Excellence Punta Cana

Arrival at Excellence Punta Cana means a stretch of Uvero Alto sand and a resort built strictly for two. It is adults only throughout. Suites come with a private terrace and a whirlpool tub as standard, along with a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar and a kettle for coffee or tea. Upgraded suites go further, adding a private plunge pool, lounge access and a butler on call. Room service runs around the clock, whatever suite you book.

Food and drink are spread wide: nine international restaurants and ten bars, including one set in the pool, pour unlimited drinks through the day. Waiter service extends to the pool deck and the beach itself, so a drink order rarely means leaving the sun lounger. Two outdoor pools and two hot tubs sit alongside a fitness centre and a spa. Snorkelling gear is provided at no extra charge, and guests can book scuba lessons, horseback rides, archery or an evening theme night. Nightly entertainment runs after dark.

It is a resort built around low-rise buildings rather than towers, which keeps the grounds feeling open. The beach itself runs long and pale gold, with calm, shallow water well suited to a slow swim before lunch.