PAX On Location: An exclusive look at the new Hilton La Romana Adults Only

Formerly the Dreams La Romana, the Hilton La Romana, located on the southeastern shores of the Dominican Republic in the Playa Bayahibe region, has undergone a massive refurbishment that’s seen the resort split into two distinct sections: one side is strictly for guests 18 years of age and older, while the other side is open to guests of all ages.

PAX had the opportunity to explore the all-inclusive, luxury Hilton La Romana Adults Only from Oct. 2 to Oct. 5 and stayed as a Premium guest, which is a level of service offered by the resort that provides more than what's already offered in the all-inclusive package.

During the press trip, we also visited the construction site of the soon-to-be-opened adults-only Hyatt Zilara and its family-friendly sister property, the Hyatt Ziva—more on that, here! Once completed, both properties, owned and operated by Playa Hotels & Resorts, will open Nov. 1.

The Premium package

While the Hilton La Romana is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, it also includes an added touch for guests looking for an elevated holiday experience, through its Premium offerings.

Those who opt to stay in a Premium room as opposed to a Standard room, for example, automatically get access to the following:

• Personalized check-in and check-out with concierge service
• Premium status and amenities
• Access to Premium VIP Lounge offering daily continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, desserts and fine liquors or coffees.
• Private beach area and private pool with swim-up bar
• Access to Mediterranean Restaurant for breakfast and lunch
• Bathrobes, slippers and a pillow menu
• Complimentary computer access in Premium VIP Lounge

With the Premium package, your clients’ holiday will feel a little more personal, because of the access it provides at the resort. At the beach, for example, there’s a private stretch sectioned off that only guests with Premium access can enter. When the day is hot and the pool is crowded, Premium guests can escape to their very own private pool and its Blue Swim-Up Bar, which pours high-end liquors and spirits morning to night, whether you’d prefer to float around under the sun with a glass of Prosecco, or sip on a frozen mojito—maraschino cherry on top, please.

When it comes to dining, Premium guests also get more variety. 

Noor Restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean flavours, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but only guests with Premium status can eat breakfast and lunch there; guests without the Premium package can enjoy breakfast at the main buffet, Caoba. 

Not a morning person? No worries—the Premium VIP Lounge, located just around the corner from the lobby, is a quiet, air-conditioned escape outfitted with cozy couches and palm leaves, where Premium guests can have a more private continental breakfast, or sip a cappuccino or mimosa from the bar while watching the news or a sports game on the flat screen. There's also the Aroma cafe, which is also a cozy spot to have coffee⁠, where, if you're lucky enough to meet Arisleidy, you'll get the perfect cappuccino, every single time. 

The luxuries that come with the Premium status transition over into the accommodations, too. 

PAX stayed in a Premium Garden View King, which, although 411 sq. ft., was extremely spacious thanks to the high ceilings and balcony. The Premium room was also furnished with marble floors, a double vanity, a rain shower, and a separate powder room. 

The minibar was also refreshed daily with bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and juices.

Food & drink

The Hilton La Romana Adults Only has five restaurants and five bars, all of which provide an impressive selection that cater to different clientele, including those with dietary restrictions.

Caoba, the main buffet and Noor, the Mediterranean restaurant, are the only two open for breakfast and lunch. Chinola, which serves up healthy keto, gluten-free, and vegan options, as well as the Mare Grill and Restaurant, which specializes in gourmet seafood, and Sakura, a fusion of teppanyaki and sushi, all offer dinner up until 10 p.m.

Guests looking for a late-night snack can take advantage of the 24-hour Aroma coffee bar in the lobby, which serves a variety of hot and cold espresso beverages and pastries, or they can order room service, which is also available 24-7. For non-Premium guests, a $5 U.S. delivery fee applies.

If your clients are foodies, they’ll love that at the Hilton La Romana, they can try all of the gourmet restaurants, because reservations aren’t necessary—it’s all on a first come, first served basis!

Once it opens in December 2019, those staying at the Hilton La Romana can also take advantage of all five bars and five restaurants located on the Hilton La Romana Family Friendly side, too, which include French and Italian specialties, as well as a buffet, a pizzeria, a steakhouse, and a beachside grillhouse.

Those staying at the Hilton La Romana Adults Only who would like to use the spa or the gym must also head over to the all-ages side, as the facilities are shared.

Good to know

Thinking about booking your clients at the Hilton La Romana Adults Only? Here are a few quick facts!

• The Hilton La Romana is a 45-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport, and a 75-minute drive from the Santo Domingo Airport.
• Wi-Fi is complimentary, and it reaches all the way down to the beach!
• Towel service from the beach is from 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• Sakura is the only restaurant on the adults-only side that is air-conditioned. The Premium VIP Lounge is also air conditioned; all other dining options are open-air concept, and smoking is permitted.
• There are 36 swim-up suites on the adults-only side, and 22 on the all-ages side.
• Guests can rent pool cabanas for $50 U.S. a day from 9:00 a.m. until 7 p.m.

For more information on the Hilton La Romana Adults Only, click here!

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