Overview
Club Med created the original all-inclusive family vacation in post-war Europe and is still going strong today, with destinations all over the world.
The original concept of good food and fun for the whole family is unchanged but the activities are modern: Club Med Punta Cana’s big draw is its circus skills program, CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil.
The 630-suite resort was renovated in 2008, so rooms are modern and bright. The vibe is relaxed and fun, with beautiful landscaping and a huge freshwater swimming pool.
Nothing is within walking distance but the airport is only ten minutes away by car. This is also a downside, as the noise from the airport can be heard in the resort.
If you are looking for Club Med Punta Cana reviews to decide if this is the right Caribbean vacation for you, read on to find out all the details.
What We Love
- Unique circus skills program
- All-inclusive
- Babies and toddlers get their own club
- Free WiFi
What We Don’t Like
- Nearby airport can be noisy
- Restaurants get crowded at busy times
Location and Layout
Address: APT POSTAL 106 Higuey, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 (888) 932-2582
Website: Club Med Punta Cana
Things to Consider Before Booking
Budget
Punta Cana Club Med resort in the Dominican Republic is an all-inclusive resort, so food, drink and some activities are included in the cost of accommodation.
If you’re wondering, are there any discount packages: flight and accommodation discount packages are also available through the resort.
Although there is plenty to do on site, budget for some excursions if you want to explore Punta Cana.
Some activities also cost extra.
The resort has a putting green and driving range where guests can practice their swing, but if you want to play a round you will need to visit a nearby club and pay green fees.
Private tennis lessons are another extra cost (using the courts or taking a group lesson is free) and off-site horseback riding also has a fee.
Although the kids’ club is free from 4-17 years old, babysitting services or childcare for younger children have a fee.
Treatments at the adult-only spa are not included in the room rate.
Packages
Early booking discounts are available at the beginning of the year on rooms. You can also book a flight and your room together.
Kids under four stay for free at any Club Med resort, while children up to the age of 15 receive a discount.
Family Interests
Punta Cana is a safe, quiet area with white-sand beaches and upscale resorts. It is best for families who like warm weather, good beaches and nature.
Considered by some to be one of the best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for families, Club Med Punta Cana is a ten-minute drive from the airport and from Punta Cana Village. The Village has restaurants, shops and bars to explore.
A little further down the coast is Scape Park, a natural adventure park with zip lining, cave expeditions and Hoya Azul, a cenote.
Boat tours are a popular excursion in Punta Cana and families can go on a pirate adventure or a snorkeling trip.
Check-in Time
Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 10 a.m. Guests can request an early check-in or late check-out, for an extra cost.
For an easier check-in, parents can fill in an online form with all their information in their customer account, up to three days prior to arrival.
Features & Benefits
Amenities
- CREACTIVE circus skills program
- Three outdoor pools
- Non-motorized water sports
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Adult-only area
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Golf putting green and driving range
- Free WiFi
CREACTIVE circus skills program
The Cirque du Soleil circus skills area has 30 activities, from mask painting aerial trapeze. Both children and adults can take group lessons or join an art class.
This program is unique to Club Med and gives a unique twist to the usual fitness classes at other all-inclusive resorts.
Three outdoor pools
The resort has a huge outdoor freshwater pool, with a shallow end for children, surrounded by loungers. Another infinity pool has ocean views – but this is restricted to 5T guests who have upgraded their stay.
Children get their own splash pool at the kids’ club, complete with water slides and sprayers.
Non-motorized water sports
Water sports available free of charge to guests include stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, water polo and aquafitness classes.
Spa
The L’Occitane Spa brings the fragrances of Provence to the Caribbean. A variety of treatments are available, at an extra cost.
Fitness center
The gym is stocked with fitness gear, including stationary bicycles, weights, treadmills and TRX equipment. Daily fitness classes are designed to get you moving, with Zumba, yoga, Pilates and many more available.
Adult-only area
Zen Oasis is the resort’s adult-only area with spacious rooms, an adult-only swimming pool with in-pool lounge chairs, plus an adult-only beach area.
A “wellness bar” offers fresh fruit smoothies or alcoholic beverages by the pool. This would be a great option for grandparents or other adults who want some relaxation time away from the rest of the family.
Tennis and basketball courts
Borrow equipment and have a game, or join one of the group tennis lessons to learn some new skills.
