Punta Cana is getting the world’s first all-inclusive W resort — and reservations are now open

Marriott is getting ready to make a splash in the Dominican Republic: The world’s first all-inclusive W resort is now taking reservations.

Welcoming guests starting April 15, the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive is set to reimagine what we know about all-inclusive resorts. It’ll bring the W brand’s playful sense of luxury and lifestyle-forward hospitality — and likely its trendy clientele — to the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters of Punta Cana. It’ll sit about 45 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).  

At the first W all-inclusive resort, fans of the brand can expect many of its signature elements: The Living Room, a trendy lobby bar, a Fit gym and the Away Spa, which will offer signature treatments and massages. The property will also feature a Wet Deck, W’s signature pool bar experience — but this time with an all-inclusive twist where the drinks keep flowing (and you don’t have to worry about the price).

W hotels are also known for their trendy, often over-the-top design aesthetic, but the more recent iterations (like the one in Nashville) have been more subdued and less in-your-face. In Punta Cana, the 340 guest rooms and suites are fresh and modern with a tropical vibe. They feature either a private balcony or a swim-up pool or plunge pool, as well as large TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows and a neutral tone with subtle pops of color.

All-inclusive resorts have been upping the dining game in recent years, and expectations are high for the W Punta Cana, which boasts 13 restaurants and bars. In addition to The Living Room and Wet Deck, guests can dine at an international buffet, a tap room with craft beer, an elevated Dominican and Caribbean restaurant, a Japanese street food joint, a moody speakeasy, a rooftop raw bar, a Mediterranean beach club with a bar and restaurant, a plaza-style outdoor restaurant, and a vintage cabaret-style Italian cocktail bar, among others.

During the day, kick back on loungers and take in the Dominican sun by the beach. Or, head to one of the pools, like the Chill Pool with a swim-up bar or the infinity pool at Wet Deck. Entertainment is provided throughout the stay, so expect DJs and dancing as well as wellness-focused activities like sunrise yoga and workout classes. The resort also touts a daily calendar with musical experiences, cultural workshops, adventure activities, and food and drink experiences. (Specifics aren’t yet available, though.) They are all designed to “foster connectivity” throughout the resort.

Marriott is one of the brands leading the charge in revolutionizing the all-inclusive space; it is flagging resorts with brands and collections familiar to travelers and loyalists. Marriott’s Luxury Collection has already opened resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and more are on the way. It has been rumored that other luxury Marriott brands are planning to enter the all-inclusive space, too. Outside of Marriott, Hilton launched its eponymous all-inclusive resort, and IHG opened a Kimpton-branded all-inclusive resort in Mexico.

How to book the W Punta Cana

Reservations for W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive are now open for stays starting April 15. Marriott’s flexible booking calendar shows April and May cash rates starting at a whopping $1,900 per night, based on double occupancy; prices fall to $616 per night through the summer. Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 137,000 points per night.

Related reading: 

• High-gloss glamour: A review of the W Taipei in Taiwan
• Prime beach access and delicious food: My stay at the iconic W Barcelona
• 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world