Paradisus Punta Cana, which opened in 1995, is an all-inclusive beach resort with ten restaurants, seven bars, a casino, a discotheque, a 27-hole golf course, shops, and other facilities spread across nearly 100 acres.
It is so large that guests are transported around in a tram golf cart. Half the grounds are gardens.
While the resort is eager to accommodate families, the Royal Service program provides some separate facilities for adults, including a swimming pool.
Paradisus Punta Cana's 554 rooms, housed in three-story buildings, include 500 deluxe suites with a pool, ocean, or garden view; four ambassador suites; and one garden villa.
All have a balcony or terrace, satellite plasma TV, high-speed Internet access, a CD player, and mini-bar.
The resorts Royal Service program features amenities such as private check-in, a daily buffet breakfast, a pillow menu and butler services in 102 suites and two ocean-front presidential suites.
Paradisus Punta Cana has ten restaurants.
Hybiscus serves international breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets.
Italian eatery Dolce Vita and La Palapa Grill Barbecue are open for lunch and dinner.
Dinner options include French cuisine at El Romantico, seafood at El Marino, Mexican at Antojitos, Chinese at Chinese Pavillion, Brazilian at Rodizio, Japanese at Sakura, and steaks at Albufera.
The resorts nine bars include a lobby bar, a swim-up bar, a beach bar, and a casino bar.
Paradisus Punta Cana offers several wedding packages.
The Wish, which is complimentary with a 7-night stay, includes the ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, champagne toast, a romantic dinner for two, a wedding cake, and additional features.
Destination wedding options add features like cocktail parties, buffets, and more elaborate decorations.
Two honeymoon packages include champagne, tropical fruit, breakfast, dinner, and massages.
The resorts two honeymoon packages include a champagne breakfast in bed, a romantic dinner, fresh fruit and sparkling wine, and discounted spa treatments.
Paradisus Punta Cana counts four swimming pools including one expressly for children and one at the spa. The largest, occupying 29,000 square feet, is behind the lobby.
The spa, Xhi Spa specializes in treatments that combine elements of fire, water, earth, and air, such as massage under the stars.
Facilities include a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms, beauty parlor, and herbal shop.
The resorts gym has high-tech equipment and personal trainers.
Paradisus Punta Cana is near the Cocotal Golf Course and Country Club, and guests have full access. The resort is about a half hour drive from Punta Cana International Airport.
The sleek, modern buildings and manicured grounds at Paradisus Punta Cana give the resort a somewhat sterile feel.
Because this all-inclusive is so big, getting around requires a golf cart or tram, which can require a lengthy wait in the heat.
A pile of filled garbage bags sitting on the grass in full view was an eyesore.
A couple looking for the convenience of an all-inclusive resort with a wide selection of restaurants and activities will be pleased with all the options at the Paradisus Punta Cana.
Like so many large resorts, however, this one could be located anywhere and lacks a unique sense of place.
Paradisus Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Higuey, Dominican Republic
809-687-9923 or 1-800-33MELIA
Official Paradisus Punta Cana Web Site

