Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Viva Dominicus Palace's best asset is its location. The Bayahibe/La Romana area is the Dominican Republic most tourists never see: a quieter corner with some of the best snorkeling in the country, coral and fish reachable straight from the resort's kilometer-plus of beach, and Isla Saona a short boat ride away. It is also easier to reach than many assume, about 15 minutes from La Romana airport and 45 from Punta Cana. On June 19, 2026 a fire badly damaged sister property Viva Dominicus Beach next door; one guest died and nearly 1,700 were evacuated. The Palace was undamaged and has stayed open.
Traveler Insights
Pros
- +The Bayahibe/La Romana area is one of the most underrated parts of the Dominican Republic: quieter, less crowded, and the jumping-off point for Isla Saona
- +Over 1 km of calm, clear beachfront, with coral and fish visible from shore without a boat
- +Short transfers by Dominican standards: the resort puts La Romana airport 15 minutes away and Punta Cana airport about 45 minutes
- +More included activity than the price suggests: trapeze with instructors, introductory dives with the resort's PADI team, catamaran and windsurfing lessons, paddleboarding, archery, water polo and beach volleyball
- +Real variety for a value resort: the La Yuca buffet plus a la carte Mexican, Asian (Bambu), Italian (Il Palco), Dominican (Palito de Coco), fusion (25), seafood (Atlantis) and a pizzeria
- +A busy evening program with nightly themed shows, a DJ party at La Placita afterwards, and theme nights like the White Party on the beach and Neon Nights
- +The Palace was not damaged in the June 19, 2026 fire at sister property Viva Dominicus Beach and has stayed open throughout
Cons
- −A value-tier property that delivers the basics; travelers rate it as functional rather than impressive
- −Food quality is consistently described as below average for the all-inclusive category, despite the long restaurant list
- −Rooms are dated and maintenance is inconsistent, with periodic negative reports
- −The sunbed race is real: most loungers are claimed by 7:30am, so sleeping in costs you a prime spot
- −Palace guests normally get the run of both Dominicus properties, but that exchange was suspended after the June 2026 fire; check what is open next door before you book
- −Late-June 2026 guests reported strained housekeeping while the Palace absorbed guests displaced from Dominicus Beach
- −Entertainment leans toward high-energy theme parties (foam, colors, neon), which will not suit everyone looking for quiet nights
- −The La Romana/Bayahibe corridor has less tourism infrastructure than Punta Cana, with fewer excursion operators and less varied services
The resort itself is a straightforward value all-inclusive. The dining list is longer than the reviews suggest, with the La Yuca buffet plus Mexican, Asian, Italian, Dominican, fusion, seafood and pizza venues, but food is still the most common complaint, and rooms are dated. Days are busy if you want them to be: trapeze, intro dives with the PADI team, catamaran and windsurfing lessons and paddleboarding are all included, and nights bring themed shows and a DJ party at La Placita. The sunbed race means most loungers are taken by 7:30am. Since the fire, the usual exchange with Dominicus Beach has been suspended. The Beach's operator said in June 2026 that it would stay closed through October 31, 2026, though the tourism ministry announced in early July that 200 rooms had reopened, so check its status before counting on its facilities.
Viva Dominicus Palace suits snorkelers and nature-focused travelers who want Bayahibe and Isla Saona, families and groups who like a full activity schedule, and budget travelers willing to accept dated rooms for a great natural setting. Comparable Punta Cana resorts at similar prices tend to deliver better food and rooms, but you trade that for Bavaro's crowds. Nearby, Altos de Chavon makes a good half day out, and golfers have Casa de Campo in La Romana.
Common Questions
Was the Palace affected by the June 2026 fire at Viva Dominicus Beach?
Is Viva Dominicus Beach open again, and can Palace guests use it?
How close is the resort to Isla Saona, and is it worth visiting?
Is the snorkeling directly from Bayahibe beach good?
How long is the transfer from the airport?
Are there good day trips beyond Isla Saona?
Restaurants (10)
| Type | Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Buffet | Buffet La Yuca |
| Mexican | Viva Mexico |
| Italian | La Trattoria, Il Palco |
| Asian | Bambu |
| Seafood | Atlantis |
| Caribbean & local | Viva Mi Bodegon, Palito de Coco |
| International & fusion | Viva Cafe, 25 |
From the resort's own dining pages. Only restaurants the resort lists are shown. All are covered by the all-inclusive rate, per the resort.
What's nearby
8 min drive · 3.0 mi
8 min drive · 3.0 mi
Bayahíbe Beach8 min drive · 3.0 mi
Altos de Chavón25 min drive · 14 mi
Higüey40 min drive · 27 mi
La Romana30 min drive · 16 mi
More things to do (13)
- Dominicus Beach · beach5 min drive · 1.6 mi
- Teeth of the Dog · golf30 min drive · 16 mi
- Dye Fore · golf25 min drive · 14 mi
- Cueva Padre Nuestro · nature12 min drive · 3.5 mi
- Playa Caletón · beach30 min drive · 16 mi
- Casa de Campo Marina · marina30 min drive · 16 mi
- Deep-sea fishing charter · excursion30 min drive · 16 mi
- Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, Higüey · historic site45 min drive · 27 mi
- Juan Ponce de León Fort Museum · museum45 min drive · 22 mi
- Cueva de las Maravillas · nature45 min drive · 29 mi
- Boca de Yuma · town50 min drive · 28 mi
- Cueva de Berna · nature55 min drive · 29 mi
- San Pedro de Macorís Cathedral · historic site60 min drive · 42 mi
Amenities
Show 4 more amenitiesShow fewer
Seaweed & sargassum
Bayahibe & La Romana gets sargassum, typically worst June through August, when it arrives at all.See the month-by-month guide →Google Reviews★ 4.2 · 5,910 reviews
“Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham, Bayahibe 🇩🇴 Beautiful beach and lovely staff. Don't believe the negative reviews, the hotel is good enough for the stars rating and the location is simply perfect. We loved it 😁😍🫶🏼🏝️🇩🇴”
Similar Resorts
$$$Currently closedGrand Paradise Playa Dorada
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Permanently Closed - Converted to Xanadu Resort & Residences by Hodelpa (condos)
$$Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
Bavaro, Dominican Republic
$$$Royalton Hideaway Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino - Adults Only
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic


