Excellence El Carmen

The Excellence El Carmen adults-only all-inclusive resort opened in late 2016 and has one of Punta Cana’s most modern and hip vibes. Once inside, it's all about sharp neutral decor, tranquil vibes, and breezy ocean views. Arriving guests step through the front doors into a hip lobby that features swish elements like funky, high-backed armchairs, sleek couches, and floor-to-ceiling shelves full of oversized art books. While interiors are sharp, it's the hotel's lush grounds that give this property its away-from-it-all atmosphere. The Excellence El Carmen is dotted with four-floored buildings (designed to maximize ocean views) that are surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, towering palm trees, and blossoming flowers such as ixora, hibiscus, and bougainvillea.

It's definitely not a party resort with guests pounding shots -- the vibe is more towards sipping martinis. Even so, there's nightly entertainment ranging from live music and circus shows to Michael Jackson impersonators. Guests are mostly honeymooners and couples celebrating wedding anniversaries from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. As you walk down the hallways, it's common to see the doors of these couples' rooms decorated with banners celebrating their occasion.

Excellence El Carmen is very similar in terms of amenities to its sister property Excellence Punta Cana, which is just a five-minute drive away. However, there are some subtle differences worth considering before booking. While both resorts offer access to beautiful beaches, the stretch of sand at Excellence Punta Cana is perhaps just a little bit nicer. However, big waves and strong undertow make it unsuitable for swimming. Rooms are elegant in both resorts, but Excellence El Carmen’s are slightly bigger and more swish. As for swimming pools, Excellence Punta Cana’s main pool is bigger, but Excellence El Carmen has more rooms with swim-up access or private pools. Read a full Excellence Punta Cana vs Excellence El Carmen face-off, here.

Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana is located along a gorgeous sandy beach in Uvero Alto, a quiet beach area that's a far cry from the more touristy beach zones. Few vendors prowl the floury-soft sand in this part of Punta Cana. That does mean that there aren’t many things to do near Excellence El Carmen, and guests will have to rely on cabs or car rentals should they want to explore outside of the resort. There’s a small shopping strip within a five-minute drive, while Bavaro -- the most famous spot in the area -- takes 25 to 30 minutes to reach by car. The Blue Hole, a cenote with gorgeous turquoise water, is also around a 30-minute drive from the property. For an authentic Dominican town, the hamlet of Higuey is home to a famous cathedral, local market, and shops, and takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. Getting to beautiful Saona Island takes an hour and 15 minutes and requires a drive followed by a boat ride. Guests staying at Excellence El Carmen can book excursions to nearby attractions through the concierge. Punta Cana International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the resort.

Excellence El Carmen suites are some of the most attractive that we've seen in the Punta Cana region. They're big and breezy, with marble floors, walls paneled in hardwood and neutral fabrics, and glass-enclosed whirlpools for two that overlook private balconies (most with some sort of ocean view). The whirlpools are ideal for enjoying the views and a soak in rainy weather. Rooms have one king bed or two queen beds that are framed by boxy nightstands and telescoping chrome reading lights. Junior Suites can sleep up to three people, but the rest of the room types are for a maximum of two guests.

Tech features are solid and include iHome docks, wall-integrated USB plugs, and big smart TVs with satellite channels. Huge walk-in closets are fully shelved and big enough to unpack a steamer trunk with room to spare. All rooms also provide safes, umbrellas, irons, and ironing boards. Nespresso coffeemakers and free minibars stocked daily with beer, water, soda, and snacks (plus full bottles of whisky, rum, and vodka) are also available in all rooms free of charge. Pricier Excellence Club upgrades add pillow menus, Bulgari toiletries, loaner beach bags, and minibars with top-shelf liquor.

Open-plan bathrooms are spacious and include tan granite or black marble vanities plus double sinks. Glass-walled stand-up showers feature massive rainfall showerheads and all bathrooms include generous toiletries. Hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, scales, robes, and slippers come standard.

