtub with rose petals and champagne. In fact, if the guest finds it more comfortable, meals can also be served in the room.
The beach
The Iberostar Grand Bávaro is located on Arena Gorda, a beach with extremely fine, white sand. In other words, an invitation to dive into the turquoise sea. The water is the perfect temperature, not too cold and not too hot. As there is a high incidence of algae, it is normal to find them in the sandy area close to the sea. But for the comfort of guests, every morning employees pass by with small tractors collecting the algae so that the sand is cleaner. The beach structure has tents, chairs and towels, as well as waiters to serve drinks.
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Gastronomy
All food and drinks are included in the daily rate. The main restaurant is Bella Vista, a buffet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with traditional Dominican cuisine and many international options. At the adults-only resort in Punta Cana, there is also a wide selection of seafood. During the day, guests can also serve themselves at the two restaurants by the pool.
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For dinner, the resort also has five à la carte restaurants that are located next to each other, facing the lake. The first night we went to Hashira, a Japanese show-cooking where the food is prepared by a chef at our own table. I also visited Casa de La Playa, a very cozy restaurant that serves Mediterranean food. Additionally, there is the Italian La Tentazione and El Galeon, which serves meat and seafood.
Favorite restaurant
But what I liked most was certainly Le Tourbillon, a very intimate gourmet restaurant, with a French feel. The decor is charming in itself, with several clocks on the ceiling, floor and chairs. Reservations are required at all à la carte restaurants.
In addition to the restaurants, the Iberostar Grand Bávaro has five bars, including the Cala Esmeralda boat, which is a life-size replica of a Spanish galleon. It is one of the main points of the resort and is located on the lake. Cala Esmeralda is a very fun place, with music, lively waiters, karaoke and open from 6:30 pm until 1 am.
Guests at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro can also choose to dine in the bars and restaurants of the other three hotels in the complex. In total, there are 12 restaurants and 13 bars. There’s no shortage of delicious options.
Activities
There are several activities available at the hotel. Between pool games, stand-up paddle lessons, surfing, diving, parasailing, tennis courts, beach volleyball, archery… For those who don’t give up on keeping in shape, the resort also has a gym with a view to the sea and with modern appliances. And if you prefer to do your activities in a real gym, the Iberostar Playa Bávaro Complex offers Fit & Fun, a space with weight training, spinning and scheduled classes.
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The complex also has an 18-hole golf course, theater, snack bar with live music, nightclub and casino. In addition, there are also three swimming pools that face the beach. Two of them are lake style, with a wet bar. If you prefer, guests can choose between wet loungers, chairs in the sun or even cabins with comfortable beds.
Next door, there are two restaurants: one for quick snacks such as burgers, Mexican food and grilled seafood and another buffet style that serves meals until 4pm.
Spa Sensations
In addition, the adults-only resort in Punta Cana offers a full spa service, with treatments for the body, face and even Day Spa options. Massages range from 50 to 80 minutes and cost from US$130. my choice was Ayur Balancing, an Indian technique where the therapist uses her hands, fingers, elbows, wrists and forearms to massage our body. I left completely relaxed and renewed. I loved!
Star Prestige
This is a completely exclusive service. For an additional fee per night (from US$125), guests have some privileges, such as access to the exclusive lounge with different drinks, other snack options and a wine list at dinner. It also includes upgraded accommodation, early check-in and late check-out. In addition to access to the Beach Club, there is an exclusive area on the beach with cabanas, sun loungers and its own bar.
I loved getting to know the entire structure of the Iberostar Playa Bávaro Complex and the perks of the Iberostar Grand Bávaro. I will certainly be back! And if I were you, I would make your reservation now. I’m sure you won’t regret it. Then tell us what you think!
Reporter Mariane Serra traveled at the invitation of Iberostar.
By Mariane Serra, from @viajar.eh.food,
