Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites: Our Honest Review (Good & Bad)

If you’ve been following BFree Adventures, you already know we have a soft spot for Punta Cana. Warm weather year-round, long stretches of white-sand beaches, and all-inclusive resorts that make you forget what day it is — that’s our kind of escape. This time, we stayed at Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites, a well-known and long-established resort in Bávaro Beach, and we’re sharing our full experience.

This is a detailed, honest review — the good, the bad, and the things you should know before booking. This is not a sponsored post, just our real impressions after staying at the resort.

Lobby - Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites

First Impressions & Reception Experience

Arrival at Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites feels lively from the very beginning. The open-air reception area is tropical, spacious, and almost always buzzing with guests arriving, departing, or gathering for information. It immediately sets the tone for what kind of resort this is: big, active, and popular. The open-air reception itself features beautiful wooden sculptures inspired by Taíno culture, which add an authentic Caribbean touch and enhance the tropical feel of the space.

The Good

• Staff members are generally friendly and welcoming

• You’re offered a welcome drink upon arrival

• The grounds around reception are well maintained and lush

• Information about wristbands, dining reservations, and resort layout is clearly explained

  
  

The Not-So-Good

• Check-in can be slow, especially during peak arrival times

• Lines can form quickly when several shuttles arrive at once

• The experience feels efficient rather than personalized

If you’re arriving after a long flight, expect a bit of waiting. This is not a boutique-style welcome, but once checked in, things run smoothly.

Resort Layout, Size & Atmosphere - Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites

One thing to know right away: this is a very large resort. Buildings are spread across beautifully landscaped gardens, with pathways connecting rooms, pools, restaurants, and the beach.

Pros

• The resort never feels cramped despite being busy

• Tropical landscaping is a highlight — palm trees, greenery, and shaded paths

• Plenty of space to walk, explore, and change scenery throughout the day

  
  

Cons

• Walking distances can be long

• Shuttle carts are helpful but not always immediately available

• Comfortable shoes are essential

The atmosphere overall is energetic and social, especially around the main pool and buffet areas. Quiet moments are possible, but you have to seek them out.

Room Types & Suites

Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites is an all-suite resort, which is a big advantage. Rooms are located in low-rise buildings, surrounded by gardens and pools.

What We Liked

• Rooms are spacious, especially the Junior Suites

• Comfortable beds and pillows

• Balcony or terrace in every room

• Functional layout with seating area

• Mini-bar included and refilled regularly

• Air conditioning works well

  
  

What Could Be Better

• Décor in some rooms feels dated compared to newer resorts in Punta Cana

• Furniture shows wear in some rooms

• Bathrooms are clean but could use modernization

• Lighting is not ideal for evening use

Overall, the rooms are comfortable and practical, just not luxurious. If you value space over modern design, you’ll be satisfied.

Swimming Pool - Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites

Swimming Pools

The resort features multiple large swimming pools, which helps distribute guests and avoid overcrowding in one single area.

Pool Options

• Main activity pool with music, games, and entertainment

• Quieter pools closer to room buildings

• Pool bars located in convenient spots

  
  

Pros

• Pools are clean and well maintained

• Plenty of loungers available overall

• Easy to find both lively and relaxed pool environments

  
  

Cons

• Loungers near the main pool fill up early

• Music at the activity pool can be loud

If you’re looking for a calm pool day, avoid the main pool during peak afternoon hours.

"Iberostar" sign on the beautiful Bavaro Beach

Beach Party

Bavaro Beach Experience

The beach is one of the strongest points of Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites. Located on Bávaro Beach, the resort benefits from soft white sand and generally calm, swimmable water.

What We Loved

• Long stretch of beach perfect for walks

• Plenty of shaded palapas

• Clear turquoise water on most days

• Beach attendants available for drinks

  
  

Things to Know

• Best palapa spots are taken early

• Seaweed can appear seasonally, though cleanup efforts are consistent

It’s an excellent beach for swimming, relaxing, and spending long afternoons by the ocean.

Activities & Daily Entertainment

This resort is ideal if you like staying active during your vacation.

Daytime Activities

• Water aerobics

• Beach volleyball

• Dance and fitness classes

• Kayaks and non-motorized water sports

• Organized games and social activities

  
  

Evening Entertainment

• Theater shows

• Live music in common areas

• Themed nights and performances

Adding to the atmosphere, some evenings the resort organizes Beach Parties, transforming the beachfront into a lively open-air celebration. Expect good music, guests dancing under the stars, and party-style decorations set right on the sand — a fun and social experience that really brings the resort to life at night.

