The Dominican Republic is a stunning Caribbean country known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. One of its most popular destinations is Punta Cana, located on the eastern coast of the country. Punta Cana attracts travellers from all over the world with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.
Punta Cana offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a thrilling adventure, Punta Cana has something for everyone. One of the main reasons people choose to travel to Punta Cana is its breathtaking beaches. The powdery white sand and calm, warm waters create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. You can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear ocean, or trying exciting water sports such as snorkeling or paddle-boarding. In addition to its natural beauty, Punta Cana is home to world-class resorts that offer top-notch amenities and services. These all-inclusive resorts provide everything you need for a stress-free vacation, from comfortable accommodations to delicious dining options and exciting entertainment.
For those interested in history and culture, Punta Cana is also home to several historical sites and landmarks. Visit the Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, and immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture. Or take a trip to the nearby town of Higüey and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a stunning Catholic cathedral that is an important pilgrimage site for many Dominicans.
As the sun sets over the horizon, the nightlife in Punta Cana comes alive. Dance the night away at one of the many clubs and bars, or try your luck at the local casinos. With live music, vibrant atmosphere, and friendly locals, the nightlife in Punta Cana is an experience not to be missed.
I’ve recently returned from spending a week at the Jewel Palm Beach resort, located in Cabaza de Toro just a 20-25 minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
This oceanfront property offers direct access to a pristine private beach, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean Sea throughout their stay. One of the standout features of the Jewel Palm Beach Resort is its all-inclusive experience.
Marketed as a 4-star property, it offers a wide range of amenities and services to ensure guests have a memorable stay. The resort boasts six a la carte restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. Whether you’re craving Italian, French, Mexican Asian, or local Dominican cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. Additionally, there is a buffet where you can enjoy a variety of dishes. For those in need of a quick snack or a sweet treat, the resort also has a coffee shop. Here, you can grab a delicious pastry or a refreshing beverage to keep you energized throughout the day.
When it comes to drinks, the Jewel Palm Beach Resort doesn’t disappoint. With several bars scattered throughout the property, including a swim-up bar, you’ll never be far from a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer. Sit back, relax, and sip your favourite drink while enjoying the tropical surroundings.
On this trip, I was travelling with 5 adults and two children, we faced several challenges that significantly impacted our overall experience.
We had paid for 1 Club Deluxe (Tropical View) Room and 2 Deluxe (Tropical View) Rooms, and were disappointed to find that the club accommodations fell short of expectations compared to non-club rooms. Issues like dirty showers, no towels, and a lack of working lights and air-conditioning prompted us to request a room change, which was only accommodated after multiple complaints. Despite the Club booking indicating a welcome bottle of champagne, it never materialized despite numerous requests. Additionally, our requests for adjoining rooms for non-club guests were not fulfilled until several days into our vacation, further adding to our frustration.
Guests with dietary requirements, including one with a severe allergy, found the staff’s assistance lacking, particularly when navigating the buffet.
Lastly, the intense sun quickly depleted our sunscreen supply, purchasing a replacement bottle on-site can set you back more than $50 USD a bottle, so make sure to stock up and bring more than you think you’ll need.
Highlights of the Jewel Palm Beach
Proximity to airport: Situated within easy reach of Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the Jewel Palm Beach Resort offers convenience for travellers seeking a seamless transition from plane to paradise.
Oceanfront Oasis: With direct access to a private beach, guests can soak up the sun, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply unwind with a book while enjoying the breathtaking views. The staff work hard each day to clear up the seaweed that comes in with the overnight waves.
All-Inclusive Experience: The resort’s all-inclusive package ensures that you can indulge in delicious meals, refreshing drinks, and exciting activities without worrying about getting a big bill at checkout. It allows you to fully relax and enjoy your vacation without any added stress.
Lively Atmosphere: With several bars, including a swim-up bar, guests can sip on cocktails and soak in the Caribbean vibes as they unwind by the pool or beach.
Diverse Dining Options: From gourmet cuisine to casual bites, the resort caters to every palate with 6 a la carte restaurants and an all-you-can-eat buffet, ensuring a culinary adventure awaits at every turn. We particularly enjoyed the food at the Italian & French restaurants, but were surprised when we were presented with a request to pay for wine (despite this being an all-inclusive property).
