I’m a big fan of all-inclusive resorts. There’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to relax on a beautiful beach with a drink in your hand and not having to worry about a thing. While I love immersing myself in different cultures and exploring historic sights, sometimes all you need is a vacation where you can park it by the beach and unwind.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at many different types of all-inclusive resorts, from some of the best in Mexico to ones you shouldn’t skip in the Dominican Republic. I’ve experienced a range of brands that specialize in the know-what-you-pay-upfront experiences, including luxurious Grand Velas properties, family-friendly Dreams resorts, adults-only Secrets resorts, and Hyatt Ziva and Zilara properties. But on my most recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I had the chance to experience a brand that’s not as well known for travelers from the U.S.: Iberostar.
Iberostar is a Spanish hotel and resort company with properties in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. While it may not be as familiar to American travelers, points and miles enthusiasts might recognize the brand due to its “strategic partnership” with IHG. Last year, Iberostar announced that its beachfront resorts would be integrated into IHG One Rewards, starting in December.
Before sending reporters to assess how well Iberostar integrates elite loyalty perks, I wanted to get a feel for the brand as a whole. So, I booked a two-night stay at the Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro in the Dominican Republic. The Coral Level is an upgraded all-inclusive experience within the larger Iberostar Selection Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana.
The Coral Level offers an exclusive experience within the larger resort complex. Guests who book in the Coral Level have access to certain exclusive areas, including a pool with lounge chairs and a small bar, a beach area, a buffet, and an à la carte restaurant called Salt & Soul. They also have access to everything on offer at the other resorts, except for the more upscale, adults-only Iberostar Grand Bavaro. The Coral Level rooms are suite-like with upgraded amenities, including aromatherapy.
During my stay at the Coral Level, I found the experience to be enjoyable and relaxing. The resort itself is massive, with rows of brightly colored buildings. The Coral Level has its own private reception and exclusive amenities. The room I stayed in was charmingly beachy, with a turquoise-striped pullout couch, pops of bright pink, and earthy tones that reflected the nearby beach. The room also had a TV with a QR code for streaming, a desk area with charging ports, a coffee maker, and a refrigerator stocked with beverages.
The bathroom had a single-faucet sink, a rainfall shower, and high-quality shower gel and hair products. The terrace provided easy access to the exclusive Coral Level pool and had comfortable outdoor seating. However, I did notice that there was a hedge and an alleyway on the other side of the terrace, which compromised privacy for ground-level rooms.
One of the highlights of the Coral Level experience was the variety of dining options available. The resort offered a range of restaurants, including teppanyaki with a show and standard Italian eateries. I found the food to be delicious and satisfying, with plenty of options to choose from.
Overall, my stay at the Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro was enjoyable and relaxing. The upgraded all-inclusive experience offered exclusive amenities and a charmingly beachy atmosphere. While the resort complex was massive, it was easy to navigate and provided everything I needed for a relaxing beach vacation. I would highly recommend the Coral Level to anyone looking for a luxurious all-inclusive experience in the Dominican Republic.