Why ebook?
To settle with ease on Punta Cana’s lush Uvero Alto, understanding that all the things—rooms, eating, experiences—can be sorted beneath excessive requirements.
Set the scene
I’ve been to an all-inclusive resort twice in my life—as soon as, on a household trip once I was too younger to have a palate, and once more, throughout school spring break, once I was sufficiently old to know higher. When I take into consideration the idea of an all-inclusive, a predictable shade story involves thoughts: white sand seashore, inexperienced palm tree, blue pool, yellow piña colada. But I perceive that all-inclusives have skilled a resurgence these previous few years, interesting to vacationers (like myself) who often come again from a trip saying they want a trip from their trip. We’re burnt out, it appears, and we would like a good entity just like the Marriott to inform us chill. And that’s how I ended up, largely horizontal, on the W Punta Cana for 3 days in September.
The one-hour drive from Punta Cana International Airport was a procession of walled-in resorts, however there was one thing decidedly open—and particularly stylish—concerning the entrance to this one, emblazoned with that trademark “W.” Green vegetation unfurled from excessive, wood-crated ceilings, water trickled down like rain from a towering waterfall, and the property appeared to unfold by way of ethereal tunnels. Though the resort was solely at about 25% capability once I arrived, I may see the final lay of the adults-only land: business-y sorts, married {couples}, and a bunch of pals, presumably of their 30s.
The pleasant entrance desk employees prompted me to obtain the Marriott Experiences app, from which I may view eating choices, entry a map of the resort, and take a look at day by day programming, which included all the things from Tabata HIIT exercises to Dominican cacao tastings. I promptly made myself at house on the WET Deck, which featured a 260-foot infinity pool mirroring the Atlantic shoreline.
The backstory
This is the W Hotel’s first foray into the world of all-inclusives. Construction started on the location in 2023, and the resort formally opened its doorways in June of this yr. The minimalist construction, designed by architect Pino Violante of Zanobia Arquitectura, is horseshoe-shaped, which supplies it a communal really feel, however there are pockets that decision for extra personal moments as nicely, just like the palm-shaded Chill Pool (the place you’ll be able to hearken to lo-fi music and request a spritz from the swim-up bar). The pure environment are highlighted by means of blue reflection ponds and elevated strolling paths that protect the endemic vegetation. Native supplies, like Caballero white marble from the north coast, run all through the property, giving it a sandy, impartial look. I used to be curious concerning the pyramid-like buildings that dot the premises, and was happy to find that they serve a sustainable function: concealing a community of service pathways that improve power effectivity.
The rooms
The W Punta Cana boasts a number of the largest entry-level rooms within the Dominican Republic, every measuring 700 sq. toes and that includes a tub and king-size mattress. Beyond the usual choices, you’ll be able to go for rooms with all the things from personal plunge swimming pools and ocean views to out of doors showers and direct seashore entry.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to remain in a two-bedroom Oasis Suite, which was so huge I did numbers on my step rely getting from one level to a different. Neutral interiors—from the brown, midcentury-modern cabinetry to the smooth slate flooring—have been accented by rugs and ornamental pillows that got here in pops of crimson, orange, and blue. While the design was definitely understated, there was a contact of caprice within the bulbous lighting fixtures and swirly, modern artwork items. The suite got here outfitted with a family-style eating desk, kitchenette, huge sectional sofa, and—better of all—a terrace that includes a non-public infinity pool that appeared out into the ocean. I’ll say, although, that not each view was excellent: One of the bedrooms confronted a plot of considerably undeveloped land—what the resort refers to because the “Tropical View.” According to the crew at W Hotels, this can finally get lined with a cover of inexperienced as vegetation continues to develop.
Food and drink
Perhaps the best option to distinguish a run-of-the-mill all-inclusive from a luxurious one is the meals and beverage choices. I used to be curious to see whether or not or not the dishes have been going to be reheatable, buffet-esque choices repackaged on a range menu. But they tasted, actually, made-to-order, and all popping out piping sizzling (aside from the recent ceviche, after all). From my five-course Caribbean meal at Scena to the nori tempura bites at Noodle Bar, I used to be impressed by the eye to element (suppose components like hand-fermented hibiscus flowers and seaweed-infused butters) and the truth that every of the 4 eating places I attempted had a definite cocktail menu.
