The Esmeralda is one of the nicer of the five side-by-side Luxury Bahia Principe hotels in this vast resort complex that all share a long beach of coconut palms, nearly two dozen a la carte restaurants, a plethora of bars, many pools, and a small kiddie water park by the main “Bávaro” hotel (though note that only adults are allowed in the Ambar section of the property).
 
It is a mid-range family all-inclusive (if you want adults only, try its “Ambar” sister hotel), which means once price covers all meals, non-premium drinks, and non-motorized water sports (one hour per day).
 
Aside from the view (and the choice between two queens or a king), the narrow rooms all pretty much the same, with country-style modular furnishings, canopy beds, sitting area, and window in the wall next to the bed to let natural light into the bathroom at the back of the room (don’t worry; there’s a curtain you can pull for privacy).