Our impression: The entertainment is fun and energetic, though fairly standard for large all-inclusive resorts. Some nights are better than others, but it adds variety to the evenings.

Restaurants & Dining Options

Buffet – Higuey

The main buffet restaurant is large, busy, and offers a wide selection.

One especially nice touch is the large pond located around the buffet area. While you’re seated, particularly at tables closer to the outside, you can see birds and ducks freely roaming and swimming in their natural habitat. It creates a calm, almost park-like atmosphere that makes meals feel more relaxed and enjoyable — a small detail, but one that really adds to the overall experience.

Pros:

• Good variety of international cuisine

• Fresh fruits and salads

• Live cooking stations

• Breakfast selection is strong

Cons:

• Can feel repetitive after several days

• Very busy during peak meal times

• Noise level can be high

  
  

À La Carte Restaurants

In addition to the main buffet, guests have access to several themed à la carte restaurants, which help break up the routine of buffet dining and add a more sit-down, evening-style experience to your stay.

The selection includes:

• Japanese (teppanyaki-style experience and sushi options)

• Italian (pasta dishes, pizza, and classic Italian-inspired mains)

• Steakhouse (grilled meats and heartier options)

• Gourmet / International (more refined presentations and mixed cuisine)

Each restaurant has its own atmosphere, making dinners feel a bit more special compared to the buffet, especially if you’re celebrating something or just want a quieter meal.

What We Liked:

• A welcome change from buffet dining

• Some dishes are surprisingly good for an all-inclusive resort

• Nicer ambiance and table service

• Portions are well sized

What to Keep in Mind:

• Reservations are required for most restaurants

• Availability can be limited, especially during busy weeks

• Booking as early as possible after arrival is highly recommended

• Popular options (like the Japanese and Steakhouse) tend to fill up first

Bars & Drinks

Bars are located throughout the resort — lobby, pool areas, and beach.

• Drink quality is standard all-inclusive

• Cocktails are best kept simple

• Bartenders are friendly

• Service can slow down during busy hours

If you have specific preferences, tipping helps with consistency.

Service & Staff

Service is generally friendly and efficient, though not highly personalized.

Highlights

• Housekeeping does a good job

• Grounds staff keep the resort looking great

• Most staff members are helpful and polite

Downsides

• Service can feel rushed when the resort is full

• Language barriers occasionally

  
  

Who Is Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites Best For?

✔ Families

✔ Couples who enjoy a lively atmosphere

✔ Groups of friends

✔ Travelers who want a classic all-inclusive experience

Not ideal for travelers seeking ultra-luxury or a quiet boutique feel — for a more upscale and refined experience, the neighbouring JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar is a great alternative, offering a more exclusive atmosphere, elevated service, and a calmer overall vibe.

If you’re considering a more upscale and tranquil experience, I’ve also shared a full blog review of JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar, along with detailed videos showing the resort — perfect if you’re deciding between the two.

Bavaro Plaza Shopping Center

Another convenient perk of staying at Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites is its proximity to Bávaro Plaza Shopping Center, a small shopping and entertainment area located just right next to Iberostar Waves Punta Cana. It’s easily accessible on foot and offers a nice change of scenery if you want to step outside the hotel without going far.

Here you’ll find:

• Several souvenir shops selling gifts, beachwear, and local items

• A pharmacy, useful for any last-minute needs

• A walking clinic, which can be reassuring to have nearby

• Cigar shops featuring Dominican cigars

• A disco/nightclub for those looking to extend the evening outside the resort

It’s not a large mall, but it’s practical and convenient, especially if you enjoy short walks, browsing souvenirs, or having quick access to essentials during your stay.

Final Thoughts: Is Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites Worth It?

Yes — as long as expectations are realistic.

This resort delivers:

• A beautiful beach

• Spacious suites

• Plenty of pools and activities

• Solid dining options

But it also comes with:

• Crowds

• Dated rooms

• A busy, energetic vibe

If you’re looking for a fun, reliable all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana with a great beach and lots to do, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites is a solid option.

Want to see Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites in real life?

Below, you’ll find my personal video of the resort, where I share more visuals, atmosphere, and details you don’t always get from photos. If you’re considering staying here, the video will give you a better feel for what to expect.

If it’s your first time visiting Punta Cana, I also recommend watching my video below about arriving at Punta Cana International Airport, where I walk through the process step by step so you know exactly what to expect.

Looking to explore beyond the resort? I’ve also put together a video featuring the top excursions to do in Punta Cana, including popular tours and must-see experiences worth adding to your trip. You can also read the blog post here.