There are a ton of activities on and off site at The Grand Hotel Bavaro. The property has two pools, a lake pool with swim-up bar and an activity pool.
The Dive Center on site offers diving lessons, snorkeling, catamaran and kayak rentals at no extra charge. Reservations are recommended. When we were there the dive master, who looks like he fell off the pages of GQ Magazine, was recruiting around the pool.
The Iberostar Friends are part of the resort’s staff. They’re a young, attractive crew that runs activities by day and entertainment by night. Your Star Friends, as they are called, are full of fun activities from yoga to tai chi and spinning in the Fitness Center and they also lead local dance lessons by the beach.
Off site excursions can be arranged by your trusty butler, the concierge or your newfound flurry of Friends. Just ask; they are eager to please.
Parasailing along the beach was the can’t miss activity in Punta Cana. Every time I looked up, someone was flying by.
For country-club couples, tennis is available and of course, the great game of golf. P.B. Dye, a prolific golf architect, known for territorial undulations, designed the course.
For nighttime activity, The Trio Musicale, an Iberostar staple at all Punta Cana resorts, are a slice of Dominican, musical magic. They’re not your usual tableside entertainment. They were extraordinary. I wanted them to get a record deal so I could buy their music and take it with me. Lead singer Reynaldo Rijo’s voice is soulful and otherworldly.
