Free, Or Not Too Free?
That is the question when it comes to "all-inclusive" resort vacations. We've stacked 'em up to settle it.
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Get castaway on your own private island. Sort of. Zoetry looks and feels like a tuckedaway, secret village, making it the ideal resort for those looking to unwind. The 51 secluded suites are reminiscent of rustic tiki huts — the straw roofs and connecting wood bridges giving off a bucolic vibe. But don't be fooled by the exterior; inside, opulence blends with ecofriendly décor for a room that drips in luxe, aesthetic minimalism. Outside primeval, inside posh.
COST: $750 to $1,500 per night per couple
WALLETFREE:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: À la carte dining at three different restaurants * Daily fresh fruit basket * Daily afternoon tea * Topshelf liquor at two bars * Welcome bottle of rum
FITNESS: Horsebackriding excursion
PAMPERING: 20minute spa treatment * 20minute wellness consultation * Saunas * Steam rooms * Jacuzzis * Bvlgari lotions *
ABOVE AND BEYOND: -
BRING OUT THE BENJAMINS:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: Private dining option (think intimate, candlelit dinner in a secluded spot)
FITNESS: Fishing trip * Golfing * Scuba diving * Hike * Bike tours
PAMPERING: Fulllength spa treatments (like facials, massages and detoxifying wraps)
ABOVE AND BEYOND: Photo and video safaris * The Chocolate Route (a trip to local cacao plantations)
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com
A slice of Vegas in the Dominican Republic, this new hotel — built in 2009 and the first allinclusive Hard Rock — is where party animals go to let loose. Its sheer scale (121 acres, 1,800 rooms, 11 restaurants, 15 bars, 15 pools), flamboyant glitz and the prospect of indulging superstar fantasies set the tone for a wild vacation. However, its enormous spa, casino and kids club make it a wellrounded spot for even the pickiest of travelers.
COST: $342 per night per couple
WALLETFREE:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: À la carte dining at nine restaurants (including a celebrity chef Kerry Simonhelmed eatery) * Topshelf liquor at 15 bars * Poolside snacks * New Oro Nightclub * Nightly entertainment (live music, theme parties and shows)
FITNESS: Tennis * Beach volleyball * Pingpong * Mini golf * Climbing wall * Fitness center
PAMPERING: -
ABOVE AND BEYOND: -
BRING OUT THE BENJAMINS:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: Private dining option (on the beach) * Upgraded wine selection (like most things in life, the good stuff costs extra) * Casino * Game arcade
FITNESS: Golf on a Jack Nicklausdesigned course
PAMPERING: Spa treatments (like a trip to the innovative ice room — the cold is supposed to purify skin)
ABOVE AND BEYOND: -
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
www.majesticelegancepuntacana.com
If The Great Gatsby were set at a resort by the beach, this luxurious 597room hotel would be it. Stylish design and casual sophistication define it — think fourposter beds and private white canvas Bali beds on the equally white beach, curtains lazily flapping in the breeze while chic guests lounge around, elegantly jaded. Singles can retreat to the "adultsonly" areas while parents can get a breather by dropping their kids off at supervised kids programs.
COST: $430 to $500 per night per couple
WALLETFREE:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: An international buffet * À la carte dining at four restaurants * Topshelf liquor at 11 bars
FITNESS: One scuba diving lesson * Kayaking * Windsurfing * Catamarans * Snorkeling * Pedal boats * Sailing * Tennis * Fitness center * One greens fee (per adult staying five nights or more)
PAMPERING: -
ABOVE AND BEYOND: -
BRING OUT THE BENJAMINS:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: Upgraded wine selection
FITNESS: Scuba diving * Parasailing * Golf cart and club rentals
PAMPERING: Spa treatments (like the delicious sounding chocolate massage)
ABOVE AND BEYOND: Excursions to Saona Island and Macao Beach * Jeep Safaris
Paradisus Punta Cana
Have a yen for some zen? With a tasteful and subtly Asian slant, this place oozes calm. As the name implies, it's truly a tropical paradise — you won't even have to step outside of your hotel to feel like you're in the tropics. In fact, you'll barely know what's indoors and what's outdoors since it's bursting at the seams with plants and tropical gardens and has a blissfully breezy, openair design.
COST: $380 per night per couple
WALLETFREE:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: An international buffet * À la carte dining at 12 restaurants * Topshelf liquor at eight bars * Nightly entertainment (parties, shows and live music)
FITNESS: Sailing * Windsurfing * Kayaking * Unlimited greens fees * Tennis * Volleyball
PAMPERING: -
ABOVE AND BEYOND: Aromatherapy pillows * Linen scents
BRING OUT THE BENJAMINS:
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE: Casino
FITNESS: Motorized water sports * Scuba diving * Horseback riding * Deepsea fishing
PAMPERING: Spa treatments (like aromatherapy, radiance scrubs, wraps, masks, facials and couples massages)
ABOVE AND BEYOND: Excursions to Catalina Island * Trip to Santo Domingo
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