Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort, Punta Cana

A new casino at the Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort is one of the lures at this 731-room property, which also boasts nine restaurants, a trio of pools, a pair of outdoor Jacuzzis and a new conference center. The 24-hour food-and-drink service means you'll never go hungry or thirsty, and the hotel is located on one of the Dominican's most beautiful beaches. It is about 12 miles from Punta Cana International Airport.

The 731 rooms at this property include 54 junior suites and 13 deluxe suites. Many double rooms have ocean views, as do many junior suites, larger spaces with two double beds or one king. Deluxe suites are larger still, with king bed, living room with sofa bed, dining area, two bathrooms and balcony.

There is a pretty impressive range of culinary offerings at this Dominican resort, from seafood to Japanese fare and Brazilian. There are nine restaurants in all, six a la carte style and three buffets, along with two snack bars and seven cocktail lounges. Palmaluna is the newly opened convention facility and can host up to 350 guests with all conference amenities. Events here include weddings, for which the resort can provide a wide range of offerings.

The restaurants include Mezzaluna, with Italian cuisine; Pepito's, a Mexican restaurant; Bahia, serving Brazilian food; El Meson, a Spanish eatery; Bucanero Grill, the beach restaurant; Wasabi, serving Japanese food; Palmasol, buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Coco, buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Bahia, a buffet for breakfast and lunch. Two snack bars are Passaporola, 24-hour eatery serving pizza and snacks, and El Pueblito, snacks and drinks.

The bars include the Amigo lobby bar, with live evening music; Bar Coco, open all day and into the night; Disco Caribe; Playero Bar, open mid-morning to late evening; Bar La Gaviota, pool bar with swim-up seating; Le Cafe, a coffee bar; and Time Out, the resort sports bar.

Whatever you feel like doing, they've likely got you covered at this resort. Sports include a stretching program, basketball, bow and archery, beach games, ping pong, sailing in a catamaran, aqua-gym, volleyball, dance lessons, billiards, snorkeling, aerobics, two tennis courts, Spanish lessons, darts, kayaking and windsurfing.

At extra charge there is scuba diving, sightseeing, snorkeling excursions, deep-sea fishing, a banana boat ride and horseback riding.

Guests can also take advantage of the Barcelo Kids Program, which offers many activities for children ages four through 12.

Barcelo Dominican Beach
Bavaro Beach
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Phone: 809-221-0714
Website: http://www.barcelodominicanbeach.com
Rates from $120 a night