The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in the Dominican Republic delivers on its promise of “a new category of luxury, adults-only resorts.” Pillow menu, anyone?

The Punta Cana resort and its graceful staff send the message early on that you are not to lift a finger once you step foot in the magnificent lobby (designed by Majorcan artist Jose Deudero). The staff does all the pampering for you, starting with 24-hour-a-day personal butler service. Other than tipping our driver to the resort and back to the airport four days later, our wallet never left our hotel room safe at this excellent all-inclusive resort.

Rooms

The elegant decor in the guest suites is matched with attentive housekeeping service and a (nearly) complete array of amenities. Beds are plush and comfortable, and you can select from a custom pillow menu to arrange your bed to best suit your sleeping style. All bathrooms feature jetted tubs with a view, and each room has an outdoor deck. Closet space was average, and one serious drawback is that Internet access is not available in rooms (there is a 24-hour business center with Internet access, however).

Dining

There are four a la carte restaurants conveniently lined up in a row. We enjoyed outstanding three-course dinners at the Japanese (don’t miss the Teppanyaki) and Surf and Turf. Also featured are Gourmet and Italian restaurants. Although jackets are not required, shorts and beach wear are not allowed at the a la cartes. Since Grand clients have privileges at all of Iberostar’s restaurants in Punta Cana, we indulged in the Cajun culinary experience next door at the Bavaro. (Yes, it’s confusing: adjacent to the Grand Hotel Bavaro are three family-friendly Iberostar resorts –- the Bavaro, the Dominicana and the Punta Cana).

There are also two options on the Grand property for buffet serving three meals a day: one open-air beachside space and the larger and even more diverse Restaurant Buffet. We dined at both and enjoyed a wide array of international food and -– just as important -– first-class service.

Recreation

Led by Iberostar’s team of hosts, called Starfriends, fun activities from beach volleyball to yoga, Thai-Chi to Ping Pong, and even lessons in everything from Spanish to meringue are scheduled hourly. For the golf-obsessed, the Grand’s P.B. Dye-designed championship golf course will be open later this year. In the meantime, the resort will make arrangements at your pick of Punta Cana’s best courses. Well-maintained tennis courts also line the property.

Pools

There is a lake pool with a swim-up bar that’s destined to be a late-afternoon favorite. For some, there’s no better way to enjoy a sunrise than by hanging out in the pool with their favorite drink. The lake pool -– just steps away from the beach -– also includes lounge chairs on the watery edges of the pool and is surrounded by a wonderful array of shaded beds for the ultimate relaxation. There is a second pool used for activities such as water polo, volleyball and other games.