Paradisus Palma Real All-inclusive Resort for Families (Review)

Set on the Dominican Republic’s gloriously wide stretch of beach in Punta Cana, Paradisus Palma Real is a luxury all-inclusive resort that feels like a boutique hotel, right down to the Thierry Mugler designer bath products. Catering to families in need of a bit of pampering, head here if you want to experience more than obnoxious pool games and blaring salsa music.

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The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real

Families do well upgrading to The Reserve section. These rooms flank a stunning private pool and boast kitchenettes, a dining table and best of all: an outdoor Jacuzzi. That’s right, no more waiting it out in the bathroom for the wee-ones to fall asleep (you’ve done this, right?!), not when you can take a coconut-rum concoction onto your balcony and watch the sun dip behind the turquoise surf. Kids? What kids?

With a private family check-in area filled with snacks and crafts, you won’t have to worry about meltdowns after the long flight. Children also receive their own backpack filled with goodies to make their stay more comfortable.

Staying at The Reserve grants access to the family concierge service. Need special sleep props? No problem! They’ll call you at home before your trip to learn your needs and preferences so everything is just so once you arrive.

There’s a second dedicated Reserve pool right off the ocean so families can pop back and forth between there and the sugar sand beach. You can even reserve Balinese daybeds for the entire day (for free), and with unlimited beach towels, there’s no fussing about with annoying towel cards.

Food, Glorious Food

We know our kids need constant access to snacks, and so does the Palma Real all-inclusive resort. There’s always a smoothie bar or buffet open to tide children over until mealtime.

Parents in need of a java jolt can saddle up to the Illy Coffee Bar for an iced latte. Trust me, when laced with Tia Maria or Baileys, this “coffee smoothie” makes for a more relaxed parent.

With open-kitchens, uptight parents feel sanitary standards are met. I usually avoid ordering pasta or American food when I’m at an all-inclusive—why endure the disappointment? Here, I happily alternated between scarfing down their penne or their lasagna each day. Top marks are also deserved for the resort’s Caesar salad and guacamole.

There are several a la carte restaurants, and no limitation on how many times you can dine at them. Mizu, a Teppanyaki restaurant, is fantastic for fidgety kids who’ll be entertainment by knife action and other stunts while waiting for their food. Highchairs are found at all buffets, and can be delivered to any restaurant upon request.

Childcare

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., this facility is massive, with a toddler-only room, craft zone, sleeping room (fitting eight cribs), and dining area. There’s also foosball, ping pong, an outdoor play structure, a bouncy castle, Euro Bungy and a 30-ft climbing wall. Phew! If the tykes aren’t exhausted by the end of their play here, you’ll just have to keep them in longer.

If you’re staying in The Reserve, kids from 1 to 12 years can access the club. In a regular room they need to be at least five years-old. Palma Real’s sister property located just down the beach: Paradisus Punta Cana, takes in tots as young as 4 months, and at both resorts you can hire a babysitter for $15 an hour.

Sublime Spa

The very best amenity at this resort (according to this worn out Travel Mama), is the ECO Spa. With multiple outdoor showers, plunge pools and Balinese day beds, you could easily while away an entire day in this Southeast Asian setting without seeking treatment. But that would be a mistake because at $85 an hour, the massages are excellent value (and they ain’t no lame backrub you might be used to getting from your spouse).

Splurge for a couple’s treatment, if only to book yourself for an hour (or two) in a romantic room that includes a daybed, outdoor shower and jetted tub.

If you’re longing for a family vacation that enables parents to relax, take this as your cue to head to the Palma Real all-inclusive resort. You’re guaranteed to return home feeling like you had a vacation. And we all know that doesn’t happen very often.

What do you think about all-inclusives, yipee or no way? Let us know in the comments!

A Note from The Saucy Travel Mama: Thank you to Paradisus Palma Real for hosting me. As always, all opinions are my own. All photos by Jody Robbins.

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