Golf putting green and driving range
Club Med Punta Cana does not have a full golf course, but it does have areas where golfers can practice their swing before hitting the green on one of the several nearby golf courses.
Free WiFi
Resort-wide free WiFi. Don’t expect it to be as fast as at home, this is better for checking social media rather than trying to stream a movie.
Family Activities
- Kid’s club
- Children’s pool and mini waterpark
- Baby equipment
- Playground
Kid’s club
Club Med has four kid’s clubs, segregated by age. Babies aged four to 23 months can play at Baby Club Med with their parents, two rooms of brightly colored toys and play equipment. For an extra charge, babysitting services are also available.
From two to four years old, parents can drop their kids at Petit Club Med, where carers organize activities, tell stories and play. There is a charge for this club. Day and evening care is available.
From four to 10, children can attend Mini Club Med, which has no extra charge. Tennis and circus skills lessons are included, from the age of four. Older kids can try tennis, golf and sailing.
11 to 17-year-olds can go to Club Med Passworld, where they can take part in group lessons or just hang out in their own space.
Based on my experience, I would highly recommend this since it gave my partner and I some time to indulge in other activities while our kids are having fun.
Children’s pool and mini waterpark
Within the kids’ club, there is a supervised shallow pool with waterslides.
You can be at ease here since the kids will be monitored while having a blast.
Baby equipment
The baby feeding room has a bottle warmer, cleaning brushes, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, blender and sterilisers. You can also request a baby bathtub, bed or stroller.
Playground
The huge playground is a great place for kids to burn off some energy.
For Mom and Dad
The L’Occitane Spa is a peaceful getaway for parents, with plenty of French and Caribbean-inspired treatments on offer.
This is the ultimate highlight of our vacation, the spa, and the massage literally took all our stress away.
Indigo Beach Lounge is an oceanfront all-ages-welcome restaurant during the day and an adult-only a la carte at night. After dinner, Indigo transforms into a nightclub.
Parents are also welcome to drop their children at the kids’ club and head to the Zen Oasis area of the resort, where they can enjoy some quiet time away from their (and everyone else’s) children.
Dining Options
All food and drink is included in the room rate. Club Med Punta Cana has three restaurants, which serves above-average food for an all-inclusive, plus four bars.
Samana
Near the pool, this restaurant serves international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, buffet style. The space was recently renovated.
Our dining experience here seemed truly luxurious.
Hispaniola
Located by the ocean, this open air venue serves international and local dishes.
Personally, this one left the complete impact of a tropical island dining experience. It’s calming to see endless clear waters and subtle waves.
Indigo, Beach Lounge
Indigo is a casual restaurant during the day and an adults-only venue with table service at night. After the food service has ended, Indigo becomes a nightclub.
Club Med Punta Cana has four bars: Cielo, Indigo Beach Lounge, Hibiscus Bar and Lounge and La Cave. Being a French-owned chain, La Cave is an extensive wine cellar where they keep the good stuff (that you will have to pay extra for).
Hibiscus Bar is in the Zen Oasis section, which means it is adults-only. This is a nice spot to enjoy a smoothie or beet by the quiet adult pool.
Room Information
There are three room categories: standard club rooms (Superior or Deluxe), Zen Oasis, or the upgraded 5T suites.
Families with children can book a basic room or a 5T suite but Zen Oasis is restricted to adults.
Superior and Deluxe rooms feature a balcony and a minibar stocked with non-alcoholic drinks.
Rooms are generally good but a few of the standard suites could do with a facelift, and the lack of bathtubs in many rooms could be a problem for some parents. There is also no room service.
The property is huge, so choose somewhere near the center of the resort if you dislike a lot of walking but don’t mind some noise. Stay near Zen Oasis if you prefer somewhere quieter.
Family Superior Room – near Zen Oasis
One to four people can stay in this room, which has a furnished balcony and a shower, but no bathtub. Baby bathtubs are available.
Family Superior Room
These rooms can accommodate up to four people and have a separate toilet. Again, no bathtubs.
Family Superior Room – Resort Center
Up to three people, with a furnished balcony.
Superior Room
This room is for two people and has a separate toilet.
Family Deluxe Room – Resort Center
If you want a bathtub, book this room. Bigger than the other family suites, there is space for up to five people.
The Exclusive Collection Space, also known as Tiara, is a 5T space in a 4T resort (that’s Club Med’s rating system for its own properties).
