Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine

Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort situated inside of the Grand Bahia resort complex, which it shares with four other properties. The resort is spread out enough to merit its own intra-resort shuttles, but it's easy enough to get around on foot. Check-in takes place in the main lobby, a sprawling space with a plantation-style look, complete with marble floors, high ceilings, and lots of wrought-iron and tropical potted plants. While many of the sister properties on the larger complex cater to families, most guests at the Aquamarine are couples, and kids aren't allowed in the Aquamarine's rooms, restaurants, or designated common areas. That helps keeps things a bit calmer, though -- of course -- you'll have access to the bars, nightlife, and unlimited drinks on hand. Or maybe the foam parties are all you need to know about to realize that it's not always sedate here. 

The Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine sits amid the Grand Bahaia complex, which is directly connected to Playa de Arena Gorda. This is technically the Punta Cana region, though the complex is a 25-minute drive away from the Bavaro Beach area. Nearby attractions include the Iberostar Golf Course and the Splash Waterpark, each a 10-minute drive away. Reaching Punta Cana International Airport takes about half an hour by car.

The Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine's rooms only come in two similar categories: Junior Suites, which feature either two double beds or one king and look out over the grounds, and Junior Suite Superiors, which all have four-poster king beds and pool views. Decor is soft and homey in all units, with cream-colored tile floor, off-white furniture (including sofas in sitting areas), and a mix of tan, beige, and pale peach upholstery, with a few muted earth-tone art pieces on the walls. Sliding glass doors with blackout curtains lead to furnished balconies furnished with patio tables and chairs. All rooms come with tiny flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, free daily stocked minibars, air-conditioning, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms are spacious, with walk-in showers and separate jetted soaking tubs plus long green-marble counters with vessel sinks. Basic toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Guests at Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine can access many of the facilities at sister properties at the complex, though it also has plenty of its own adults-only perks, plus free Wi-Fi in common areas and rooms. There are regular activities geared toward adult guests, ranging from wine tastings to foam parties along with a nightclub and other evening entertainment options, plus plenty of bars dotted across the resort. At the center of the resort is a large lagoon pool with multiple sections, with a couple of bridges linking one side of the pool deck with the other. The space is lined with shaded lounge chairs and guests can order snacks and drinks from the on-site pool bar. There's also plenty of room right at the beach for sunbathing and swimming, and all guests get an hour of free non-motorized water sports equipment per day with their stays. Keep in mind that kids do mingle with adults at the beach. Wellness facilities here include the Bahia Principe Spa, which offers all sorts of beauty and wellness treatments plus sauna, steam, and whirlpool facilities available for guests who book treatments. There's also a fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment, tennis courts (with instruction available for a fee), and a soccer field. Off-site activities such as ATV excursions and zip-lining are also available.The resort offers an extensive selection of restaurants, but food gets mixed reviews. Restaurants at Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine include the Main Restaurant Acuario, which serves international buffets, along with pool and beach restaurants. A la carte specialty options include Mashua Nikkei Restaurant, which serves Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine, along with El Olivo Gourmet Restaurant, which offers international fine dining. Guests of the Aquamarine can also access dining options across the resort, where there are all sorts of options, including Mediterranean, Tex-Mex, Italian, French, and even Brazilian fare. The all-inclusive package here includes unlimited a la carte dinners, though reservations are required. Domestic drinks are also included, but premium liquors will cost extra.