JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar All Inclusive

Dominican Republic , Punta Cana
PUNTA CANA, HIGUEY, Carretera Arena Gorda Playa Bavaro
Show on Google | Website | Map

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2026

Todd Arthur

The Pool was enjoyable and the bar offered majority of the drinks we preferred.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Christina

Best experience!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

marina

Excellent resort! Beautiful property! Very nice and friendly staff! We definitely will be back.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2026

Mike

Room was excellent. Staff was very friendly and met all of our needs. Luna our coordinator was great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Suzanne lynn

The best all-inclusive we have stayed at. The staff, our room, the gym, pool cabanas, beach, food -- all wonderful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

Ryan

Great service, amazing beach and the food was better than most all inclusives I’ve been to

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2026

Peter

Everything went great from the time we arrived to the time we left. Butler service with Cofe and Rey gave us a trouble free stay that met our needs and wants

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

Brian

Favorite resort in Punta Cana. Short drive there, great food, well maintained. Been to 6 other resorts and Joia is the best for us. Average age is probably 50, but we like that. No stupid stuff by the pool ruining the vibe, people have respect for other travelers. Nice change from other less laidback resorts. Not for the 21-35 crowd.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2026

Roger

Moré chairs then people! Clean and good foods…beautiful beach area…and outstanding service…expensive[ve but no surprises !

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Brian

We wanted a quieter, relaxing resort, not a party-centric one. In addition to being adults-only, JOIA was refreshingly calm, with music/events that were not deafeningly loud or exclusively oriented to hip-hip/rap (and were largely avoidable, usually ending by 11 PM). Our “personal concierge” was actually there to sell us a membership, and we had to spend too much time saying no to her; similarly, upon checking in we were told that our “butler” would come to the room and explain services or something, so we wasted our first hour sitting and waiting before we called and told them not to bother. The lake-view rooms are perfectly fine, and closer to the beach. The beach is as good as you could possibly wish. There and at the pool, people do claim chaises/cabanas with towels and then disappear for hours (incredibly rude, if you ask me) but we were usually able to find somewhere nice to set up. Restaurants were all good though not what I’d call superb, except for the breakfast/lunch buffet, which was amazing. The grounds were lush and immaculate and well-insulated from neighboring places. One secret that they don’t tell you: if you go to see the apiary and bird observation area, the beekeeper also tends a little barn full of dozens of cats that they apparently neuter and tend to; we enjoyed visiting them.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jan 2026

Paul

Customer Service was great, staff fantastic. But 1st room was musty, 2nd room somewahat better. Good thing we brought some downy spray. It helped. We found a bug in the bathroom. It was either a roach or water bug. No readly available outlet for phone charging next to bed.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2026

tout est parfait à part que les chambres pourraient être modernisées et les piscines légèrement chauffées, surtout celles des chambres swim-out. pour le reste, c’est le paradis et le personnel et la nourriture sont à la hauteur

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

Lindsey

The whole resort was Lovely. The staff was Excellent in all Categories. The Shows was very entertaining also!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2026

Ashley

The staff especially Junior,our butler, was excellent and attended to our every need. The restaurant staff was courteous and helpful. The food was delicious in all the restaurants we dined at. Our room was beautiful, extremely clean and comfortable. The grounds were beautifully groomed and set the stage for the beauty of the tropical resort.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2025

GABRIELA

The facility was very clean and quiet. Our butlers Jesus and Danilo were amazing taking care of all our needs. The only down side were the food options. We were there at the end of August, more off season and the main restaurant was open for dinner only once. We had to eat at the specialized restaurants where the service was very slow.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2025

Michael

It was all incredible! We have been going to this hotel for the last 12 years. Everything about it is awesome!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2025

Junwen

Rooms were a little outdated but the staff is beyond amazing. Time share presentation was annoying and they push you but besides that, everything else was fine. Food was also a tremendous plus.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2025

Lejla

Amazing

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2025

Joy

Friendly service and beautiful grounds.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2025

Jim

As all-inclusives go this is smaller, which makes it very cozy! It has every amenity but is easy to navigate. The staff is fantastic and the food is even better. Our best all-inclusive destination ever, including other Iberostar properties. Highly recommend it!

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Dec 2025

akbar

Ocean view is not Ocean front it’s partial ocean view which I paid full price for. Apart from that it was good.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2025

LEONOR

Excellent resort. Everything was perfect . ''Special Thanks for'' (Jessica Hotel General Manager, Manoucheka Public Relations, Eliezer Beach Waiter, Entertainment Team.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2025

Samantha

Great staff. Soft beach .

