Confession: For 26 years of my life, I hated all-inclusive resorts. The idea of a hotel full of huge families and/or honeymoon couples didn’t seem like a vacation to me. Sorry, not sorry.
Sure, it sounds nice not to have to put in the hassle of planning or pay for tons of piña coladas by the hotel pool, but I’m just not that kind of traveler…or so I thought. My attitude toward all-inclusives changed forever when I visited Finest Punta Cana., an incredible resort 50 minutes from Punta Cana airport in the Dominican Republic in November. It showed me that some all-inclusive offers Are worth the trip, and I’m officially a changed woman. Here’s why.
THE QUICK HITS: FINEST PUNTA CANA EDITION
- Name: The best Punta Cana
- Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Cost per night: From $518
- Best for: A romantic trip or a family holiday
- While you are here, visit: The water – best on a catamaran boat tour with snorkeling
- One-word vibe check: Relax
- Most iconic photo spot: In the whirlpool (or private pool) on your terrace
- Don’t forget: Try the hydrotherapy circuit at the spa
BOOK A STAY
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
True story: I had a panic attack at the Punta Cana airport after a hectic day of travel and cried on the way to the hotel. But my worries dissolved when I was taken to a private check-in desk in the Excellence Club (the adults-only part of the resort) where everything finally went smoothly. While I checked in and got an introduction to the facility, my bags were taken straight to my room without me having to lift a finger. Oh, and they handed me complimentary champagne. A great start!!!
THE ROOMS
The rooms at Finest are huge, that’s all I can say. But first, let me explain how the resort is set up. There are three areas you can stay in: The Finest Suites (for adults and children), the Finest Club (for adults and children with additional amenities like premium alcohol, exclusive restaurants and access to Excellence Club areas) and the Excellence Club (which gives you all the amenities of the Finest Club but is for adults only).
I stayed in a suite at the Excellence Club, which had a huge living room, an extremely comfortable king-size bed, a huge bathroom with incredible lighting for getting ready, and the walk-in closet of my dreams. But the best part? There was a private hot tub on my balcony overlooking the pool. It was stuhnin‘.
THE EQUIPMENT
The One Spa at Finest is next level (and I go to spas for a living as a beauty editor, eh?). With my Excellence Club access, I was able to partake in Aqua Hydrotherapy, a unique twist on a spa day that includes a steam room and sauna, ice scrub, body masks, cold plunge and water massage. I felt so incredibly refreshed afterward. Oh, and if you’re a health fanatic, the gym opposite the spa is immaculate, complete with treadmills overlooking the beach, weights, machines – the whole shebang.
Do yourself a favor and book a hydrotherapy appointment – you won’t regret it.
The Excellence Club Pool where I spent a lot currently.
THE FOOD AND DRINKS
Let’s just say I ate Good at Finest. There are 13 restaurants on site, plus two food trucks (one of which served me the most delicious chicken quesadilla in the middle of my very busy day with Tecate at the swim-up bar). The restaurant atmosphere ranges from Hibachi at Shoji to Italian at Insieme Trattoria, steak at Brass Steakhouse and seafood at Duke’s. My favorite meal was definitely at Dommo, however, which is adults-only. The cordon bleu was a surprise hit – everyone at my table wished they had ordered it too when they saw how tender and delicious mine looked.
Outside Taboo, which is conveniently located directly opposite the Excellence Club Lounge. 😇
These aren’t gourmet-level photography skills, but look at her! She’s stunning!
And if you’re single and looking to mingle (or just want a place to relax with your group), I highly recommend the Excellence Club Lounge, where I had the most decadent spicy margarita of my life. On my first night there, I happened to meet a group of Canadian travelers, then we ventured to the Taboo Lounge for a nightcap. I’m not saying I had a vacation romance, but I’m also not saying *didn’t*…
The conclusion
As one of the few hotels in the area to have both adults-only and kids-only areas, Finest Punta Cana is a truly unique place where vacationing with a large group actually feels easy for once. My hardest decision each day was where I would eat, what treatment I would get at One Spa, and which pool I would dip in between chapters of my book. Woe is me! As I said, I’m usually an all-inclusive hater, but this definitely made me change my ways.
Beth Gillette is beauty editor at Cosmopolitanwhere she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails and more in digital and print media. You can usually see her wearing bright eyeshadow, furiously typing about her latest feature or ranting about a new product you “have to try.” CosmopolitanShe spent four years writing and editing beauty content as an editor at The Everygirl. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hairstyle every few months.
