As one of the world’s top tropical destinations, the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean has all the alluring features for the ultimate getaway: stunning beaches with fine sand and clear waters, picturesque sunsets, stunning natural scenery and a spirited culture with genuine warm hospitality from the locals. This is why the D.R. is a magical haven that draws well-heeled tourists from around the world. Well, W Hotels is offering travelers to the D.R. something even more special and it’s refreshingly different—a redefined, all-inclusive new resort in Punta Cana where every aspect of the guest stay is luxurious, immersive, playful and nourishing to the soul.
W Punta Cana is W Hotels’ first-ever all-inclusive property for adults-only, and it offers a truly tranquil environment to relax and recharge. Located along Punta Cana’s golden beaches on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, the newly opened resort is also a welcoming place with thoughtfully curated spaces that translates into a perfect, community playground with magnetic energy that satisfies all the senses. At W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, a guest will see, hear, smell, taste and touch through decadent experiences that brings both locals and travelers together in a spontaneous and meaningful way.
To commemorate the opening of W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, W Hotels hosted a multi-day extravagant bash at the resort over the weekend of November 7 to fete their first foray into the all-inclusive world. A stylish crowd of high profile guests such as actor Lucien Laviscount from Emily in Paris, supermodel Joan Smalls, electronic music artist Rodriguez Jr. and a bevy of prominent bold-faced names gathered together to fully immerse in the hotel’s vibrant social atmosphere and indulge in their world-class amenities. The premiere weekend was quite the lavish affair filled with outstanding live music, inclusive camaraderie and a dash of mischievous fun—a powerful reminder that W Hotels are more than just a place to stay, but an interactive and memorable experience that caters to community and connection over exclusivity.
Ashley Haas, Heidy de la Rosa, Joan Smalls. Matt Borkowski/BFA
The Knockturnal was among the guests to descend onto W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive for the celebration of the newly-opened resort. From the moment we arrived on the property, we were highly impressed and immediately knew that the weekend would showcase why W Hotels continues to lead in hospitality and in the luxury lifestyle space.
“We are offering something different and new with [W Punta Cana] by taking the idea of all-inclusive and infusing it with the DNA and playfulness of W,” George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Brand Leader, W Hotels, told The Knockturnal during the premiere weekend. “It shouldn’t be just about eating whatever you want or drinking whatever you want, but more about choosing your own adventure, and that’s what we are offering. You don’t have to worry about costs or feeling confined to specific entertainment or recreational requirements—it’s this idea of all you, all in. You decide what your adventure is, what you want to eat, how you want to be entertained, what your wellness journey is. It’s all based on what your preferences are in a playful way that W edge to it.”
Welcome to Paradise
Allowing each guest the freedom and choice to experience W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive on their own terms was certainly felt and witnessed throughout the resort, as well as the essence of W Hotels—a high-quality product, dynamic design, elevated service experiences, amplified entertainment, and the best food and drinks. As soon as guests touch down on W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, guests will be captivated by the hotel’s breathtaking grand entryway with the iconic emblazoned trademark “W” waiting to greet visitors. Lush green plants and vines are meticulously spread out from a towering, wood-crafted ceiling canopy supported by massive columns. Gracing beneath the roof are black mirror ponds reflecting the sunroof and foliage. The lobby entryway is entirely open, airy and its minimalist structure allows guests to gaze across the sprawling space and see an elevated wooden boardwalk leading to the beach—evoking a sense of limitless access and modern luxury. The resort is designed by famed architect Pino Violante of Zanobia Arquitectura, and the architecture is highly sophisticated, bold and sumptuous.
Accommodations
The resort’s phenomenal beachfront property has 340 spacious guest rooms and suites that are sleek, cozy and have subtle nods to Dominican culture woven into the décor. The W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive boasts some of the largest rooms in the Dominican Republic, each measuring at 700 square feet and featuring a floating bathtub, a spa-like rain shower, king-size bed and a terrace. Guests can opt for larger rooms with everything from private plunge pools or swim-up access, ocean views to outdoor showers and direct beach access. The interior of the rooms, decorated to echo the rich colors and textures of the Caribbean—from ivory mid century-modern cabinetry, granite countertops and natural slab slate floors—are bold but still rooted in comfort. Rooms also come equipped with a family-style dining table, a snack bar stocked with savory and sweet treats, a comfy sectional couch, and plenty of closet and work space. A giant slab of stone covered with beautiful turquoise tile separates the well-lit bathroom and bedroom. Every evening, guests will sleep comfortably and feel relaxed. There’s no doubt about it.
