Hôtel Viva Heavens by WyndhamAll Inclusive in Puerto Plata

Claire Vasseur

JustRelax travel writer · 5 min read

Puerto Plata is not Punta Cana, and that is precisely its appeal. The Dominican Republic's northern coast has held on to something genuine and unpolished, which you feel from the moment you arrive at Gregorio Luperon Airport, roughly 15 kilometres away. The Viva Heavens by Wyndham fits naturally into this setting with a clear proposition: a lively 4-star all-inclusive resort facing the Atlantic, well-equipped and suited to both families and couples. One hundred and ninety rooms, a private beach, restaurants with distinct identities and a daily programme that leaves little room for boredom. This is a place built for enjoyment, and the hotel knows it.

Arrival

Round-trip collective airport transfers are included in the package, removing any logistical stress from the start. Check-in begins at 3pm, and the rooms immediately set a relaxed tropical tone. The Nirvana Room at 39 m² is well-designed for two or up to four adults, featuring a furnished balcony or terrace, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, coffee maker, mini-refrigerator stocked with non-alcoholic drinks on arrival, safe and a bathroom with a rainfall Italian-style shower. That sensation of warm water after a long beach day is a small luxury that genuinely matters. For more space, the Amnesia Suite stretches to 49 m² and adds a separate living area, ideal for families or couples who want room to breathe in the evenings. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, the front desk operates around the clock, and a private car park serves guests who choose to hire a vehicle locally at their own expense.

Dining, all included

Six dining venues give structure and variety to mealtimes at Viva Heavens, and this is one of the resort's genuine strengths. The main buffet restaurant, V Kitchen, serves all three meals with a broad selection spanning Dominican and international cuisine. It is the lively, reliable heart of the hotel. The à la carte restaurants are where the personality really comes through. Rosmarino covers Italian classics with care: proper pizza, generous pasta, antipasti and daily specials in a relaxed setting. Blend takes a fusion approach, combining global influences with local ingredients for creative, original plates. Puebla 222 celebrates Mexican cuisine with tacos, enchiladas and spiced traditional recipes. And Sofrito offers genuine Dominican cooking, with rice, beans, slow-cooked meats, fish and Caribbean spices prepared in an authentic style that stands apart from standard resort fare. The beach snack bar handles daytime hunger between swims, while the coffee shop serves coffees, teas and pastries through the afternoon. A selection of local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included in the all-inclusive formula. We recommend verifying the precise inclusions directly with JustRelax or on the hotel's official website, as these may vary by season and room category.

Days by the water

The private beach is equipped with sun loungers and parasols, with direct access from the resort. The North Atlantic along this stretch of coast has its own character: clear water, a regular sea breeze and shifting light through the day. Beach and pool towels are provided. The outdoor pool is surrounded by a sun deck with loungers, offering a lively yet spacious environment. The entertainment team runs a full daily programme: aqua gym, water polo, beach volleyball, yoga, Pilates, catamaran and windsurfing lessons, diving initiation, trapeze and a climbing wall. Table tennis, billiards, archery, basketball and football pitches round out the sporting offer. Canoe, paddleboard and kayak are available at an additional charge, as is the padel court. The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr golf course, located approximately 100 metres from the resort, is also available at a separate fee. Please confirm which activities are included in your specific package before travelling. The kids club, run by an international team, offers creative and playful activities in a dedicated space with its own pool, giving parents genuine time to themselves. The gym is also available for guests who wish to maintain their fitness routine.

Evening vibes

As the sun sets, the lounge bar becomes the natural gathering point for cocktails before dinner. The evening entertainment programme picks up from there: live music, themed nights, karaoke, concerts and shows. The atmosphere is international with a distinctly Dominican rhythm running through it. Those who want to dance will find their way to the on-site nightclub. Those who prefer a quieter evening with a drink on the terrace will find that too. The energy here is real without being overwhelming.

Who is it for?

The Viva Heavens by Wyndham works particularly well for families, with its kids club, dedicated pool, diverse activities and private beach. Couples looking for an affordable Caribbean escape with genuine restaurant variety and a good nightlife scene will also be well served. Travellers who want to unwind more quietly can make use of the sun deck and the on-site spa, which offers massages, facial and body treatments, manicures, pedicures and a hair salon, all available at an additional charge. One thing worth noting: this is the northern Atlantic coast, not the calm Caribbean sea of the east. Puerto Plata's authenticity and scenery are assets for curious travellers. Those seeking exclusively calm, postcard-perfect Caribbean waters should factor in the different nature of this coastline before booking.