New & Noteworthy Resorts

New & Noteworthy Resorts

Several resorts were in various stages of completion as this book was being written. You may wish to consider the following resorts when making your Punta Cana plans for 2008 even though we were not able to fully review these hotels since they were not open when this book was being researched.

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa. With a fresh face after a multimillion-dollar renovation, this all-inclusive resort—formerly Sunscape the Beach—was rebranded and has been known under its new moniker since December 2007. In the remote setting near pastures and farmland, vacationers can find everything under the sun, including a plethora of à la carte restaurants and a buffet, 10 bars, and a large, inviting pool that winds around the grounds. Kids' club (for ages 3-12) activities include sand-castle building, arts and crafts, and rock-climbing. Uvero Alto. 809/682-0404 or 866/237-3267. www.dreamsresorts.com.

Majestic Elegance. This luxury all-inclusive is being built right next door to its sister, the Majestic Colonial and was slated to open in the fall 2008. Some facilities and grounds will likely be shared, but there's no word yet on the details of shared access and/or exclusive facilities. Macao. 809/221-9898. www.majesticcolonial.com.

Sunscape Punta Cana. This hotel, formerly the Occidental Allegro Punta Cana, was purchased in late 2007 and was undergoing major changes, including rebranding and renovations in early 2008. On a beautiful beach, the resort's 540 guestrooms are tucked into nine three-story buildings with red-tile roofs. The landscaped grounds are nicely maintained, but the jury is still out on how well guest expectations will be met in all areas of hospitality. For family-oriented vacations, you can find activities for kids ages 3-12, with supervised options for kids to explore the area, and beepers to keep you in touch. Guests can enjoy all activities and amenities without having to wear the ubiquitous all-inclusive wristbands. Cabeza de Toro. 809/552-6000. www.sunscaperesorts.com.

Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort. Rising up dramatically at the edge of a cliff that juts out into the sea, this grand Spanish Renaissance-style resort is visible from some beaches many miles farther south along the coast. At this writing, the resort was expected to open in September 2008, the first imprint of true luxury (non-all-inclusive) hospitality in Macao. The complex includes not only the hotel but also Westin-branded condominiums and villas, seven restaurants, 24-hour room service, bars, a spa, tennis courts, a wedding gazebo, a marina, a gourmet market, and a conference center. The new, spectacular Nick Faldo-designed golf course (set to open simultaneously) is steps away, and guests here have privileged packages. Macao. 954/624-1771 or 800/937-8461. www.westin.com. Safe, kitchen (some), refrigerator (some), Wi-Fi, 7 restaurants, room service, bars, golf course, tennis courts, pool, gym, spa, beachfront, water sports, children's programs (ages 3-12), laundry service, Internet terminal, public Wi-Fi. AE, D, DC, MC, V.