Discover Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort. Enjoy all-inclusive amenities, pristine white sands, exclusive golf courses, and an exciting onsite casino.
Catalonia Bavaro Beach Resort All-Inclusive Amenities & Activities
For an unparalleled Caribbean experience, secure a Privileged Superior Junior Suite. These upgraded accommodations offer direct access to a private pool area and exclusive entry to the Pure Chill Out bar, serving premium spirits not available elsewhere in the complex. This choice ensures you bypass the crowds at the main lagoon-style swimming area and enjoy a more serene, upscale atmosphere from the moment you arrive. The proximity to the shoreline is also a significant advantage, reducing your walk to the turquoise waters to mere moments.
The culinary journey here extends far beyond a standard buffet. Prioritize reservations at the Yuca restaurant for authentic Caribbean flavors, specifically the sancocho stew. For a taste of Italy, the La Toscana eatery presents a noteworthy lobster thermidor, a dish often requiring a supplemental fee at similar properties. Dining operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most venues, so arriving shortly after opening times, particularly around 6:30 PM, is a sound strategy to avoid long waits, especially for the popular Japanese teppanyaki show.
Beyond the sun loungers and dining tables, the entertainment options provide tangible value. The on-site gaming establishment features over 150 slot machines and numerous table games, including blackjack and roulette with accessible minimum bets. For those preferring daytime activities, the two 18-hole courses offer distinct challenges; the Cabeza de Toro Golf Club is particularly known for its scenic fairways winding through lush tropical vegetation and lakes. Booking tee times before your arrival is highly recommended, as prime morning slots are quickly filled by members and other guests.
Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort - All Inclusive: A Practical Guide
Reserve à la carte restaurants immediately upon arrival using the QR code provided at check-in; spots for Japanese teppanyaki and the steakhouse fill within hours. You are permitted a specific number of reservations based on the length of your stay – typically three reservations for a seven-night visit.
Room Selection & Upgrades
- Privileged rooms offer the most tangible benefits: exclusive access to the Pure Bar on the shoreline, a dedicated breakfast area, and premium liquor selections.
- Ground-floor junior suites often have a musty smell due to humidity. Request a room on a higher floor for better air circulation.
- Rooms in buildings closer to the main lobby and theater (e.g., blocks 10-15) are quieter at night than those near the central pool and entertainment areas.
Dining & Beverages
- The main buffet offers the widest variety for breakfast and lunch. For a quieter morning meal, Privileged guests can use the dedicated restaurant near the shore.
- The on-site crêperie, open in the afternoons and evenings, is an excellent snack option, often with shorter lines than other eateries. Try the Nutella and banana crêpe.
- The house wine (red and white) is Spanish in origin. If you prefer other varieties, you can purchase bottles at the restaurants. Local Presidente beer is always on tap.
- For quality coffee, visit the coffee bar near the lobby. It serves espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes far superior to the machine coffee at the buffets.
Activities & Entertainment
- The evening shows at the theater start around 9:30 PM. Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good seat, especially for popular performances like the Michael Jackson tribute.
- The on-site gaming establishment opens in the afternoon. It is small; expect a handful of table games and numerous slot machines. Drinks there are not part of the complete package.
- Complimentary non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding require sign-up at the water sports hut early in the morning.
General Tips
Bring your own insulated cup or tumbler. Bartenders will happily fill it, keeping your drinks cold for much longer in the Caribbean heat and reducing plastic waste. Small US dollar bills ($1, $5) are appreciated for tipping staff at the bars, restaurants, and housekeeping, though it is not mandatory. The on-site Wi-Fi is strongest in the lobby and main plaza; connectivity in rooms and by the water can be inconsistent.
How to Choose Your Room and What Privileged Upgrades Actually Include
For the best views and quietest location, request a room in buildings 15, 16, 29, or 30. These are situated closer to the shoreline and away from the main entertainment plaza, minimizing nighttime noise. If proximity to the main buffet and lobby is your priority, select buildings 5, 6, or 7. All standard accommodations are designated as Junior Suites, featuring a split-level design with a king-size bed or two doubles on the upper level and a small seating area with a sofa on the lower level. Ground floor rooms offer direct access to the gardens from the terrace, while upper-floor rooms provide more privacy and better ocean breezes.
