Located approximately 14 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, Paradisus Punta Cana is tucked back from the road behind lush gardens that overflow along the landscape. In fact, everywhere you turn on this Four-Diamond AAA property, you’ll find gorgeous views that easily transform into postcard-perfect pictures. You can walk the Eco Path through exotic vegetation and three types of mangroves and take in the fauna and flora found in the ponds along the way. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the natural surroundings, the beauty of this family-friendly hotel is more than skin deep.

Families will love the spacious accommodations that are scattered around the property, which comes across as more of a private neighborhood than the highly popular all-inclusive resort that it is. And with three family-friendly swimming pools, a full array of activities for the entire family, nine restaurants, and, of course, the beach overlooking the translucent waters of the Caribbean, Paradisus Punta Cana certainly could serve as your home away from home.

All rooms include free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar (restocked daily), safe, and either a private terrace or balcony. In the bathroom, guests will find plenty of amenities, ensuring that parents will have shampoo left by the time they shower after the kids. Of course, all bathroom amenities are replenished daily, and more are available upon request.

Note: There are no oceanfront rooms available to families, and all rooms are located in two-story buildings without elevator service. In addition, the maximum occupancy for rooms is four people.

Paradisus Junior Suite
Featuring Caribbean-themed decor, these 506-square-foot standard rooms come with either one king or two full beds and a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa, small table and desk. These rooms include views of the property's lush gardens.

Luxury Junior Suite
Measuring 504 square feet, these rooms come with either one king or two full beds and a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa, small table and desk. These rooms include views of the property's lush gardens.

Royal Service Rooms
Paradisus Punta Cana 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 Garden View Suite, Royal Service Luxury Junior Suite with Private Garden, Royal Service Garden View Suite with Whirlpool, Royal Service Ocean View Suite, Royal Service Ocean Front Suite, Royal Service One-Bedroom Master Suite and Royal Service Garden Villa.

It's important to note that Paradisus Punta Cana is a spacious property, so walking to various points of interest - particularly the Kids Zone located in the adjacent The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana - is required. If you prefer, however, you can call the front desk and request a golf cart transport from your room to your destination, as well as golf cart transportation when you are ready to return to your room.

Pools
Although the property claims five swimming pools, in reality there are just three family-friendly swimming pools. The largest, the main swimming pool, is a freeform, zero-entry pool that spreads out in several directions. Lounge chairs surround the pool, and there are eight restroom facilities in close proximity. It also includes a swim-up bar and snack bar. The second family-friendly swimming pool is located at The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana next to the Kids Zone building. This large pool features three built-in animal waterslides, and reaches a maximum depth of 2 feet. A toddler pool reaching a maximum depth of 1 foot is nearby. Lounge chairs and covered cabanas are spread around the pool. Cabanas can be reserved only by Family Concierge guests staying at The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana; however, after 10 a.m., they are first-come, first-serve. No lifeguards are on duty at the swimming pools.

Kids Zone
Located next door at The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, 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 super jumper and the rock climbing wall, as well as competitions in archery and Ping-Pong. These activities are supervised, and are available throughout the day based on occupancy, usually from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m.

Teen Klub
This teen center usually is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. with activities available throughout the day. Activities may include beach volleyball, soccer, water games, basketball, dance classes and Caribbean bowling.

Additional Activities
Throughout the day, Paradisus Punta Cana 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. The Bike Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Evening events include the Casino Paradisus (open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.), beach parties every Saturday and Tuesday nights from 9 to 11:30 p.m., and the Red Lounge Disco open nightly (except Tuesdays) from midnight 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 Punta Cana 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. Two lifeguards are on duty on the beach, which is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The following water activities are available free of charge: diving, snorkeling, catamaran tours, kayaking, wind surfing and body boarding; 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.

Mole
This casual Mexican restaurant serves lunch from 1 to 5 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is resort casual.

Naos
A casual buffet restaurant, Naos offers a wide array of international fare throughout the day. Breakfast is available from 6 to 10 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is resort casual.

Aqua
An eclectic restaurant sitting over the water of koi ponds (flamingos also are known to make an appearance), this intimate spot serves up avant-garde Italian that will have you rethinking what Italian cuisine really means. Dinner hours are 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 Beach
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.

The Grill
Open for dinner, The Grill is an Argentine-style steakhouse serving up an a la carte menu. Dinner hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is casual upscale.

Fuego
Enjoy Latin fusion cuisine for dinner in this relaxing, yet elegant restaurant. Dress attire is resort elegant.

La Palapa
Exclusively for Royal Service guests, this adults-only restaurant serves Caribbean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking the ocean and swimming pool. Breakfast hours are 8 to 11 a.m., lunch hours are 1 to 3:30 p.m. and dinner hours are 6:30 to 10 p.m. Dress attire is resort upscale for breakfast and lunch and resort elegant for dinner.

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.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is included in rates.

Check-In/Check-Out
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 6 a.m. to 10 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 Punta Cana.

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 Punta Cana, the busy season traditionally runs from Dec. 20 through the end of April. Therefore, families traveling during summer break 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 Punta Cana, Punta Cana International Airport is approximately 14 miles away. If traveling by taxi, expect to pay around $50 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 Punta Cana 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
Paradisus Punta Cana offers some great options for parents taking advantage of the available babysitting services or kind grandparents watching the kids for an evening. Start the evening with an intimate, upscale dinner for two at Passion by Martin Berasategui, followed by an evening of dancing at the Red Lounge Disco or facing off with Lady Luck at the Casino Paradisus. For something more low-key, start with the thermal circuit in the hydrotherapy area of Yhi Spa, then move on to the Romantic Journey for two. This two-hour, 10-minute respite includes a hot stone massage and facial for the couple.