There’s a new player in the all-inclusive scene, and it arrived with instant name recognition. The 340-room W Punta Cana debuted in August as the world’s first all-inclusive W hotel. It provided a fascinating opportunity to witness how a much-loved brand can put its own spin on the all-inclusive concept — and I wasn’t disappointed with what I found.
Located in Uvero Alto, about 45 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, W Punta Cana is a refreshing departure from the average beach resort. The first thing I noticed was how lush and grounded in nature the design feels. Rather than a span of concrete-covered terrain, W Punta Cana is graced with thatch-roofed boardwalks that pass above lush greenery. Towering palm trees and tropical plants flanks the beautiful swimming pools and beach.
My eyes were also drawn to the contemporary architecture and stylish interior design, which makes good use of local materials and high-end finishes, including Dominican black granite, Samana marble and coraline stone. The overall look is decidedly W: contemporary and bold, but still comfortable and relaxing.
Accommodations With W Style
I toured multiple guestroom categories and found them all to be spacious and well-designed. My favorite, however, was where I stayed: a 2,530-square-foot Oasis Suite, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies.
Guestrooms at W Punta Cana are spacious and well-designed.
Credit: 2025 W Punta CanaThe spectacular primary bathroom included an open-air bathtub, and the largest balcony deck was furnished with a large plunge pool and lounge chairs. I also appreciated the eye-catching decor; sculptural lighting fixtures enhanced the living and dining area, which also included thoughtful amenities such as a KitchenAid ice machine, a wine fridge and snack bar stocked with both savory and sweet treats. The minifridge was stocked with a mix of soft drinks, beer and wine — all included.
Pools, Spa and Experiences
Beach and pool areas are among the biggest draws at any beachfront resort, and W Punta Cana doesn’t disappoint with its offerings. Travelers familiar with the brand will recognize the W flair at the Wet Deck, which is home to a 262-foot infinity pool, flanked on one side by loungers and shaded daybeds and on the other by a wide beach with day beds. A short walk away, the Chill Pool offers a more relaxed alternative, complete with a swim-up bar that’s particularly popular in the late afternoon.
Another selling point is the on-site Away Spa, which has a beautiful hydrotherapy area and offers a variety of treatments. My massage was especially relaxing, and I also made good use of the gym located within the same building.
As for entertainment, the W team curates a diverse calendar of activities — but no loud pool games (a welcome difference from many resorts). During my stay, options included wine-and-canvas painting sessions, Dominican cacao workshops and mixology classes. In addition, on Colmadito Night at the open-air Plaza Bar, guests can test their skills at dominoes while sampling local drinks and listening to live music.
Satsuma Rooftop is the go-to spot for sunset cocktails and raw bar dishes, with sweeping views of both the mountains and the sea. And for night owls, 33 1/3, a speakeasy-style bar, opens at 10 p.m., providing a cool spot for a nightcap. There’s even a humidor tucked away for cigar aficionados.
Elevated Food and Drink
Not surprisingly, W Punta Cana raises the bar with its food and beverage offerings. There are 12 restaurants, bars and lounges, each with its own unique offerings but united by a similarly stylish, upscale feel and attentive service.
The Away Spa offers a hydrotherapy area and a variety of treatments.
Credit: 2025 W Punta CanaMy first meal set the tone; I lingered over salmon carpaccio at Taman Beach Club, followed by seafood rice with socarrat, a dish rich with bell pepper, cilantro and olive oil. Breakfast at Trade Market, a handsomely designed food hall with multiple live-cooking stations, offered something for every taste, from fresh tropical fruit to perfectly poached eggs. Room service runs 24 hours, making it easy to satisfy culinary cravings at any hour.
My favorite gastronomical experience was imbued with local flavor: The Raices Dominicanas night at Taman is a weekly celebration of Dominican cuisine. I loved the fabulous tasting menu, which included salpicon, mofongo, sancocho and majarete, all of which I paired with a “flor de noche” cocktail made from Bacardi Gold, oloroso sherry, amaretto, hibiscus and bitters.
Other dining venues include Scena, which reimagines Dominican and Caribbean flavors in an open-kitchen setting that’s intimate and chic, and Noodle Bar, which serves creative pan-Asian dishes. Even the offerings at Outpost Cafe, which became my go-to spot for pastries and light bites throughout the day and evening, were a step above the usual all-inclusive food and beverage experience.
I soon realized that the phrase “a step above” could be applied to most aspects of W Punta Cana. The property manages to integrate the all-inclusive concept with the W Hotels trademark style, sensibility and quality, creating an ideal new option for W devotees, as well as anyone craving a sophisticated, adults-only, all-inclusive getaway.
If this is what we can expect at future W all-inclusive properties, then I’ll be a happy traveler.
