Open since 2008, the Majestic Elegance contains 597 guestrooms, all waiting to welcome you and your family to this all-inclusive property on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

From the moment you arrive, the kids will clamor to splash around in the lagoon-style swimming pool that runs the length of the property, starting behind the lobby and meandering out to the beach. Parents will look forward to relaxing pool- or beachside, where they can enjoy the lush, landscaped gardens or take in a view of the turquoise Caribbean waters.

Families also will enjoy the many amenities available onsite, including a variety of dining experiences, kid- and adult-themed activities, shopping along Caribbean Street (an onsite thoroughfare that separates the Majestic Elegance from its sister property, Majestic Colonial), sports, entertainment, and more.

In fact, there is so much going on at Majestic Elegance that you may find it impossible to do it all in one vacation. Of course, that just provides one more great reason to return again and again!

All guestrooms for families are grouped together in three sections, and each one has either a pool or garden view only. Every guestroom features a mini-bar (restocked daily), DVD player, free Wi-Fi, safe, iron and ironing board, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, plasma TV, coffeemaker, and ceiling fan.

Of special interest, every room includes a "room service door." Essentially, it basically is a closet that is accessed from both the exterior and interior of the room, allowing room service personnel to deliver your meal to your room without disturbing you.

Also, upon request and depending upon maximum occupancy, an extra bed may be placed in your room at no charge.

Note: Children 13 and older are considered adults.

Junior Suite with Jacuzzi (All Floors)
At 532 square feet, this guestroom is equipped with either one king bed or two full beds, an indoor Jacuzzi for two, a desk with chair, two chairs, a bathroom with walk-in shower, and either a balcony or terrace with chairs. Maximum occupancy is four: two adults and two children or three adults and one child.

Majestic Junior Suite - Swim Up (First Floor)
Measuring 532 square feet, this guestroom comes with either one king bed or two full beds, an indoor Jacuzzi, a desk with chair, a small loveseat, a bathroom with walk-in shower, direct pool access, a small private garden, and a terrace with two lounge chairs. Maximum occupancy is four: two adults and two children or three adults and one child.

Colonial Junior Suite - Outdoor Jacuzzi (Fourth Floor)
This 532-square-foot room includes one king bed, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a desk and chair, a small loveseat, and a balcony with complete privacy, furniture and two lounge chairs. Maximum occupancy is four: two adults and two children or three adults and one child.

One-Bedroom Suite with Jacuzzi (All Floors)
In this guestroom measuring 1,064 square feet, you'll find an indoor Jacuzzi, a Cleopatra sofa, desk and chair, and bathroom with walk-in shower. The bedroom, which contains a king bed, is separated from the main room by sliding doors. Maximum occupancy is four: two adults and two children; three adults and one child; or four adults.

Note: There are five additional room types, all of which fall under the property's adults-only "Elegance Club."

Pools
Running behind the buildings containing the family guestrooms, you will find a 1,312-foot-long swimming pool. In fact, there are guestrooms available with swim-up access! Lounge chairs and tables line the pool on both sides, and you'll find a toddler pool near the beach end of the lagoon-style pool. Pool towels are available at the booths located next to the pool bar; just trade in the towel card you receive at check-in. Return your towel each day for your card, and make sure you return the card when checking out. Towel booths are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pool hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Note: Across the property from the lagoon-style pool, you will see three smaller swimming pools; however, these are adult-only pools reserved for guests of the Majestic Elegance Club.

Splash Kids Club
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the staffed Splash Kids Club located on Caribbean Street offers a selection of games and activities aimed at children ages 4 to 14. Children will love splashing in the two toddler swimming pools, complete with waterslides. Inside, there is a playroom with various activity centers.

For children up to age 3, Babyland offers activities but a parent must remain with the child. Babysitting services are available for an additional fee of approximately $15 per child, per hour.

Sports
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty of entertainment at Majestic Elegance, including a basketball court, a running track and four tennis courts with lights. Non-motorized water sports also are available; these include catamaran tours, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boogie boards, and scuba diving lessons in the swimming pool. For an additional fee, guests can take part in motorized water sports, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and parasailing.

You can also catch the latest favorite sporting events on large plasma TVs at the Sports Bar on Caribbean Street.

Beach
When heading to the beach, make note of the two guest areas: the general Majestic Elegance beach area for all guests and the Majestic Elegance Club for adults only. In the general area, there are a number of permanent "thatched" umbrellas and loungers, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No lifeguards are on duty. Before heading out to the beach each day, stop at the towel booths by the pool bar; just trade in the towel card received at check-in. Make sure you return your towel card during checkout. Towel booths are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Daily Activities
Majestic Elegance offers a number of daily activities for guests of all ages, ranging from dance lessons and live music to wine tastings, games and more. You'll find activities throughout the property, including at the pool and at the beach. Grab a daily schedule at the front desk, or check one of the activity boards throughout the property. For evening entertainment, check out one of the property's live shows, or head to the casino and/or disco.