In addition to all the amenities offered in the regular rooms, Tiara guests get a larger space with espresso machines, a furnished terrace, priority booking at the spa and restaurant, plus their own pool.
Room service is also included for a continental breakfast – but if you want to order in later in the day, you will have to pay a fee.
Exclusive Collection Space Family Suite – Ocean View
Accommodating up to four people, this suite has a bathtub and separate toilets.
Exclusive Collection Space Family Suite – Ocean View, Pool Side
Also up to four people but with twin vanities in addition to the bathtub and separate toilets.
Exclusive Collection Space Family Suite
This room hosts up to four people, has twin vanities, separate toilets, a bathtub, plus a premium oceanfront position.
Zen Oasis is the adult-only area and the rooms are for one or two people. The suites have a casual-luxe spa feel, with yoga mats included.
Zen Oasis Deluxe Room – Garden
This room has a furnished balcony, a shower, bathtub, separate toilets and twin vanity. There is also a private garden.
Zen Oasis Deluxe Room – Terrace
The terrace room has a furnished terrace, shower, bathtub and twin vanity.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Two ground floor rooms with lower beds and step-free access to communal areas are available on the sea side of the building. One can accommodate two people and the other three people.
All the rooms have bathrooms with roll-in showers and wide doors. All of the restaurants, bars and facilities are accessible by wheelchairs.
Booking.comCustomer Reviews
I searched the web and found guest reviews to be positive, on the whole.
Alternatives
Club Med Punta Cana vs Cancun
Club Med Cancun offers a similar experience on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Cancun might be a better destination for families who like to explore restaurants, bars and nightlife away from the resort.
There is also plenty to do onsite, including sailing, tennis and golf. The resort has three beaches to choose from, including a white-sand beach and rocky snorkeling area.
- Great beaches
- Cancun attractions nearby
- Good food
While both resorts offer great beaches and delicious food, Club Med Punta Cana provides a more tranquil and family-oriented atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating vacation.
However, if you’re looking for a more lively and bustling atmosphere with nearby attractions, Club Med Cancun might be the perfect fit.
Catalonia Punta Cana vs Club Med Punta Cana
Catalonia Punta Cana occupies a prime spot on beautiful Bavaro Beach, 30 minutes from the airport. The mega resort has beautiful grounds, with palm trees and wildlife all around.
There is plenty for adults to do, with an on-site nightclub, casino, spa and golf course. Kids will be happy with the poolside games and the beach.
- Golf course
- Casino and nightclub
- Great variety of restaurants
Based on my personal experiences, Club Med Punta Cana surpasses Catalonia Punta Cana in terms of its diverse activities for all ages, emphasis on family-friendly entertainment, and exceptional dining options.
Choosing Club Med Punta Cana guarantees a well-rounded and unforgettable vacation experience for the whole family.
See newest deals for Catalonia Punta Cana
Club Med Punta Cana vs Ixtapa
The traditional hacienda-style resort of Club Med Ixtapa on Mexico’s Pacific coast has large, modern rooms and plenty to do on site. It is located on Playa Quieta, 30 minutes from the airport and near a fishing village.
- Gated resort is quiet and safe
- All-day buffet dining
- Kids’ club has its own restaurant
While Club Med Ixtapa has its own set of advantages, such as the tranquil gated resort and all-day buffet dining, Club Med Punta Cana shines through with its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beachfront location, spacious rooms, and outstanding Kids’ Club facilities.
Based on my personal experience, Club Med Punta Cana is the ideal choice for families seeking a lively and unforgettable vacation.
Conclusion
If you’re rummaging through club med Punta Cana reviews, seeking that ideal family getaway, look no further.
From my experience, Club Med Punta Cana stands a notch above the rest, its colorful platter of amenities and activities served with a unique twist of tropical charm.
It’s a delightful resort that’s fun, relaxed, and family-centric.
While other properties may offer similar amenities, Club Med’s unique circus skills program, CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, adds a captivating twist to the experience.
Imagine your kids discovering hidden talents and delighting in aerial trapeze or mask painting lessons.
It’s an experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Plus, Club Med’s dedication to family-centric activities and its all-inclusive package makes it an irresistible choice.
However, its proximity to the airport brings occasional noise and peak hours can crowd its restaurants.
Despite these minor cons, my family and I adored the medley of activities, the culinary delights, and the overall vibrant energy.
Club Med Punta Cana is definitely our top choice among the resorts in the region.
The unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment it offers is hard to surpass.
