Inside My Stay at the World’s First W All-Inclusive: Punta Cana’s Bold New Resort

^{The author stayed as an invited guest of the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive. All opinions are the author’s own, and W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive had no input in any part of this review.}

When most people think of W Hotels, it’s all about sleek design, a sexy vibe, and a party-ready atmosphere. But the brand is shaking things up in a big way with something it’s never done before: an adults-only, all-inclusive resort.

The first W all-inclusive recently opened in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and I got to experience it firsthand. What stood out to me is how W managed to keep its signature energy while blending in the laid-back ease of an all-inclusive. From the food and drinks to the atmosphere and finer details, I found a lot to love.

Here are the 8 things I enjoyed about the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive.

1. Its Debut is Symbolic for the W Brand

There’s something about being part of a first. The W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, wasn’t just another resort opening but the world’s first all-inclusive under the W brand, so its debut was deeply symbolic.

My first taste of the W brand was at the W Fort Lauderdale in college, where my friends and I would go to party and dance. Fast forward to today, and stepping into W Punta Cana reveals how much the brand has evolved. I felt it from the moment I set foot in the hotel.

In recent years, W has consciously moved beyond its party-first image, embracing a more sophisticated style focusing on wellness and community. The playful energy remains, but you can sense the refined aura at the W Punta Cana, marking a new chapter for the brand.

Being part of this debut felt like witnessing a moment in history. From the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by the president of the Dominican Republic, to seeing the brand make its first claim in the all-inclusive space, I felt fortunate to experience the start of W’s evolution into something entirely new.

This launch isn’t just a milestone for the W brand in a country full of all-inclusive resorts. It shows a new way to experience luxury all-inclusive travel.

2. The Look of W Punta Cana Is Modern, Bold, and Inviting

From the moment I stepped into the lobby, it was clear that this wasn’t just a typical Caribbean resort dressed up in W branding. The architecture embraces open-air spaces, allowing light, breeze, and the sounds of nature to flow freely. I loved how natural eucalyptus was used throughout the property, from the lobby’s construction to accents in the public spaces, filling the air with a subtle, calming aroma.

Everywhere I looked, lush greenery and tropical plants were thoughtfully integrated, showing that the hotel was built around the existing landscape rather than over it.

Preserving nature was clearly a priority in the design, as the resort felt like it grew out of the land instead of imposing on it.

Walking along the elevated wooden decks connecting the dining areas, lounges, pools, and guest rooms, I was struck by how effortlessly the design guided me through water features, lush gardens, and natural wood accents.

I wandered through the resort’s grounds and arrived at the striking WET Deck pool, which stretches over 250 feet and is the longest infinity pool in Punta Cana.

With the ocean as a backdrop, the lush greenery, wooden boardwalks topped with tiki roofs, and stone meeting sand blend seamlessly with the Atlantic.

I loved every aspect of the property and its design. It felt like a luxury wellness resort.

3. There Are No Hidden Fees or Strings Attached

One of my biggest frustrations with Caribbean resorts is the dreaded resort fee. You book a stay at a reasonable rate (or use points), only to discover you’re on the hook for an extra daily charge that barely covers anything.

At the W Punta Cana, I was glad to find out there was none of that. It might seem like a small detail, but not worrying about hidden costs instantly set a different tone for my stay.

It was refreshingly transparent and nice not to have to do mental math to figure out the final bill.

Even activities like mixology and wellness classes were included at no extra cost. Guests can participate in these experiences and enjoy the property without worrying about additional charges, making planning and budgeting easy.

4. It Has a Refreshing Take on Dining (No Buffets in Sight)

In my experience at more than a dozen all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, the food ranges from bad to decent. Rarely do you find restaurant-quality meals, though my expectations may be too high as a self-proclaimed foodie.

Food is often the Achilles’ heel of all-inclusive resorts, where buffets tend to dominate. While buffets are convenient, they don’t exactly scream sophistication.

At the W Punta Cana, buffets were nowhere to be found. Instead, dining was à la carte across the resort’s 13 food and beverage outlets.

That alone elevated the experience. Every meal felt more intentional. Menus were curated, presentation mattered, and the service was paced like a proper restaurant rather than a cafeteria line.

Of course, not every dish was perfect. There were moments when I thought the food could use a little more flavor.

Overall, the food felt elevated compared to other all-inclusives I’ve visited. The resort clearly put thought into creating diverse options, from local Dominican flavors to international favorites.

Thanks to room service, breakfast quickly became my favorite part of the day. Each morning, I enjoyed a complimentary meal on my patio table, overlooking the swim-up pool. I ordered an omelette with everything, paired with strong Dominican coffee. It was a simple, delicious start that I’d happily enjoy back home, which is rare for most resort breakfasts.

