My family stayed at this 3rd floor condo facing the beach in March 2016. It is located in the Playa Turquesa Ocean Club gated complex in Building J. This was a perfect setting for enjoying Bavaro and Punta Cana. It was right on the beach and provided armed security, plus was right in the heart of town of Bavaro where there were many restaurants within a short walking distance, some right outside the complex.

After going through the security gate, we stopped at the main lobby and put a deposit down to get our guest cards that identified us as staying at the complex. We needed these to get back in after leaving the complex. Across from the lobby was the back entrance to the mini mart that was on the main street outside the complex which was very convenient for picking up quick items without having to go to the supermarket.

An elevator provided a quick trip up to the condo from the small, open lobby area in Building J next to the parking area. There are 3 steps or so between them, so lugging our luggage was relatively easy. There are paved paths that connect all the buildings and the pools and beach area. We had a pool with a swim up bar right outside our building which could be seen from the covered deck.

Building J was about 50-100 feet to the beach area where there is a covered beach bar with seating and where some live music would occur in the evening hours. There are ample beach loungers available in the sun, but not too many under the covering of the open beach bar.

The beach itself was pretty awesome, but had a bit of seaweed floating around on occasion. This is actually common to the area and it seemed to be less in front of the condo instead of other areas as we walked along the beach to check out the small beach restaurant bars along it. The water was perfect to complement the 85 degree (high) air temperature and sun that we had all week (aside from a couple short rain showers in the morning)

The condo itself was spacious and easily accommodated our family of 5. The beds were comfortable and each bedroom had a full bath and plenty of closed space (one with a safe). The bathroom had ample hot water as needed and decent pressure for the 3rd floor. The kitchen/ dining room/ living room main area had sliding doors that opened up to the deck with a glorious view of the beach and ocean.

The building is situated at an angle, so while affording a great ocean view, it also allowed a view of the pool area which was to the side of the building. The deck had a sofa, a couple of loungers, and a table with 4 chairs. Aside from the living room, the front bedrooms opened up to the deck also. It had shade from the deck above, and we would only get sun usually from the 2 ends not directly from the ocean side which allowed us to be out on it at anytime.

Overall, I would rate the condition of the condo as very good, and I was very pleased with it. It does have bottled drinking water, modern appliances, washer/dryer, and enough dishes and pots to cook, but we preferred to eat out most of the time. It also has a toaster oven and coffee maker for quick breakfast stuff.

There was a housekeeper that attended to us every other day named Mary. She was a very nice person and would arrive at the condo at the time we prearranged with her. She would clean, change the linens, and towels and do laundry. By the way, the condo provides plenty of pillows and plenty of towels, some that have the condo number and can be taken outside, so there is plenty of wash to do, so be generous with Mary. Additionally, you can arrange for Mary to buy the groceries for and cook you an variety of dinners, so if that is something that you would enjoy, take advantage of it.

Another great benefit is that the owner offers to set you up with a local driver to pick you up and drive you around when needed. Since we rented a vehicle at the airport, we did not avail ourselves of this option, but we are seasoned drivers having driven extensively in the Dominican. Also, she knows a neighbor that can set you up with excursions. So if you haven't made arrangements or don't know what's available to do in Punta Cana contact her.

And lastly, we met the owner after a few days there on the weekend. She is a lovely person who is very responsive and very helpful. She was able to help us get some photos that we paid for on one of our excursions when we had a problem with the delivery of the CDs. She was always in contact with us and making sure that we had all the information we needed. She was a pleasure to meet and deal with.

I tried to provide as much info as I could upfront so if you are reading this, you can get a good idea of what to expect. I would highly recommend this condo, and its setting for those that are curious as to what Dominican life is like and do not want to be contained in an all-inclusive resort. I've been there/done that and prefer to be around local people while enjoying the natural beauty the area offers. Enjoy!