Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort

The all-inclusive Paradisus Palma Real resort on the Domincan Republic's Bavaro Beach is big with families, couples and singles who come for a vacation fueled by unlimited everything you can eat, drink and do. A palatial lobby with regal marble floors is where you’ll find check-in desks, supersized sculptures and a piano bar. There are 484 suites, 200 Royal Service adults-only suites (shown here) and two Presidential suites with ocean-view whirlpools on the terrace. Suites are tastefully outfitted with mahogany and marble, spa jet showers and Jacuzzis. The bathroom of a suite. A stay in the Royal Service wing means no kids and access to a private lounge for sips, snacks and an early morning heady espresso. A Royal Service luxury suite. Reachable by cellphones, Royal Service butlers handle everything from making dinner reservations to explaining exactly how the shower works. Royal Service pool concierges deliver sunscreen, snacks and cocktails to the water’s edge.

A golf cart ride away from the main resort, The Reserve is a resort-within-a-resort reserved for families and comes with a Family Concierge who hands out clever amenities like mini-sized bathrobes, welcome backpacks and milk and cookies at bedtime. A view of Colonial Plaza from the lobby. Colonial Plaza is the center of the resort. An enormous canal-like pool flows through the middle of Colonial Plaza.

A sculpture in Colonial Plaza. Relaxation is made simple with a supply of sunbeds, benches, gazebos, cabanas and loungers. Colonial Plaza is lined with restaurants on both sides. The Colonial Plaza pool. Art in the Colonial Plaza. The stone-lined pool. The plaza is high-wattage at night with a dramatic multi-colored light show. The resort features manicured gardens. Garden paths lead to the rooms. Buildings are low-rise and easy to navigate. One pool flows into another including the main one with blue and white tiled benches, adults-only with a swim-up bar, seven whirlpools and the kids-only pools with a team of pool monitors. The pool features tiled benches in the water. The pool is guarded by palm trees. The pool at sunset. There are plenty of loungers at (and in) the pools. A swim-up bar. The pool for families. Day beds for Royal Service guests. The resort is dotted with art. Part of the 25-mile long Costa del Coco or Coconut coastline, Bavaro is one of the best-kept beaches in the country although it is crowded with all-inclusive resorts.

The beach is never crowded. Nearly a mile and a half long, Bavaro Beach is protected by a coral reef. Bavaro Beach is one of the finest stretches in the Caribbean. Keep your clothes on at the beach. There are plenty of loungers and day beds. The sand is soft enough for a game of beach volleyball and a siesta on a towel. The surf is calm enough for wading in without an undertow. Head to the casino for poker and slot machines. Unlimited greens fees at 27-hole Cocotal Golf & Country Club is an all-included option with shuttles taking players to the course. The Olympic Theatre is home to a Michael Jackson tribute called "Legends." A dance class by the pool. Chill-out options in the YHI Spa run the relaxation gamut from yoga and Pilates to aromatic volcanic stone massages and a romp in the palatial water room with enough jet sprays to keep you soaking all day. Close to the Spa, the Oriental Garden is big on mellow with Thai massages and Balinese tea ceremonies. A statue of Buddha stands guard at the Oriental Garden.

A sign in the Oriental Garden. Gabi Beach day beds. Manicured gardens between buildings. Flamingo Pond is a serene spot. The pink birds may be the most photographed couple at the resort. A bartender at the Lobby Piano Bar. A Manhattan with a hint of bacon at the Lobby Piano Bar. The vodka-infused Watermelon Crush, also at the Lobby Piano Bar.

In the Red Lounge, trippy red lights invite late-night party people for a spin across the disco-lit dance floor. Chairs in the In the Red Lounge. Carnivores like Rare for its classic steakhouse menu. Fresh fish is served in all the restaurants. Passion restaurant is an extra add on for guests. Spanish chef Martin Berastegui has 2 restaurants in the Dominican Republic. A selection of cheese at Passion. Sea bass and lemony foam at Passion. Beet, Garlic and Black Raddish Ceviche at Passion.