There are 12 food and drinks outposts on the property (although not all have been open once I visited). I might describe the delicacies I tasted as daring and experimental, and as such, typically you’ll get hits and typically you’ll get misses. There have been moments once I most popular to forego the foams and emulsions for one thing a lot easier, and dishes just like the done-to-perfection Dominican fried hen and plantains served on “Colmadito Night” at The Plaza actually hit the spot. As somebody who’s adamant about avoiding meals waste, I used to be happy to see that parts have been cheap, a far cry from the surplus usually related to all-inclusives. Perhaps my favourite function—and essentially the most luxurious, may I add—was the 24-hour in-room eating menu. It was a delight to order recent fish for lunch once I didn’t really feel like leaving my room, or a cheeky plate of hen fingers once I was hungry in between meals.
The spa
The two-story, 4,000-square-foot Away Spa options 10 remedy rooms, a number of swimming pools (together with sizzling swimming pools and chilly plunges), a magnificence salon, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and a fully-equipped, 24-hour fitness center. Hydrotherapy experiences are included with all remedies, although these usually are not a part of the all-inclusive bundle. The remedies, which vary from physique work to facials, make use of native merchandise together with turmeric, arnica, and the single-pressed moringa seed oil, typically referred to on the island as “miracle oil.”
I opted for the Herbal Healing Body and Face remedy, which concerned an exfoliation session, a deep-tissue therapeutic massage that includes the moringa oil, and an specific facial. I appreciated how the spa menu was versatile with add-ons, and I used to be capable of simply complement my facial with extractions. Before my remedy, I had a enjoyable time participating with the sauna and steam rooms, and one of many pretty spa assistants talked me right into a boot camp-style session of 40-second back-to-back intervals in the hot and cold swimming pools. The total expertise was the spotlight of my keep, and I left the spa someway feeling each relaxed and energized.
The neighborhood/space
The Uvero Alto area is a extra secluded stretch of Punta Cana, well-known for its laid-back seashores. With the Cordillera Mountains looming within the background, there are many out of doors excursions to embark upon, which you’ll be able to ebook by the resort’s Adventure Center. These embrace all the things from mountain buggy rides and cenote dives to non-public sails and visits to nationwide parks—all inside a 45-minute drive. There are additionally personal excursions bookable by way of the resort’s brokers that provide a snapshot of Dominican tradition, like mamajuana tastings at a close-by ranch.
The service
There was at all times somebody there at hand me a towel once I sat down on a solar lounger or level me in the best path at any time when I appeared misplaced strolling by the resort. You may inform the employees have been excited to be part of this new enterprise, and I interacted with various staff—from the barista who remembered my espresso order on the Outpost Café to the hype man performing poolside magic tips with a deck of playing cards—whose spirit was contagious. I used to be assigned a “personal butler” (a service supplied when reserving Supreme or Oasis suites) who was capable of help me by way of WhatsApp with something I wanted, from dinner reservations to the supply of a sizzling water kettle after dinner. It appeared virtually foolish to want an assistant at a resort the place meal occasions and actions are already scheduled on an app, however I cannot lie, I loved it when Algenis earnestly requested me how I used to be feeling, in a fashion that prompt he really cared. It made the expertise all of the extra private.
Eco effort
As talked about above, the property is designed to take most benefit of the atmosphere, from the marine breeze to pure mild. It makes use of photovoltaic photo voltaic methods, pure air flow, and rooftop insulation with native gravel. Native landscaping requires decrease upkeep, thus decreasing water use.
Accessibility
The entire property is wheelchair accessible, with elevators all through. Six room kinds are totally ADA compliant, and 4 are hearing-impaired-adapted.
Anything left to say?
At the time of my go to, there was one visitor room constructing that had not but opened, estimated to be accomplished in October. The seashore, like many within the Caribbean and Mexico, suffered from a little bit of a sargassum downside, however that is more likely to clear up as soon as hurricane season ends in November.