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The Dominican Republic is famous for its pristine beaches, year-round tropical weather, exciting water sports like snorkeling and sailing, cave and waterfall adventures, and, of course, luxury resorts. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down where to stay, especially for families. Enter Finest Punta Cana, a newly opened 5-star, all-inclusive resort located on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. Boasting a sleek design, this expansive property is divided into two parts: The western half is adults only, while the eastern half is all ages, so families can let kids have all the fun they want, and never worry about disturbing anyone’s honeymoon. The resort also offers everything families might want in a luxury stay, including kids clubs, fine dining, exciting activities, beachfront pools, and even family suites with private pools. Here are 11 reasons why Finest Punta Cana is where you’ll want to book your next sun-filled family vacation.

RELATED: 5 all-inclusive resort myths—debunked!

Kid-approved pools and mini water parks

The pool is often kids’ favorite hotel amenity and Finest Punta Cana’s offerings do not disappoint. The resort offers three kid-friendly pools featuring water games for different ages. While parents with babies and toddlers can hang with their little ones in a safe splash pool, older kids can zip down water slides and get soaked at the mini water park specifically designed for them. Warning: They might not want to leave!

A private beach

Bury your toes in the sand, savor the tropical breezes, and enjoy some laid-back island time on Finest Punta Cana’s private, golden sand beach. Take your relaxation to the next level when you settle into a beach cabana while taking in ocean views and letting your mind unwind—also perfect for letting little ones nap in comfort while you sip your favorite cocktail!

Suites designed just for families

Every suite at Finest Punta Cana comes with an in-suite Jacuzzi, spacious private terrace, a spa-like bathroom, and top-notch in-suite service. But anyone with kids might also want to consider one of the resort’s Family Suites, rooms designed just for families that boast features like connecting rooms that both kids and parents will love, plenty of indoor and outdoor space, a mini bar stocked with snacks, 24-hour room service, free WiFi, and turn down service. Some rooms even have their own private plunge pools! Traveling with a baby? Parents can travel light and worry-free thanks to special in-suite amenities such as baby bottle sterilizers, electric kettles, bottle warmers, baby monitors, baby bathtubs, homemade pureés, and more.

Incredible fun for kids of all ages at Imagine Kids Club

At Finest Punta Cana, the Imagine Kids Club caters to all ages. Its Maxi Club exclusively serves children ages 7 to 11, with a full day of activities that might include supervised play at the pools, friendly outdoor sports games, themed parties, and much more. The Mini Club, meanwhile, offers plenty for little ones. Think treasure hunts, costume parties, beach games, and even horseback riding. Kids will easily make friends, have a great time, and make wonderful memories! And here’s a bonus for all the picky eaters out there: Young ones participating in the Kids Club will enjoy the Kids Club Buffet, where they can pick and choose from all their mealtime favorites.

Exciting activities

Finest Punta Cana offers every imaginable fun-in-the-sun activity, from kayaking and sailing to biking, tennis, and more. You’ll also have the chance to learn a new skill, thanks to activities like Spanish lessons, cooking classes, and even archery. If the latter sounds intriguing, simply sign up for a complimentary lesson on how to use the bow and arrow, and see if you can hit a bull’s eye!

All ages spa treatments

No need to reserve a babysitter or Kids Club time when heading to the spa (unless you want to, of course). ONE Spa at Finest Punta Cana offers a special menu of treatments for little guests, too, including mini massages, fruit scrubs, and mani-pedis. Book your treatments together for some relaxing quality family time! The spa also includes a childcare area, if you’d like to keep the kids nearby while you enjoy a relaxing massage.

In-room babysitting

Parents who are interested in signing up for adult resort activities, having a romantic dinner together, or just enjoying some quiet adults-only time during the day or evening, can opt for in-room babysitting. Guests can easily book a qualified sitter via the resort’s concierge desk. Prices vary depending on the number of hours, the number of children, and their ages.

On-site sweet treats

No need to leave the property when the kids scream for ice cream. Just head to the resort’s Sweet Corner, where parents can perk up with a delicious coffee drink while kids indulge their sweet tooth. A favorite feature among kids is the ice cream station where they can build their own sundaes with a large selection of toppings.

An elevated experience with Finest Club

Enjoy an elevated experience within the resort when you book a Finest Club suite. The whole family will be granted exclusive access to a private lounge, private pool, private beach area, and other members-only areas, plus upgrades like express check-in, late check-out, welcome gifts, in-suite fresh flowers, Bvlgari toiletries, a complimentary hydrotherapy treatment, and more.

Dining options for all tastes

Boasting 12 on-site restaurants and 16 bars, there’s no shortage of places to drink and dine at Finest Punta Cana. A favorite among families is Melting Pot, a pan-Asian spot that offers interactive dining via four Yakiniku table-top grills. Another popular dining option is Lizo, featuring authentic, chef-created Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties, as well as international fare. If you want to be in the heart of it all, head to Central Plaza, where guests can listen to live music, dance, enjoy an al fresco cocktail, or just sit back and relax. Looking for a more exclusive experience? Head to Gusto restaurant—only available to Finest Club guests—and enjoy a mouthwatering international menu the whole family will love. It’s open for breakfast and dinner. A tip for parents looking for a quiet or romantic dinner together: The resort’s Imagine Lounge, located right near the restaurants, offers child care while you dine. The resort also offers in-room babysitting.

Places to play on dry land, too

Whimsical art installation or a source of hours of fun for active kids? Consider the Flamingo Garden Playground both! When it’s time for little ones to finally dry off and come out of the water, parents will appreciate that this on-site playground gives kids a safe opportunity to run, jump, slide, and climb their way around.

Sharael Kolberg
​Sharael, founder of Family Travel Channel (familytravelchannel.com), has been writing about travel since 1995. Her work has appeared in Sunset magazine, Outside magazine, ForbesTravelGuide.com, MSN.com, and many others. Follow her on Twitter @FamTravChannel, FB and Instagram @FamilyTravelChannel. See more of her work at Sharael.com.
Sharael Kolberg

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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