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2025

Shawn

Immaculate, well maintained property. Excellent service by all staff especially our butler Armando and the pool bar staff (Tobias and others). Excellent food!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Nov 2025

Overall a Good Stay, but Service Needs Improvement

We spent six nights here on our first trip to the Caribbean and the D.R. The resort itself is great: modern fitness centre, clean beaches, good restaurant variety, plus a nice golf course and tennis courts (special thanks to Coach Jose). Housekeeping, spa staff, and bartender Tomas were consistently excellent.

However, service was inconsistent. Only about 40% of staff were genuinely friendly, while others showed little hospitality, with eye-rolling more common than expected. Customer-service training is needed, especially for reception, restaurant, and Star Café teams.

Specific Issues:
•Concierge: Pushed us into a “10–15 min presentation” that turned out to be a 90-minute membership sales session, with misleading promises about free golf and spa services.
•Rum Tasting: Interesting, but the rums were not as rare as suggested—better to buy at the airport.
•Check-Out: Took 20 minutes to split a cellar bill, and the receptionist (Garcia) was openly dismissive despite our prior request to separate charges.

Great facilities, but service quality needs significant improvement.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2025

Joseph

Yes, the staff were great especially Junior was who my butler
I will surely visit again!!!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2025

Kelly

Staff were amazing! Property is clean. Beach, pool are amazing. Smoking on property should be limited to designated areas not everywhere.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Nov 2025

joseph

Yes

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2025

Joanna

Amazing stay. Good food options. Fun excursions. Lovely property.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2025

James

Love the beach location and people!

Business_and_leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2025

Yandris

Excellent stay.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2025

Adrienne

My butler Armando was amazing! Staff were friendly and helpful and made my stay special. The guests at the hotel were also friendly… lovely spot!

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2025

Carlla Brito Furlan

Tudo muito bom! Super recomendo!

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2025

Jose Guadalupe

The staff were the best! I will never stop recommending this resort!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Almanzar

Restaurants are greats

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Ahmed

Didn't use the Spa. The pool, the wat it's setup, and the bar in it, are all amazing though.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

30 Sep 2025

Eduardo

Extremely low quality meet. Roaches all over

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2025

Terrance Lionel

Great spa day and very nice pool area

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Sep 2025

Roberto Alicea

The facilities are amazing. I only had a uncomfortable experience with one person sitting customer at the Japanese restaurant, Tuesday at 6:30pm
Idk what was wrong with him. But I can say that he was not nice at all. Make us wait outside of the restaurant, then he called us to go and then he made us wait more time and he let passed 3 more persons a head of us for the same table at the same time of the reservation and they arrived after us. Lol
Other than that the resort is pretty nice and the other staff members are great!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Sep 2025

marc

Great Hotel and Service, but Disappointing Beach

The hotel itself was excellent. The property was well maintained, the staff provided outstanding service, and overall the resort experience was very enjoyable.

The only downside was the beach. During my stay, there were massive amounts of seaweed washed up along the shore, which made the ocean unusable for the entire trip. While I understand this is a natural occurrence and not the hotel’s fault, I do feel guests should be advised upon arrival so expectations are clear.

If the beach is not a priority for your visit, this resort is a wonderful choice. However, if ocean swimming is important, I recommend checking on seaweed conditions beforehand.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2025

Raheel

It was amazing

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Abdias

Awesome

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2025

Cheryl

Great resort

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2025

Pierre-Paul

N/A

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2025

Miguel Aurelio

Beautiful property

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2025

Jorge Luis

The property needs a few updates but in general is excellent. The staff is amazing, super friendly and generous they make you feel at home…
***** for them.
We will come back for sure.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2025

Jeffrey Scott

Amazing employees , food was extremely well prepared with wide variety for morning lunch and dinner buffets , nice restaurants and entertainment I wish it was a non smoking resort , there was seaweed in the water and beach and they were cleaning as best it could be done the pools are awesome

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Mary

Best resort we have ever stayed at

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2025

reny

Great service and best experience

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Hirut A

Best experience everyone very friendly love it

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

CARLOS

The staff was friendly. The rooms, restaurants and hotel in general was super clean. The food was very good at the buffets and specialized restaurants. I stayed at Bavaro beach hotels almost every year for the last 10 years and so far, this was the best.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2025

Warren

Overall stay was very nice and looking forward to going again in a few months.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

MARITZA

From the moment we arrived at the resort, we were welcomed with such enthusiasm—it truly set the tone for our entire stay. The exceptional service began the second we stepped out of the car.
Our butlers, Reynaldo and Coffe, were absolutely amazing—always attentive and never missing a beat. They made sure we were taken care of at all times. The service throughout the resort was top-notch. Shoutout to Samuel, who made me feel extra special by always pulling out my chair—what a treat!
The food was incredible—delicious and beautifully presented at every meal.
The entertainment, both day and night, was a highlight of our trip. Be sure to spend time with Black Mamba, Javier Chocolate, Smile, and Will Smith—they brought non-stop energy and laughter to every moment. They truly made our vacation unforgettable.
A special mention goes to Michael from the cigar lounge—he was truly amazing and knows his way around a mix drink! While it’s not part of the all-inclusive package, the experience was well worth it.

