Taking an Adults-Only Spring Break at Marriott’s First All-Inclusive W Hotel in Punta Cana

Our airport departure gate was mobbed with college kids swarming toward sunny and affordable beaches—and we thought perhaps we’d made a big mistake choosing a vacation in the Dominican Republic in March. But when our limo whisked us away to the beautiful, spacious and new W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, we found a peaceful, luxurious, adults-only retreat with fine dining and good service, where the noise came mainly from the trade winds and the roar of the waves.

It’s the first property in Marriott’s W hotel brand to try its hand at an all-inclusive offering. In a crowded field, it hopes to stand out with an eclectic, high-energy menu of international cuisine with touches of Caribbean flavor; a laid-back vibe designed to promote social interactions among its guests; and a tropical landscape and spa that play off its natural surroundings.

And indeed, the resort is beautifully designed, spacious and open, with thatch-covered walkways to protect you from sun and rain. All the rooms, including the doubles, feature roomy interiors (starting at 700 square feet, the biggest in the Dominican Republic, they claim), with king beds, feather pillows, bathtubs, Nespresso machines and minibars. Many also have swim-up pools, though some guests noted that more shrubbery is needed to give these more privacy.

But we opted instead for an ocean view suite with an outdoor shower, and never regretted the choice. In the evenings we sat in the dark and listened to the trees sway to the rhythm of the sea and the trade winds that sweep through here in March and April.

The beach is long and private, and pretty much empty on the Monday and Tuesday we spent there. Punta Cana is known to be buggy, but the winds apparently took care of that for us. There was some spotty sargassum on the beach, though not much.

The waves and wind seemed too strong for us to try swimming in the Atlantic though, so we retired to the long and lively infinity pool above the sea, and the Quiet Pool beyond. We tried the beautiful spa, with its multi-jetted hot tub, a warm pool open to the sky, a steam room, a salt room and a sauna. There are 10 treatment rooms, and a beautiful Celebration Room meant for bridal parties but also often used for executive meetings.

It’s All About the Food

But of course, what most guests are looking for here, as at any all-inclusive resort, is a delicious meal. Just opened this summer and not a good option for Spring Breakers looking for a wild party, the W was only about half full when we checked in, and not all the restaurants were open. Our options were the oceanside Mediterranean-themed Taman Beach Club, the pan-Asian Noodle Bar, the Dominican-themed Scena, the Satsuma Rooftop raw bar with its amazing sunset view, and the spacious buffet.

All serve thoughtful, out-of-the-ordinary plates—though we did find that sometimes the reach seemed to exceed the grasp, with dishes that were more beautiful than delicious. At times we just wished for something simple and perfectly cooked. But you can’t miss the attention to detail, and the intent to make this a resort for foodies to write home about. (My perfect menu would include huevos rancheros for breakfast, made fresh at the buffet station; grilled red snapper with coconut rice at Taman Beach Club for lunch; fresh sushi as the sun sets over the mountains at Satsuma Rooftop; and fried chicken and pork belly, with an extraordinary rice pudding for dessert, at the Noodle Bar for dinner.

Hand-crafted cocktails and wines are available at the restaurants and bars, the Tap Room beer hall, the swim-up bars, and the 33 1/3 Speakeasy behind the cigar shop. And the in-room minibars offer liquor, beer and wine in addition to soft drinks.

A New Approach to Entertainment

When it comes to nightlife, don’t expect the typical resort Michael Jackson Show at 9 o’clock.

“The W approach to entertainment is to be seamless, to evolve with your mood,” marketing manager Luz Alvarado told me. In the morning it’s about arise and move activities, grabbing energy to prepare for the day. After noon it’s activities to open conversations and enhance connections with other guests, like pool games and crafting classes. Then at night it’s about socialization, with live music around the property and the Speakeasy at the end of the night. “It’s about connections and originality above everything else,” she said.

Looking to the future, meanwhile, manager of leisure sales Armando Montalvo said the W will be adding another beachfront hut and cabanas, and more immersive entertainment options, as well as full vegan and gluten-free menus in every restaurant.

“We began by thinking of this resort as a lifestyle property; normally Ws are a very loud, big city, DJ-type of brand,” whose clientele tends to be in their 20s and 30s,” he said. “But we’ve been surprised to be welcomed not only by the young crowd but also people in their 50s and 60s and 70s and 80s, people who are young at heart, experience seekers, people who like the all-inclusive but also want something that feels more creative and very bold—a more liberated and approachable luxury.”

A New Era of W All-Inclusives

This “pilot of a new era of W Hotels” in 2028 and 2029 will be joined by two more all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Mexico, one in Costa Mujeres and one in Riviera Maya, likely one adults-only and one family-friendly, Montalvo added.

For travel advisors who are interested in seeing the property, meanwhile, the property is offering a “specific educational program” that includes a site inspection and a very special rate on one or two rooms, any time in 2026 except Christmas week.