The tale of the five Roi’s in Punta Cana

For many, Punta Cana in  The Dominican Republic has been a favorite destination  in the Caribbean,
The DR is safe (unlike the stories coming out of parts of Mexico), consistent (without Cuba’s power challenges), and affordable (unlike prices in Barbados, Jamaica, etc).  With hot weather, improving infrastructure, and a system for supporting tourists, the DR as a world-class tourist destination is coming into its own. Dominican people are generally lovely. The staff at the resorts are Friendly, attractive, and warm.
In walking the island’s beaches or sailing along in the wonderful catamaran trips you  see resort after resort. So how to pick among so many different options?
The rule of “you get what you pay for” is certainly true when it comes to holiday resorts. Managing expectations and understanding what’s important to you can help with choosing the specific holiday destination for you.
While their are fans of individual brands like the Hard Rock for music, the Wyndham and the Hyatt’s Ziva and Zilara for luxury there are literally hundreds of resorts to choose from in the Dominican Republic.
We spent some time surveying the five Riu resorts in Punta Cana last week (late fall 2024) and here is why one of the Riu may be exactly what you are looking for.
With four resorts located along two km of beautiful beachfront at the Playa De Arena Gorda area, the Riu Bavara, Riu Palace, Riu Macao, and Riu Bambu are in an incredible compound that hits most of the major chunks of the holding market. Ten minutes away is the huge Riu Republica (see review) which is their adults-only “Spring Break” resort targeting ages 20-40 and is at the lower end of the market. Context is everything. By slicing off the market into four resorts you can be niched into an a la carte feel of exactly what you want.
Here’s what I found.
We spoke to a number of people who love the Riu group of hotels and have had great experiences at ones in places like Cancun and Montego Bay. There seemed to be a great deal of loyalty and a higher than average recidivism (return) rate. We had fantastic tour by the very gracious sales manager in addition to our stay.
Here’s the four resort breakdown. 
The high end Riu Palace has a French Provincial feel of opulent lobbies, and elegant rooms. It’s a Spanish Versailles.  It’s an adult focused resort that will allow you to bring children but the only ones we saw were very young. The Palaces are similar across the Riu brand and has been successful for the chain as their landmark property. It’s not set up for children and the focus is on the great beach, pools and relaxing atmosphere. The coffee shop was fantastic.
On the other end is the Bambu. 
The Bambu is the family friendly resort.  It has a beach club for kids and it has a luxury summer camp feel for both adults and kids. Lots of food options, an old-fashioned soda shop with ice cream and candy, lots of beach activities including dancing, exercise, and games.
Then there is the Macao Palace. 
I was certainly my favorite.  Adult-only, high end with the attached casino, They have an Elite Club section with beach beds, dedicated bartender (with top shelf liquor)  staff that gets to know your preferences, really upscale rooms and fantastic food selection.  I lived the old Havana feel of their bars, cigar lounges, and restaurants.
The spa is worth noting. Hot tubs, private areas, specialized massages
The downside was a lacking
They did a renovation in 2023 that added swim-up rooms and it’s got a great feel. The only criticism we heard from the guests we surveyed.  Here are two quotes
“The food is amazing. The Elite Club is fabulous! The service was really good. The dark grey tiles that make the patterns on the sidewalks are terribly slippery when wet. Even the staff agree! Around the pool, they were always helping people so they wouldn’t fall”
We have had nothing but great experiences at Riu Resorts. I like how the Elite Club knows my order by day two and has it ready for me.  The entertainment at night is middle of the road but the service is really 5 star.”
The Riu has moved their party spot to a central location (a 10-minute walk away) and they bus guests in from the Rou Republica for heaving Jungle, pink and neon parties. Foam, dancers, gyrating bodies, and attractive animators.  It can be so packed as to be uncomfortable and there was a lineup for the bathrooms. it’s great that you can go to both afternoon parties but if you don’t want to the chaos is kept separate from the rest of the resort in case you want to relax.
The Bavara is what the Riu is calling a new experiment. 
It’s got the Elite Club, and adults-only section, and a family/kid area with supervised care all in one resort. It’s unique to the Roy anywhere in the world. It  would be great for generations of family looking for a holiday together.
Along with the buffet, They had a food court, an Outback-style restaurant serving hamburgers, ribs and chicken wings, coffee house with amazing pastries, juice bars and ice cream stands. The kids ran in packs and the Elite Club members were far away from the noise and exuberance.
The sauna island trip which is bookable on the beach is a MUST for couples. Some people payas  little as possible and expect 5*
The DJ played Reggaeton and Latino music for the entire party. Not that I have anything against those types of music, but a good DJ reads the crowd and tries to cater to all of the guest by playing several types of music.
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