The resort was truly amazing all around — from the service to the atmosphere, everything exceeded expectations.

I will definitely be returning!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2025

Diana Milena

The place overall is very nice. They take pride in maintaining the grounds and property. You have to keep in mind the salty air will corrode some items around the property. But the staff was painting, cleaning and landscaping the entire time we were here. It’s a very beautiful place and we would return. The service was amazing also. The staff was very helpful, happy, and accommodating. We had a swim out suite and was a great choice, especially during the seaweed season. It was also cool in the first floor versus some of the higher floors. Our butlers Reynaldo and Cofe were great! Super responsive and helped my husband planned many surprises for my birthday. We planned to make sure we tried the Buffett for breakfast and some lunches but a different restaurant for dinner every night. The food was really good and the service nothing but excellent. We visited the coral lab and the garden (zona ecológica) and got to see some peacocks and the plants there. Also used the tennis court and the attendant was super nice! The landscape was also beautiful and well kept. We 100% recommend if you want great service and amenities. It is also calm and peaceful since it is adults only.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Robin K.

The staff put this resort over the top!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jul 2025

SALVADOR

This a beach hotel, but beach is plenty of sargasso. Around 1.5 mts. Rotten with a terrible smell.
I understand that is something out of the control of the staff of the hotel. But to accumulate that amout the hotel didn't clean the beach for days.
I called before reserve asking for the sargasso problem. The person that answer said was just a little, false it is a huge problem that the hotel dont try to solve. We paid for a beach hotel, this a hotel with no beach.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2025

Lori Ann

Gorgeous resort! Staff went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2025

Kymberlee

First ima say it you don’t eat pork breakfast is a struggle because that’s all the make in the mornings timeshare people very annoying but this my second time coming
To this hotel
Because I liked it concierge guy name Ramon was to nosy wanted to know all our whereabouts but overall it is a great resort

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2025

Dennis

Dis

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2025

Diane Renae

Our two butlers Armando and Houston were wonderful. There was valuable information. we did not receive such as what happens if we mistakenly left our safe open and don’t use the tapwater to brush your teeth lol.

We really did have attentive service from the butlers and overall from the staff. It was excellent. The food was adequate, but not spectacular. It says something when the best thing at the resort, food, wise, was the ice cream in the buffet and the welcome drink

We had problems with our jetted tub and had to request repairs three times. Also, be aware that the shades that come down to protect your privacy. Do nothing when it’s night time and you have lights on in the bathroom. You’re actually giving a show to anyone nearby

Would I come here again? Yes, as everyone was friendly, but I would probably choose another resort for issues like having more restaurants open every night and fewer issues with some of the basics.

May I say a big thank you to Armando for the birthday banner, champagne, cake, and big huge smile to help me celebrate my day. He went above and beyond!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2025

Milly

I don’t have any negative opinion. It was the best vacation I’ve ever had.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2025

STEPHEN

The best ever! Everything is perfect! My only complaint is the beach, in June has a lot of seaweeds but is not the hotel’s fault , they tried to clean everything but it was too much.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2025

Sharon Louise

This is the second time we stayed at JOIA Iberostar and once again it was excellent on all levels. The staff is friendly and always aiming to please. The rooms a

The food was excellent

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Alina Milagros

Employees were extremely friendly they would go out of the way to make you feel comfortable the place is beautiful the beach not so good lots of seaweed could not use the beach if there’s something negative to say is that the need more pool umbrellas and chair not enough

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2025

Alexander

We loved the variety of the food and clining services, but some nights it was too loud music outside till very late. Also, on the beach and in the ocean were a lot of seaweeds.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2025

Baaith

2nd time staying at an Iberostar resort and we enjoyed everything about our stay!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2025

Bruce Victor

The property was visually beautiful. The beach was loaded with seaweed, not their fault.
The rooms are dated.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2025

Cleuza

Everything it’s so perfect.

