Key Takeaways:

• One of the biggest benefits to choosing an all-inclusive resort in a mega-complex is a multiplication of amenities and services
• The Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts’ Bavaro complex in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, offers one of the most comprehensive opportunities to experience multiple experiences during one vacation
• Understanding the exchange privileges structure and the differences between each hotel outlined in this article is the key to making the most of a getaway to the Bahia Principe Bavaro complex

By now, we’ve all heard of the trendy hotel-within-a-hotel experiences that have been taking shape in some of the highest-end resorts. Beyond special categories or Unlimited-Luxury® Preferred Clubs and the like, concepts like The Level at Meliá and Ocean Point Resort at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in Sint Maarten have created whole, impenetrable happy bubbles within a greater setting, offering a boutique feel with larger property amenities.

However, sometimes more is simply more, and for that, it’s hard to beat choosing a mega-resort complex as your vacation base. In humongous gated complexes owned by a single brand, full-size properties offer exponentially bigger experiences and selections for activity or leisure. The opportunities are simply multiplied when each of the hotels are already grand in their own rights.

For this, few brands are as good at this as Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts.

In their Bavaro complex in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, guests can stay at one resort and enjoy the benefits of many. Several are adults-only, but children are welcome at any of the family-friendly properties within the complex.

When to Choose a Mega-Resort Complex

• When you want a wide variety of entertainment, dining, pool, beachfront, and leisure options
• If you’re curious about exploring the range and style of one brand
• You want to get your steps in and would like a large property to roam around … or love the novelty of “golf-cart limos” to ride around in eco-friendly style!
• You’re feeling social and would like the chance to mingle with more people in different environments with different vibes
• If you’re traveling with a group and want a property accustomed to and with resources enough to accommodate large parties
• You’re undecided between a family-friendly property or an adults-only hotel
• It’s a family trip but the adults might want to sneak off for a date night somewhere different 

The Bahia Principe Bavaro Resort Complex

With a mind-blowing six resorts to choose from, all accessible from one another, this “campus” is undoubtedly the king of exchange privileges. The higher the tier of property you choose to make your home base, the more free-flow access you unlock for your disposal.

Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana: Whimsical castles, folksy stories, and enchanting touches designed for family memories make this resort extra special. For example, three castles house the Garden Circus Restaurant, Kokoro Bar, and a kids club that offers activities like costume workshops, crafts, cooking, expeditions, and games. There’s a theater for live shows, a playground area, and family-style dining available at many restaurants.

Guests of this property can access:

• Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa
• Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine
• Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana

For a total of 20 restaurants, 23 bars, and 10 swimming pools.

Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar: This adults-only resort has been freshly redesigned for opulence, with exclusive and new themed restaurants, coffee shop, and spacious and modern rooms, including swim-ups. Unlimited à la carte dinners at any specialty restaurant in the complex set Bahia Principe Luxury properties apart, and this is no exception.

Guests of this property can access:

• Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa
• Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine
• Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda
• Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana

For a total of 26 restaurants, 28 bars, and 10 swimming pools.

Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda: Recently renovated for contemporary appeal, these spacious rooms show that guests don’t have to compromise between luxury and family-friendly. Set right on the beachfront, guests are entitled to three à la carte dinners per week of stay with nearly every restaurant in the complex to choose from.

Guests of this property can access:

• Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar
• Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa
• Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine
• Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana

For a total of 26 restaurants, 28 bars, and 10 swimming pools.

Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine: This adults-only property is home to the sports bar and a new gym, supporting its casual leisure style. Unlimited à la carte dinners at an expansive range of restaurants, including the upscale Luxury Ambar property, make it tremendous value.

Guests of this property can access:

• Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar
• Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa
• Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana

For a total of 19 restaurants, 18 bars, and 7 swimming pools.

Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa: Family is the clear focus at this resort, where rooms are spacious enough to host large families and three à la carte dinners per week of stay make going “out” for dinner feel even more special. With the kids club and water park nearby, convenience is key.

Guests of this property can access:

• Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana

For a total of 14 restaurants, 14 bars, and 6 swimming pools.

Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana: Plan ahead for your reservations for your three à la carte dinners per week of stay here. With a total of 16 choices to pick from, plus an international buffet for every other night and meal, it’s something you want to book ahead for sure.

Guests of this property can access:

• Bahia Grand Turquesa

For a total of 16 restaurants, 14 bars, and 6 swimming pools.

Bonus Features

Las Olas Beach House

This new oceanfront restaurant area featuring new culinary specialties is available to guests of ALL properties within the Bavaro complex! Within are two beach restaurants—a rodizio and Mexican one—that turn up at night, and a lovely Indian restaurant, one serving Mediterranean cuisine, and a fish market for adults only.=

La Isla

An enormous gastronomic and entertainment area for the whole family, this dining venue is innovative and efficient with self-service ordering kiosks for faster service with counterside pick-up. This allows everyone to get back to their activities at the kids club, playground area, revolving stage, climbing wall, shop, Wave Rider wave pool, and even cooking lessons room all the sooner for tremendous convenience. 

Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort

Another option if you’re game for a field trip that allows you to experience more of the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula? The Bahia Principe Riviera Maya collection of resorts, which features a PGA-rated golf course right within the complex. Located in the heart of its namesake region, guests can choose to stay about an hour or so away from Cancun International Airport to farther south into Tulum.

Book Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Bahia Principe Grand Tequila, Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, or Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an to take advantage of the program in Mexico.