Golf
Golf is available at Punta Blanca Golf Course and Club, an 18-hole course designed by Nick Price. Each adult guest of Majestic Elegance receives one free green fee per five-night stay, however, they will be required to rent their own golf cart. Complimentary shuttle service is available to and from the course.

Shopping
Located along Caribbean Street, guests can shop at the boutiques, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, a mini-market, pharmacy, photo services and more.

Majestic Elegance maintains seven restaurants throughout the property, ranging from casual to upscale. For restaurants requiring reservations, reservations are accepted only on the day of visit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the guest services desk. Your reservation will be canceled if you don't arrive after 15 minutes.

See & Sea
This onsite seafood restaurant serves up a breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a lunch buffet from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. It serves snacks from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and changes over to a la carte dinner from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress code is casual, with capri and short pants permitted along with shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, casual shoes and sandals. Reservations are not required.

Limited Gourmand
Enjoy such menu items as roasted salmon with black pepper and ginger or beef tenderloin on a Paillason potatoes bed at this fine dining restaurant. Dinner is available from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The dress code is long pants, shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts and closed-toe shoes. Reservations are required; no children younger than 12 are permitted at this restaurant.

9 Doors
Located on the ground floor in the lobby, this dinner restaurant offers a menu of Japanese cuisine from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Selections include a sushi bar and a sashimi station. Dress code is casual, with capri and short pants permitted along with shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, casual shoes and sandals. Reservations are required for Teppanyaki table, but not the sushi bar.

Asadito Steak House
Enjoy your favorite meats from the United States and Argentina for dinner at this onsite restaurant from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dress code is casual, with capri and short pants permitted along with shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, casual shoes and sandals. Reservations are not required.

Il Botaccio
This Italian restaurant serves up dinner from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Dress code is long pants, shorts, polo shorts and T-shirts, with casual shoes or sandals. Reservations are not required.

Flavors
Featuring a variety of international cuisine, this buffet restaurant serves breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., lunch from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress code is casual, with capri and short pants permitted along with shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, casual shoes and sandals. Reservations are not required.

La Bodeguita del Majestic
Located on Caribbean Street, this late-night snack bar offers fast food along with a selection of soft drinks and beer. Hours of operation are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Room Service
Room service also is available from 7 a.m. until midnight.

eAll About the Extras
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 3 p.m., with check-out by 12 p.m.

Special Occasions
When booking your stay, notify the Majestic Elegance staff of any celebrations, such as a birthday or anniversary, that takes place during your visit. The hotel may provide a special banner for your room door as well as birthday decorations.

Babysitting Services
Babysitters are available onsite for a rate of $15 per hour, per child.

Spa and Fitness Center
A full menu of spa services are offered at the spa for an additional fee. In the fitness center, guests will find cardiovascular machines, free weights and nautilus equipment, plus a schedule of fitness classes.

Medical Center
A 24-hour medical center is available at Majestic Elegance; however, this service incurs an additional fee.

Church Services
Mass is held each Saturday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the onsite Catholic church located on Caribbean Street.

International Travel
Although you will need a passport when traveling to Punta Cana, you will not need an advanced visa for a short stay. Even so, all visitors must purchase a 30-day tourist card at the customs and immigration desk. The cost of the card is $10 U.S. per person, and must be paid for in cash; make sure you bring this cash with you. Although the official currency is the Dominican peso, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted; however, it is not necessary to bring a lot of cash with you, just enough for a taxi or unexpected expenses. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially at Majestic Elegance.

The Art of Smart Timing
Punta Cana's weather remains relatively the same year-round. January is usually the coolest month with an average high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. September is usually the warmest month with an average high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit. That being said, the humidity can make you feel much warmer than the actual temperature. The water temperature remains a relatively steady 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

At Majestic Elegance, the busy season traditionally runs from the end of December through the end of April. The property experiences really low occupancy from September through November, with the best rates typically available from August through October.

Getting There
Serving Majestic Elegance, Punta Cana International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away. A one-way trip via taxi is approximately $30. While there is no shuttle service with the hotel, Majestic Elegance does partner with an external company to provide private and personalized airport transfers. To arrange a transfer, contact the hotel directly prior to arrival. One-way transfers generally cost $40 per person. Although you can wait until you arrive at the airport to arrange a transfer, it's best if you book it before arrival.

Getting Around
When it comes to exploring Punta Cana, Majestic Elegance offers complimentary shuttle service only to Punta Blanca Golf Course. Vendors providing offsite excursions generally include round-trip transportation in the price of the excursion. Of course, taxi service is available for those heading out on their own. Rental cars are available at the airport, but are not recommended unless you are staying for a lengthy vacation and plan to do a lot of your own sightseeing.

For Mom and Dad
If mom and dad manage to have time to themselves, there are plenty of options for their time alone. For instance, they could head to the Punta Blanca Golf Course for a round of golf, or go to the spa for some much-needed pampering. In the evening, mom and dad can enjoy a quiet dinner for two at Limited Gourmand before heading off for some entertainment at the casino or disco.