3 Punta Cana Resorts That Offer Day Passes

Spanning 20 miles along the Dominican Republic’s eastern shore, Punta Cana is best known for its white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts. From simple waterfront villas to massive all-inclusive luxury havens, Punta Cana is a great value play for budget-conscious beach-lovers, especially when considering the area’s best-kept secret: the day pass.

Offering the unique opportunity to sample the area’s many luxuries in one trip, day passes offer the best amenities of a luxury resort for a fraction of its overnight rate. For the best value, opt to stay at a smaller hotel near Bavaro Beach, where 4-star properties start as low as $45 per night, then hop between higher-end resorts during peak hours. Day pass access usually lasts from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes breakfast, lunch, and an open bar during your stay. These are our top three picks to experience the best of what Punta Cana’s all-inclusives have to offer.

Royalton Bávaro

The newest all-inclusive along the Bávaro strip, Royalton Bávaro’s 730 all-suite luxury resort opened in early 2018. The highlight of the day pass here is family fun, namely the FlowRider surf machine, the nine-hole mini golf course, and the lazy river. Plus, there are two pristine pools where parents can post up for the day. The main pool features hopping beats and a rotating list of daily activities (including aquatic fitness, dance parties, and pool games) while a sprawling infinity pool with a swim-up bar is decidedly more low-key. The food highlights include an extensive breakfast buffet at Gourmet Marché, a food-truck concept serving burgers and specialty tacos for lunch, and the resort’s Oceanside buffet, which offers incredible value for its selection of fresh seafood.

Day Pass: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $125 per person and $62.50 for kids under 12

Nightly Rate: Up to $971 per night for a King Suite with a double sofa bed; sleeps five, including up to three children

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

The sprawling Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, anchoring the north end of Bávaro, is a beach-side wonder: With 1,790 rooms, 13 pools, nine restaurants, and 23 bars (yes, 23), be prepared to cover a lot of ground to get the most out of a day pass here. There’s even shuttle service available to those who don’t want to walk. Best for couples seeking a party scene, the resort’s on-site casino is the largest in Punta Cana and its hopping pool scene echoes that of Las Vegas. At the adults-only Eden Pool, there’s a full bar—with bartenders serving generous pours—and a live DJ keeping the energy up throughout the day. For a more relaxed afternoon, head over to The Bongo Pool, where 80s soft rock sets the scene. There’s much to admire in the music-centric atmospheres throughout the well-kept grounds.