We returned to the Iberostar Punta Cana in July 2025 after over 20 years and it's even better than the first time we came.
The hotel complex is kept immaculately clean throughout the day by the hard working staff - at the pool, in the lobby, in the beautifully kept grounds and in the hotel room areas. We were worried after reading recent social media about people falling ill at Dominican Republic hotels, however as a family of four we did not experience any ill health issues whatsoever at the Iberostar Punta Cana, which shares facilities with the Iberostar Dominicana. We did carry a little bottle of sanitiser with us and used it immediately before we ate, as hundreds of guests use the serving tongs in the buffet restaurants and you just never know how unhygienic the other guests are. The food serving areas and dining areas were kept impeccably clean and tidy by the attentive staff.
There is a good selection of food at the buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is of a high standard. Omelettes made to order at breakfast, bacon, sausages, fried eggs, hash browns, a range of fruit juices and milks (soya, oat, rice milk for those with dietary requirements), cereals, pastries, fruits etc. Lunch and dinner are also varied with plenty of dishes from different cuisines, plenty of salads, cold meats, cheeses, pizzas, pasta and meats being cooked freshly in the buffet serving area (chicken, fish, beef, burgers). All meat was cooked properly, professionally and hygienically. You can also get lunch at the pool restaurant and also at the beach bar where the pizzas are amazing. The cocktail menu at the hotel is extensive and they also serve mocktails. Other restaurants in the evening include the Mexican, Japanese, Italian and American. Our favourite was the Italian. The Japanese was also good, with the starters being a buffet selection of sushi etc.
Both pools are huge and kept clean by the pool staff. The turquoise pool is where the activities and music are, the blue pool is quieter. They're right next to each other so you can switch between the two during the day. Plenty of sunbeds around the pools.
The animation team are around the pools/beach throughout the day with activities/games if you want to join in (no pressure), they also leave you alone if you just want to chill.
We went during sargassum season (I believe it's May-October) so yes we had the seaweed issue along with every other hotel in the area, however the Iberostar uses tractors every morning to clear the seaweed on its beach so that guests are able to access the sea. Most of the time the seaweed was mainly at the shoreline so once we stepped through the bits in the tide coming in, we could swim in the sea with minimal seaweed around us. There were plenty of sunbeds on the beach throughout the day but if you want a front line spot you need to be up early.
Massive bonus points to this Iberostar complex for its care and concern for the environment. Single use plastics are nowhere to be seen, along with drinking straws which are so unnecessary and awful for sea life. Instead there are large glass water bottles provided for use in the rooms, with filtered water stations dotted around the open corridors. I recommend using this filtered water for brushing your teeth too (I'd say this is standard Dominican Republic advice for guests in any hotel). There are filtered water stations around the pool and beach dispensing chilled and room temperature still and sparkling filtered water, which you can take in the reusable plastic glasses provided, or bring your own thermal tumblers from home to keep your water or drinks cold during the day.
We did the buggy/ATV excursion which was so much fun, however I highly recommend that you wear washable or throwaway old trainers or water shoes with grips, and lightweight dark coloured clothes you can wash easily because you will get completely soaked with mud. Also wear swimwear underneath for going in the sea at one of the stops (and in the cenote if you dare). Excursions can be booked via the hotel.
The evening entertainment shows are of a very high standard with external entertainers brought in every night on the Dominicana stage (don't miss the Michael Jackson show if you're a fan). The Punta Cana stage has live bands and karaoke etc every night if you prefer.
WiFi is excellent throughout the hotel including the beach and around the pools. Room cards are in the form of a small card on your All Inclusive wristband, it's so convenient.
A big heartfelt thanks to Ruben and Franklin at the Punta Cana reception, we were well known to them as Room 5219 ☺️ They are both such a credit to the hotel and their customer service skills and helpful manner were welcomed after a tiring flight from the UK and throughout our two week vacation. Their English is amazing and they made us feel so welcome and they swiftly dealt with any issues we had in a professional and friendly manner.
Elias and his similar colleague in the buffet restaurants are by far the hardest working staff in the restaurants. Always rushing around doing something that needs doing, they're so efficient and keep the restaurants running smoothly.
All of the staff at this hotel work incredibly hard, the gardeners, the maintenance team, the chefs, the pool staff, the towel guys, the cleaners and the housekeeping staff, everything runs like clockwork and this hotel is very well organised. We felt totally safe and looked after throughout the complex and I would definitely recommend Iberostar Waves Punta Cana to anyone and I would be more than happy to return here for a third time ☺️
GB
CA