The Grand Reserve At Paradisus Palma Real

Modern white architecture meets slick and stylish interiors at this luxury all-inclusive resort from the Melia chain. Lovely water features, tall palm trees, and plenty of inviting spots to lounge in pepper the grounds. The pools are large and attractive (there are swim-out suite options, too), and there are plenty of plush loungers and canopied daybeds lining pool decks.
Inside, spaces are full of natural light and stylish, modern decor in soft shades. Natural textures like wood and wicker mix with polished marble, chic seating, and cool lamp fixtures. In Bavaro, lots of potted plants arranged on shelves throughout the high-ceilinged space add a pop of green, while over at Mina Steakhouse, darker hues and a wall made of stones contribute to a more masculine feel. Overall, it’s a lush, plush place for an all-inclusive vacation that’s a hit with couples and families with kids alike. Those looking to spend most of their time at the beach might want to take into account that though beautiful, it is a 15-minute walk from the property.

The Grand Reserve sits on sprawling grounds right by its two other sister hotels, the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort and The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real. It’s not right on the beach, requiring about a 15-minute walk to the shore. Within a five-minute drive are a small market, golf course, and a high-end shopping center, supermarket, and pharmacy. There are also a bank and American franchise barbecue and pizza restaurants. Coco Bongo -- the famous Caribbean nightclub brand with its over-the-top Vegas-style shows -- is a 15-minute drive from the resort. For an adrenaline rush, Bavaro Adventure Park has a paintball field, mountain bike trails, zip lines, and Zorbing, and it’s a 16-minute drive away. Hoyo Azul, a swimmable cenote with turquoise water, takes around 40 minutes to reach by car. For a taste of Dominican history, Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone is around a two-hour-and-30-minute drive away. Punta Cana International Airport takes 22 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

The hotel’s sunlit and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites are pleasantly decorated with soft shades and chic, contemporary furniture. Wood and white dominates, with plush white bedding, clean-lined furnishings, white marble details, and subtle decorative touches like abstract black-and-white photos, stylish lighting fixtures, and chic patterned pillows.
All suites are large, ranging from 797 to 1796 square feet (74 to 167 square meters), and all have living rooms with wet bars and dining areas. Rooms open onto private terraces with whirlpool tubs, loungers, and outdoor furniture. Some suites have swim-up access from the pool. The largest option here is the 3,000-square foot (280-square-meter) Two Bedroom Master Suite Swim Up Inner Circle, which also has separate living and dining areas.
Wet bar areas have well-stocked minibars, Nespresso machines, microwaves, and a selection of snacks. Other amenities that come standard include flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Spacious, white marble bathrooms have large walk-in showers as well as separate soaking tubs. High-end toiletries and hairdryers are supplied.

There are eight dining options to choose from here, ranging from a steakhouse to Asian fusion to a cevicheria. There’s also a main buffet restaurant, plus guests have access to restaurants at sister hotels Paradisus Palma and The Reserve. Most of the dining spaces include lovely outdoor areas for an alfresco option. Food here gets good reviews and there’s plenty of variety.
There are a couple of different bars to choose from as well. These include a sports bar with pool tables, foosball, and lots of TVs screening sporting events; a swim-up pool bar; and an adults-only cigar bar.

There are plenty of facilities and activities to keep guests of all ages engaged at the Grand Reserve, one of the highlights being the attractive pools. The pools are surrounded by lovely pool decks lined with padded loungers and canopied daybeds, and one of the pools has a swim-up bar. For an alternative, guests also have access to a beautiful stretch of white-sand, turquoise-watered beach where palapa-shaded loungers are widely available and beach concierges are a luxe touch. The beach is about a 15-minute walk, however, and there can be seaweed on the shore at times, but it’s unavoidable in the area.
The spa offers a wide menu of treatments utilizing Natura Bisse products and modern technologies, like an oxygen treatment and a collagen shock. A large, sunlit gym features wall of windows overlooking the grounds and plenty of state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training machines. There’s also a spinning studio.
Kids are catered to with a water park that features slides and attractions, plus there’s a kids’ club with games, activities, and a nice outdoor area. Other amenities include a number of activities, ranging from art and wine sessions, to “woga” (yoga and water exercises).