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We spent an entire week at the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda in Punta Cana, D.R., to celebrate birthdays in my husband’s family—and since it was summer, it turned into a full-blown family getaway. With ages ranging from toddlers to grandparents, we needed a resort that worked for everyone. Esmeralda turned out to be the perfect choice—welcoming, family-focused, and set right on the beautiful Playa Bávaro beachfront.
From the start, the staff were friendly and helpful, the grounds were beautiful, and there was always something going on. But I’ll be honest—what really made our trip smoother was knowing a few things before we arrived. So here’s my take on the resort, plus the tips I wish I’d had ahead of time.
About Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda All-Inclusive Resort
Esmeralda is described as the “little jewel” of the Bahia Principe family, and that’s exactly how it feels. It has the intimacy of a boutique hotel while still offering full-scale all-inclusive amenities. The architecture is lovely and colonial-inspired, and the gardens are filled with tropical landscaping, mangroves, and palm trees. The resort’s design is tied to the “Taino Spirit” concept, honoring the island’s indigenous roots through art and cultural touches woven into the experience.
Unlike some of the larger, busier resorts in the area, Esmeralda offers a tranquil setting. But being part of the broader Bahia Principe complex means you also have access to many nearby sister properties—including additional restaurants, pools, and entertainment—while still keeping Esmeralda as your home base.
Before You Go
Download the Bahia Principe App
Do this before you even land. You can check in through the app, see maps, and browse entertainment schedules.
- Entertainment listings can help you decide what to pack (think: outfits for theme nights or workout gear for yoga).
- If you’re traveling with two phones, use one to stay connected to your resort and the other to check the entertainment schedules for the other Bahia properties. Once you’re logged into one resort, it’s harder to view the others.
Make Dinner Reservations Early
You can book restaurants through the app up to 10 days before arrival. Some spots are adults-only, so plan ahead if you’re with kids. We liked the Brazilian steakhouse and Yurta, but honestly, the buffet was always good and sometimes easier with our group.
It’s best to book dinner and entertainment in the same area so you’re not running across the resort afterward.
Complete Your E-Ticket Entry Form for the Dominican Republic
We made the mistake of not doing this in advance and had to fill it out at the airport—one for each traveler. It’s not fun after a long flight. Save yourself the hassle by completing the process online before you go, and keep the PDF code on your phone: viajerodigital.mitur.gob.do/english
Getting Around the Resort
Bahia Principe Esmeralda is part of a huge resort complex. Staying here gives you access to the facilities and restaurants at the Luxury Bahia Principe and Grand Bahia Principe hotels (except buffets and adults-only areas). Access to Fantasia isn’t included, but you can get a day pass for $15/adult and $10/child.
For families: The Turquesa section has a huge water park that kids will love.
Rooms and Comfort
We stayed in a Deluxe Junior Suite, which came with two full-size beds—perfect for traveling with kids. The room had a sitting area, a hydromassage bathtub, and a private terrace. The beds were big and comfortable, and the air conditioning was perfect in the intense heat. We also appreciated little touches like the pillow menu, stocked minibar, coffee machine, and plenty of space to spread out as a family.
The resort has a total of 570 rooms, but it never felt overwhelming. With everything close by—pool, buffet, and entertainment—it was easy to get around, even with little ones.
We found that the best building locations at the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda were as follows:
- #93: Our favorite—quiet, close to the buffet, pool, and golf cart routes.
- #91: Has a ground-level room with a walkway straight to the pool.
- #90 & #94: Can be noisy at night due to shows and the theater.
- Note: There are no elevators in the lodging buildings.
Packing Tips
- Make sure you bring an Insulated cup for cold drinks at the pool or beach. You’re going to need it. My sister-in-law got everyone in the group these fancy Owala water bottles with our names engraved. They worked out great!
- Bring plenty of sunscreen, as the sun is intense. Set a phone reminder to reapply after a certain number of hours.
- Make sure everyone has a Sun hat or a visor.
- Aloe or after-sun lotion in case of sunburn.
- Toddler/infant gear: If you need a full-size crib, consider renting from a local company like Cloud of Goods. The hotel cribs are more like mini cribs.
Food & Drinks
Esmeralda features two buffets, a selection of specialty restaurants, a snack bar, and three bars. Our go-to was the Main Restaurant Caney, a buffet with a huge selection of dishes and desserts (the kids loved the ice cream). For lunch, we often ate at the Beach Restaurant Caicu, which made it easy to grab food while staying by the pool.
The buffet is always well-stocked and offers a wide variety—going early or off-peak is recommended to avoid the rush. We managed to eat at specialty restaurants almost every night thanks to booking ahead.
- Favorite restaurants: Yurta & Maiko (Japanese).
- The drinks were good (though not very strong). There were also branded soft drinks and spirits.
And if you need to work off all the food you’ve had, there’s a fantastic gym on-site.
Entertainment & Activities
The entertainment team is fantastic. At night, the atmosphere shifts into something livelier, with dancing, live singers, and performers putting on shows that feel professional yet fun. One night it might be a magic show, the next a cultural dance performance, and another night a lively party with audience participation.
The circus show on Thursdays at 4 pm is a must-see. Filled with acrobatics, music, and stunts that impress kids and adults. It’s the kind of entertainment that makes you want to plan your day around it.
Pro Tip: Sometimes activities, such as yoga or bike tours, are shorter or differ from what you expect. Be sure to go with an open mind.
Beyond shows, the resort also offers a Kids Club, where little ones can learn about Taino culture, participate in activities, and have fun in a safe and engaging environment. We didn’t use it ourselves, but heard from other guests that it was excellent.
For something different, head to Pueblo Principe, the resort’s on-site shopping and leisure village. It has local craft stores, bars, karaoke, a disco, and even a casino.
The Pool
There are two pools, four Jacuzzis, and a big sun terrace with loungers and umbrellas. We spent the majority of our time at the pool. In fact, this was all the kids wanted to do. The pool had an amazing swim-up bar with very attentive staff.
Throughout the day, you’ll often find poolside activities, games for kids and adults, and casual contests that get everyone laughing.
A heads-up about pool chairs: guests often reserve them very early—sometimes before 6 a.m. If you notice folded towels sitting on chairs for hours, it’s often the staff who placed them there. Use your best judgment—either take the spot or send someone out early in the morning to claim chairs for your group.
The Beach
The beach itself is stunning—wide, sandy, and breezy…But here’s the truth: during our stay, the seaweed was heavy. Staff made paths through it to reach the water, but it wasn’t enough. This isn’t the resort’s fault—seaweed is natural and can be unpredictable. If the beach isn’t perfect, the pools are a great backup.
Other Things to Know
- Laundry: Don’t wait until the last day—they don’t do same-day service.
- Shops: On-site prices are high, so bring essentials with you.
- Transportation: Our arrival with HQT was a long walk with luggage to the van, but the return trip was fine.
The Spa Experience
I couldn’t leave without trying the Bahia Spa, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my stay. I took advantage of a day deal and paid $69 for a massage—it was worth every penny. The facilities were modern and peaceful, and the treatment itself was one of the best I’ve ever had. The spa also offers facials, body wraps, nail care, and hair styling services, allowing you to treat yourself.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda worked beautifully for our big family trip. The rooms were comfortable, the food and drinks were of high quality, and the staff went out of their way to check in on us daily. Between the pools, entertainment, and kid-friendly areas, there was always something to do.
Would I come back? Yes—especially now that I know how to navigate the app, make reservations early, and pack smarter. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages, this is a resort that can keep everyone happy. Just pack your patience for the seaweed and your sunscreen for the sun, and you’ll have a great time.
