The Dominican Republic is the perfect destination for a vacation filled with a mixture of adventure and relaxation. One of the things the Dominican Republic is most known for is its all-inclusive resorts. With so many options, it can be challenging to choose where to begin. Recently, we got to stay at the Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana, DR, and were blown away by how wonderful our experience was. We had everything we needed for a refreshing vacation. Read all about our experience with our Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic review below.
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Excellence El Carmen Resort Overview
The Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has 9 bars, 11 restaurants, and over 400 luxurious rooms. The accommodations range from Junior Suites to VIP Club Suites with multistory rooms and private pools. Having already been familiar with the high quality of the Excellence brand and the attention to detail when it comes to service, we couldn’t wait to arrive! The staff were so helpful in getting us into vacation mode with a welcome drink and carrying our bags. Throughout our entire stay, the staff’s energy in making every moment special made a significant difference.
The all inclusive resort itself is modern and huge. It has two main areas. One where all the entertainment, activities, and restaurants are located, and the other with the pool and several swim-up bars and restaurants. The rooms are spread out across the property, but it’s always a quick walk to the main areas.
The Rooms and Suites
One thing we loved about Excellence El Carmen was its layout. The resort featured different blocks of buildings with suites and a pool that descended to create a more secluded area for small groups. We spent so much time out at the pool lounging on pool beds under the shade of palm trees and still didn’t see anyone, which made it feel so private. We spent most days floating in the water, and the staff would come by so we could order drinks even though we weren’t close to the bar.
The oversized suites themselves are so patient with huge walk-in closets! Marble floors, minimalist furnishing, a glass-encased whirlpool, and large floor-to-ceiling windows allowing plenty of natural light and breezy ocean views may help sketch a portrait of our junior suite. The highlight for me was the giant tub that looked out into the pool. One evening, my husband even asked if they could put rose petals to make it romantic. If you don’t want to go to one of the bars for a drink, they have complimentary bottles of Johnny Walker, Barcelo, Don Julio, etc. to enjoy in your room. When we didn’t want to walk to the restaurant, we could call room service. My favorite thing every morning was taking advantage of the 24-hour room service for breakfast by the pool.
In-suite Amenities
Our junior suite had a king bed, premium bedding, an L-shaped sofa, and a 46-inch flat-screen TV with cable programming. In addition, there were free minibar items stocked each night, a Nespresso machine, and complimentary wireless internet access. I absolutely adored that we were able to choose in-suite premium liquors based on our preferences. With a full marble bathroom, complete with rainfall showerheads for two, a makeup desk, and exquisite toiletries, this was a sanctuary of comfort.
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Dining Experience at All Inclusive Excellence El Carmen
I feel like the food at all inclusive hotels can make or break an experience. Still, we were excited to know that the Excellence El Carmen had 15 different dining options revolving around international cuisine. From grills to steak dinners, a coffee shop, and a sports bar, you must book enough days to try everything! They work hard to keep it an upscale experience, and request guests to dress up. No t-shirts, flip flops, etc, are allowed. Each menu has a large vegetarian section with several vegan options to make sure everyone can find something they enjoy.
One of my favorite restaurants was Agave, their Mexican restaurant, which serves fresh aguachile, mahi mahi wrapped in banana leaves, and beef accompanied by mole.
Another restaurant we enjoyed was Flavor Market, which serves Spanish tapas. It was so fun to order a little bit of everything. We tried so many different items, such as albondigas (meatballs), different cheeses, gazpacho, and other flavorful dishes.
We did try Chez Isabelle (French food) and Spice (Pan Asian cuisine) while at their sister property, Excellence Punta Cana. Believe that both resorts have very similar dining experiences, even if the decor is a little different. For more information, please visit our Excellence Punta Review to read about these restaurants.
Activities and Recreational Amenities of Excellence El Carmen
There was no shortage of activities at the adults only Excellence El Carmen in Dominican Republic. Simply relaxing by the pool or walking along the beach would have been enough, but they also had an extensive list of activities that varied day to day, from archery, pool games, free water sports, dancing lessons, live bands, an outdoor tennis court, beach volleyball, and more. The resort had its own app, which was particularly convenient, allowing guests to check the schedule at any time.