Coffee Shop: The on-site coffee shop is a great place to grab a quick bite or treat yourself to a sweet indulgence. Whether you need a pick-me-up in the morning or a mid-afternoon snack, the coffee shop has you covered. The sugar donuts in particularly were great for a quick pick-me-up.
Diverse Pool Options: Dive into paradise with four inviting pools, including two exclusive pools for club members, a lazy river and a hot tub, you’ll have plenty of options for relaxation and fun in the sun.
Exclusive Club & VIP Access: Elevate your experience with access to the resort’s exclusive club, boasting updated perks and privileges to add an extra touch of luxury during your stay.
Family-Friendly with Adult Appeal: Strike the perfect balance between family fun and adult relaxation, as Jewel Palm Beach Resort offers designated adults-only sections while remaining welcoming to guests of all ages.
Nightly Entertainment: From live music and local performances, the Jewel Palm Beach offers nightly entertainment to keep guests entertained after the sun sets.
Areas that could be improved
Dated Accommodations: Despite its charm, the resort’s rooms are in dire need of renovation and a deep clean, reflecting its outdated aesthetic and detracting from the overall guest experience.
Service Quirks: While the staff at Jewel Palm Beach Resort are very friendly, there may be instances where guests encounter challenges, as excuses sometimes overshadow solutions when issues arise during their stay. Service at the resort’s restaurants can be inconsistent (even when you tip them).
Inconsistent Housekeeping: Guests may encounter challenges with housekeeping, including delays in towel and minibar refreshments, detracting from the overall guest experience. There were times when housekeeping did not arrive until 9pm.
Up-selling Pressure: Prepare to fend off constant attempts to up-sell additional services and amenities during your stay. From spa treatments to excursion packages, the resort’s relentless sales tactics may detract from the relaxation you seek.
Limited Activities: Beyond poolside lounging and beach relaxation, the resort offers minimal activities and excursions, leaving guests with few options for entertainment.
Lack of kids-activities: If you’re traveling with children, the kids club and activities are extremely limited, so unless you plan to spend most of your time by the pool, beach, or dining, there may be little to keep them entertained.
Lack of Club Identification: The absence of wristbands to identify club and VIP members allows non-paying guests to access exclusive amenities, diluting the value of club membership.
Access to shade and sun-loungers: There is a lack of shade around the pool and beach areas, which can be a downside for those seeking relief from the sun, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is at it’s peak and if you’re looking to secure a sun-lounger you need to be up early, the best spots get snagged up as early as 5am.
External Sellers on the Beach: The presence of external sellers on the beach may disrupt guests’ relaxation and lead to unwanted pressure to purchase goods or services.
Distance from local attractions: Those hoping to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of Punta Cana may find themselves disappointed. Situated far from Punta Cana’s amenities, guests must rely on transportation services, such as Uber, to explore the area, leading to additional expenses.
Conclusion
My time in Punta Cana was unforgettable and I’ll definitely be going back, but I must admit that my experience at the Jewel Palm Beach Resort left something to be desired.
Despite its picturesque location and variety of restaurants, it appears that since parting ways with the “Dreams” brand, the resort’s focus has shifted towards up-selling rather than investing in its own improvement. While it’s officially rated as a 4-star property, in my opinion, it falls more in line with a solid 3-star experience.
If I find myself in Cabaza de Toro again, I’d likely consider the another resort, at least until some of the issues we experienced have been properly addressed. Typically, I tend to lean towards resorts with easier access to local amenities, activities, and excursions, which aligns more closely with my travel preferences. For my next trip, I’m already exploring resorts in the Macao or Bavaro areas which feel like a better fit for my travel style.
Nevertheless, if your idea of paradise involves lounging by the pool and indulging in delicious meals, the Jewel Palm Beach might still be a viable option for you, especially if you’re willing to overlook the outdated rooms. After all, every traveller’s preferences are unique, and what didn’t quite meet my expectations might still be the perfect fit for someone else.
Check out my instagram highlights for some of our vacation photos – many of which will be available to purchase in our shop soon.