The Privileged upgrade provides specific, tangible benefits beyond the standard package. Upon arrival, you receive a distinct wristband color, granting you access to a private check-in lounge with welcome drinks. This status unlocks exclusive entry to the "Terrace Tapas & Lounge" for a la carte breakfast and lunch, a quieter alternative to the main buffet. Privileged guests have a reserved section of the sand with premium loungers and dedicated drink service. You also gain one complimentary access pass per person per stay to the hydrotherapy circuit at the Alegria Spa. Other perks include a 10% discount on massages, spa treatments, and purchases at the on-site boutiques. In your room, you will find an upgraded minibar (restocked daily with beer and extra soft drinks), a pillow menu, and premium brand toiletries.
The most significant Privileged enhancement is preferential booking for the a la carte dining establishments. While standard guests must queue daily, Privileged members can make reservations for multiple nights in advance through a dedicated concierge. This eliminates waiting times for popular restaurants like the "Rodeo Steak House" or the Italian "La Toscana". You also get one complimentary dinner at the "Terrace Tapas & Lounge". If you plan to dine at the specialty restaurants frequently, the upgrade's value is substantial. Consider the cost of the upgrade against the convenience of guaranteed dinner reservations and exclusive access to quieter, more premium facilities throughout your stay.
Navigating Dining Options: Reservation Secrets and Best A La Carte Restaurants
To secure a table at the most sought-after a la carte venues, make your reservations immediately upon check-in. Use the guest services desk in the main lobby, as this is the central booking point. Arriving right when they open, typically around 8:00 AM, gives you the best selection for your entire stay. It is possible to book for multiple nights in a single visit. For last-minute openings, check the desk again around 3:00 PM; this is when cancellations are often processed.
Top A La Carte Dining Recommendations:
- Yuca Restaurant (Caribbean): This establishment specializes in authentic Dominican flavors. The standout dish is the 'Sancocho', a traditional hearty stew. For seafood lovers, the grilled red snapper with coconut sauce is a prime choice. The atmosphere is intimate, making it suitable for couples.
- Rodeo Steak House: The premier destination for meat connoisseurs. Request the ribeye cooked to your specific temperature preference; the chefs are precise. The chimichurri sauce served alongside is freshly made and enhances the meat's flavor. Pair your meal with a Malbec from their curated wine list. This venue is popular, so booking it on your first day is advisable.
- La Toscana (Italian): For a genuine taste of Italy, start with the beef carpaccio. The main highlight is the handmade pasta, particularly the gnocchi in a four-cheese sauce. Their brick-oven pizzas are also excellent, with a perfectly crisp crust. The tiramisu for dessert is a classic and well-executed rendition.
Key Reservation Strategies:
The system permits two a la carte dinner reservations for a seven-night stay. To maximize your dining experiences, plan to visit the remaining themed restaurants which do not require prior booking. The Pizzeria Sorremto, for instance, offers casual wood-fired pizzas near the swimming area and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, the main buffet provides themed nights (e.g., Mexican, Asian) that showcase different cuisines without the need for a reservation, offering a flexible alternative if you miss a booking window.
Daily Activities and Entertainment Schedule: From the Golf Course to the Casino Floor
Plan your day around the 10:00 AM water aerobics session in the main swimming area, a guest favorite for its energetic instructors. For those seeking relaxation, simultaneous yoga classes are held under the palm trees near the shoreline. Afternoon activities commence at 2:00 PM with merengue and bachata lessons by the pool bar, providing a direct taste of Dominican culture. Simultaneously, https://wazamba-bonus.com kicks off on the sand courts, with sign-ups closing at 1:45 PM.
Serious players should reserve morning tee times for the 18-hole championship course one day in advance at the clubhouse to secure a spot before the afternoon heat. The first nine holes offer a traditional parkland style, while the back nine present a more challenging links-style layout with numerous water hazards. The driving range and putting green are available without reservation from 8:00 AM. A weekly putting competition for prizes is held every Wednesday at 4:00 PM.
Evening entertainment begins with live music in the central plaza at 8:00 PM, typically featuring a local trio performing Latin jazz or son cubano. The main theater show starts promptly at 9:30 PM, showcasing professional performers in themed productions that change nightly–consult the lobby display for the weekly schedule, which includes Dominican folklore nights and magic shows. The on-site gaming establishment opens its doors at 7:00 PM. Blackjack tables have a $10 minimum bet, while slot machines accept wagers from $0.25. A Texas Hold'em tournament is organized every Friday night at 10:00 PM with a buy-in; pre-registration at the gaming establishment cashier is recommended.