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Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa Hotel Review
Dreams Punta Cana debuted in December of 2007. To give you a little bit of history, this resort was built brand new and originally opened in April 2005 as Sunscape The Beach
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After only being open two years, Sunscape The Beach underwent over $8 million USD worth of renovations and updates in order to be transformed into a Dreams luxury property. Now Dreams Punta Cana has become the first Dreams Resort in the Dominican Republic offering guests the all inclusive experience of ultimate luxury and ultimate fun.
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Dreams Punta Cana is located on the northeastern, Atlantic shore of the Dominican Republic in Playa Uvero Alto, about 90 minutes ride from the Punta Cana airport and 2.5 hours from the La Romana airport. Geographically if you look at a map of the Dominican Republic you'll see that the eastern side of the island comes to a point. Most of the Punta Cana resorts are located along the southern, bottom side of this point. The southern side of the island faces the Caribbean Sea. Dreams Punta Cana resort is located just around the other side of this point and it's beach faces towards the east and the Atlantic ocean. This 620 room lavish resort is not too big and not too small...it's just right! The entire resort is very easy to navigate and is stroller friendly. Once you get the lay of the land you can go from the front lobby and walk in the shade all the way down to the beach....AND OH, what a BEAUTIFUL beach it is!
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This is one of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen. This sandy shore goes on for miles in either direction as far as the eyes can see.
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It is certainly a beach lovers paradise, plenty of room to kick back and relax under a shady palm or find a spot in the sand where the kids can build their castles.
Dreams Punta Cana has plenty of fun in the sun on their beach too for more active folks. There are all sorts of non motorized water sports to enjoy including snorkeling, hobie cats and introductory dive lessions. Please know these activities are free as part of the all inclusive program but guests are required to leave a minimal deposit to insure that all equipment is returned promptly and in good order. There is a dive shop located right on the beach which is independently run by Scuba Caribe. Here hotel guests can make arrangements for scuba and snorkeling excursions which are not part of the all inclusive program.
Sally met a new friend on the beach at Dreams Punta Cana. She'd like to introduce you to CeCe. She and her pony pal Pedro are on the beach daily from 11am to 4pm offering pony rides to kids under 12. The pony rides for children are part of the all inclusive. Horseback Riding excursions can be arranged for adults and children for a fee.
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The focal point of this resort is it's massive, signature award-winning pool called the Lazy River. Please know this is NOT a waterpark type ride with a current...it's just the name they have given to the pool because it winds through the entire property like a river. This 300 square yard pool is one of the largest in the Caribbean. It starts at the far end of the property near the lobby exit and spa with a zero entry area, shallow splash area for kids including a fun iceburg that the little ones can climb and slide on. Along the way kids will enjoy talking to the parrots who always have something to say.
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It is a LONG swim in this pool. You can float along under bridges, past pool activity areas and shady palapas...the maximum depth is about 4 feet deep.
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Seriously, when you're swimming in this pool it just seems to go on and on forever!
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But at the end of the pool is the reward...the swim up pool bar where you can kick back, enjoy a nice refreshing drink and a little time in the jacuzzi while enjoying the view of the ocean.
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There is also a second kids pool area over in the Explorers club. Here kids from ages 3-12 can enjoy imaginative adventures in their own pirate ship waterslide, fantasy castle complete with a splash moat. Just a note...toddlers must be at least age 3 and potty trained to join in the fun at the Explorer's club.
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Dreams Punta Cana has created a kids club that answers to a child's imagination. Parents will be pleased to know the area is gated and fully supervised. The kids club is open from 9am - 5pm daily. Children can enjoy their dinner at the Explorers club while staying to see a big screen movie under the stars. This affords moms and dads time for a romantic dinner or a bit of alone time. Beepers are available to call parents should your child need you but with all there is to do, this probably won't happen often.