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2025

Edgar

I love Joia. Ery, Rafael, Tomas, Jacinto, Bruno, Ramona were all extra to us. We enjoy staying there because we feel like being home. You guys Expedia did not include Golf this trip. No one even mentioned it. I was bummed.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2025

Luis

Picked a Swim Out w Butler. Everything nice until the morning when we found out we were next to the loading ramp, had to move due to unbearable noise. The app for texting the butler is worthless had to use wassap w them. Butler svc adds no value, you can do what they do for you, all they do is relay everything to others and do not get things done faster (1 buttler per floor). Now, the rooms were nice, facilities clean, quiet, no kids, no regueton. Shows were nice and staff was friendly. Food and drinks were good. I would recommend it for a peaceful retreat. 4 nights was enough. Must go to Coco Bongo in the Gold Members section (eat before)

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2025

Jesus

AREAS MUY BIEN CUIDADAS BUENA COMIDA.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2025

Stephen Michael

Everything here is amazing. Food is pretty good for an all inclusive. Staff is super friendly. Only complaint is they try to get you a “Free couples massage” but they didn’t tell me they were taking us to the golf course office to give us a 90 minute sales pitch for a timeshare. Manager dismissed us very quickly when we told him we were not aware or interested. The concierge wanted a commission, simple as that. Everything else was great so we overlooked it but beware!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Linda

The friendliest staff ever. Very clean and safe. Quiet and relaxing. Excellent food quality.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2025

Kevin Michael

We loved everything abou t this property! Pure paradise!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2025

HECTOR

Great service, Food was amazing... I can not wait to come back!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2025

Melanie

Everything at Joia was wonderful and exceeded my expectations!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2025

Torsten

Very great Hotel. I did not get a upgrade. Pool need som maintenance. Otherwise everything was in great condition

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2025

Lisa

Our stay at JOIA Grand Bávaro was exceptional. Everything from our arrival, stay throughout the week, and departure went smoothly. The staff were friendly, and the room was cleaned well daily. Beach was beautiful, and the spa was a nice experience. The variety of food was great too. Dining options were the best compared with other all inclusive resorts I have visited. Our stay was relaxing and wonderful.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2025

Lisa

amazing property!!

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2025

Kevin J

Friendly staff very serviceable

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2025

Jaimmie

From the moment we arrived everyone was helpful and friendly. They helped with anything and everything we could ask for when it came to dining and activities (like the catamaran). And house keeping was more than on top of their job. They came by twice a day to check the room and turn down the bed plus the mini fridge stayed stock. Thanks for the birthday cake and champagne as well!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2025

Carrie

Overall great vacation

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2025

David

This property was amazing. Our 1st time to visit and loved every bit of our stay. The food is excellent and has a thursday night seafood buffett which was off the hook. The drinks were good at the pool area but top shelf at the lobby bar. Staff was amazing as well.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2025

Bruce

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2025

David J.

The staff was wonderful and accommodating
We've been there 7 times and will be returning nest year

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2025

Tish

Loved everything about this place. Will definitely return and recommend! If I had to say anything it is that they could use more hand sanitizer everywhere.

6/10

Pleasant

10 Feb 2025

Kambiz Afshar

Our check in took over 2 hours

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2025

Heshmat

Food needs inprovement

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2025

Robert

This is our new go to resort

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2025

Olajide

Great

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2024

Imdadul

Beautiful beach front property. evening activities could be better planned, however it’s great place to stay in punta cana.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Dec 2024

Kyaw Zay

Limited dining with not a lot of options.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2024

Verified traveler

Great

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2024

Cynthia

They were under construction when we were there. It was quiet and luxurious

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

Nina

The staff were great - friendly and attentive. The property was beautiful. The beach was wonderful with easy access into the water on soft sand. No shells or rocks. A beach walkers dream.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2024

Lance Alan

Staff was top notch, always cheerful and eager to help. Food options were excellent and always seem to be fresh and plentiful. Pool & beach areas were super clean and easy to navigate, plenty of space, we never didn't have a spot to tan. A fabulous place to vacation, already planning a future trip.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2024

Jennifer

Amazing grounds and breathtaking views. Rooms are just as beautiful as the landscaping, maintenance and housekeeping were a plenty keeping things clean and tidy. Most of the staff were very friendly and helpful, some a bit inexperienced. Requests for simple items took some time to receive or were forgotten. Nothing horrendous or superior just adequate service. Swim out room was very convenient and a pleasure to have especially on a on and off rainy day, but placement near the access road was a bit noisy. Always an activity to keep busy with during the day or evening, and overall well worth the cost for an all inclusive vacation.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2024

Eunique

Good job 👏

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2024

Eric

The staff go out of their way to make you feel at home.