I could have dined beachfront at the multiple restaurants available for my morning meal, but there’s nothing quite like having breakfast brought to you.

5. It Has Premium Drinks Without the Upgrade Game

Another thing that stood out to me was the drinks. At many all-inclusives, you can spot the premium shelf behind the bar, then brace yourself for the inevitable pitch: “You can have that if you pay extra.” It wasn’t like that at W Punta Cana.

Top-shelf liquor was included everywhere, whether a cocktail by the pool or a nightcap at one of the bars. I didn’t have to second-guess what I was drinking or feel like I was missing out because I hadn’t sprung for an upgraded package.

While I’m not a frequent drinker, I opted for a glass of Brugal Leyenda 12-year-old aged rum on the rocks, an exceptional high-end local spirit.

Enjoying a perfectly made drink without any pressure to upgrade felt refreshing. It’s a small touch, but it says a lot about the resort’s goal: making the all-inclusive experience actually feel all-inclusive.

Minibar access is also complimentary. It was stocked with a selection of wines, beers, juices, and sodas.

6. Even at the Base Level, Rooms Are Huge and Minimalist

Rooms at W Punta Cana start at a generous 700 square feet, immediately making them feel more livable than the typical hotel box.

I stayed in a Premier Deluxe King, several categories above the standard rooms, yet the same size as the room you would be assigned with a basic Marriott Bonvoy points redemption.

What made my room extra special (at least to me) was my own personal swim-up pool access.

My room felt airy and minimalistic, but not in a cold way.

What I appreciated most was the balance. It was stylish and swanky — the kind of place where you want to take photos — but it didn’t feel overly staged. I felt comfortable unwinding in the space, whether lounging on the patio or sprawling out on the bed after a long day in the sun.

The bathroom also stood out. Its clean lines, oversized standalone tub, and spacious shower made it feel like a calm, well-designed retreat.

Overall, the room perfectly captures the new W vibe: bold but still rooted in comfort and natural touches.

Hot Tip:

Planning a stay at W Punta Cana? Nights start at 137,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or around $671 if you’re paying cash. Being a luxury all-inclusive property, the rates are higher, and with good reason, given the quality of the rooms, dining, and amenities. If you pay cash, using a Marriott co-branded card like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card can help. You’ll earn 6 points for every $1 spent on your stay.

7. It Has a Mature W Personality (With Just Enough Party Vibes)

If you stayed at a W before the rebrand, you know the reputation: loud, party-driven, and unapologetically bold. This property keeps some of that DNA in a much more relaxed way.

Music plays by the pool in the afternoons, setting a lively, social tone during the day.

By evening, things are calm, and before midnight, the nights are peaceful enough to actually rest with no loud bass from the house music impacting your sleep. For those looking for a nightcap, there’s a rooftop and a speakeasy to enjoy after the sun goes down.

This balance makes the resort feel inclusive for travelers of all types. Couples can enjoy a romantic evening, groups of friends can gather for fun, and solo travelers like me can find quiet moments without feeling out of place.

8. The Spa Feels Both Swanky and Nature-Inspired

Finally, the spa. I’ve been to plenty of hotel spas that felt like afterthoughts, but it was a standout here.

The design echoed the rest of the resort: clean, nature-inspired, and calming.

Walking in, I was greeted with natural plants everywhere, water features, and a space that instantly felt like an escape from the outside world’s liveliness.

While I didn’t book a treatment, I had access to the spa for a day. Typically, only guests with a scheduled service can use the spa facilities.

I spent time in the sauna, salt room, and steam room, each offering a different way to relax and recharge.

I also enjoyed the Jacuzzi and the long lap pool, both of which were surrounded by a serene, natural vibe that made unwinding easy.

The entire space had a serene, calming vibe that made it easy to unwind and recharge.

Even without a treatment, the spa at W Punta Cana was a perfect spot to recharge, surrounded by the resort’s gorgeous design and soothing atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Staying at the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, felt like seeing the W brand turn a new page. The resort, which opened in August, has a few minor kinks to smooth out, but it’s a striking debut for the W brand’s refreshed identity with the world’s first all-inclusive W property.

What I loved most was the balance: between bold and refined, lively and peaceful, design and nature. From the no-resort-fee transparency to the elevated food and drinks, the resort challenged my expectations of an all-inclusive resort.

Would I come back? Absolutely. This resort is perfect for travelers who want the convenience of an all-inclusive but don’t want to sacrifice style, quality, or authenticity.

For me, this stay wasn’t just about the destination. It was a first look at where luxury all-inclusives might be headed, and W’s first all-inclusive property offers a clear sense of the direction the brand is taking. Experiencing it from the start is something I won’t forget.