Open Jaw :: On The Town ::

with Martha Chapman
13JAN09

The Bavaro Resorts in PUJ are on
almost 6 kms of beach

Those famous swaying palms!

Each room and suite has a private whirlpool

In Punta Cana

I’d left my house just six hours ago and already my mittens looked ridiculous.

Mind you they were fine as I tippy-toed my way over a snowbank to the waiting cab. But here in Punta Cana where the sun is smiling down at us, the famous palms gently sway high above and the beach is like talcum powder between your toes, mittens are a little de trop.

Lucky me, to be dropped down to PUJ for a winter weekend to help celebrate the recent re-opening of the Barceló Bavaro Palace. They call it “the jewel of the Barceló Bavaro Beach Resort” (there are four sister properties all strung along a six kilometer stretch of prime beach) – and with good reason.

All rooms have been reno-ed – but the big news is the new junior suites. Each has a spacious sitting area overlooking the very large terrace (with its own jacuzzi tub and comfy furniture) and lovely ocean view. And for those who tire of the view there’s a whopping 32” LCD TV. Thoughtful touches include incense and an incense burner by the bedside clock radio – which is iPod compatible.

The stunning 10’ by 16’ bathroom/dressing room features massive twin sinks and a huge shower-for-two complete with massive rain-fall showerheads. Bliss!

And how nice to see green touches such as new low-flow toilets, low-impact lighting and a towel re-use offer.

Outside, you have full access to all the other Bavaro resorts’ facilities (including the 14 restaurants so clients never have to worry about the buffet blahs). And a cute little trolley to take you around!

Like a lot of new properties, there are some wrinkles to iron out (my Cineplex Odeon sized TV received only a few stations, mostly Spanish) but overall this “new” resort, with its chic European design and vibe, is going to be a winner. If nothing else, I was inspired to come home and do a little home reno right here!