From gourmet cuisine and lively local festivals to luxurious accommodations and nature-focused excursions, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is especially well-positioned for upscale travelers looking to enjoy a variety of experiences while minimizing travel times. And recent upgrades have made this hotel even more enticing.
I’ve traveled to Punta Cana — the Dominican Republic’s bestselling beach destination — several times, but this was the first time I had stayed inside the 15,000-acre Puntacana Resort & Club, and I quickly realized the benefits of booking a room within this complex.
A large pool and beachfront restaurants are among onsite amenities.
Credit: 2024 The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
Property Highlights
The first thing I noticed was the magnificently brief travel time from the airport to the resort. The 200-room Westin Puntacana Resort & Club sits a quick, 10-minute ride from Punta Cana International Airport, making ground transfers a breeze. Upon arrival, I began to discover many of the impressive changes that have taken place over the past year or so — the result of a multimillion-dollar investment by the hotel’s owner, Grupo Puntacana. Renovated guestrooms, two new restaurants and a refreshed lobby are just a few of the improvements.
After checking in, I headed to Arena, a beachfront restaurant just steps from the soft white sands and turquoise waters that brilliantly manages to combine an upscale lounge vibe with the pleasures of alfresco dining. I dug into a plate of mouthwatering short-rib tacos and took lots of photos. (Parents may be interested to know that the hotel features the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids, which aims to provide healthful options for younger guests.)
After lunch, I hopped onboard a golf cart for a quick ride to the Six Senses Spa, which features stunning beach views. Unfortunately, a recent injury meant I wasn’t able to partake in any spa services (the only frustrating part of my visit). Still, I admired the facility design, which is reminiscent of a classic hacienda style, as well as its picturesque setting and wide array of services. In addition to massage therapy, the spa offers “yoga detox” and private guided yoga sessions. Multiple restaurants nearby offer options for dining after visiting the spa, and there’s also a full-size swimming pool.
After my tour, it was time to settle into my spacious room, which featured a king-size bed, a sizable work desk and a large balcony overlooking the expansive (and never crowded) swimming pool. Throughout my visit, I found myself on that balcony several times, enjoying the view and snapping photos.
My first evening provided a memorable introduction to one of Westin Puntacana Resort & Club’s newest restaurants: Bao, which debuted in 2023 as a stylish Asian-fusion hot spot that’s also open to the general public. Next door, Brassa Grill is yet another new eatery: a contemporary steakhouse where I indulged in both beef and seafood the following night. Both new eateries exude an upscale-yet-relaxed vibe that complements the outstanding cuisine. For breakfast, I thoroughly enjoyed Anani, which serves both buffet and a la carte specialties every morning.
On guided excursions offered by the property, guests can swim in local lagoons.
Credit: 2024 The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
Things To Do Near The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club
The Westin’s location within the Puntacana Resort & Club makes it especially easy to arrange a variety of interesting outings. Guests can also make use of two championship golf courses— Corales Golf Club and La Cana Golf & Beach Club — and partake in a variety of watersports, all without leaving the resort complex.
On my first morning, I discovered a noteworthy option for nature lovers: the Los Ojos Eco Journey, a guided tour of the resort’s sustainability center at the Ojos Indigenas Ecological Reserve, which is home to an apiary, an iguana habitat and a hawk sanctuary. Our guide provided insight into the region’s flora and fauna before taking us on a short walk to a series of postcard-perfect lagoons — similar to Mexico’s popular cenotes — where visitors can swim.
Guests who visit in February may be able to catch local Carnaval events.
Credit: 2024 The Westin Puntacana Resort & ClubThe timing of my visit was especially perfect since it took place during the annual pre-Lenten Carnaval Punta Cana festival, presented by Grupo Puntacana in Puntacana Village, an area just a few minutes from the hotel. The property can arrange for clients to attend the parade in comfort, with dedicated VIP seating and snacks and beverages. It’s a great introduction to Carnaval in Latin America, set in an accessible, uncrowded and family-friendly environment. The colorful costumes, lively dances and music make this an unforgettable experience worth planning a vacation around. After the parade, a festival kicks off nearby with even more music and dance.
Vacationers looking for a multifaceted, luxurious Caribbean getaway will, indeed, find lots to love about The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club.
