Review: Finest Punta Cana

The Excellence Collection is known for offering all-inclusive accommodations to suit a variety of tastes. And that’s especially true in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where I recently stayed at Finest Punta Cana and explored the offerings of two other hotels flying the Excellence flag. 

Opened in 2021, the 455-room Finest Punta Cana is the newest hotel in the Excellence Collection portfolio and represents some of the company’s most stylish design advances. At times, I actually felt like I was on the set of a fashion or architecture photo shoot, thanks to the resort’s crisp, clean architectural style. From the hints of midcentury modern elements in the covered walkways to the attractive interior design and seven swimming pools — which are accented with black and white lounge chairs and umbrellas — Finest Punta Cana exudes a chic, eye-catching style while maintaining a strong sense of comfort. 

I stayed in the adults-only Excellence Club section, where upgraded benefits include the ability to check in at the private lounge, which has its own bar and adults-only restaurant, offering an even greater sense of exclusivity. I also appreciated the expanses of well-manicured green spaces — a welcome change from some resort hotels that fill every possible space with concrete. There’s even a pond inhabited by a decidedly photogenic family of resident flamingos.  

My spectacular Excellence Club Junior Swim-Up Suite provided a 950-square-foot space that was well-furnished with a large couch and living area, a king-size bed, a walk-in closet and multiple workspaces. A whirlpool spa looked out onto the large, private furnished terrace, where steps led into a long, narrow shared pool that served a line of suites, each with its own overwater hammock. 

Dining at Finest Punta Cana

Diverse and delicious cuisine is one of the pleasures of staying at Finest Punta Cana. My culinary memories of the visit are still vivid: enjoying a lively teppanyaki preparation demonstration at Shoji, an adults-only Japanese restaurant; savoring Dominican specialties at The Market Kitchen, an extensive international buffet; indulging in a sumptuous dinner at Dommo, the adults-only restaurant located within the Excellence Club; and digging into an expertly prepared a la carte breakfast at Gusto, a family-friendly restaurant for Finest Club guests. I also recommend the deliciously sophisticated menu at Le Petit Plaisir, the adults-only French restaurant. 

Family-Friendly Features

A big selling point for Finest Punta Cana is its ability to appeal to various traveler types. While I stayed in the adults-only Excellence Club section, which has its own pool and beach area as well as multiple restaurants, I also experienced parts of the family-friendly section and was impressed with the extensive offerings. These include multiple swimming pools and a large Imagine Kids Club, complete with three pool areas, a theater and a dining area.

Family-friendly accommodations include an especially comfortable Family Suite category, which has a separate bedroom with two twin beds as well as a sofa bed and king bed. 

Meanwhile, the hotel’s live entertainment and activity schedule is also designed to provide diversions for all ages. Nightly programs include a circus night, a Michael Jackson impersonator performance and a Dominican music night. Daytime activity options include yoga, pickleball, table tennis, archery and billiards, as well as lessons in cooking, dance and Spanish, to name a few. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center furnished with Technogym equipment.

I particularly relished my time at One Spa, an expansive two-story facility that offers hydrotherapy sessions and excellent massage treatments. In a nod to the property’s family-friendly vibe, the spa has a family treatment room with four tables and a mini-spa area for kids with treatments such as the I Love Fruits Manicure and Finest Fairies massage and facial. There’s even a small childcare area where parents can drop little ones while they indulge in treatments. 

Nearby Hotels Offer Attractive Options for Grown-Ups

Finest Punta Cana is an ideal complement to the Excellence Collection’s two other properties in the area, both of which are adults-only but offer quite different styles. I visited both and found each to be attractive and inviting in its own way; the best choice simply depends on individual taste. 

Excellence Punta Cana, opened in 2000 as the company’s first property in the Dominican Republic, basks in a gloriously sun-soaked Caribbean vibe, with lovely architecture inspired by Caribbean colonial styles, lots of green spaces and a large beach. I enjoyed a visually stunning, tasty lunch that was a great sample of what could be concocted for private group events such as weddings. The property has undergone noteworthy upgrades over the years; all guestrooms now have bathtubs in the sleeping area, and the bathrooms are in the process of renovation.

Excellence El Carmen, meanwhile, exudes a more contemporary ambience, with chic decor and an impressive 23 pools, as well as a spa and fitness center. The property is currently in the midst of a renovation that is bringing even more style. 

With multiple accommodation options in one of the Caribbean’s top all-inclusive resort destinations, the Excellence Collection is well-positioned to be a match for various travel styles.