If you’re looking for a new Caribbean resort surrounded by lush foliage and a beautiful aquamarine waterfront, then Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is worth a look. Opened only two years ago, this Spanish resort chain based in Gran Canaria brings its signature focus on quality dining, nearly a dozen swimming pools, impressive spaand friendly service to its more than 1,000 rooms. What seems large at first, you would hardly know it given the way the property sprawls across its coastal location. Around each corner is something new and noteworthy. These are the top five reasons to pay a visit to this new resort.
The pools
Let’s start from one of the most important things people look for when they consider a resort. There are so many pools here and so many lounge chairs with umbrellas, that you never have to come down early to reserve a chair in advance. There are separate pool areas for adult adults, families, and those that book premium accommodations.
Perhaps the most impressive pool is the lengthy, dual-level pool with an infinity edge that faces the beach. The turquoise water is visible from almost every chair at the pool, and staffers come around to take drink orders throughout the day.
There are several sunken lounge chairs in the pool for a little cooler refreshment. Splashing fountains at neighboring pools can be heard from the main pool. While the resort has more than 1,000 rooms, there’s always plenty of space to enjoy whichever pool beach area you want. The adult pool is quiet and in the sun most of the day. Decorative pools and fountains connect all of the pool decks and restaurants, making the walks interesting (there are even symbols indicating where to snap some of the best photos around the resort).The food
Numerous specialty restaurants are complementary for guests, but there are certain dishes, like lobster that may have an extra charge. Among the options are a Japanese and Asian fusion restaurant, with teppanyaki tables, Italian, Mediterranean, American and Mexican. There is no chance to go hungry here because even between meal times, there is always somewhere when you can grab a bite. It includes an ice cream parlor in the “boulevard area,” where nightly entertainment takes place, fruit stands by the pool and beachfront barbecue.
The two main buffet areas are divided into adult only and family sections. The spread of food is truly impressive. I especially liked the wide variety of Dominican food as well as other buffet stations for vegetarian and vegan guests. The Mediterranean restaurant had delicious dishes from the Levant, Greece, Italy and Morocco.
There are plenty of made-to-order dishes, but the most popular spot seems to be the handmade ice cream rolling station. A staff member takes your preferred flavor and rolls in your favorite toppings to create a special dessert treat. Several bars are available in every corner of the resort. Almost all drinks are included, but specialty wines and liquors carry an extra charge.The spa
Treating yourself to a little extra pamper while on vacation is always a great idea. And the spa here has a variety of massage and beauty treatments as well as an extensive hydrotherapy pool area. For guest booking, premium rooms, 45 minutes in the hydrotherapy pool is complimentary.There are also relaxation areas if you want a little quiet time before or after a treatment. But, I think you can also find a quiet spot under a poolside cabana and have a relaxing break, too.
The rooms
Modern and bright, the rooms are very attractive with large-scale artwork on the walls, comfortable sofas in the corner and plenty of storage space. A stack of four large pillows sits at the end of the large bed and on either side are plentiful power, and USB outlets, including the newest versions.Bathrooms are open-plan, and this may be a problem for some families or teenagers that want privacy. But, the overall look is an upgrade to what you might find at other all-inclusive resorts. The shower is enormous, and the range of complementary toiletries is a nice touch.
The resort is so large that you will want to pay attention to which building you’re in and how to get to your room. Many of them look the same, but after your first day, you will quickly learn the layout of the land.Guests that book the Unique section of the resort have extra privileges, including a private area on the beach, butler service, separate swimming pool and special upgrades to elegant dinners with elevated dishes like lobster and steak.
There is also an adult-only section of the resort, which has a quieter section of buildings and pool area. Some of the favorites are sure to be the swim-up rooms on the bottom floor. These have a small shared pool just off the balcony.The all-inclusive plan
It is so much easier to enjoy your vacation if you’re not always signing bills after every meal or drink. Guests receive a bracelet and can dine as much as they want in the variety of restaurants and order as many drinks as they wish from the bars.I liked how around the pool there were special bars with a variety of fresh juices and fresh fruit for a healthier alternative. At the beach club, there is a barbecue that takes place every day as well as games like table tennis, or places to lounge with another drink. Hammocks and swings are also common throughout the resort.
The only things you will pay extra for here are spa treatments, food, and beverage upgrades, like a specialty wine list, and destination activities if you choose to go out and explore.While the Lopesan brand may be less familiar to US travelers, this is a family-friendly resort that rivals some of the best big resorts in the Dominican Republic.
