Barcelo Bavaro Palace an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic

All-inclusive Barcelo Bavaro Palace is on Bavaro Beach, voted one of the world's best, 12 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, a calm beach protected by a coral reef. It features nearly 600 rooms in several buildings. In the middle of a coconut grove by the beach is Playa Bavaro, the heart of action in the resort, a peaceful haven for honeymooners and other romantically inclined couples.

While the resort currently also caters to families and children, be advised that in early 2011, Barcelo is changing the focus to an active, adults-only environment, and the nameplate of the resort to Barcelo Bavaro Beach

There are nearly 600 rooms at this resort in four categories: Master suite ocean view club premium; suite ocean view club premium; suite; superior; and superior ocean view. All rooms and suites are furnished with the usual amenities (air conditioning, televisions, ironing boards and irons, room safes), with premium rooms boasting more amenities spread out over larger areas. All rooms furnished in the light and breezy style found in the Caribbean, and larger suites are especially suited for families with children.

In the mood for buffet dining by pool or ocean? A choice of Dominican or Italian fare? Barbecue, steaks or French cuisine? All-inclusive Barcelo Bavaro Palace has an abundance of dining options, so whatever suits your fancy shouldn't leave you hungry.

Ditto for bars at the resort, five in all, including a couple of the swim-up variety.

There's plenty to do at all-inclusive Barcelo Bavaro Palace on land, sea or sky. All-inclusive water sports include water polo, kayaking, water aerobics, paddleboats, standard windsurfing gear, Laser Sunfish sailing and snorkeling equipment.

There are also four tennis courts and a sports field, mini-golf, beach volleyball and football, board games, darts, shuffle board, a gym, and even "petanque," which is similar to Italian bocce.

Shake your hips and take some lessons in salsa, meringue and bachata. And if your Spanish is a little rusty, or non-existent, avail yourself of some Spanish lessons.

For additional cost, there is golf, professional windsurfing lessons, a water skiing school, catamaran rentals, inflatable banana rides, boat trips, scuba diving and -- if you want to take things to a higher level -- parasailing.

If you're thinking you're saving some money on all-inclusive benefits and want to toss a little cash around, check out the Barcelo Bavaro Casino. It is open from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily, with 16 gaming tables that include blackjack, American roulette and what else, Caribbean poker. The tables are manned by teams of Austrian-trained Dominican croupiers. The casino also has nearly 80 new slot machines boasting the latest technology. The Barcelo Bavaro Palace Casino also has a bingo hall that seats up to 100, if you like your gambling a little more old-fashioned.