This four-star hotel located just 20 miles away from Punta Cana international airport features a swim-up cocktail bar, 2 lagoon-type pools, water park for kids, spa, game room, night club, seven restaurants, eight bars, a gym, kids’ club, and live entertainment. Of course, the real star of Occidental Caribe is the stunning scenery.

Enjoy the two-mile stretch of the Playa Bavaro- between the swaying coconut palm, pristine white sands, and gorgeous turquoise waters; you’ll never want to leave!

To enjoy the great outdoors, the resort offers guests complimentary snorkel gear, kayaks, and boggie boards.

The Rooms

Occidental Caribe has 789 rooms; most having amazing ocean views! We had the most comfy, fluffy bed, (there’s just something about fresh white hotel bedding!) an impressive bathroom- stocked with tons toiletries, with a spacious bathtub and separate shower. One of my favorite aspects of the room was the complimentary mini fridge that came equipped with different sodas, juices, and water which was refilled every day! Finally, no more longing stares at the forbidden overpriced mini fridge selection!

Food & Drink

We started each day at the breakfast buffet. They had a wide selection of food; from an omelet station, fresh fruits, croissants, pancakes, French toast, and much, much more — forget the bikini bod!

For lunch we usually stayed around the pool and ate the Marenostrum Snack Bar to maximize our beach and pool time obviously! With a side of many pina coladas at the swim up bar.

The hotel offers seven different restaurants featuring different cuisines around the world. Probably our favorite was the local flavor from Rincón Criollo restaurant where you can taste Dominican cooking. Their colorful and Caribbean dishes are something every guest should try!

Activities

As mentioned before all non-motorized water sports are complimentary. We enjoyed most of our days jumping between either of the hotel pools and the ocean where we took advantage of snorkel gear and boggie boards! The waves were massive when we went in October, so we had a blast on those things!

Occidental Caribe also has quite a few land activities if interested- including basketball, volleyball, three tennis courts, boccia, rock climbing, and even a circus trapeze!

The Spa

Make sure to take advantage of the resorts exceptional spa services! Even if it’s just a quick 15-minute calming massage like we did. It is so worth it- you’re on vacation so you might as well pamper yourself, amirite? There are two different locations to get a massage: out by the jacuzzis (which I am sure is incredible with the sounds of the ocean) or inside the actual spa to get the full experience. They also have numerous beauty and health services to choose from so make sure to check it out.

My opinion

The staff was so friendly and accommodating, which really made our stay exceptional. The property was beautiful, they were even doing some remodeling to keep the resort up to par. And of course, Punta Cana in itself was stunning! Would definitely recommended this place to anyone who is wanting a relaxing, tropical getaway.

Thanks to Barcelo Occidental Caribe for hosting me during my stay. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.