On Location: Sunscape Coco Punta Cana – a perfect blend of family fun & adult amusements

STORY BY KATHY BUCKWORTH

As the sun was coming up, I walked along the serene pathways at Sunscape Coco Punta Cana resort. I passed an empty waterpark, a darkened spa, a still pool with an unoccupied waterslide, and a closed food truck as I made my way to the resort’s fitness centre.

This was in stark opposition to the walk I had taken the sunny afternoon the day before, when upon arrival, a resort guide had led me down similar paths. But they were bustling with families making their way to the main pool, one of the many restaurants, or the beckoning Bavaro Beach.

The waterpark was splashy, and the waterslides were full with kids. Some adults made their winding way down into the crystal-clear pool.

This is a resort which offers many dichotomies, as it is both a playground for kids and a place to play for adults, too. 

Fun for all 

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, offering views of the Laguna Bavaro Reserve, is a converted resort that opened in November 2023.

It’s the second Sunscape in Punta Cana and it’s part of the Hyatt family. After a quick four-hour direct flight from Toronto, it’s a 20-minute drive from the airport. 

The resort is a favourite with Canadians (particularly from Ontario and Quebec) as well as Germany, and other European countries.

While family fun is at the top of the agenda at this property, everyone knows that no one’s having fun unless Mom and Dad (and maybe Grandma and Grandad) are happy as well.

On the kid side, there are Kid Clubs (Explorers aged 3-12), and a teen “Core Zone,” where the kids can gather to play games, shoot some pool, and go on adventures around the resort with trained staff.

On the adult side (yes, there is an “adults only” zone), along with several beach and hotel bars, there’s also a classic swim-up bar and a 24/7 bar in operation.

A visit to the spa takes you far away from the squeals of the kids, as you settle into a private room, with a hydrotherapy pool steps away.

For those who want a little more action, there’s a casino and a 400-person capacity night club on site.

Feel like watching more action? I wandered into the sports bar, to find a photo on the wall of a Team Canada hockey player. 

Well played, Sunscape.

Time for families & couples

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana recognizes that there is time for family and time for couples, and while most of the restaurants cater to both sides, the Un-Wined Cellar is a unique adults-only dining experience, within steps of the more kid oriented (but super popular around the world) Le Petit Chef experience. 

The aforementioned food truck knows no age boundaries, as witnessed by the varied crowd lined up whenever I passed it.

Additionally, there is a teppanyaki restaurant (Chopsticks, which requires reservations), Italian, Amazonian, Mexican, seafood, and two buffet restaurants open to all. Tacos, pizza, pastries and more are also on hand; handy for hungry kids, big and little.

There are a variety of rooms to choose (1,059 rooms and suites), including three-bedroom suites for families or groups travelling together, with a choice of ocean view, poolside or quieter rooms. 

The adults-only accommodations are conveniently located next to the Kaleidoscope buffet, open only to Sun Club members (including families). It’s also conveniently located next to the adult only pool and that magical 24/7 bar.

Daytime and nighttime entertainment is ongoing, and a torrential downpour didn’t stop the fun one night, as they seamlessly moved a magic show from the outdoor theatre into the spacious lobby.

But what about that fitness centre?  I visited three days in a row and each time was met by pleasant staff with a good variety of stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical, free weights and weight machines. All clean and in good condition. 

Which is what I hoped to be in, before I headed back to the Snack Zone food truck, conveniently located on the pathway back to my room.

"We value travel advisors"

Travel advisors should visit Hyatt’s Confidant Collective, which provides resources, training, and support for booking.

“At Hyatt, we value travel advisors and their crucial role in crafting unforgettable travel experiences,” said Mark Benson, associate vice-president sales and strategy at Hyatt Inclusive Collection, in a statement.

Additionally, travel advisors have access to Confidant Rewards, which gives travel advisors the opportunity to register and redeem bookings.

“With Confidant Rewards, advisors unlock endless benefits for themselves, including travel to over 100 resorts, cash rewards, charitable contributions, merchandise, and more,” Benson said.  “With tiered levels, the more bookings you register, the more you can earn.”

Sunscape Resorts & Spas is currently offering a Press Play on Fun package ($99) available during booking through December 20, 2024, for travel through August 16, 2025.

This includes a welcome amenity and exclusive Sunscape gift, breakfast in bed, a reserved spot by the pool or beach, and a family photo on the beach to capture all those smiles, all around.

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