Before Finest Punta Cana opened in October 2021, Global Traveler published a preview of what travelers could expect from The Excellence Group’s latest modern all-inclusive endeavor: 455 rooms and suites, 13 on-property eateries, 16 bars, a beautifully appointed spa, numerous pool areas, an array of activities and spectacularly conceived areas for children that enable the youngest guests to enjoy the Dominican vacation destination on their own terms … with thoughtful adult supervision, of course.

At first glance, one of the most interesting things about Finest Punta Cana is it appears to be two resorts in one, with the “Finest” side dedicated to families and the “Excellence” side engineered for adults 18 and older. However, it’s actually a property that can multitask for travelers with different agendas — even within the same group (think multi-generational family groups or a business retreat with participants having different domestic arrangements). The “Finest” and “Excellence” Club offers expand one’s options via upgraded rooms (with walk-in pools or in-room Jacuzzis, Bulgari bath products and top-shelf liquor) and access to the adults-only, top-tier restaurants, including Le Petit Plaisir and Dommo, both with European ambiance and impeccable presentation that makes the upgrade worth every penny.

© Elyse Glickman

While there is continuity on both sides of the property in terms of architecture and interior design, the threshold in the lobby connecting the “Finest” and “Excellence” sides shows how masterfully planned the arrangement is. The “Excellence” half is an oasis of quiet and calm in the morning and evening, save for a touch of smooth jazz wafting through the P.A. system and a trio of live flamingoes frolicking in a landscaped lagoon. At midday, “Excellence” guests can enjoy island-flavored outdoor activities that steer clear of the spring break vibe. While the “Finest” side is livelier, everything is orderly and adult-friendly, as the kids during my visit tended to stay close to their families and the playgrounds and water features built for them.

Like other 5-star resorts around the world whose openings were delayed by the pandemic, Finest/Excellence management used the extra preparation time to anticipate the needs of guests amid the changing travel landscape. Naturally, plastic straws were one of the first things to go, and all restaurant and spa menus are now consolidated and accessible via an app that covers all “Excellence” properties throughout the Caribbean. Other sustainability-driven features are more subtle but equally clever. In addition to a fully digitized room system that controls lights, air conditioning and “do not disturb” and housekeeping signage, there’s a handy cabinet where guests can stash the leftovers from room service meals so they are out of the way and easier for housekeeping staff to grab without entering the guestroom.

© Elyse Glickman

Other elements of the new property that exceed expectations include the Excellence Club check-in process, where the staff takes its time to explain how all of the bells, whistles and perks work, the mixology (the centrally located Golden Bar offers several refined alternatives to frothy pool drinks), and The One Spa’s “Aqua” hydrotherapy circuit, “holistic bar” with mix-and-match potions for some of the treatments and spa menu with customizable options like the ONE Consciousness Massage.

While Finest Punta Cana seems streamlined when compared side-by-side with the original Excellence Punta Cana’s village-like flavor and the splashy modernity of the Excellence Del Carmen, it works well for travelers who want a clean, fresh slate upon which to build the Punta Cana experience of their dreams.

Finest Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Carr. Uvero Alto
Punta Cana 23000
Dominican Republic
tel 1 866 2116223