Thinking about booking a stay at Melia Caribe Beach in Punta Cana? This all-inclusive resort on world-famous Bávaro Beach offers pools, family attractions, diverse restaurants, and tropical surroundings. But does it live up to expectations? Here’s a full breakdown of our experience from beach walks to late-night snacks so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Beach Experience

Melia Caribe Beach sits directly on Bávaro Beach, known for its smooth white sand and turquoise water. During our stay:

• Seaweed was not an issue thanks to barriers placed in advance of seaweed season.
• Morning beach cleanups were clearly visible from tractor tracks.
• The beach setup was organized with plenty of loungers and shaded palapas, although prime spots filled up by early afternoon.
• An inflatable water obstacle course is available for an extra fee ($12 for 30 minutes, $20 for 1 hour), adding extra fun for active guests.

2. Pools at Melia Caribe Beach

Guests staying at Melia Caribe Beach get access to three pools:

• Main Pool: The largest, located beachside, featuring a swim-up bar and lively atmosphere.
• Tartufo Pool: Smaller and quieter, this pool offers a relaxed setting with partial ocean views great for adults.
• Water Park Pool: Located within Splash Island, this pool is part of the resort’s kid-friendly water park and was a personal favorite.

3. Buffet & Dining Options

Buffet Restaurants:

• Merkado Buffet (Lobby Building):
  • Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Lunch: 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Dinner: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Late Night Snacks: 11:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
• Tartufo Buffet: Breakfast & lunch buffet by day, becomes Tartufo Trattoria (Italian) by night.

À La Carte Restaurants (Dinner Only):

• Bazaar  American Grill
• Alma  Spanish cuisine
• Capri  Mediterranean dishes
• Hacienda  Mexican food (our dinner spot, and a highlight!)
• Hokkaido  Japanese Teppanyaki ($59 extra per person)

4. Snacks & Bars

• Bazaar Snack Bar: Near Tartufo for quick bites between meals.
• Beach Food Truck: A beachfront bar offering drinks and snacks—also a great photo spot.
• O’Grille Snack Bar: Located in the water park, serving burgers, nachos, and drinks.
• Olives Bar: Found in the lobby, ideal for a welcome cocktail.
• Shaker Bar: Near the Mexican restaurant, featuring live DJs and colorful lighting at night.

5. Amenities & Activities

• YHI Spa: Offers wellness treatments with a focus on mind-body balance.
• Fitness Center: Cardio machines, less variety for weight training.
• Palma Real Casino: One of Punta Cana’s largest resort casinos.
• Shopping Area: Souvenir shops on-site.
• Sports Facilities: 3 tennis courts, basketball court, and a military-style obstacle course.
• “Family Tree”: A beautiful central photo location surrounded by lush gardens.
• Free parking is available.
• Roaming wildlife like turkeys and iguanas add to the natural vibe.

6. Splash Island Water Park

The resort’s Splash Island Water Park is perfect for families.

• Two shallow pools for small kids
• A deeper pool with water slides and waterfalls for older children and adults
• O’Grille Snack Bar located right inside for convenience
• Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

7. Our Room Experience

We booked a Deluxe Room at $179 plus 3,900 Melia Rewards points for one night.

• Spacious layout with king bed, sofa bed, balcony, and a garden view
• The room was dated, with signs of wear and tear
• Mini-bar included beer, soda, and water
• Coffee station, bathrobes, slippers, safe, and toiletries provided
• Bathroom featured rain shower, single vanity, bidet, and full privacy door

Overall: Comfortable but in need of updates.

8. Resort Grounds & Transport

• The resort layout is long and requires walking, but a resort train makes stops throughout.
• Limited seats mean you may wait during peak times.
• The landscaping is lush, tropical, and well-maintained, giving the property a mature and peaceful atmosphere.

9. Night Entertainment

• Shows take place at the theater in the lobby building.
• After the show, the space transforms into a disco with a live DJ.
• Evening lights and music give the resort a vibrant nightlife energy.

Final Thoughts

Melia Caribe Beach offers a well-rounded all-inclusive experience ideal for families, couples, and groups. With beautiful beach access, multiple dining options, fun entertainment, and a lively water park, the resort shines in many areas. However, rooms and parts of the property could use renovation.

If you’re seeking a balance between family-friendly fun and tropical beauty, Melia Caribe Beach may be a great fit.

See the Resort for Yourself

Want to see what the resort really looks like before booking?
Check out our visual gallery here: