First look: W Punta Cana, Grownup All-Inclusive

Ever for the reason that W Punta Cana, Grownup All-Inclusive — the W model’s extremely anticipated first all-inclusive resort — was introduced again in 2022, I had a sense it might be a make-or-break second for Marriott. Over the previous couple of years, the corporate has been pushing arduous into the all-inclusive area by introducing its well-known manufacturers, like The Luxurious Assortment, into the know-what-you-pay-upfront trip mannequin.

To me, the W model felt like a pure match for an all-inclusive resort, because of its playful aesthetic, stylish buyer base and emphasis on foods and drinks. Certain, Marriott might’ve put the W emblem on any of the numerous all-inclusive resorts already within the portfolio, however my hope, as each a journey journalist and somebody who actually enjoys the benefit of an all-inclusive expertise, was that this property would really be the start of all-inclusives 2.0.

After giving the resort, positioned about an hour from Punta Cana Worldwide Airport (PUJ), somewhat time to work out the opening kinks all lodges and resorts expertise, I lastly made my means there in late October.

And let me let you know, this all-inclusive resort was precisely what I would been ready for. This is what it was like staying on the first-ever (and hopefully not final) W all-inclusive resort.

First impressions

If the primary impression is a very powerful, W Punta Cana and the staff behind it (Spain-based MAC Accommodations and Grupo Puntacana) understood the task. Friends are greeted by a surprising W-branded circle drive that leads into a large open-air foyer area crammed with crops, architectural water options and an total sense of easy luxurious that few would count on from an all-inclusive resort.

Over the previous couple of years, the W model has grown up, ditching its form of “in-your-face” design model for one thing extra elevated and extra approachable for each kind of traveler who appreciates a lovely, glossy lodge. Designed by Zanobia Arquitectura’s Giuseppe Violante, all the property can be a residing, respiration organism with crops that can solely proceed to develop and improve its magnificence over time.

I even have to provide a shout-out to the unimaginable workers members who greeted us on arrival with recent welcome drinks, baggage help and plenty of power. Hoshi, our rockstar W Insider, took care of us from earlier than we arrived (with a welcome e mail highlighting the climate, actions and eating choices) and common check-ins throughout our weekend go to.

The rooms

W Punta Cana has 340 rooms for company to select from, all beginning at 700 sq. toes and with bathtubs and king-size beds (even in doubles), starting from entry-level choices to swim-up rooms and suites that really feel the dimensions of homes. For my keep, my good friend and I had been put in a two-bedroom Oasis Mega Suite with a personal pool parallel to the ocean.

The lounge space was brilliant and homey, with picture-perfect views of the ocean and wind-blown palm bushes.

Earlier than we arrived, the W staff left imaginative and prescient board kits within the room for us that we put collectively whereas streaming a film from the large TV on the wall.

Throughout from the lounge, our suite had a eating room with a big desk and a moist bar space with a file participant (and a particular, curated number of data for us), a espresso maker, snacks like chips and nuts, and a minifridge loaded with varied beers (native and imported) and bottles of wine, sodas and juices.

The principle bed room had a cloudlike W mattress that was tough to crawl out of every morning, because of fluffy pillows and a tender quilt. The area was trendy and stylish, however as soon as once more, my eyes had been drawn to the views exterior.

The first bed room’s toilet featured a big soaking tub, a rainfall bathe, twin vanities with Davines merchandise (the Momo shampoo is my favourite one on the planet), and an unimaginable non-public out of doors bathe that was surrounded by lush greenery. Within the closet, Frette bathrobes added to the posh expertise.

The second bed room had two king-size beds, proving that this suite is supposed for individuals who actually wish to unfold out.

That room additionally had an out of doors bathe, however this time dealing with the seaside, and a walk-through closet space that made the suite really feel extra like a luxurious condominium than a lodge room.

Throughout my time on the W, I additionally obtained the possibility to see an ordinary room, pictured above. There, you get a lovely soaking tub, ample closet area, a big TV and people uber-comfortable W-branded beds (which you’ll really purchase on your own residence). Although the lodge spoiled us with the two-bedroom suite, I do know I will definitely be again and past completely satisfied to crash in considered one of these rooms.

Eating at W Punta Cana

As an all-inclusive resort, all your meals and drinks are included in the price of your keep. There are numerous choices for company to get pleasure from, with a handful of eating places open on a rotating foundation. These choices vary from an experiential eating expertise at Scena to Asian avenue meals, a meals corridor expertise, a Mediterranean-inspired seaside membership, a rooftop uncooked bar, a number of pool bars, a taproom and an eclectic speakeasy expertise.

This is a quick rundown of what I skilled.

Scena

My favourite meal was at Scena, a Dominican and Caribbean fusion restaurant with a form of choose-your-own-adventure tasting menu. This restaurant felt like a high-end expertise I would get pleasure from again in New York, not at an all-inclusive resort, effectively, anyplace. I believed the meals was fantastic, artistic and completely surprising (as you’ll be able to see in my images above). Highlights included octopus skewers, lovely lettuce wraps and a deconstructed chocolate dessert that I could not get sufficient of.

Satsuma Rooftop

At Satsuma Rooftop, overlooking a rooftop pool and that includes a terrific hearth to sit down round, we loved a great mixture of uncooked dishes, reminiscent of tuna tartare and delicate items of nigiri. Once more, this meal did not really feel like something you’d count on (or possibly even belief) from older all-inclusive resorts. It was scrumptious, particularly alongside our bespoke gin cocktails beneficial to us as a result of Hoshi made certain everybody knew we liked gin and tonics.

Moist Deck

For our poolside meal, hosted in a cushty, shaded cabana, I ordered my trusted pool favorites: a poke bowl and French fries. Once more, the uncooked components of the meal had been scrumptious, as had been our mango and spicy margaritas.

33 1/3 Speakeasy

One morning, after somebody from the lodge carried out a collection of spectacular magic methods for us, we got a particular card inviting us to the (type of) invitation-only speakeasy. Although I am constructive anybody might get in in the event that they requested round, it was a enjoyable solution to get the particular invitation. And, as soon as there, I actually loved the retro theme with a lot of vinyl, old-school arcade video games and moody lighting. It was the proper spot to cease for a nightcap.

Outpost Cafe

The resort’s espresso store and bakery was a stunning place to seize an iced espresso, lovely pastries (together with a slew of gluten-free choices) and even grab-and-go choices (like salads, fruit, sandwiches, sodas and beer) to hold with you as a snack. The desert pastries, together with mini pies and colourful tarts, appeared to be means above the usual all-inclusive choices — a theme all through the property.

A particular shock

On the morning of our first full day, I joked with Hoshi, our host, that we might had somewhat too a lot enjoyable the night time earlier than, having fun with drinks whereas we did our imaginative and prescient boards, so that they insisted they carry us “the proper hangover treatment” delivered proper to the room. It turned out to be sancocho, which is a wealthy Dominican stew with meat, potatoes, corn and rice. I am undecided if it is a particular “off-menu dish” you solely get once they assume you want it, however I actually loved it — particularly realizing that the lodge was looking for me.

Facilities and repair

• From our waitresses on the pool to attend workers at dinner, the leisure staff and our private hosts, each individual we interacted with was past variety, stuffed with power and able to assist.
• W’s Match fitness center affords all of the basic exercise gear, plus sauna and steam rooms.
• There’s an ocean-facing infinity pool with cabanas, in addition to the Chill Pool, that includes further seating and varied leisure choices all through the day.
• The tropical Away Spa affords varied remedies, rest areas, a powerful hydrotherapy pool with completely different jet experiences, and extra.
• A rotating menu of actions contains religious therapeutic experiences (like a cacao ceremony), rotating DJs, health courses and extra. It is simple to search out out what is going on on by speaking to your private host.

Location and logistics

The W Punta Cana is about an hour’s drive away from Punta Cana Worldwide Airport (PUJ). When reserving, you’ll be able to simply organize transportation by means of the lodge or a personal reserving service for between $50 and $100, relying in your get together dimension.

What it prices to remain at W Punta Cana, Grownup All-Inclusive

Money charges at this game-changing new resort begin at $700 per night time, primarily based on double occupancy. Marriott Bonvoy members can e book award nights beginning at 137,000 factors per night time.

Accessibility

The W Punta Cana affords plenty of accessible rooms, together with rooms with roll-in showers and seize bars, and rooms with hearing-accessible options and visible alarms. As all the time, TPG recommends talking instantly with the lodge earlier than reserving to substantiate that it might accommodate particular accessibility wants.

Backside line

I’ve stayed at dozens of all-inclusive resorts over my profession as a journey journalist, however few have had me making speedy plans to get again ASAP. From artistic, high-end meals and nice cocktails to extremely enjoyable and pleasant workers members — plus lovely design, an unimaginable pool and dreamy seashores — I could not ask for something extra, aside from possibly just a few extra nights to soak all of it in.

The draw back of the lodge is that it’s costly, in each factors and money, however it’s a must to consider that all your meals and drinks are included. Having lately stayed on the new St. Regis Cap Cana, the place cocktails had been upward of $20 every, I used to be in concern of what my remaining folio would come out to — however there was no want to fret.

That is the fantastic thing about this new technology of all-inclusive resorts, with W Punta Cana because the shining star, at the very least in the intervening time: There is no such thing as a sticker shock when it is time to take a look at. All it’s a must to do is chill, chill out and luxuriate in that W wow issue.

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