When my wife Sarah and I decided to take a trip to the Dominican Republic, we had no idea we were about to stumble upon a resort that would completely blow us away. Finest Punta Cana, part of The Excellence Collection, is like the Swiss Army knife of resorts – it’s got something for everyone, from the tiniest tots to the coolest grandparents.
A Resort That Checks All the Boxes
Picture this: Grandma and Grandpa are living their best life at the tranquil Excellence Club pool, while the grandkids are having the time of their lives at the kid-friendly water park.
And when dinnertime rolls around, the whole crew reconvenes for a mouthwatering meal at one of the resort’s incredible restaurants.
It’s like the ultimate family harmony, with a side of piña coladas and a sprinkle of luxury.
The Genius of the Resort Layout
One of the things that blew us away about Finest Punta Cana was how well-thought-out the resort layout was.
It’s like they had the whole family in mind when they designed this place.
Another thing we appreciated right away was the minimalist, modern decor and design of the place. The lobby, the rooms, the restaurants, and all the common areas had this consistently sleek vibe that really set the resort apart from others we’ve visited that felt more dated or overly “beachy.”
The main lobby and dining areas serve as the central hub, with the adults-only section on one side and the family-friendly area on the other. This setup is a game-changer for multigenerational travel – everyone can find their own slice of paradise without feeling like they’re in a different zip code.
As a couple, Sarah and I were all about the adults-only area in the Excellence Club, where we could enjoy romantic dinners and lazy pool days.
I’ve always found that when we take a trip as a couple and leave the kids at home, we generally don’t want to be around other people’s kids, either.
However, seeing the incredible amenities for families, like the epic water blob in the family area (pictured below), made us feel a little bad for not taking our boys on this trip.
But after enjoying a romantic dinner and a day at the pool where all we heard was ocean waves, we decided we didn’t miss the kids THAT bad…
Not Your Average All-Inclusive Dining
Let’s be real: no matter your age, everyone appreciates a delicious meal. And trust me, Finest Punta Cana is like the Willy Wonka factory of culinary delights.
With 12 world-class restaurants to choose from, even the pickiest eaters will be doing a happy dance. Sarah and I had some unforgettable meals at Lizo, Surf & Turf, and Brass, but our hands-down favorite was the hibachi experience at Shoji.
The chef did some entertaining, hibachi-style humor and cooked up quite a feast. We do hibachi a fair amount at home, so we know good fried rice when we taste it. Shoji certainly delivered the goods.
Another thing we noticed and appreciated at the restaurants we enjoyed was how the resort catered to different tastes and age groups. With a range of cuisine options and both family-friendly and adult-only restaurants, it’s clear that Finest Punta Cana has put a lot of thought into creating a dining experience that everyone can enjoy.
I was skeptical about whether family-friendly and couples-only could live together in harmony in a single resort, but I have to admit that Finest Punta Cana pulls it off quite nicely.
Accommodations That’ll Make You Feel Like Royalty
The accommodations at Finest Punta Cana are like a dream come true for comfort-loving families. The spacious suites, with their chic decor and thoughtful amenities, were something we appreciated right away.
This was the first time we’d stayed in a room with a private pool off of the balcony, which added a certain wow factor when we walked into the room.
Just check out these views from our room and balcony:
From the fully stocked minibar to the 24-hour room service and the beautifully prepared fresh fruit, the attention to detail in the accommodations was off the charts.
A Spa That’ll Make You Say “Ahhh”
The ONE Spa at Finest Punta Cana is like a one-way ticket to relaxation town. Sarah and I treated ourselves to the hydrotherapy experience, followed by a couple’s massage, and it was arguably the highlight of our week.
The massages were out of this world!
I was a little skeptical of the hydrotherapy circuit you go through before the massage, but I was pleasantly surprised by how great we both felt after going through the process. An attendant leads you through its various hydromassage stations, steam rooms, saunas, and hot and cold plunges, and by the end, you’re tuned up and ready for your massage.
I’ll be honest: I felt a little awkward snapping a photo in the hydrotherapy area, so you’ll have to settle for a more professional photo to give you an idea of the experience:
If you’re booking a spa service, make sure you take advantage of the hydrotherapy as well.
Nightly Entertainment That’ll Please Everyone
One of the unexpected highlights of our stay at Finest Punta Cana was the nightly entertainment. The resort’s outdoor theater hosted a different show every evening, and these performers were no joke.
From the jaw-dropping acrobatics of the circus show to the mind-bending illusions of the magic show, we walked away each night truly impressed by the quality of the entertainment.
We saw the weekly schedule, and unfortunately, we missed Michael Jackson tribute night – which I’m sure would be incredible.
That will just give us a reason to come back.
Another hat tip to Finest Punta Cana here, as the entertainment truly did appeal to all ages. Kids were entertained, but the shows and the talent level were high enough that adults were impressed by the acts as well.
The Bottom Line
By the end of our stay at Finest Punta Cana, Sarah and I were already planning our return – but next time we (might) bring the kids.
From the genius layout that caters to every age group to the incredible dining, activities, and entertainment, this resort is like the holy grail of family getaways.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family bonding experience, or a chance to make memories with multiple generations, Finest Punta Cana is the ultimate destination. It’s a place where luxury meets family fun, and where everyone can find their own version of vacation bliss.
So if you’re on the hunt for a family getaway that’ll have everyone from the toddlers to the grandparents grinning from ear to ear, take it from me – Finest Punta Cana is the way to go.
Just be prepared to start planning your next trip before you’ve even left the resort.
