The Dominican Republic and all-inclusive resorts go hand in hand, but when I first caught wind that W Hotels — the edgy, vibrant, design-forward urban hotel brand — would unveil its first ever all-inclusive adults-only property in the world, I packed my bags to check it out.
As soon as you step into W Punta Cana, a beautiful new oasis nestled in the secluded Uvero Alto area, you’ll feel an immediate sense of relaxation that extends far beyond the tranquil ocean breezes and soft sandy beaches. This isn’t your typical all-inclusive beach resort, but rather a destination hotel brimming with elevated culinary options, standout rooms and suites, and stunning design elements that add a refined sense of luxury at every touchpoint. It's so exquisite and perfectly appointed, you may forget that it's an all-inclusive hotel entirely.
For starters, the dazzling lobby, the dreamy arrival pathway, and the ocean-front vistas are absolutely breathtaking. The decor brilliantly highlights and enhances the lush natural setting with a cool, contemporary aesthetic on par with some of the best five-star hotels anywhere in the world. The majestic walkway adds much-needed shade while also ushering in an almost cinematic quality to the environment; what you get is a gorgeous pathway that leads you directly to the massive infinity pool and pristine views of the clear turquoise ocean water.
Rooms and Luxury Details
The accommodations here are generous and welcoming. Each room is generously sized at approximately 700-square feet and is thoughtfully appointed with the signature W bed and pillowtop mattress, curved furniture, accent lighting, and soft oceanic hues to soothe the senses. Another highlight of my visit was the elegant swim-up suite, which allowed me to take a much-needed dip any hour of the day without leaving my lavish room. The suite also boasts high-tech touches, plush furnishings, stunning works of art, and an outdoor shower and separate bath tub, if you’re lucky.
As for the overall aesthetic, the W Punta Cana draws on local inspirations including hardware and textiles like the Dominican Republic’s prized larimar stone, the island’s organic beauty, and lush Caribbean flora, while still embodying the modern boldness the W brand is best known for.
In short, the rooms at W Punta Cana are glorious, gorgeous, and as modern as they come.
The Dining Scene
What’s notable about this resort is how the all-inclusive model has been elevated rather than diluted. With a wide range of tantalizing dining and bar venues included, the choices run from traditional chef-driven Caribbean menus, bold food hall selections, rooftop raw-bar spectacles, poolside ceviche, casual grab-and-go snacks, and so much more. There’s also a lively speakeasy cocktail lounge hidden behind a humidor, which is not to be missed during your stay. Whether you want to dance the night away to Latin beats, sip on a custom cocktail, or try your hand at vintage arcade games, the after-hours scene at 33 1/3 has something for everyone.
Unwind at W Punta Cana
Beyond the spacious rooms and endless food, the wellness and experience offerings at W Punta Cana are just as abundant. A fully serviced two-story AWAY Spa offers 10 treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt room, steam and sauna, indoor pool and treatments tapping local botanicals such as moringa seed oil, arnica, and turmeric.
The expansive hydrotherapy area is one of the best I’ve ever experienced in the world, and the 24-hour FIT gym is ideal for anyone looking to burn some calories before basking in the Dominican sunshine. Take your pick from sunrise yoga classes, pickleball games, and other leisurely activities like candle making classes, if you’re looking to mix things up on vacation.
Fun in the Sun
And of course, the main attraction at the W Punta Cana is quite clearly the white-sand beachfront and the epic infinity pool (called the WET Deck) alongside a Chill Pool with a swim-up bar. The resort offers both the social and the secluded sides of luxury, with relaxation as the main objective for all.
It goes without saying that you can expect and fully embrace languid sun lounging, tropical cocktails, and coastal surroundings by day; and vibey DJ sets, beachfront dining options, and heart-pumping entertainment by night.
While it still has some minor tweaks to work out with its recent grand opening, W Punta Cana sets a new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury resorts. If you appreciate oversized rooms, elevated amenities, thoughtfully curated cuisine, and vibrant design, this property definitely delivers.
