Take It From a Mom of Two: Club Med Punta Cana Is *The* Place for Multi-Generational Travel

Arrival and First Impressions

Thankfully, as a Midwesterner, getting to Punta Cana is pretty quick – about a four-hour flight from where I live. Last time we visited the Dominican Republic with our kids, we stayed at a resort that was nearly 2.5 hours from the airport, so you can imagine my delight when I realized the shuttle ride this time was only about 10 minutes. After being cooped up on a plane with little kids, getting your vacation started almost immediately feels like a little treat in itself.

The property is located within a larger resort area with visible security throughout. We were greeted with fresh juices, warm smiles, and staff who seemed prepared and excited for our arrival. The recently-renovated open-air lobby is both gorgeous and welcoming. 

Speaking of renovations, the resort recently underwent major renovations to the welcome area, the main bar, one of the main buffet areas, and some of the family suites. It was definitely noticeable as we walked through; the spaces felt modern yet perfectly warm and tropical. I felt some of the areas, particularly the walking paths, could still use an update… but the late James Van der Beek stayed here in 2019, so if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for us. 

After a quick check-in, we were escorted to our room by golf cart, which my kids immediately considered the first attraction of the trip. We stayed in a Family Deluxe Suite, a great setup for families with two separate bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with two twins, plus a bathroom for each room. 

Some families opt to upgrade to the Exclusive Collection section of the resort for concierge service and access to a more private pool area. Still, the standard accommodations felt more than sufficient for us. The room was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully prepared for families. I especially appreciated that a pack-and-play was already set up for my two-year-old when we arrived and snacks and drinks were waiting so everyone could settle in quickly after travel.

Our room was on the second floor, which was a little challenging at times with a stroller and tired toddlers, but there was an elevator down the hall that made it manageable. Once inside, though, it was surprisingly quiet. We never really heard neighbors or hallway noise which can make a huge difference on a family trip. In general, the resort felt quiet. We visited in mid-May and the guest-to-staff ratio nearly felt 1:1. 

For the Kiddos

I wish my boys could write this section themselves, because they would tell such an epic story! Since they’re only 2 and 4, you’ll have to settle for my retelling. I know their favorite part of the trip was the swimming. They weren’t big swimmers before this, but the pools at the Mini and Petite Clubs, along with the waterpark, turned them into absolute fish for the week. The waterpark is Club Med’s largest, with big waterslides, a jungle gym, and a giant inflatable bubble kids can climb and slide through. We spent a lot of time there, especially since there were usually light bites at the nearby food truck and plenty of lifeguards who were actively watching the pool. One even brought my kids floaties to use, which felt so thoughtful.

My kids also spent a day in childcare at the resort. Their ages (2 and 4) meant they were in different rooms, but that actually felt totally appropriate for each of them. I’ve historically been anxious about dropping my kids off somewhere new, especially in another country, but the team was so competent and warm that we never had any hesitation. Childcare for kids 4 and up is included at the flagship Punta Cana resort, while there is an additional cost for children 3 and under. They had a blast and were clearly well cared for.

In the days that followed, the G.O.s (Club Med’s term for staff and activity leaders) would greet my kids by name whenever they saw them. They even offered to have the boys eat with them one night at El Mundo (one of the buffet-style restaurants)  so we could have a date night of sorts. We didn’t take them up on it this time, but we absolutely will next time. Speaking of meals, my kids had no trouble finding things to eat. They don’t usually get much of a say on that at home, so choosing their own food felt like a real treat for them.

The last thing I’ll mention from the boys’ perspective is the programming. We didn’t end up doing as much as we originally planned (mostly due to the waterpark), but what we did do was a hit. My 4-year-old took a trapeze lesson and we watched a pirate show one night. Both were successes and perhaps better yet, both were included. When Club Med says all-inclusive, they really mean it!

For the Grown-Ups

My turn! I, too, really enjoyed our time at the resort. The spa, Cinq Mondes, was a definite highlight. I had a 50-minute massage that was, without a doubt, the most technically impressive I’ve ever had. Isabel worked out knots I didn’t even know I had in the best possible way. The locker room could have been a bit more well-appointed with small touches for showering afterward, but it was still a lovely experience overall.

Like my son, I also really enjoyed the programming. I took a trapeze lesson myself, which was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. When else do you get the chance to do something like that? I also peeked into the nightlife, which offered beautifully themed evenings and actually looked quite fun. I am not a partier, so this is saying something. It felt lively but not out of control. I would feel comfortable bringing slightly older kids to it as well (mine were sound asleep by that point). We also really enjoyed an excursion to go snorkeling with the kids. They were a bit young for it, but the snorkeling itself was incredible. Our boat captain, Michael, even took us to a shallow “natural pool” area afterward so the kids could enjoy the water more easily. 

The food overall was good, but we didn’t discover the real “hack” until a day or two in, which is the sit-down restaurant, Indigo Beach Lounge. It is open most days for breakfast, lunch, and dinner by reservation, and the food is a definite step up from the buffets. It was also much easier logistically with little kids to not have to go up, get their food, and then repeat for your food. The buffets had plenty of options, including many French-inspired dishes, but we found some things looked better than they tasted.

What We Packed (And What We Shouldn’t Have)

Can we all agree that packing for a resort is the most fun kind of packing? Now that we’ve established that, here are some of the items I packed for the kids to ensure things went *swimmingly* (pun intended). I almost always bring our No Reception Club Duffel Bag because it is outstandingly functional for little kids. I also packed a few washable swim diapers for my 2-year-old, as well as matching daddy-and-me shirts for all 3. Check out this adorable print from Caden Lane! Lastly, I’ve been turned on to renting my kids clothes lately from a new brand, Huelings. The clothes are so cute that my husband noticed! 

I stuck to the best, most comfy basics and a few strong dress choices I knew I’d feel good in. Summersalt is my go-to for suits, especially the Sidestroke bikini. It makes me feel cute, but isn’t overly revealing as a mom. I always, always, always bring my LAKE coverups and pajamas. You of course can’t forget sunscreen, and Daybird’s tinted serum with SPF has been my pick for years on this.