W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive
A design-forward ethos, spacious suites and a laid-back vibe mark W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, the first all-inclusive resort from Marriott’s high-end W brand. So, while there may be a mariachi band playing by the sea as evening falls, this W is a 180-degree departure from the big-city party entertainment style of its sister properties. The focus here is on “approachable luxury,” bringing like-minded people together at points throughout the day so they can easily open conversations and enhance connections over shared activities and a handcrafted cocktail or two.
Located in Punta Cana’s upscale Uvero Alto neighborhood, facing the Atlantic, this resort gets the winds and waves blowing in off the sea. You can close your eyes and imagine you are sailing. But the grounds are lush and beautiful, and accommodations are large and airy. Indeed, the hotel claims its rooms, which start at 700 square feet, are the biggest in the Dominican Republic. Many have private plunge pools and terraces.
The food is an eclectic menu of international cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, with touches of Caribbean flavor, served by the sea, on the rooftop, in the central square and even in a hidden speakeasy.
Even during spring break, the noise here comes mainly from the whoosh of the trade winds and the roar of the waves. The beach is long and private, with plenty of seats and umbrellas. If the waves are high or you prefer to leave the sand behind, there’s a long and inviting infinity pool above the sea, or the Chill Pool behind the shrubbery beyond it.
- Like the luxury hotel itself, the food options at the W Punta Cana aim for something sophisticated and remarkable. Instead of a buffet, there’s an expansive food hall with a half-dozen manned stations offering roasted meats, pastas, Mexican choices, Asian options and desserts, all a cut above. Try the huevos rancheros station, where a server creates a light version of the Mexican specialty in a delicate sauce just for you.
- Even indoors you can relax in the Caribbean sunshine, in a warm pool open to the sky inside the spa. While you’re there, try the multi-jetted pool, steam room, salt room or sauna. There’s also a lovely Celebration Room meant for bridal parties, but also often used for small group events.
- All the ground-floor rooms have swim-ups or private pools that open into the central courtyard. The ocean-view balcony rooms come with an external shower. There’s no better way to start the day than bathed in refreshing sea air.
- Don’t miss the chance to connect. In the complimentary crafting classes, chat while making amber jewelry to take home. And in the evening, try karaoke, head to the cigar bar, listen to light music in the courtyard or stop by the speakeasy for dancing to a faster beat. It is a friendly crowd of largely well-traveled experience seekers.
- The trade winds often sweep through Punta Cana in March and April, pushing the waves and the sand in ways that make swimming in the sea and sitting on the beach a bit of a challenge. But if you are looking for peace and quiet during spring break, this is the place to be. The balcony rooms are especially appealing when the winds are blowing, if you like to sit outside and listen to the sea.
- W Punta Cana’s food always tastes fresh. Try the grilled red snapper on coconut rice at Taman Beach Club by the sea for lunch. Get fresh sushi as the sun sets over the mountains at Satsuma Rooftop raw bar. And do not miss the fried chicken and pork belly (with an extraordinary rice pudding for dessert) at the Noodle Bar. The Punta Cana hotel is working on extending its vegan and gluten-free options as well.
- The oceanfront rooms are a bit of a walk from the restaurants but worth it. Thatch-covered walkways and umbrellas offer protection from the sun and rain, and the gardens that surround them are lush and beautiful.
24-hour room service 
Adults Only
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Gym
Meeting rooms
Nightclub
Outdoor pool
Pickleball
Restaurants
Spa
