Paradisus Palma Real Review
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GUITLY.
Yes, I am guilty of basing my opinion of Paradisus Palma Real on a visit I made there many years ago – before they were truly ready to welcome incentive guests. Having spent time there last weekend, I can tell you that this is among the nicest all-inclusives in the industry and certainly the best resort in Punta Cana. To begin, the staff is extremely customer and service focused. Everyone I encountered was friendly, offered a warm greeting and spoke fluent English. I did not wait long for a drink, for someone to come and take care of a maintenance issue in my room, for service on the beach or in any restaurant. Impressive!
The food quality – preparation, presentation and taste is good to excellent. I judge a beach hotel on the quality of their seafood – and this property serves delicious fresh fish. After all, shouldn’t a seaside resort serve fabulous fish? You’d be surprised! I am not a big drinker – but what I did consume was wonderful and the liquor there is all premium – no local brands as you would find at other all-inclusives. The smoothie and juice bar on the Royal Service beach is a terrific addition, as is the new wine shop/bar – where you can purchase US and international bottles – some extremely high end. It is a great place for a wine-tasting event for a small group. Yes, you pay extra – but it is worth it!
One of the things that I LOVE about this property is the abundance of huge padded bali beds WITH shaded palapas – on the beach, outside Gabi bar, around the pool – and you do not have to “rent” them the way you do at some other resorts. You can reserve them in advance – but you don’t even have to – there are SO many from which to choose in every location. How incredible!
One of the things that I LOVE about this property is the abundance of huge padded bali beds WITH shaded palapas – on the beach, outside Gabi bar, around the pool – and you do not have to “rent” them the way you do at some other resorts. You can reserve them in advance – but you don’t even have to – there are SO many from which to choose in every location. How incredible!
The restaurants are abundant and you can always get in. Choose from Italian, Mediterranean, Peruvian (ceviche and fresh seafood), Passion (Michelin tasting menu with a $75 upcharge), Japanese, Mexican, a casual grill and a terrific international buffet. I am NOT a fan of buffets at all-inclusive resorts— but this one is wonderful. At Naos you will find awide variety with multiple grill and carving stations – plus fresh fruit, desserts, salads and juice machines that serve several options including the most delicious green juice I have ever had.
The resort has TWO spas – my favorite being the Oriental Garden. WOW! The treatments are unique, particularly the 90-minute Balinese massage, done by ladies from Bali. Enjoy your massage inside an authentic thatched roof “cabana”. Heaven! The more customary YHI spa, offers a wide variety of scrubs, wraps, facials and massages in a tranquil Asian-inspired, yet more traditional environment. The relaxation and hydrotherapy areas are simply delightful.
As for the rest of the property – Paradisus Palma Real offers terrific formal function space including a new expansive 17,760 square foot ballroom with a spectacular high tech back wall where you can feature your company logo, photos, videos, etc. VERY impressive! In addition, there are 14,182 square feet of indoor function/meeting room space. Plus the resort has a 500-seat theater for shows and events.
Paradisus Palma Real has three sections – Standard Service (352 rooms) – for adults and families, Royal Service with personal butlers (132 rooms) for adults only and the Reserve (210 rooms). It would be great to have more ocean views, however the way this resort was built (and prevalent in Punta Cana in general), garden view far outweighs ocean view.
One of the most stunning features about Paradisus Palma Real is the spectacular pools. You cannot help but be impressed with the sheer size of the main pool. And the WOW that you get when you first arrive and see the grand entrance, the enormous pool and the beach in a single glance immediately puts you in a state of awe and delight.
For companies looking for a reasonable price point, with very manageable air fares and schedules, on a truly sensational beach, 25 minutes from the airport…..with incentive quality food and service, a nice/large/consistent room product in a semi-exotic location – this is it!