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The pirate ship and castle are actually functioning, practical play areas that include a craft area, theater and rooms for indoor games. There is also a snack area and a sand pit but look closely, the floor here is all padded so no worries about being slippery and safe. Again surprises are around every corner at Dreams Punta Cana. They have even included teepees and tents for evening camp out fun. Every night they show a family movie or cartoon on a big screen in this area. These movies are really meant for the kids but we spotted a lot of parents joining in on the fun too...including Jan!
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Dreams Punta Cana has just added a brand new state of the art teen center for kids over the age of 13 with activities like archery, billiards, batting cages, video games and even a mechanical bull...Yes, that's our Sally...YeeHa!
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Teen activities will be organized and fully supervised as well as giving teens their own club house space complete with big screen TV, snack and smoothie bar and free internet access.
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While kids are at the explorer's or teen club, parents may choose to indulge themselves at the full service spa at Dreams Punta Cana. Trust us...once you step foot in this beautiful spa you may never want to leave! The decor is restful and relaxing. Massages and many other treatments take place in private, peaceful palapas that are surrounded by gold fish ponds. There is a full menu of treatments to choose from (additional fee). There are even spa services for children. Kids can enjoy salon hair braiding and services, manicures and massages are available as long as they have a parent in tow.
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And as we said there are surprises around every turn. At the end of the spa is a complete hydro therapy circuit. Just follow the posted directions for timed sauna, steam, shower and whirlpool water therapy. Sally and Jan spent a lot of time in this secret corner of the resort recouperating from all their hotel tours. They felt like this was their own little corner of paradise so sshhh...don't let anybody in on this secret spot ok!
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Just in case you're a bit more energetic, Dreams Punta Cana offers state-of-the-art, air conditioned fitness center which includes free-weights, treadmills, stair climbers, Nordic-Trac/Universal, martial arts and exercise bikes. Aerobic classes, yoga classes, tennis lessons and more are available to get you up and moving!
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Jan says look forward to enjoying BOAT LOADS of food at Dreams Punta Cana...and she wasn't kidding!...Ok to explain the picture, this was taken at one of their famed themed dinner nights. The garden area was transformed with glowing tiki torches and delicious selections of international cuisine was served from ice filled canoes. Jan said the resort's beautiful Wedding gazebo was transformed into what she aptly named "The Dome of Decadence" which included all sorts of delicious, speciality deserts and chocolates that tasted out of this world! Please do know that this wedding gazebo is an ideal spot for a romantic wedding or family moon!!!
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At Dreams Punta Cana there are no wristbands and no need to make dinner reservations like in other resorts. You can simply show up at your restuarant choice and enjoy a delicious dinner. Please know gentlemen are required to wear long pants and closed toe shoes for dinner. Women and children can wear casual sportswear but no beachwear is allowed in the evenings. During the day bathing suits and cover ups are the normal attire. At Dreams Punta Cana you can enjoy eight different dining choices...
Oceana - Fish and seafood specialities served under a giant open-air palapa located on the beach. A la carte dinner - 5:00 - 10:30 pm.
Bordeaux - Adults only - 18 yrs and older. Exquisite French gourmet dining in an elegant atmosphere. Air conditioned.A la carte dining - 7:00 - 10:30. Dress code - Casual elegance, no sandals or shorts.
Seaside Grill - Show cooking served under a giant open air palapa located at the beach offering a variety of a la carte grilled steaks, burgers, salad and dessertbar. Open for breakfast - 7:00-10:00 am, Lunch - 12:00 - 4:00 pm, A la carte dinner 6:30 - 11:00 pm.
La Trattoria - Casual restaurant featuring a variety of gourmet Italian specialities. A la carte dinner served 6:00 - 10:30. Dress code - casual with collard short sleeve shirt.
El Patio - Authentic a la carte restaurant with traditional Mexican cuisine. Fine selection of premuim beverages from wine cellar. A la carte dinner - 6:00 - 10:30 pm. Dress code - Casual elegance, no sandals or shorts.
Crepes & Co. - Savor salt & sweet crepes. A la carte dinner & take away - 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Dress code - casual.