Many rooms at the Excellence Resort El Carmen feature direct access to a pool, private or shared with other guests in the same room category. Junior Swim-Up Suites, located on the ground floor, offer access to long pools with private nooks outfitted with a swan-neck jet. Those wanting their own private pool can book a range of other suite types, including the Excellence El Carmen Terrace Suite with Plunge Pool, Junior Suite with Plunge Pool, and any of the Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suites available. The only room type that has a private garden with a pool bigger than a plunge pool is the Imperial Suite.

When it comes to food, the resort’s 11 restaurants offer numerous options from casual spots to fine-dining. All are part of the hotel's all-inclusive rates, as is 24-hour room service. Lobster doesn't cost extra either. The only restaurant that requires a reservation is Spice, which has limited seating at its teppanyaki counters. Other options include an extensive buffet with live-cooking stations and small selection of Dominican specialties; the open-air eatery Oregano that specializes in pizza and pasta; and the Lobster House for seafood specialties overlooking the beach. French, Indian, Spanish, and Mexican restaurants are also open. For quick eats, Food Shark Food Truck serves tacos and nachos from a vintage bus, while Aroma slings coffee and desserts -- plus a rotating ice cream wheel. It's worth noting that most dinner restaurants have a casual elegance dress code, which means that t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and beach sandals are not allowed. Casual wear (no wet swimsuits) is acceptable elsewhere for breakfast and lunch.

Bar-wise, Excellence El Carmen’s 16 options include swim-up pool bars, a sports bar, a martini lounge, a beach bar, and a made-to-order juice bar with fresh fruits and veggies. Drink service is on offer at the pools and beach. The nightclub stays open late and has a DJ who takes request. Note that none of the bars are open 24/7. The best part? Premium alcohol and specialty beers are included.

Excellence Club Suites come with access to the private Magna Club restaurant and bar, plus the private lobby puts out special treats and desserts throughout the day.

While Excellence isn't the largest resort in Punta Cana, it certainly packs in a mega-resort's worth of features -- and its most exceptional are outdoors. The property's secluded beach is one of Punta Cana’s best. The sand is powdery soft and the oceanfront is lined with palm trees, lounge chairs, and thatched umbrellas. Free water sports include kayaks and Hobie Cat catamarans. The 23 freshwater pools are scattered throughout the resort and include a main pool with ocean views and two accessible ramps. The rest of the pools are either for guests staying in Swim-Up units or exclusive for Excellence Club guests.

The Miilé Spa is an attractive and quiet space offering massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and salon services. Services cost extra, but guests can book a free session in the gorgeous hydrotherapy circuit, which features a sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and jetted beds. The gym is modern and loaded with Technogym treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, recumbent bikes, weight machines, dumbbells, free weights, a punching bag, and a squat bench. Free daily classes like yoga and stretching are available, and personal training sessions are included in nightly rates as well. The resort has tennis courts and free lessons. Other activities include ping-pong, pool tables, and a life-size chess board. Bike tours, Spanish lessons, beach volleyball, archery, pool games, water aerobics, poker tournaments, and bingo are scheduled regularly. Nightly entertainment like live music, Michael Jackson impersonators, dance performances, and the weekly Dominican beach party (held indoors during inclement weather) get mostly positive reviews.

Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic has shops selling sundries and beach attire, a medical clinic (fee to use), and an ATM. Access to the business center is available for a fee, and there is also 4,800 square feet of event space. Valet parking is free at the resort and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Excellence El Carmen has a solid all-inclusive package that covers not only the usual buffet meals, drinks, and entertainment but also premium liquor brands, all a la carte meals (reservations not required), 24-hour room service, natural fruit juices, and beach and pool waiter service.

Like other Excellence properties, guests can splurge on upgraded Excellence Club packages. Perks include upgraded rooms; upgraded room-service menus, minibars, and toiletries; and access to a private lounge with concierge services. Excellence Club guests get private access to a top-notch restaurant that opens for breakfast and dinner. There is also a beach area reserved for them, as well as several pools and whirlpools.