Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda: A Detailed Review
- BFree Adventures
- Mar 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 12
If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with a mix of relaxation and fun, Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda might just be the perfect choice. I recently had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful resort, and in this Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda review, I’ll share all the details—from check-in to the pools—to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next vacation.
The driving distance from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda All Inclusive – Newly Renovated is approximately 27 kilometers. The journey takes around 22 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
The hotel was fully renovated in 2023, offering refreshed rooms and updated amenities for a more luxurious stay.
You can find the resort map here if you want to get a better idea of where everything is located—super helpful for planning your days and finding your way around!
If you’re staying at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, you get access to all the other Bahia Principe hotels in the resort, including Bahia Luxury Ambar, so you’ve got tons of options for dining, activities, and more!
First Impressions: Reception & Check-In
As soon as I arrived, I could immediately feel the welcoming vibe. The reception area is grand yet cozy, with friendly staff ready to assist.
The lobby has a cool mix of Caribbean charm and modern style, with wicker chairs, lush plants, and warm light spilling from woven baskets hanging from the vaulted ceiling.
Check-in was smooth and relatively quick. My bags were taken care of, and within minutes, I was on my way to my room in one of the resort’s charming buildings.
Throughout the resort, you’ll find lots of cool elements inspired by Taino Dominican culture. There are huge statues, a boat, and other artifacts scattered around, giving you a glimpse into the island’s rich history and heritage. It’s a fun way to connect with the local culture while enjoying your stay.
I really liked how the hotel villas are laid out—it’s super relaxing. Between the buildings, there’s a narrow pool that looks like a little river, which gives the whole place a peaceful vibe. Plus, the lush greenery all around makes it feel tropical and private, like your own little escape.
The Rooms: Spacious & Comfortable
The hotel features 570 Deluxe Junior Suite rooms, all housed within charming three-story villas, offering comfort and style in a tropical setting.
Room Types:
Choose from the Junior Suite Deluxe for a comfortable stay, the Connecting Junior Suite Deluxe if you need extra space, or the Junior Suite Deluxe Swim Up for easy access to a pool right from your room.
The room was exactly what you’d expect from a luxury resort—spacious, clean, and tastefully decorated with Caribbean-inspired touches.
The rooms feature a fresh, modern look with a calming beige and white colour palette. Each room includes a round wooden coffee table, stylish lamps, and a ceiling fan overhead, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The living area is thoughtfully designed with comfortable sofas and tasteful wall art, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the space. The king-sized bed was ultra-comfortable, and I loved having a private balcony to enjoy my morning coffee.
The minibar was well-stocked (and restocked daily), and the bathroom had a jetted tub, which was a nice touch. Housekeeping did a great job keeping everything spotless throughout my stay.
The only downside is that there are no elevators in the villas, which can be a bit challenging for guests with mobility issues or those staying on the top floor.
Dining Experience: A Mix of Buffet & À La Carte
One of the highlights of Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda is its variety of dining options. The main buffet Caney was impressive, offering a great selection of international and Dominican cuisine. Breakfast was my favourite—fresh tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juices, pastries, and made-to-order omelets among others.
For dinner, I tried a few of the à la carte restaurants.
Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda offers access to an impressive selection of 13 à la carte restaurants. While some of these dining options belong to the neighbouring Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar—another luxury hotel within the same resort complex—guests of Esmeralda have full access to enjoy them as well. This gives you a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres to explore during your stay, all within easy reach. The gourmet restaurant served beautifully plated dishes, while the steakhouse was a meat lover’s dream. Reservations are required for à la carte dining, so booking early is a good idea.
You can make à la carte restaurant reservations super easily—either through the hotel’s app or by stopping by the reception desk. Both options are quick and convenient, so you can book your dinners without any hassle.
TAÍNO Restaurant - Dominican Cuisine
TAÍNO Restaurant is the perfect place to try some delicious Dominican food right at the resort. You’ll find tasty local dishes like mofongo, sancocho, fried plantains, and fresh seafood—full of Caribbean flavor. The vibe is fun and welcoming, and it’s a great way to get a real taste of the island without leaving the hotel.
You can take a look at the full TAÍNO Restaurant menu here.
Naan Restaurant - Indian Cuisine
Naan Restaurant is the spot to hit if you're in the mood for some delicious Indian cuisine. From fluffy naan bread to flavorful curries, rich biryanis, and savory tandoori dishes, they’ve got all the classics covered. The spices are just right, and the atmosphere is super cozy—perfect for a flavorful meal with a bit of heat! If you're curious about the full menu, you can take a look at it here.
Yurta Restaurant - Mongolian Cuisine
Restaurant Yurta is the place to be if you're craving some flavorful Mongolian cuisine. With a unique twist on traditional dishes, you can enjoy everything from stir-fried meats and veggies to savory noodles and rice bowls. The dishes are packed with bold flavors, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy something a little different. If you're curious about the full menu, you can take a look at it here.
Caicu Beach & Rodizio Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. During the day, it functions as a buffet, conveniently located near the beach, so you can enjoy a variety of dishes while relaxing by the sea. In the evenings, it transforms into Rodizio Restaurant, serving delicious Brazilian steak with meats brought straight to your table, offering a fun and flavourful feast. Full menu here.
Tequila Restaurant is the perfect spot to indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine. From fresh guacamole and crispy tacos to zesty enchiladas and flavorful fajitas, they’ve got all the classic dishes you crave. The vibrant atmosphere and bold flavors will transport you straight to Mexico, making it a fun and tasty dining experience. If you're curious about the full menu, you can take a look at it here
Entertainment & Activities: Something for Everyone
The resort offers a mix of activities, whether you want to relax or stay active. There were nightly shows with music and dancing, and during the day, activities like beach volleyball, dance lessons, and even some fun poolside games. The entertainment staff was energetic and made sure everyone had a great time without being too pushy.
The Swimming Pools: Relaxation & Fun
There are multiple pools at the resort, and they never felt overly crowded. One pool was more lively, with music and entertainment, while another had a quieter, more relaxing vibe. The swim-up bar was a favourite spot for many guests (including me!), serving up delicious tropical cocktails. If you prefer the ocean, the beach is just a short walk away, with plenty of loungers and palm trees for shade.
Since this is a family-friendly resort, there's also a kids' water park on-site! It's a fun and safe spot for the little ones to splash around and enjoy their own adventures while you relax nearby.
Final Thoughts: Would I Return?
Absolutely! Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda offers a great balance of comfort, entertainment, and good service.
While there were a few minor issues here and there, which can happen at any resort, overall, this place was a great choice for a vacation. No matter if you're traveling as a couple, with family, or even solo, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. The food, the pools, and the overall atmosphere made for a nice vacation. If you’re considering a trip to Punta Cana, this resort is definitely worth checking out!
Have you stayed at this resort before? Let me know in the comments!
Ready to book your stay? You can easily reserve your vacation directly at the hotel by clicking here and securing your spot at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda.
If you're curious to see what the resort looks like, I’ve got a video from my personal collection just for you! Check it out here.
I haven’t had the chance to stay at this hotel yet, but after reading about it and seeing these gorgeous photos, I’d love to consider it for my trip to Punta Cana!😉