Himitsu - Asian cuisine featuring Tepanyaki grill tables in an elegant oriental atmosphere. A la carte dining - 6:00 - 10:30 pm. Dress code - casual elegance, no shorts or sandals allowed. Grill tables restricted to children ages 12 and over. No children under 6 yrs allowed
Dreams Oceanfront restaurant featuring fine gourmet dining. Air conditioned, Dinner served 6:30pm-10:30pm.
World Cafe - Main casual restaurant offering international cuisine, buffet & a la carte.Breakfast served 6:30am-10:30am. Informal dress Lunch served 12:30pm-3:00pm. Informal dress for lunch; Casual elegance for Dinner served 6:30pm-10:30pm. Besides all the delicious choices here, Jan was impressed with the specialized kid's buffet which catered to little taste buds with food prepared in smaller portions for little size appetites.
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Dreams Punta Cana features 7 bars, all serving a wide selection of both national and international premium brand drinks & cocktails. Visit the Lobby Bar which also serves awesome cappicinos in the morning and tea in the afternoon(10am to 10pm), Theater Bar (7pm to 1am), Pool Bar (10am to 5pm), Swim Up Bar (10am to 5pm), Wellness Bar (10am to 5:30pm), Sport Bar (10am to8pm), and the Cigar Piano Bar (11pm to 2am).
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After dinner, enjoy the wide array of live, nightly entertainment in Dreams Punta Cana's state of the art Theater. Dance the night away at Desire's Night Club (11pm to 2am). Mix and mingle with other resort guests at the weekly Manger's Cocktail Party. You can even try your luck at their casino (7pm to 3am) where you'll find roulette, slot machines, poker, Caribbean poker and blackjack. (Casino for Adults 18 and over only)
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Opulent guestrooms and suites at Dreams Punta Cana provide stunning views of the
expansive pool, manicured gardens, pristine beaches and
beautiful ocean. Room amenities include 24 hour room service, one four poster King Size or two double beds, superior furnishings,private balcony or terrace with hammocks, Air conditioning and ceiling fan, direct telephone with data port, wireless internet access throughout the resort, 27inch satellite TV with DVD/CD Player, hair dryers, double vanity sink complete with sound system, alarm clock with MP3 docking station, VIP amenities and in room safe. All bathrooms have a shower, hydromassage tubs, terrycloth robes and slippers. The in-room Minibar is refilled daily with soft drinks, bottled water, beer and juice.
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Dreams Punta Cana resort considers "children" to be between the ages of 2-11 years of age. Kids age 12 and older do pay adult rates here. Cribs and cots are available and there are adjoining rooms on a request basis...unless you are booked into one of the family suite rooms, we cannot guarantee that other rooms will be adjoinging. This property offers several room upgrade categories.
SUPERSAVER - These rooms will allow single adult, a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.
Bedding: 1 king bed or 2 double beds.
View: Garden
DELUXE ROOMS - are located in buildings 1-5, 2nd & 3rd floor and will allow a single adult or a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.
Bedding: 1 king bed or 2 double beds.
View: Garden or Pool.
DELUXE PARTIAL OCEAN VIEW - Same occupancy rules as above except NO single adults permitted and
these rooms do offer a partial ocean view.
DELUXE FAMILY SUITE - GUARANTEED CONNECTING- 1 Deluxe room with a king size bed separated by a door
to a Deluxe room with 2 double beds. Maximum Occupancy 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children
or 3 adults and 2 children. Single adults permitted. BOOK EARLY...THESE ROOMS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND AND SELL OUT QUICKLY!!!
DELUXE SWIM OUT COUPLE ONLY - Ground floor rooms offering king beds only with direct access to the pool...no single adults allowed.
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HONEYMOON SUITE buildings 6-9, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor,
private outdoor Jacuzzi and private terrace. There is
a spacious living room, private terrace with Jacuzzi,
double TV set including a DVD player, double sink bathroom,
separate shower, and superior amenities including pool towels.
