Grand Bávaro Princess, Punta Cana Review
We had a fantastic family vacation at the Grand Bavaro Princess in Punta Cana. Although we have previously stayed at Princess resorts in other countries, this was our first experience at a Princess resort in Punta Cana. Upon our arrival, we proceeded to the check-in desk, where we were warmly greeted by Yhosmarlin. Her friendliness made a wonderful first impression of the hotel's hospitality. It was evident that she genuinely enjoyed her job at the Grand Bavaro Princess. She escorted us to the check-in suite, offering us ice-cold champagne and beverages. Yhosmarlin went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. After completing the check-in process, we were treated to refreshing welcome drinks served in fresh coconuts with fresh fruit and a fun umbrella. The sweet welcome drink was both delightful and refreshing.
Our room was ready early, and we were taken to the two side-by-side rooms we had requested, which was perfect for traveling with teenagers. We were given a bungalow suite with a garden view, and the rooms were lovely. One room had a king bed, while the second room had two twin beds and a pull-out couch for our teens. Both rooms had plenty of pillows and extra blankets. We absolutely loved the modern and spacious bathroom, which was always well-stocked with towels and washcloths. The hotel was exceptionally clean, with staff working diligently every day to keep the resort looking its best for guests like us. Housekeeping always left our room immaculate and beautiful.
The grounds at the Grand Bavaro Princess are absolutely stunning and meticulously maintained by the staff. We enjoyed the beautiful flowers and diverse wildlife. The Paseo Ecological, an eco-friendly walk, was a highlight, featuring animals such as peacocks, turtles, ducks, birds, and guinea pigs. We saw peacocks every day, adding to the charm of the resort. Additionally, there were many daily activities to participate in. We particularly enjoyed playing BINGO and were thrilled to win a bottle of rum and a bottle of MamaJuana.
Every day we enjoyed delicious food, starting with breakfast at the La Hispaniola buffet. For lunch, we frequented the Buffet Restaurant Trapiche and the beachside food trucks. We typically prefer dining at the restaurants over the buffet for dinner, and each night we had an amazing experience at different venues. Our favorite was La Hacienda Restaurant, the Mexican restaurant, where we savored the authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and unique murals, including a giant set of wings for photos.
We also loved Foccacia Pizzeria, where the food was incredible and the service from our waiter, Walter, was exceptional. He ensured our drinks were always filled, offered extra breadsticks, and served our dinner promptly. The lasagna was absolutely unbelievable!
Another highlight was Tanuki, the Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. Our chef did a fantastic job preparing our meal, and the food was delicious, especially the fresh spring rolls. Our teenage boys particularly enjoyed IL Tartufo Trattoria, the outstanding Italian restaurant. We loved it so much that we dined there twice, appreciating the incredible food and relaxing atmosphere. The Tiramisu, a special dessert one night, was my absolute favorite.
During our vacation, we made visiting Cappuccino a part of our daily routine. This charming café offers a wide variety of petit fours, cookies, crepes and other sweet treats. We especially looked forward to their delicious frozen mocha frappuccinos. Situated amidst beautiful gardens, Cappuccino provides a lovely setting where you can watch peacocks and ducks roaming around. It was always a pleasure to be served by Borys, a genuinely friendly staff member who clearly enjoys his job and interacting with guests. He always greeted us with a smile.
The Rebels snack bar, located near the lobby, is a 24-hour sports bar where you can order food and drinks. Our family enjoyed spending evenings there, playing pool on their two tables and enjoying the various arcade games. We also had a great time watching the guest karaoke nights, where some guests showcased impressive talent!
We enjoyed Bavaro Beach and were captivated by its breathtaking beauty. The white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, where you can see all the way down to your feet, are simply stunning. The warm water invites you to walk right in. Bavaro Beach is one of our favorites because you can walk for miles in either direction and feel completely safe. Most days, we took long walks on the beach. Just remember to apply sunblock beforehand and bring a bottle of water if you plan on walking for a while. The scenery is so beautiful that you'll want to keep exploring all the beach has to offer.
There are many local shops along the beach. Some shop owners may ask if you'd like to visit, but we didn't find them pushy. A polite “No, thank you” is enough for them to move on. One day, we walked quite far to the right and saw a cool-looking pirate ship.
We had no trouble finding beach chairs and usually sat between the beach bar and the kids' club. There were always plenty of chairs available, even for our party of five. The beach bar was very convenient, and the staff worked hard to make everyone their drinks. I especially enjoyed the incredible margaritas they made. They also had bottled water available, which was nice to have on hand.
The team at the Grand Bavaro Princess is hardworking and dedicated, clearly enjoying their jobs. We encountered many wonderful staff members and guests who were genuinely happy to be part of or staying at this resort. As a family of five, including teenagers aged 18 and 16, we were regular guests, not Platinum members, and we had an incredible vacation. We highly recommend the Grand Bavaro Princess to everyone and will definitely be returning to this wonderful resort!
We visited the Grand Bavaro Princess April 13-20, 2024.