We gave our Outoria Team one job:
Find the best and most popular Inclusive Resorts in Dominican Republic
Here you go, now you should be all set for your next trip to Dominican Republic.
What’s Special About This Resort
Some of the best diving in the Dominican Republic is found off the island’s southern shore, making Catalonia Bayahibe ideally placed to access the underwater world. Located near the La Romana resort area on the famed Dominicus Beach, this is a sprawling resort with high-quality accommodations, swimming pools, dining, and activities, and it all comes at an exceptional price point (we almost gave it the prize for most budget-friendly).
That savings means you can spend more time underwater at sites near Catalina Island, Saona Island, and Cotubanamá National Park. An on-site dive center takes care of the details to visit fringing reefs, colorful sea life, and possibly even manatees.
Your all-inclusive stay at Catalonia Bayahibe comes with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at buffet restaurants, as well as at certain à-la-carte restaurants. Non-alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, and domestic alcohol are included as well. Daily resort activities and entertainment and non-motorized water sports are other perks, including an introductory pool dive. You can see all the details of the package when you select a room type.
Things we like:
-
Setting on Dominicus Beach, one of the Dominican Republic’s best -
Fantastic price point for great quality
-
On-site dive center with easy access to some of the island’s best sites; certifications and free introductory dives are available
-
Great hiking and other nature sightseeing possibilities in nearby national park and reserve areas
-
Opportunities for both romantic experiences and family fun for all types of visitors
Things we don't like:
-
Restrictions on the beverages you can enjoy for free as part of the all-inclusive experience -
A far ride from the airports of Punta Cana and Santo Domingo
What to Do
The pristine marine environment off the coast of Catalonia Bayahibe makes it not just great for diving but for snorkeling as well – so don’t feel like you’ll miss out if you’re not a diver. Both scuba and snorkeling excursions are available to Catalina Island, Saona Island, and beyond.
Wreck divers can descend onto the Atlantic Princess, which sits in just 45 feet of water minutes off the coast. Penon Reef and the Aquarium are two of the named spots for awesome reef life, although you can find dozens of great sites.
Exploring the stunning beaches and rugged interiors of the two aforementioned islands is also an excellent choice, and they are accessible on day excursions. Don’t forget that Dominicus Beach, which fronts the resort, is one of the best in the Dominican Republic. Plenty of palapas and palm trees provide shade there, and the swimming pool (with its swim-up bar) is steps from the sand.
Other activities include separate kids and teens clubs, kayaking, and dance classes. Adults can have some fun and try to win big at a local casino within a few minutes’ walk from the resort. For something more relaxing, look to the Alegría Spa.
What to Eat and Drink
There are two buffet restaurants and five à-la-carte restaurants at Catalonia Bayahibe, along with a few bars spread around the resort. As part of your all-inclusive stay, buffet dining is free, while certain restrictions exist for some à-la-carte menus and restaurants.
Taino is the main buffet option, offering a wide selection of global and local dishes for all three meals. Sorrentino Pizza, which specializes not just in wood-fired pizzas but also Italian risotto, pasta, and salads, is the other.
You can also get pizza for lunch at the poolside Snack Bar & Pizza. The only à-la-carte restaurant available for lunch is Creperie, where they prepare both sweet and salty crêpes directly on the beach.
Dinner is when many more à-la-carte options open up. Terrace Tapas & Lounge has ocean views from the edge of the sand and serves tasty traditional Spanish small dishes. La Toscana is where you can get more authentic Italian cuisine. Rodeo Steak House offers classic American fare, and Yuca is a do-not-miss gastronomic take on local Caribbean dishes.
Room Guide
While it has over 300 rooms, Catalonia Bayahibe is actually considered one of the smaller resorts on our list, as many all-inclusive escapes in the Dominican Republic are much larger. There are just a few room categories, and while each of them is more than comfortable and nicely outfitted, there’s a notable lack of suites.
Garden View & Comfort View: These standard rooms are about 450 square feet in size and come with one or two double beds. Comfort View simply adds a brighter garden location and upgraded wooden furnishings, but it probably isn’t worth the small addition to the rate. Both categories offer balconies or terraces.
Privileged Deluxe: These rooms are the same size as above but have been recently renovated, adding brighter colors, softer tones, and wooden floors. They are configured with one king or two queen-sized beds, double vanities, and walk-in showers. The result is a much better choice if you want to upgrade your accommodation. Guests also get Privileged Guest benefits, such as access to a private beach and late checkout if available.
Privileged Romance Deluxe (Adults Only): These king-bed rooms are of the same size but are decorated with special romantic touches, such as motifs on the wall. They also come with welcome gifts, a romantic dinner arrangement, and a couples massage for stays of more than 4 nights.
Privileged Family Deluxe: At over 530 square feet, these are the largest rooms in the resort, offering two queen-sized beds plus two bunks for kids. They’re on the ground floor, making for easy access to the pool, beach, and fun.
Special Experiences
Couples celebrating a special occasion at Catalonia Bayahibe should definitely consider a Privileged Guest package to make their stay even more memorable. The upgraded rooms are definitely a step above the standard, and the romance package includes wine, fruit, and chocolate upon check-in. Plus, you’ll get a romantic dinner and couples massage.
If you’re looking to actually host a special occasion, no matter how big or small, the team at the resort is ready to help. They can plan things like vow renewals or even weddings on the white-sand beach, including ones hosted by a Mayan shaman in traditional fashion. The Alegría Spa has makeup and hairdressing services to help prepare for the day.
You can find some of the Dominican Republic’s most spectacular natural scenery in the national park that borders the resort area. Take your partner, friends, or family on a hike to a cave, a hidden beach, or some of the clearest swimming spots in the world for a really special excursion.
Get to know more of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic:
Back
Comments