Hôtel Occidental CaribeAll Inclusive in Punta Cana

Claire Vasseur

JustRelax travel writer · 5 min read

Some hotels are places where you unpack your bags. Others are places where you finally let go. The Occidental Caribe is unmistakably the latter. The moment the lobby doors open onto an alley of palm trees and the deep blue of the lagoon pools, something shifts. The warm, faintly salty Punta Cana air flows in, and the pace of the coming week already feels different. Everything here is designed so that your only task is to enjoy.

Arrival

The hotel stretches along a generous stretch of the Dominican Republic's eastern coastline, sitting directly on the beach. Its 798 rooms are spread across low-rise buildings nestled within carefully maintained tropical gardens, royal palms and broad-leafed plants filtering the light and softening the sounds. You never face an anonymous hotel corridor, but always a corner of garden. The Standard rooms measure 33 m² and feel spacious without being impersonal. Options include a 2-metre king-size bed or two double beds depending on the configuration. Every room features a furnished terrace or balcony, a bathroom with bathtub or shower, a mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Practical details like an iron and ironing board, a magnifying mirror and a hairdryer confirm that the rooms were designed with longer stays in mind. The maximum occupancy of 3 adults and 1 child makes this a solid choice for families with a young child. Rooms adapted for guests with reduced mobility are available on request.

Dining, all included

Fifteen dining and bar outlets is what the Occidental Caribe offers, and the number holds up. The main restaurant El Alcazar opens as early as 5:30am for early risers and serves buffets at breakfast, lunch and dinner through to 10pm. The poolside snack bar Marenostrum runs from early morning with breakfast, a lunch buffet and afternoon snacks until 6pm. The pizzeria Don Simon is available from noon to 5pm for a casual break between swims. The real highlight is the 6 à la carte restaurants, all requiring prior reservation. Coin Créole focuses on local Dominican flavours, Hacienda on Mexican cuisine, Paris on French cooking, Via Veneto on Italian, Marenostrum on grilled meats and fish, and Tokyo on Japanese cuisine. All open from 6pm to 10pm, except Hacienda which starts at 7pm. On the drinks side, 7 bars serve refreshments, hot beverages, snacks and local alcoholic drinks included in the all-inclusive package. Imported drinks are available but charged separately. We recommend verifying the exact details of the all-inclusive package directly on the Occidental Hotels website, as inclusions may vary depending on the season and room type.

Days by the water

The white sand beach is directly accessible from the hotel, no roads to cross, no barriers. You set down your towel and walk into the water. The two immense lagoon-shaped pools are dotted with palm trees, swim-up bars and thatched shelters that offer refuge when the midday sun is at its most intense. The solarium with sun loungers and parasols lets you choose your preferred level of shade. Pool towels are provided by the hotel. For those who cannot stay still, a beach volleyball court, two tennis courts, a multi-sport pitch, a climbing wall open to guests aged 13 and over, a games room with billiards, table tennis and darts, and a flying trapeze area give every generation something to do. On the water sports side, kayaking is available at no extra charge, while parasailing and water skiing are accessible for an additional fee. Children have their own mini water park. The gym is reserved for adults.

Evening vibes

As the sun drops over the Caribbean Sea, the Occidental Caribe shifts gear. The à la carte restaurants fill up, the bars come alive and the adults-only nightclub opens its doors. One family night per week brings younger guests into the evening entertainment. The casino, available at an extra charge, offers an option for those looking to add some excitement to their Caribbean nights. For those who prefer to wind down quietly, the adults-only spa is there with its sauna, hot tub and a menu of treatments and massages available at an additional cost, offering a genuine restorative option after a full day under the sun.

Who is it for?

The Occidental Caribe is built for families who want a straightforward all-inclusive with enough space and activities for each member to find their own rhythm. Children have their water park, parents have their adults-only spa and gym, and the evening nightclub means everyone can end the night on their own terms. Couples seeking total tranquillity might feel more at home in a more intimate property, but those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, a variety of dining options and direct access to a beautiful Punta Cana beach will find this resort genuinely rewarding. French-speaking animation as part of the Ôclub programme is available until 1 November 2025, which is a real comfort for French-speaking travellers.