JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

16281 reviews

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  JOIA BAVARO luxury resort , Punta Cana

  We had a wonderful time at this beautiful resort with exceptional night entertainment and fine dining options. We came here as we had visited JOIA Paraiso in Cancun , Mexico in Sep 2025 and were blown away with our experience there. Camilo at front desk was very helpful and he upgraded our room on arrival which is really appreciated. Both Concierge and Bellboy desk were always eager to assist. Although staffing was adequate we found room service and servers at pool / beach unable to understand our order due to english language barrier resulting in frustration at times. The Cabana allocation team is strict with timings but otherwise helpful. Food and service at Japanese restaurant and Bella Vista (buffet) was exceptional although we did enjoy the French and Steakhouse. We ate Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner at the adjoining resort on separate days and enjoyed our meals. We have visited Secrets Royal Beach and Royalton Chic Punta Cana in past but feel that JOIA Bavaro is far ahead in providing overall customer satisfaction.

  Nov 07, 2026
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  slowly not as good as in the past

  my third visit and this will be my last. Each time it gets a touch worse. Nothing is horrible. There is 0 difference between the quite pool and the regular pool. There is nothing going on at the regular pool. The only music you heard was from the activities pool and it was the same 3 songs. Last time i went the activity people had games and bingo at the pool. Now everything is outside the pool (not much either). Food was better than average but not as good as the past. I was comparing pics of my last trip and in the pics you saw lobsters at the hibachi and cold lobsters at the buffet. They did not have that on this trip. The rooms are clean but dated. Again nothing wrong with the trip but the Joia in Mexico is much better!

  Nov 05, 2026
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  Money not justif for that hotel

  Very old hotel inside and no pice hard miusec will latter night and they dont clean room very good if u dont give tip,

  Nov 03, 2026
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  Perfect week at JOIA Bavaro

  This was our first stay at JOIA Bavaro in Punta Cana, and our first time visiting the Dominican Republic. Our stay was for 7 days, October 13-20, 2026. Being the off-season, occupancy was low (we were told it was about 40-50% occupancy that week). That being said, we could not have asked for a better experience. Being an adult-only all-inclusive resort, the age range was anywhere from 20s to 80s. Newlyweds, anniversary celebrations, first-timers, as well as those who had been there several times were all included. We had a great time meeting new people and making new friends. Our reservation included free private transfer round trip from Punta Cana airport to the resort. Transfer service by W2M was seamless, efficient and professional. We checked in at the W2M desk in the airport following customs and baggage pick-up. Our flight was an hour late coming in, but our car and driver were waiting for us. Arrival at the resort: Our driver took us through the resort gates and up the drive to the main lobby entrance, where we were greeted with a cool towel and a delicious welcome drink. We were already amazed by the beautiful grounds and were not disappointed by the warm welcome in the lovely lobby. Our registration was quick and seamless, and we were taken to our room along with our luggage. The bellhop gave us a tour of our 4th floor ocean view butler suite and explained everything from the well-stocked minibar to the automatic lighting and shades. Our balcony gave us a perfect view of the resort, from the lake to the ocean. Our room was in the very center of the main building, top floor. Extra Credit for exemplary service: Before I go any further, we want to thank the following people for making our vacation extra special: Our butlers: ARMANDO and ALAN – brought us everything we asked for, and a lot of things we didn’t! Highly recommend both of them for their kind, friendly and attentive service. The very best! Our housekeeper: ANYI, who cleaned up our messes, restocked whatever was needed, and left daily towel critters for our enjoyment. Our bartenders: JACINTO and TOBIAS at the pool bar (where we spent most of our time!); TOMAS/THOMAS at the Lobby bar, who could create any cocktail we asked for, with a flourish, and entertained us nightly with his beautiful vocals; and BRANDOR, who kept us laughing as he mixed our drinks. GLADYS, the “omelet lady” at the breakfast buffet. Delicious made-to-order omelets with a cheery “Good Morning” and a smile every day! CAMILO, the man in the towel hut by the main pool. He greeted us every morning with a wide smile and fresh towels. He made sure our favorite spot was ready for us each day, and made sure our umbrella was raised and positioned correctly to give us shade when the sun got to be more than we could handle. SNOOP DOGG and the entertainment staff kept us smiling all week long. Their bartending class was so much fun! Food & Beverage: All restaurants were open on a rotating basis during our week, except for LaPerla buffet, which was open only for the Dominican Night event. We ate at Casa de la Playa (Dominican), Hashira (Japanese Teppanyaki), El Galeon (Steakhouse), Le Tourbillon (French), and La Tentazione (Italian). All were very good, but my favorite was La Tentazione; we dined there twice! Loved Hashira for the entertainment factor, and Le Tourbillon (French) served delicious French onion soup, and my favorite steak of the week, Steak Au Poivre. Husband had the Duck Confit, and said it was delicious as well. My least favorite was El Galeon, where my Petite Filet was ordered medium and served very red, and was on the tough side, which is odd for filet. Favorite Bar: El Mirador, the lobby bar. Excellent cocktails and awesome service! As this trip was intended for rest and relaxation, we spent most of our time at the main pool, reclining in very comfortably cushioned lounge chairs, reading, people watching, wading from one end of the pool to the other with frequent stops at the swim-up pool bar. We did spend one day at the beach, but the pool was our favorite. No worries getting a seat at any of the three pools, as well as the day beds that were free and first-come first-serve. Always some activities during the day, such as bingo, archery, volleyball, etc. Entertainment every night in La Scala theater. We usually had dinner around 7:30, then went to the lobby bar for an after-dinner cocktail, then to the theater at 9:30 for that night’s entertainment. Having been to many all-inclusive resorts (Sandals, Riu, Paradisus, St. James Club) in many places in the Caribbean (Grenada, Aruba, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia), we would have to put JOIA Bavaro at the top of our list. It is truly ALL inclusive, and the value of what you receive for what you paid is incomparable. Add this to the unmatched service from all staff at the resort, and it deserves a 10 out of 10. We will definitely be returning to this resort, as well as trying others in this brand.

  Nov 03, 2026
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  6 Days at Joia Bavaro

  Joia Bavaro is the best resort we have stayed at in Punta Cana. The resort was quiet because it was low season. The food was excellent, at both the buffet & à la carte restaurants. Nairobi & her co-workers at the Bella Vista were fantastic. Beach was cleaned every day & no fighting for cabanas. Special shout out to Armando & Alan our butlers for the week. Very professional, polite & attentive. We will definitely return in the near future.

  Nov 01, 2026