LOPESAN RESORT & SPA

COSTA BÀVARO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

In 1972 the family of Lopez & Sanchez created a successful construction company based in their country of origin, Spain. A few decades passed and their passion for creating structures morphed into something completely new: the hospitality business. They began with a resort hotel in Spain, eventually adding others there and finally the “Lopesan” brand crossed into Austria and Germany. Europeans noticed the beautifully built resorts and flocked to them with gusto. The service, food and ambiance created fans in the many repeat guests.

          The Punta Cana resort is the first foray outside of Europe for this still family owned          business. After an unfortunate opening just as the COVID pandemic was rearing its ugly head, the resort closed shortly after its opening, only to re-open in early 2021. The success was almost immediate. With little publicity, but word of mouth, Lopesan was able to welcome record number of guests, mostly Europeans who were familiar with the brand. They were followed by the Americans, always looking for a luxury product coupled with impeccable service. They were not disappointed. Last week while I stayed there, the resort was at 92% occupancy, unheard of, particularly for such a new and little know product in the Caribbean.

The resort has over 1000 rooms, yet you would be hard pressed to find throngs of people in any one location. By virtue of the resort’s well planned design, guests are spread out throughout the property which boasts 7 freshwater pools, 2 water parks, 7 speciality restaurants, 16 bars, a double buffet ( with a section for adults only) as well as its unique highlight: the Boulevard. The aforementioned Boulevard is a space dedicated to shopping, a coffee bar, a wine cellar, a cigar bar, a bowling alley, the theater, the spa and areas for teens and ones for smaller children. as well as an ice cream parlor, a fast food restaurant and an English pub. A cornucopia of offerings for all ages and tastes. The large white sand beach being the other option for people to gather.

The resort is divided into three sections: a basic and most sought after one which welcomes people of all ages (a favorite of families), an adults only section and finally the VIP section called “Unique”. Unique guests have a dedicated beach space as well as their own beachfront restaurant for breakfast or lunch and a bar. They also have exclusive access to the speciality restaurant, Mareas. The added amenities in the Unique area, make the slightly higher price, definitely worthwhile. All rooms are spacious and have large bathrooms. The furnishings are modern and eye pleasing. Balconies are also big and adorned with comfortable seating for lounging in privacy. 

Food offerings, premium liquor, friendly service and elegant furnishings throughout, make Lopesan the obvious resort choice to spend one’s vacation. I, personally, was hard pressed to find things to criticize. If I wanted to mention one, it would be the occasional periods of spotty wifi service, an annoyance for those who want to work while vacationing. Another might be a word of caution for those with problems ambulating, because of the size of the resort and the walking distances to reach certain services from one’s room. Additionally the very beautiful hallway floors could become treacherously slippery when wet, because of their slick shiny surfaces. Again, I’m nit picking, because overall this is a magnificent resort. Unlike the resort in my previous blog, this one I highly recommend and look forward to visiting again myself soon!