Our trip to Finest Punta Cana included four nights with a group of eight kids, ranging from ages 7 to 11, and seven adults. We have previously been to Finest Playas Mujeres and wanted a similar all-inclusive experience, particularly with a group this large. Typically we prefer places with more adventure outside of the hotel, but this was a trip to relax and enjoy friends, without the stress of needing to take out our wallets or plan anything once we were there. We also loved that the resort is compact and we felt comfortable with the older kids finding their way around on their own. 

The Practical Takeaways:

• Finest is great for groups and families seeking an easy and relaxing vacation – you won’t need to worry about a thing once you’re there.
• If you’re debating between Finest Punta Cana or Finest Playa Mujeres, consider this: the food is better at Finest Playa Mujeres but the pool at Punta Cana has more kid-friendly activity (the blob!) and the beach is nicer. Honestly, they are so similar I’d go with the one that has easier travel arrangements based on where you are coming from. 

Accommodations 

We stayed in a suite with a Terrace and Plunge Pool. We loved having the space to spread out on the Terrace. Its large enough to allow you to move your chairs around throughout the day, depending on the sun and shade. The plunge pool was fun to take a quick dip in after the beach. Our friends had a swim up suite and their kids loved being able to jump in the water in the afternoon. Either room is great and the choice between the two is really whether you want more space to spread out or if you want quick access to a pool. 

Food

We were a group of 18 people, so we were worried that getting a table together would be an issue, particularly because reservations are only given for the “cooking shows.” This generally was not an issue, but did raise some eyebrows when we walked into the restaurants. We found that arriving at 6pm each night, when the restaurants opened, was the key. One of the things we liked was that there are enough restaurants for variety and no need to repeat. Note, however, that not all restaurants are open every night. Using the Excellence app, we made a list in advance of the nights each restaurant was open so we had a plan in advance – this is probably only necessary with a group as large as ours. We went to:

• Insieme: This was pretty typical Italian Food. It was pleasant and a nice meal, but probably the least memorable. 
• Brass: Our server made this an extra fun night – bringing us drinks and hyping everyone up. The food was my favorite of all the restaurants. Almost everyone had delicious, but small, beef tenderloin. If we had known how small the cut would be we would have ordered more sides. 
• Lizo: When we walked in with 18 people the hostess asked if we would wait ten minutes and they’d set up a private room for us. We enthusiastically said yes. They brought out just about every appetizer on the menu and margaritas without us asking. The food was good – and while I’ve certainly had better Mexican food, it was a fun evening. 
• Shoji: There was a lot of confusion on whether we could come here with kids since it’s shown on the map as “adults only.” However, because we had a reservation for the show it didn’t seem to be a problem. Given the size of our group, we had seven kids and three adults at the private hibachi room. The rest of the adults at their own table in the restaurant. Again, it was not the best hibachi I’ve had, but the show was really fun – he certainly knew his audience and made it very entertaining. 
• Las Dumas: This was by far the worst meal we had. For lunch, we had a random assortment of Asian food in a buffet. I do not recommend going here despite the convenience to the beach. 
• Dukes: This lunch was a big improvement from Las Dumas. I enjoyed my Mahi-Mahi Skewers and my daughter loved her coconut rice so much that she ordered a second. Friends of ours ordered crabcake sandwiches, which looked less than appealing. 
• Pool food truck: Everyone liked the food truck for a quick lunch while at the pool. 
• Room Service: One of the reasons we loved Finest Playa Mujeres was the room service breakfast. It was always delicious and enjoyable to have on the balcony before putting swimsuits on. We expected the same at Finest Punta Cana, which was part of our rationale for Terrace Suite. The first morning we ordered our food at 6:45am (way too early to be awake on vacation!) and it did not arrive until 8:45am. When it arrived the food was fine (not as good as FPM) and everyone was happy again. We learned that breakfast delivery was prompt if the order was placed the night before. Unfortunately, on the last morning my husband and daughter both ordered the salmon bagel and ended up with a stomach illness afterwards. 
• Legends: We didn’t actually eat here, but the kids enjoyed playing pool and pinball after dinner.

Activities

One of the best things about Finest is that there is always something going on and you really don’t need to do any advanced planning. Before the trip, we downloaded the Excellence App to see what activities would be offered each day. We had high hopes of participating in some (batting practice and archery were on the list), but then just spent time at the pool (mostly at the Blob) and at the beach. Each night after dinner the kids ran around on the Flamingo playground with their ice cream from the Sweet Corner while the adults had drinks from the Golden Bar.

We then gathered at the main plaza/theater for a show, including:

• Gypsy Kings Tribute: This was a great show! Even though the kids didn’t know Gypsy Kings songs they all danced and enjoyed the experience.
• Circus Show: A fun show, but a bit too late for us given it was our travel day.
• Top 40’s & International Band: Entertaining with songs everyone knew.
• Fire Show: This was on the beach, following s’mores and a pirate themed buffet. The fire show was mesmerizing and my 7 year old is still talking about it.

A Few Extra Tips

• We tipped our servers, though it was not expected. (We didn’t do this at FPM, but felt badly later that we hadn’t brought cash to do so).
• Housekeeping was only prompt when we remembered to turn the housekeeping light on, otherwise they came very late in the day.
• English is not as well spoken as other tourist destinations we have been to. Be patient, gracious, and expect some misunderstandings. 
• I had a massage at the One Spa, which was delightful and relaxing. We saw many people getting massages at Tropical Treasures on the beach. This option is half the price of One Spa but without the spa experience. 
• If you forgot any necessary items at home, such as sunscreen, go to tropical treasures rather than the gift shop. You can also find cheap souvenirs there.
• Seasons Transfers was easy to find at the airport and prompt to pick up for return.
• We have not stayed in the Club level at either FPC or FPM and didn’t feel any need to upgrade.
• We did not leave the resort for excursions. For a Caribbean experience with lots of opportunity for both adventure and beach visit my post on Puerto Rico with kids here.
• If you love an all-inclusive with kids, even if it’s not at the beach, check out my post on the Rocking Horse Ranch in New York.