Bedding: 1 king bed..couples only with no single adults allowed.
View: Pool or Garden or Ocean.
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JUNIOR SUITE- Located in buildings 6-9, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor,
Jan shows us this is one large bedrom with a spacious living room area, private terrace with
Jacuzzi, double TV set including a DVD player, double sink
bathroom, separate shower, and superior amenities including
pool towels.
Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed will allow a maximum of
3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
View: Ocean or Pool or Garden.
MASTER TWO BEDROOM SUITE same facilities as the Junior Suite
with 1 king adjoining to a Deluxe room, each with their own
entrance, plasma television, ocean views on the 2nd or 3rd
floor or spectacular pool view from the 1st floor. Minimum
occupancy is 2 adults. Maximum occupancy is4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children
or 3 adults and 2 children.
PREFERRED CLUB For families who require an even higher standard of service, Dreams Punta Cana offers guest their Preferred Club. Families staying in preferred club rooms will receive these extra amenities...private check-in/out, private lounge, private concierge, upgraded toiletries and ammenities, private beach areas, upgraded mini bar, daily newspaper service, daily continental breakfast, afternoon and evening hors d'oeuvres and exquisite desserts and complimentary internet access in rooms and lounge.
PREFERRED CLUB DELUXE-
Will allow a single adult or a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.
Bedding: 1 king bed or 2 double beds.
View: Garden or Pool.
PREFERRED CLUB DELUXE FAMILY SUITE - GUARANTEED CONNECTING 1 Deluxe room with a king size bed
adjoining a Deluxe room with 2 double beds. Maximum Occupancy 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children
or 3 adults and 2 children. Single adults permitted. BOOK EARLY...THESE ROOMS ARE IN ALSO HIGH DEMAND AND SELL OUT QUICKLY!!!
PREFFERED CLUB HONEYMOON SUITE - COUPLES ONLY- Buildings 6-9, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor,private
outdoor Jacuzzi and private terrace. There is a spacious
living room, private terrace with Jacuzzi, double TV set
including a DVD player, double sink bathroom, separate shower
and superior amenities including pool towels.
Bedding: 1 king bed
View: Garden or Ocean or Pool
PREFERRED CLUB JUNIOR SUITE- located in buildings 6-9, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor.
There is one large bedroom with spacious living
room area, private terrace with Jacuzzi, double TV set including
a DVD player, double sink bathroom, separate shower, and
superior amenities including pool towels.
Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed will allow a maximum of
3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
View: Garden or Ocean or Pool.
PREFERRED CLUB MASTER TWO BEDROOM SUITE- same facilities as
the Junior Suite with 1 king size bed adjoining to a Deluxe room, each
with their own entrance, plasma television, ocean views on the
2nd or 3rd floor or spectacular pool view from the 1st floor.
Minimum occupancy is 2 adults.Maximum occupancy is4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children
or 3 adults and 2 children.
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It's no surprise at all that you and your family will enjoy the vacation of a lifetime at Dreams Punta Cana resort. Vacationkids family travel experts can arrange complete packages departing from US aiports. We can also make Land only reservations for families wanting to use their frequent flyer miles or for international families that live outside of the US.
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TRAVEL TIP- Please know this property is not really close to the rest of the Punta Cana resort area. At the moment the ride to the resort is at least an hour long and fairly
bumpy. Construction has already begun on a new highway
up to this new resort area so we expect this situation to improve in the short term. As we said, the Sunscape staff has thought of everything and one of the surprising new features of this resort is a brand new helipad. If you really want to get your vacation started right away, consider a helicopter tour and transfer! For $135.00 per adult and $70 per child you can catch a helitour right from Punta Cana airport, enjoy a bird's eye tour of the beautiful Dominican Republic and arrive at Sunscape The Beach in 1/2 hour. Now that's a vacation with style! Just tell your Vacationkids agent that you would like to add this option onto your family's vacation and we'll make all the arrangements.
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