Every evening, they had different nightly entertainment shows. We got to see the Dominican Show, which showcased the vast dance performances and cultures across the country and across time. Additionally, they featured fire shows, theme nights, and other unique offerings.
At the pool, we saw a water spin class that looked like a party. We ended up opting for complimentary massages, but I just loved how unique the things they came up with were.
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Spa and Wellness at Excellence El Carmen
After a few sun-soaked days on the beach, my muscles craved a little TLC, and I couldn’t think of a better way to unwind than with a spa day. Tucked within this adults-only paradise, Miilé Spa blends nature’s healing elements with luxurious pampering, creating a serene escape.
State-of-the-art treatment rooms offer a sanctuary where licensed therapists ensure ultimate relaxation through carefully curated experiences. From healing massages to collagen-infused facials and luxurious body treatments using innovative beauty and wellness techniques, Miilé Spa has the perfect offering tailored for you.
My spa journey started with a guided tour through their hydrotherapy circuit. Let me say, I’ve been to spas before, but this was something else. Before the treatment, I indulged in a soothing pre-treatment massage, while after the treatment, a luxurious tea service in tranquil post-treatment beds was truly rejuvenating.
How Does the Excellence Punta Cana Compare to Excellence El Carmen?
We had the pleasure of not only staying at the Excellence El Carmen but also at Excellence Punta Cana. Honestly, if you have the time, it’s a fun way to switch things up. Both properties uphold the same high standards that the Excellence brand is known for, but have their own slight differences. In the end, I found that both resorts were equally wonderful, but it’s all about what exactly you’re looking for.
The Excellence Punta Cana felt more tropical with more open-air bars and a design that blended the resort with the island life. All of the swim-up pools were connected to the main one, offering serenity while allowing for easy access to swimming spots and activities with a short swim. Perched on a beautiful Caribbean beach, Excellence El Carmen was bigger, more modern, and equipped with additional features. There were a few more restaurants, and you could walk to the main pool area, where all the action was. Many rooms also had their own private pools, which were shared with other guests in the same row, but felt more private due to the numerous options available.
For us, I felt like we had two distinctly different experiences at each resort, which were equally enjoyable. I often found myself in the main pool area with all the attractions at Excellence Punta Cana for all the excitement. While at Excellence El Carmen, I would spend a lot of time relaxing at our private pools.
Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic: FAQs
Which excellence resort in the Dominican Republic is the best?
Both Excellence Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen are top-rated adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Excellence Punta Cana is renowned for its lively atmosphere and classic Caribbean charm, while Excellence El Carmen provides a more modern, tranquil ambiance with spacious suites and stunning pools. The best choice depends on whether you prefer a vibrant, social environment (Punta Cana) or a more laid-back, contemporary escape (El Carmen).
How far is Excellence El Carmen from the airport?
Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana Dominican Republic is approximately 45 minutes by car from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
Does Excellence El Carmen have a private beach?
Yes, Excellence El Carmen features a beautiful beach along the Uvero Alto coastline. While the main beach area is accessible to all guests, VIP Excellence Club guests staying in Excellence Club suites can enjoy exclusive access to private beach sections at either end of the property.
Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic: Final Thoughts
Staying at Excellence El Carmen was an unforgettable experience. Throughout my stay, I felt pampered entirely, surrounded by breathtaking views and the resort’s impeccable attention to detail. We lounged lazily by the pool for hours, soaking up the sun, savored gourmet dishes, or indulged in pure bliss at Miilé Spa—sort of an escape from reality. I can’t forget to mention the staff’s warm hospitality and the resort’s thoughtful touches that made us feel like VIP’s. The adults-only ambiance created the perfect backdrop for unwinding, and I couldn’t have asked for a more tranquil getaway. If you’re looking for a getaway to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself (or that special someone), this is the place to be. I am definitely coming back for another slice of this paradise.
Last Updated 2 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: November 16, 2021
