Nestled along the pristine beaches of Punta Cana, the Iberostar Punta Cana complex is a leader in sustainable tourism, blending eco-friendly practices with luxury accommodations. Comprising multiple resorts, Iberostar is committed to climate-friendly initiatives, reducing plastic waste with reusable water bottles and ample water refill stations. Guests will find a wide array of amenities shared across the resorts, including a large gym, a strip of shops, and the popular Star Camp for children, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of each resort within this expansive property, helping you decide which fits your travel style best.

 Iberostar Waves Punta Cana & Dominicana

 The entry-level options within the complex, Iberostar Waves Resorts, offer a lively and budget-friendly experience. These sister resorts are nearly identical, featuring two main pools and one small baby pool, though there’s no dedicated kids’ pool area. While both resorts have their own buffets, guests share four a la carte dining options between them, providing plenty of variety without the need for reservations.

Activities are plentiful here, with options like billiards, tennis, volleyball, and archery, keeping guests entertained throughout the day. While these resorts can feel crowded, they’re ideal for families and groups looking for affordability alongside Iberostar’s all-inclusive offerings. Nightly entertainment and live music help round out the experience for those who enjoy a more vibrant, energetic atmosphere.

Iberostar Selection Bávaro

 A step up from the Punta Cana & Dominicana resorts, Iberostar Selection Bávaro offers a more relaxed and nature-focused vibe. Surrounded by lush gardens, this resort has a quieter ambiance, perfect for those looking for a more peaceful stay. The villa-style rooms are larger, offering upgraded amenities like robes and slippers for added comfort.

Guests staying at Selection Bávaro can still access the pools and amenities at the Punta Cana & Dominicana resorts but also benefit from additional, less crowded pools, including a kids' splash zone and a swim-up bar. The kids’ area can get a bit busy, but overall, this resort offers a more spacious experience. Selection Bávaro also includes more exclusive dining options, further elevating the guest experience.

Iberostar Selection Coral Level

For guests seeking even more exclusivity, the Coral Level within the Selection Bávaro resort offers a unique experience. This section comes with a private check-in, an exclusive beach area, and standout features like the Coral Lab, which highlights Iberostar’s commitment to marine conservation.

Dining at the Coral Level includes an outdoor BBQ setup exclusive to Coral guests, adding to the personalized and premium feel of the stay. Rooms and amenities here are a step up from the standard Selection Bávaro offerings, providing an added layer of luxury.

JOIA Bávaro

The most luxurious option in the Iberostar complex, JOIA Bávaro (previously known simply as “Bávaro”) is the adults-only haven of the resort. This exclusive section offers unparalleled service and amenities, making it the perfect choice for those looking to indulge. JOIA Bávaro boasts three private pools, rooms with their own plunge pools, and seven on-site restaurants offering a range of gourmet dining experiences.

Guests of JOIA have access to exclusive services such as butlers, private spa hydrotherapy sessions, and even an 18-hole golf course. The elevated dining experiences, including made-to-order buffets and fresh snack stations, really stand out, and the resort’s pirate ship disco center adds a fun, whimsical touch. With its serene atmosphere and top-tier accommodations, JOIA Bávaro is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious resorts in Punta Cana, offering guests the ultimate getaway.

Overall Impressions

Throughout my tour I continued to be impressed by this Iberostar complex, and it would be one of my top recommended Iberostar resorts. Each step up in level of resorts added additional wow-factors that continued to impress. While I personally prefer adults-only escapes, the Coral Level was so impressive and spacious I would highly recommend it both for adults and families. The JOIA is, to this day, still one of the most impressive and luxurious Caribbean resorts I have toured.

RIU Republica is an expansive, adults-only resort located on the stunning Arena Gorda beach in Punta Cana. Known for its lively atmosphere, it’s a popular choice for those seeking an all-inclusive, energetic getaway with friends. Boasting over 1,300 rooms and an array of amenities, including multiple pools, a wide selection of dining options, and a non-stop party vibe, this resort is a great option if you’re looking for fun under the Caribbean sun. 

Pools and Beach

The sprawling grounds of RIU Republica feature eight swimming pools, many of which have swim-up bars and even areas with water slides for extra fun. While the pools are a highlight, the resort can feel very crowded, especially around the more popular spots where partygoers gather. If you’re looking for a quiet day by the pool, you might need to stake out a spot early or opt for one of the quieter sections. The resort also offers a large beach with calm waters.

Health, Wellness, and Activities

While the resort is known for its high-energy atmosphere and constant parties, it doesn’t cater heavily to those looking for a quieter or more active stay. There is a gym, and if you prefer a quieter experience, I recommend requesting a room near the gym, as it tends to be away from the busier, more lively areas of the resort. For relaxation, the Renova Spa offers a sauna, jacuzzi, and various treatments to help guests unwind after a day of fun. Outdoor activities such as volleyball, snorkeling, and other water sports are readily available, making it easy for guests to balance leisure and fitness.

Dining and Entertainment

RIU Republica has a rich variety of dining options, with nine restaurants serving up a mix of cuisines from around the world. From Italian and Asian to Spanish and Indian, there’s something to satisfy any craving. One of the best perks is that reservations aren’t required, so you can enjoy flexibility when planning your meals. The food is good overall, although with the size of the resort, it’s not surprising that some of the dining venues can get crowded.

The ten bars scattered throughout the resort provide plenty of opportunities to grab a drink—whether you’re lounging by the pool or gearing up for the night ahead. Speaking of nightlife, the entertainment at RIU Republica is one of its strongest draws. With nightly live shows, music, and beach parties, there’s never a dull moment. If you love to dance, the resort’s RiuParty events, with performances by top DJs, are sure to keep you on your feet well into the night.

Accommodations

RIU Republica is home to more than 1,300 rooms, spread across three buildings. The rooms are fairly standard, with bland furnishings and basic décor, but they are clean and comfortable, featuring essential amenities like air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe, minibar, and in-room liquor dispensers. The views from some rooms are quite nice, especially those overlooking the beach.

Most rooms are equipped with double beds that feel a bit cramped when pushed together, but the bathrooms are spacious and well-maintained. The overall feel of the accommodations is functional rather than luxurious—ideal if you're not planning to spend too much time in the room.