From the moment you enter the expansive, open-air lobby, Paradisus Palma Real will take your breath away. Just beyond the staircase that descends into the lobby’s lower level, the Colonial Plaza unfolds with a series of water fountains and reflecting pools before giving way to the expansive main swimming pool. Just beyond the pool, you’ll catch a glimpse of the beach and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. It’ll take all of your patience to endure the check-in process before you can grab your room key and head off to enjoy your surroundings.

Families especially will love all there is to see and do at Paradisus Palma Real. From the main swimming pool and beach to the tennis and paddle courts, kids’ club, and full array of family-friendly activities, there’s more than enough to keep kids and adults entertained throughout their entire stay. Throw in 12 dining options, plus 24-hour room service, and families cannot help but enjoy themselves at this all-inclusive resort.

All rooms include free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar (restocked daily), safe, flat-screen TVs, CD player, coffeemaker, living area with sofa bed, 24-hour room service, and either a private terrace or balcony. Families will love the spacious bathroom, where there are plenty of towels and amenities, as well as a whirlpool for two and a European spa jet-shower. DVD players, DVD movies and gaming systems are available upon request. Thirteen suites have full kitchens with one guestroom containing a kitchenette; request one of these rooms when making reservations if desired.

Note: There are no oceanfront rooms available to families.

Paradisus Junior Suite
Featuring Caribbean-themed decor, these 520-square-foot standard rooms come with either one king bed or two beds and a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa, small table and desk. These rooms include partial garden views.

Luxury Junior Suite
Measuring 560 square feet, these rooms come with one king bed and a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa, small table and desk. These rooms include views of the property's lush gardens.

One-Bedroom Master Suite Garden View
With 815 square feet, these rooms come with one king bed and a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa, a separate dining area, and a bathroom with double sinks.

Two-Bedroom Master Suite
This guestroom actually is a connecting room between a luxury junior suite and a one-bedroom master suite. Therefore, it contains all of the features and amenities listed above for each respective guest room.

Royal Service rooms
Paradisus Palma Real offers many more room types, all of which fall under the property's "Royal Service" category open to adults 18 years and older only. These include: Royal Service Suite, Royal Service Garden View Suite, Royal Service Ocean Front Suite and Royal Service Presidential Ocean Front Suite.

It's important to note that Paradisus Palma Real is a spacious property, so walking to various points of interest - particularly the Kids Zone located in the adjacent The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real - is required.

Pools
Although the property claims three swimming pools, in reality there is just one family-friendly swimming pool: the main swimming pool. Easily the largest pool at 37,600 square feet, the main swimming pool is a freeform, zero-entry pool that spreads out behind the main hotel lobby. It contains several in-pool seating areas, as well as six hydromassage areas. Lounge chairs surround the pool, and there are restroom facilities in close proximity. It also includes a swim-up bar and snack bar. Pool hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kids Zone
Located next door at The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, the Kids Zone welcomes children up to age 12 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with no reservations required. Parents are required to stay with children younger than 1. For children ages 1 to 3, there are a number of play areas and activities in the Kids Zone, including musical games, movies, reading, board games, play time and more. Structured activities are geared toward children ages 3 through 12. Sample activities include water games, sports, arts and crafts, educational workshops, and more. A daily schedule is available of all activities, which are divided into two segments: The Baby Zone schedule features activities recommended for kids from 3 to 5 years old, while the Kids Zone schedule features activities recommended for kids from 5 to 12 years old.

Adventure Park
Older children will love putting their skills to the test on the rock climbing wall, taking flight on the super jumper and roaming in the bouncy castle. These activities are supervised, and are available throughout the day based on occupancy.

Additional Activities
Throughout the day, Paradisus Palma Real hosts a number of activities for guests of all ages. These include, but are not limited to, tennis lessons, fitness classes, volleyball, bike tours, dance lessons, culinary classes, and arts and crafts workshops. A weekly schedule is available at check-in and is posted throughout the property. Evening events include the Casino Paradisus (open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.), live shows every night, and the Red Lounge open nightly from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Golf is available at Cocotal Golf & Country Club, and the front desk can help arrange tee times. A free shuttle runs between the property and the golf club. In addition, a free shuttle from the property to Palma Real Shopping Village also runs throughout the day.

