Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, Punta Cana DR
We recently returned from an amazing stay at the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, we were dropped off at the Bahia Principe Fantasia Lobby, where we were then transported by trolley to the Luxury Esmeralda Lobby. There, we were warmly greeted and checked in by Jose, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming with his kind smile.
Since we arrived earlier than expected, Jose kindly offered to give us a tour of the resort and even helped us set up the Wi-Fi on our phones. He also recommended downloading the Bahia Principe Hotels App to make dinner reservations and stay updated on daily activities, restaurant info, spa services, and more. During the tour, Jose pointed out the restaurants, where to get beach towels, and the sports bar—perfect for us since there were a few games from home we didn't want to miss. By the time the tour ended, our rooms were ready.
We had booked two Junior Suite Deluxe rooms for ourselves and our 17-year-old boys. We were thrilled to find the rooms were located close to each other. Both suites were beautifully appointed, overlooking the pool with a partial view of the ocean—an ideal setting to relax on the balcony with a book. Although the room faced the pool, it remained quiet and peaceful.
Each room featured a king-sized canopy bed and a pull-out couch, along with a spacious and modern bathroom. The bathroom included a double-sink vanity, a large jacuzzi tub, a separate shower, and a private enclosed toilet. We always had plenty of towels and toiletries, and the resort thoughtfully provided extras like a hair dryer, toothbrushes, robes, slippers, an umbrella, ironing board, and in-room safe. Housekeeping did an excellent job cleaning our rooms daily, and overall, the staff work tirelessly to keep the resort clean and beautiful.
The Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda is perfectly located on Bávaro Beach, offering breathtaking views of turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and swaying palm trees. The beach stretches for miles and is perfect for a long walk to enjoy the natural beauty. The ocean was calm and warm—ideal for a refreshing swim. We always look forward to beach time on vacation, and this beach did not disappoint.
Dining Experience
The food at the resort was excellent. Some of our favorite restaurants included:
Casa Bella (Italian): Delicious minestrone soup, Bufalina pizza, Spaghetti Amatriciana, and an unforgettable tiramisu. Our server Fernando was attentive and made sure our drinks were always full.
Yurta (Mongolian): Guests pick their choice of protein, vegetables, rice or noodles, sauces, and spices, which are then stir-fried to perfection. It was a fun and tasty experience.
Rodizio (Brazilian Steakhouse): Endless servings of perfectly cooked meats. We wish we had discovered it earlier in our trip! Our server Carlos was friendly and attentive.
El Taino (Dominican Cuisine): The crispy fried slices and mixed ceviche were perfect starters. The grilled skirt steak was the family favorite—juicy, tender, and full of flavor. We loved this place so much, we returned for another meal. Shoutout to Luis, Carlos, and Robert, who went above and beyond.
For breakfast, we enjoyed the Main Restaurant Caney Buffet, where we could sit indoors with A/C or outside. The omelets made by Ramil were outstanding—he could make anything we requested. The breakfast staff were very attentive, especially Mariboy, who kept our coffee flowing, and Breily, who made sure we stayed hydrated.
Activities & Entertainment
We had a blast relaxing by the pool and joining in on the poolside activities. The entertainment team—especially Ezekiel and Carlos—brought so much energy and kept everyone engaged throughout the day. There were activities for all ages.
The pool bar staff, including Alberto, Carlos, Jual, and Albi, were fantastic—fast, efficient, and always smiling. Alberto, in particular, stood out with his exceptional drinks and warm personality. He always greeted us with a handshake and checked in to see if we needed anything. A true professional!
In the afternoons, we loved walking to the Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar Coffee Shop for a break from the sun. The mocha frappuccinos and petit fours were delicious, and we enjoyed the tiramisu there as well.
At night, we often wrapped up our day with drinks at the Areito Lobby Bar, where Kelvin was our favorite bartender. He was not only skilled at mixing drinks but also incredibly personable and fun—dancing, singing, and truly enjoying his job. He engaged with our whole family and made us feel welcome every time. We also learned a lot about Dominican culture from our conversations with him. The resort is lucky to have him!
Final Thoughts
Our family vacation at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda was exceptional. One of the great advantages of staying at this resort is that it's part of a larger complex, giving us access to other resorts like Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, Grand Turquesa, Grand Aquamarine (adults only), and Luxury Ambar (adults only). The only one not accessible was Fantasia. We explored several of the other resorts and enjoyed the variety they offered.
Although the resort is large, trolleys are available throughout the day to transport guests. However, we preferred walking to enjoy the surroundings.
Whether you're looking to relax, explore, meet new people, or enjoy a wide range of amenities, Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda offers something for everyone. We're already looking forward to our next visit!