The family-friendly Riu Palace Bávaro is the newest property (opened in 2011) in this five-resort Riu complex on Arena Gorda beach at the north end of the Bávaro coastline. Though the most expensive of these sister resorts, it remains one of the better value all-inclusives in Punta Cana (its neighbor, the Riu Palace Monaco, is an even better value, though open to adults only). 
 
The decor is done as funky modern modular, all starkly white edged in black with bright splashes of purple and pink. The “villas” rooms are closest to the beach, with complimentary WiFi, Jacuzzis on the balconies, and a reserved pool with its own swim-up bar.
 
The all-inclusive prices covers the usual non-motorized water sports (windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling), plus an introductory scuba course in the pool and, of course, all meals and drinks. (Riu rooms are famous for their wall-mounted booze dispensaries stocked with bottles of gin, rum, vodka, and brandy.)