Food & Beverage
W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, is setting a new standard for dining in the Caribbean. You’ll eat delicious food in the most sophisticated setting aimed at creating shared experiences. Onsite there are a whopping 12 unique restaurants, bars, and lounges featuring multi-cultural, Caribbean, and Dominican cuisine. A standout is the Noodle Bar, an Asian-fusion restaurant that serves stellar stir-fry noodle dishes like pad thai that is filled with rich taste and fragrant spices. Their beef gyozas are a crowd-pleaser as well as their fresh ceviche.
Another sublime eatery is Scena, where high-end Dominican culinary heritage takes center stage. Here, inventive twists on traditional recipes like shrimp and plantains achieve stimulating flavors, and their smoked short rib was absolutely sublime. Dining at Scena feels posh, yet unpretentious. Open exclusively for dinner, this restaurant makes an elegant evening unforgettable.
One thing to add, W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, avoids the traditional buffet experience and has an excellent food hall. The Trade Market’s open kitchens dish out everything from custom pasta creations and fresh omelettes to tasty pizza. Overall, all the food menus are curated, the presentation of dishes executed beautifully, and the service is very attentive. The food was elevated compared to other all-inclusive resorts. There’s also room service that runs 24 hours, making it easy to satisfy all cravings at any hour.
As for drinks, guests will enjoy beautifully presented innovative cocktails made from top-shelf liquor. Everywhere at W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, the spirits, wines, craft cocktails by the pool or a nightcap at one of the bars are all premium, reflecting a beverage-first philosophy. Unlike other all-inclusive resorts, you won’t have to shell out extra money to enjoy the best alcohol.
Relaxing Pools and Energizing Music
The resort features a 400-meter gorgeous beachfront paired with the brand’s signature Wet Deck, the most beautiful infinity pool that stretches over 250 feet and is larger than an Olympic-size pool. It’s also the longest infinity pool in Punta Cana and superb for lounging. And with the ocean as a backdrop, it’s the perfect spot for social gatherings and to snap photos for social media. A short walk away is the Chill Pool that offers a calm setting for laid back moments, with a sublime swim-up bar offering spritzers, small bites, and lots of sunbeds to lounge and relax. Disc jockeys were abundant, always playing the most upbeat music and adding the perfect vibe near the pools.
Wellness-Driven Escape
An enchanting two-story, 4,000-square-foot spa called Away Spa features 10 treatment rooms, several pools (including hot pools and cold plunges), a beauty salon, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and a fully-equipped, 24-hour gym will have guests feeling reinvigorated. Spa assistants will even coach you during a 40-second back-to-back plunge into the cold and hot pools that will stimulate your entire body. Away Spa also provides deep massages and facials. I received the Rejuvenate Facial, which incorporates Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid, peptides, and a lifting Gua Sha massage that revitalized my face and resulted in a firm and healthy glow. The entire experience was magnificent and I left the spa feeling both mentally and physically nourished.
Courtesy of W Hotels.
Takeway
W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive is absolutely worth the visit and exceeds all the other all-inclusive space. It’s the best adults-only playground for today’s luxury traveler. W Hotels has created the ultimate paradise and staying here is anything but predictable.
“The DNA of the W Hotels brand is still the boldness and vibrant energy that we’ve been known for since the beginning, but in a more sophisticated and elegant way that people may not expect,” Fleck said candidly. “People may think we are a party hotel and it’s about the music and the drinking, but we want to expand from that. A fun night out is still on the menu, but we are offering higher quality food and beverage, an expanded wellness offering, a gym experience, the highest quality guest room—all of this is adding to this idea that it’s luxury, but with a vibe, and that’s really the DNA of the brand. This is what I want people to take away from W Punta Cana.”
Well, Fleck has fully succeeded as guests left the debut weekend fully energized, happy and immersed in the spirit W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, and ready to spread the W Hotel’s bold and vibrant energy far and wide.
