now onyx punta cana

Spring Break 2018.... a success!  

We returned from a week stay at the Now Onyx Punta Cana a while back.  Last year we stayed just down the beach at Nickelodeon Punta Cana, so we were familiar with the area. We booked a package deal through Expedia.  Our reservation was for 2 junior swim out suites.  Now Onyx does not accommodate more than 4 guests per room, so our family of 5 had to book 2.  Luckily we were able to snag connecting rooms.  And upon check in, we were upgraded to the Preferred Club for free based on our reservation via Expedia.  The benefits of Preferred Club include a personal butler (which could be helpful for some, but we are pretty easy travelers and didn't use this at all.), a separate check in/out area, a private lounge and access to two of the Preferred Club pools.  If you are traveling with children, I don't think the extra cost of Preferred Club is worth it.  If it's free, it's definitely a nice a perk!  ;-)  The private adult-only pool is very nice and a completely different feel from the rest of the resort.  So traveling sans kids, I can definitely see how the upgrade would be worth it. 

THE ROOMS 

As mentioned above, we had connecting swim-up preferred club rooms.  We were located close to the lobby area on the outside of the resort.  We did not have a view, but it was very private and the kids LOVED the private pool outside.  Lots of late night swimming before bed!  Prior to traveling, I had read reviews of damp, musty rooms.  We did not encounter this issue.  Be sure to adjust the thermostat upon arrival and always keep your patio door shut.  

One of our rooms had a king bed, and the other had two doubles.  The couches pulled out as well, but we didn't use them.  The beds were comfy and the rooms clean.  I didn't love the layout of the bathrooms, but I got used to it as the week went on.  Please note there are not bathtubs for the little ones.  My daughter was not thrilled, but she quickly got over her fear of showers :-)  

THE RESORT

I'm going to be honest, I didn't photograph a lot of the resort.  I was too busy soaking in the moment and enjoying my family.  So, let me try to paint a quick picture with words and a few photos sprinkled in .....

Now Onyx is a medium-sized all-inclusive property in Punta Cana about 40 minutes from the airport.  When you book with Now Onyx you have privileges at the neighboring Breathless property.  However, this is adult-only, so if you are with kids, sorry!  Honestly after a quick walk through Breathless, I think Onyx is much nicer and cleaner.  

 

Onyx has a lot of a la carte restaurants in addition to the main buffet.  The food was good, but I was not blown away.  Our best dinner was probably at Blue Water Grill.  The rib eye was very tasty, and everyone cleaned their plate!  We made reservations for the hibachi one night.  It was fun, but I definitely could have gone without it.  We found most nights that we all just preferred going to the buffet so that everyone could find something to eat, and it was just easier.  One thing to mention is that if you are Preferred Club, there is an air conditioned portion of the main buffet that you can sit in for breakfast.  This is nice, as the mornings can be hot and humid.  But again, not necessary.  

Overall the service throughout the property was wonderful.  There was always someone willing to help with a smiling face! 

The BEACH + POOLS were great!  We never had an issue finding chairs.  There is a little spot just off Breathless with some coral.  If you bring some crackers and drop them into the water, you can feed all kinds of fish.  My kids loved it!!!  The sand is clean and soft.  The water can be rough if it's windy, but my crew could jump in the waves all day long!

One last thing to mention is the KIDS CLUB + ENTERTAINMENT.  Having traveled to other more kid-centered resorts in the past, I have to say the kids club was lacking.  My three gave it a try a few times but never lasted more than 10 minutes.  The ladies running the program are lovely and so good with the kids, there just isn't that much to do.  The nightly entertainment was decent, but it started quite late, so we didn't usually stay.  

All in all it was a fabulous trip!  We left relaxed, sun-kissed and with a lot of wonderful memories!!!