Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda - All Inclusive - Newly Renovated

After many summers in Bahia principe in Mexico we decided to try a new country this year and stay loyal to Bahia! Bahia Esmeralda did not disappoint and we are in love and planning another return. We prefer it to Mexico! We were dropped off at Fantasia and picked up and taken to Esmeralda - we swiftly checked in, were offered welcome drink and cold flannel to refresh. Very helpful staff at the lobby. We were checked in by ALEXA who was very helpful throughout the stay. Room Amazing! Modern, very spacious and we loved the bathroom - shower and also jet bath my son enjoyed every night! We were in room 91219 overlooking the lobby and pool, great views from up there and lovely sea view. Mini bar restocked daily - 2 beers, bottles of water, Pepsi, “Fanta”, carton of juice and chocolate milk / milk, peanuts. They were very generous and would always refill kids choc milk, tea and coffee. Food We booked 13 al carte restaurants for our 14 night stay, on our first night we ate at the Caicu buffet by the beach. The al carte are great - we went to Yurta 3 times (loved the scallops there), Indian twice. Italian - twice as well and RONALDO and his team were fab in there, so welcoming! Great food too. We also went to Taino twice - I loved the octopus there! Son and hubby enjoyed steak. We ask tried Brazilian once and ale Mashua restaurant. Takara - oriental restaurant in Bahia Turquesa was lovely! You also have the food truck, lunch buffet, sports bar is great for food - kids loved mozzarella sticks and chicken strips! Drinks Good selection of cocktails! I like cocktails in the spots bar and al carte restaurants - Espresso martini was great! Drink service by the pool and beach, good beach bar also available. So many options to choose from! Entertainment So much going on in this resort - we enjoyed some shows in Esmeralda, went on evening cart rides to another resort to watch a show - Bahia Punta Cana, Turquesa. We also went to the Village to look around the shops. Good shows in Esmeralda - fire show was great, violin player etc, beach show, magic show… We initially stayed by Punta Cana main pool as it is very close, but it gets very busy there and we preferred Esmeralda pools and beach as it feels more exclusive, is not crowded, no fights about sunloungers and there was a better atmosphere. There was not a moment of boredom! Foam party, various activities and games. Great entertainment team! My kids are 10&13 so cannot comment on kids club but saw many happy children being looked after! We loved making souvenirs - they have sessions for children and also adults- jewellery making, pottery making etc. Beach Oh my! Long stretch of beach, warm wavy sea and white sand! We prefer the beach to Mexican resorts. Good staff on the beach - drinks, looking after sunloungers, one of the staff brushed off sand off our sandals and feet as well! We spent every day in between pool and beach and usually stayed until just before dinner. The whole resort feels very safe! We never had to worry about our belongings. Staff The most wonderful staff work here! They work so hard and nothing is an issue. They made us feel very welcome and also safe. There is a great banter between staff and lots of laughter! Please tip when you can, they work so hard! Nothing is a problem, I spoke with lobby staff numerous time and they always helped, even at 2.30am one morning when I needed some health advice. There is so much I could write on here! This resort is brilliant and we will return next year! Esmeralda is very special, you will have the best time!