Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that the Caribbean would be within our budget or be do-able from the UK for a 1 week holiday. As a young newly married couple with a toddler at home, we hoped for a luxury holiday but on a budget of £1,500 weren't sure where it would get us. To our surprise Tui delivered, with us booking a 7 night stay at the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Our week-long trip to Punta Cana was our first holiday together as a couple, and while we missed our little boy dearly (thank goodness for daily video calls!), the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda gave us the perfect setting to relax and celebrate.
At just under £1,500 for a week, we were astonished by how much more we got, than we ever could in Europe. From premium branded drinks, to unlimited à la carte dining and even a personal butler, this resort delivered a honeymoon experience far beyond our expectations.
First Impressions & The Grand Complex
Arriving at the resort was an experience in itself. The entire site is a massive complex, home to four separate hotels: Bahia Principe Punta Cana, Bahia Principe Bavaro, the adults-only Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar, and our home for the week, the family-friendly Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda.
Despite being part of such a huge resort, our stay at Esmeralda felt intimate and exclusive. We were given wristbands that allowed us to use the facilities at the other hotels, and a fleet of handy buggy carts was always on hand to whisk us around the sprawling grounds. This unique setup meant we could enjoy a quiet, luxurious atmosphere at our own hotel, while still having the freedom to explore the vibrant energy and varied restaurants of the neighbouring resorts.
Check-in was a breeze, we were greeted with a refreshing cocktail and a warm welcome. Having done our research beforehand, we were prepared with a list of the à la carte restaurants we wanted to try and booked one for each night of our stay, ensuring we got the prime times we wanted. We decided to save the seafood gala night at the main buffet for one of our evenings, giving us a perfect mix of dining experiences.
Our Incredible Room
Our room was a luxurious retreat in itself. It was absolutely massive, featuring a huge four-poster bed and a separate seating area with a table and chairs. The large balcony was a highlight, offering a beautiful view of the pool and a glimpse of the sea beyond the swaying palm trees. The spacious bathroom was just as impressive, complete with a double vanity and a whirlpool bath. And as an added bonus, the minibar was fully stocked with drinks, snacks, and alcohol, all included as part of our all-inclusive package!
A Culinary Journey: Unlimited Dining
One of the highlights of our all-inclusive package was the unlimited access to the resort's specialty restaurants. We made it our mission to try a different cuisine each night. Our favourite was the gourmet restaurant at the adults-only Luxury Ambar hotel. It was here that I tried tuna tartare and chateaubriand for the first time, and both were absolutely incredible. The quality of the food and the elegant atmosphere made for a truly special honeymoon dinner.
Beyond the many à la carte spots, the food options were fantastic. Each hotel has a main buffet restaurant which have a huge variety to choose from and they also have many cooking stations serving up delicious food to order. Most mornings for breakfast we would choose a freshly made omelette with toppings of our choice but they even served champagne and caviar, which of course we had to try. The beach snack bar provided the perfect casual lunch without having to stray far from the sand, serving up fresh salad and pasta options as well as a grill serving burgers, BBQ meats and pizzas.
Pools, Beach, and Pure Relaxation
The Esmeralda section of the resort boasts three fantastic pools, two large, beautiful pools and a smaller adults-only trio of whirlpools. We spent most of our days at the pool closest to the beach, which was a hub of activity thanks to its fantastic swim-up bar. The perfect way to cool down from the Dominican sun was with a refreshing drink without having to leave the water.
The hotel is located on the spectacular Bavaro Beach which is accessed just a few steps from the pool, with soft white sand and crystal clear water, we found it to be the perfect place for relaxing walks and soaking up the stunning Caribbean views.
Evening Entertainment & Shopping: Pueblo Principe
For evening entertainment, all four hotels shared access to Pueblo Principe, a lively hub located at the front of the hotel complex. This vibrant area was a fantastic place to spend some evenings, with a great selection of shops, bars, and incredible shows put on by the Bahia Principe entertainment team. We were particularly impressed by the high-quality performances. The fun didn't stop there, as Pueblo Principe also housed a sports bar, a casino, and a nightclub, ensuring there was always something to do after the sun went down.
Beyond the Resort: Exploring Punta Cana
The main town in Bavaro is a short taxi ride away from the hotel and has shops, local bars and restaurants but we found that just a short stroll down the beach from the hotel led us to a charming little street with shops selling souvenirs and local crafts.
While we were tempted by the excursion options from our tour operator, TUI, we knew that their prices would come with a large price tag. Instead, we had researched ahead of time and found a fantastic local company called "Punta Cana Mike." We found a great deal with them and will be sharing more about our excursion experiences in a future post.
The Heart of the Resort: The Staff
What truly elevated our experience was the outstanding staff. From the moment we arrived until the day we left, every member of the team was welcoming, friendly, and went out of their way to make us feel special. Their hospitality made us feel truly at home and was a testament to the resort’s commitment to excellent service.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Punta Cana Honeymoon
Our honeymoon at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, Punta Cana was nothing short of magical. The combination of it's stunning location, exceptional value, gourmet dining, and top-notch service created a week of unforgettable memories. We can’t recommend this resort enough for any couple looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive getaway. It was the perfect place to start our married life together, and we are already dreaming of the day we can return.
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