Earlier this month, we got invited for a long weekend getaway to experience the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. When I think of all-inclusive resorts, I would initially think that it’s for adults only and that a three-day trip will be more than enough time to spend there. But with 121 acres of beachfront property, 13 pools, and nine dining spots, it’s safe to say that we needed more days to properly explore this beautiful property.
DINING – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers nine dining spots, ranging from pool snack bars and ice cream shops to a la carte restaurants. We tried to eat on each one of them as much as we could but we didn’t succeed. What we were successful at though, was eating ice cream every day on their ice cream bar, Ice Cone.
CIAO – a contemporary Italian restaurant that offers an option for everybody. It is located on the main boulevard and serves buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
BISTRO MED – if you’re looking for fresh Mediterranean and Lebanese food, this is the place to be.
IPANEMA – an outdoor Brazilian-style restaurant that allows guests to enjoy tropical weather while you feast on a vast selection of meat and poultry along with a salad bar that’s loaded with veggies and cold cuts.
TORO – enjoy a buffet-style selections of premier cuts and sides for breakfast and lunch then a steakhouse a la carte for dinner.
ZEN – if you’re looking for an eventful meal, check out this teppanyaki style eatery that specializes in Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Watch the amazing chefs perform while creating memorable dishes before your eyes.
LOS GALLOS – located at the end of the boulevard in the main building, this Latin American cuisine icon boasts freshly prepared Mexican cuisine.
PIZZETO – open every day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, this place offers great artisanal brick oven-style pizzas and other Mediterranean-influenced dishes.
THE MARKET – if the amount of restaurants and delis in the property overwhelms you and you can’t decide, this buffet-style restaurant has something for everyone. Every night features a different themed dinner menu.
ISLA – located near the beach at the Isla Pool, this Caribbean restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their dishes are prepared using spices that characterize the exotic flavors of the islands. My favorite was their vast selection of ceviche.
ICE CONE – we indulged in a variety of delicious and adventurous flavors of homemade ice cream during our whole stay and we still didn’t get to taste everything.
THERE ARE TWO ADDITIONAL DINING OPTIONS IN HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA THAT ARE NOT PART OF THE ALL-INCLUSIVE OFFERINGS BUT STILL WORTH CHECKING OUT.
MONTSERRAT MANOR – a modern Japanese-Peruvian fusion concept called Nikkei which has become the latest gastronomic sensation in Europe is being introduced here with a select variety of innovative appetizers, entrees, prime cuts and seafood options on the menu.
RAIN DELI – if you are looking for light snacks while in the casino, this is the ideal place for you.
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a huge property, which means you have to walk a lot. Our room was close to the main building so it was a short walk to most restaurants, stores and entertainment. But it also means that it’s a long walk to beach and pools. To assist guests, there’s a tram that runs every 15 minutes 24/7. Guests can also rent their own golf cart using resort credits.
taking a tram to go to lunch
BEACH – the resort sits at the corner of Playa Bavaro where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the surf and current can be stronger than expected. Guests are advised not to go too far into the water. But you can always lounge on their beach beds.
POOLS – with 13 pools to choose from and daily activities, pool games, dance lessons, etc., you will never get bored. Just keep in mind that not all pools are kids-friendly.
The kid’s waterslide
LAZY RIVER – runs around the Ipanema restaurant down near the kids’ pools and beach. Floats are provided. All guests must be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone. Only one child with one adult per float is permitted. We passed by it on our way to our lunch in Ipanema and it looked so much fun! I wish we had enough time to experience it.
HARD ROCK GOLF – guests can play golf at Cana Bay which hosts 18 holes of championship golf designed by Nicklaus Golf. Transportation is provided from the resort.
SHOPPING – we were surprised to see a lot of shops in the main building upon our arrival. So if you love shopping while on vacation, you do not have to go far. What’s even better is that shopping in the resort is duty-free.
ROCK SPA – we had the best massage we’ve ever had during our stay in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. The perfect technique and right amount of pressure were undeniably what makes the Rock Spa the finest spa in Dominican Republic. Not to mention its impressive size and amazing design that provides guest with the utmost privacy and personalized service. We were ultimately refreshed after our treatment.
ARCADE – located in the main building, both young and young at heart will enjoy the number of games here. I know we did. 🙂
BOWLING BAR – features black lights, soft lounge seats and HD video walls that plays live sports and music videos, this is one of the best hang out spots in the property.
SPECIAL EVENTS – during our visit in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, we were fortunate enough to witness the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony which was a fun experience for everyone. There were dancing and singing and special guests that made the event a success.
Other activities and amenities include concerts, music lab, Posh beauty salon, fitness center and many more. With the amount of things that you can do in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, it is really difficult to be bored in this paradise. We can’t wait to be back in the future!
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