Beach
Beachfront access from Paradisus Palma Real is segregated into regular and Royal Service (adults only) sections. Lounge chairs and permanent umbrellas are placed throughout the beach area, and are first-come, first-serve. The following water activities are available free of charge: diving, snorkeling, catamaran, kayak, pedal boats, wind surfing and boogie boards; however, reservations are required.

Although not required, reservations are recommended, particularly if you have a large party. The majority of restaurants are open-air, so be prepared for weather conditions. In addition to the restaurants, 24-hour room service also is available. High chairs, crayons and activity sheets are available upon request.

Naos
A casual buffet restaurant, Naos offers a wide array of international fare throughout the day. Dress attire is resort casual.

Aqua
Enjoy contemporary Mediterranean fusion cuisine for dinner from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is resort casual.

Bana
Sample sushi, teppanyaki, wok healthy cuisine and Asian fusion in this upscale dining spot. Dinner is served from 6 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is resort upscale.

GABi Club
This open-air buffet features international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with bar service also available. Breakfast is available from 7 to 11 a.m., lunch is available from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and dinner is available from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is resort casual.

Hydro Grill
Choose a snack poolside from a menu of hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, and tapas.

Fuego
Enjoy Latin fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner in this relaxing, yet elegant restaurant. Dress attire is resort elegant. Lunch hours are 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and dinner hours are 6 to 9:30 p.m. Note: This restaurant is not included in the all-inclusive rates.

Vento
This a la carte dinner restaurant features a menu with Mediterranean flair.

RARE
Head to this steak restaurant to sample a variety of traditional American and international cuts of meat. Dinner hours are 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Blue Agave
Featuring a selection of authentic Mexican gastronomy, this restaurant is open for lunch/snacks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and dinner from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Mizu
Visit this restaurant to experience teppanyaki in a new way.

Passion By Martin Berasategui
Experience continental gourmet cuisine by Martin Berasategui, a six-star Michelin chef, in a romantic setting that seems far removed from the usual family vacation. Available from 6:30 to 10 p.m. for adults only, this restaurant incurs an additional fee of $65 per person, and reservations are highly recommended. Dress attire is resort elegant.

Grab&GO
For guests who want to take something back to their room, their beach chair or poolside lounger, choose from a selection of sandwiches and wraps.

All About the Extras
Check-in/Checkout
Check-in time is 3 p.m., with check-out by 12 p.m.

Fitness Center
A gym is located in the Yhi Spa, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fitness equipment includes cardio machines, such as treadmills and exercise bikes, dumbbells and hand weights, and weight machines. Exercise classes are offered daily. A weekly schedule is available at the front desk.

International Travel
Traveling to Punta Cana requires a passport, but an advanced visa is not required for a short stay. However, you 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; it is imperative that you bring this cash with you. Although the official currency is the Dominican peso, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. You should bring some, but not a lot, of cash with you for any taxi or unexpected expenses. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially at Paradisus Palma Real.

The Art of Smart Timing
Thanks to its location, the weather in Punta Cana does not fluctuate much throughout the year. Average high temperatures are around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with the coolest weather usually in January (average high is 82 degrees Fahrenheit) and the warmest weather usually in September (average high is 88 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the humidity can make you feel much warmer than the actual temperature. The water temperature remains a relatively steady 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

At Paradisus Palma Real, the busy season traditionally runs from November through July. Therefore, families traveling from August through October may find reduced occupancy and better rates for their vacation. "Kids Stay Free" offers are available for specific time periods, and apply to children up to 12 years of age.

Getting There
Serving Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away. If traveling by taxi, expect to pay around $40 for a one-way trip. Although the hotel does not provide shuttle service, it does work with an external company to provide private and personalized airport transfers. To book a transfer, you must contact the hotel directly at least 48 hours prior to arrival.

Getting Around
When it comes to exploring Punta Cana, Paradisus Palma Real offers complimentary shuttle service only to Cocotal Golf & Country Club and the Palma Real Shopping Village. If booking an offsite excursion, those vendors usually will include round-trip transportation in the price of the excursion. If venturing out on your own, expect to pay out-of-pocket for taxi service. 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
When parents have some alone time, they'll find many adult-only activities at Paradisus Palma Real. First, they can head to Yhi Spa, where they can unwind in the thermal circuit before enjoying a massage in the Oriental Garden. Then parents can enjoy an intimate, upscale dinner for two at Passion by Martin Berasategui, followed by an evening of dancing at the Red Lounge or facing off with Lady Luck at the Casino Paradisus.