Ocean El Faro
The good, the bad and the ugly
When it comes to planning a vacation, choosing the right resort can make or break your experience. Ocean El faro in Punta Cana has garnered attention as a 5-star resort, promising a luxurious escape in the Caribbean. In this honest review, we will delve into the positives and negatives of Ocean El faro, helping you decide if it’s the right destination for your dream getaway.
Activities and Accommodations
- 4 pools, outdoor jacuzzi and a lazy river with a gentle current
- Family area with water park
- 10 restaurants, 13 bars, Mike’s Coffee and ice cream shop
- Privilege, Exclusive Rooms and Services
- Despacio Spa Centre ($) and gym
- Daisy Club, Teenclub and Blue Team
- 2 tennis courts and 1 multi-sports court
- Theatre, disco, bowling alley and shop ($)
- 4 meeting rooms with natural light
- 24 h All Inclusive
- Outdoor car park (free)
- Privilege guests can enjoy the adults-only section “El Beso” ($)
The Good:
Stunning Beachfront Beauty:
Ocean El faro boasts a picturesque beachfront location that showcases the natural splendor of Punta Cana. Pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees create a postcard-perfect setting that will leave you in awe.
Luxurious Accommodations:
Ocean El faro delivers on its promise of luxury with well-appointed rooms and suites. The stylish decor, plush furnishings, and modern amenities create a comfortable and opulent retreat. Many rooms offer stunning ocean views, further enhancing the overall experience.
Stunning Pools:
Ocean El faro has 4 pools, outdoor jacuzzies and an awesome lazy river that is perfect for family and friends. Many of the pools have a dedicated bar that is attached to the pools. You won’t have to run around looking for a cold beverage.
Entertainment:
One thing I loved about staying at Ocean El Faro was that you couldn’t really get bored. A nightly game at the bowling alley became a staple. So much fun!!! The theatre was also entertaining as they had a different show every night.
Pricing:
Personally, I found the pricing of Ocean El Faro to be okay. On Expedia it was relatively on the cheaper side because I purchased a package deal that costed me around $1500 CAN. If you didn’t purchase a package when visiting, you are looking at spending around $1900 – $2200 for 7 days. Obviously, this is dependant on the accommodation you might want when visiting, so the price will vary.
The Bad:
Crowded During Peak Seasons:
As a renowned resort, Ocean El faro attracts a significant number of visitors, particularly during peak seasons. This popularity can result in crowded common areas, busier restaurants, and reduced privacy. If you prefer a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere, it’s advisable to consider visiting during off-peak periods.
Maintenance and Service Inconsistencies:
Some guests have reported occasional maintenance issues and inconsistencies in service quality at Ocean El faro. These range from minor inconveniences such as delayed room service to more significant concerns regarding room maintenance. While these instances may not be prevalent, they are worth considering when evaluating the overall experience.
The Ugly:
The Food:
At Ocean El Faro the food is not of a 5-star quality. A lot of the food that you will experience pretty much comes from one place, all you can eat buffet. Even some of the food that you experience in the restaurants will look familiar from the menu at the buffet. It is very disappointing and somewhat of a letdown.
Here are the list of restaurants that I would visit when staying. Keep in mind, don’t go into these establishments think you are going to get 5 star food because it is just not going to happen. These are the places I would visit that have the best food at Ocean El Faro:
-Sakura
-Steakhouse
-EL Mercado (Buffet)
-Vila Marina (Keep in mind you must purchase the privilege pass to visit this restaurant).
The Alcohol:
Those who like to go to all-inclusive resorts are going to know what I’m about to bring up next. If you are looking to get a buzz, you will not get it with most of the drinks. You are going to have to drink a lot to feel something. It didn’t matter how much tequila I had at the bar I was not getting a buzz. The drinks were watered down big time! Eventually, my friends and I moved to wine at the end of our trip. We were able to finally feel a decent buzz. I do recommend bringing your own alcohol. You could also upgrade, but I am not sure if its worth the extra charge.
The Beach:
You’re probably wondering why I rated the beach good and ugly. Well, the beach view is stunning. A great place to relax and put your feet up under a tiki umbrella with a somewhat watered-down drink… overall still very relaxing and therapeutic compared to home. The problem is that the beach is very rocky when you enter the water. A couple of times I smacked my baby toe against a rock and because of this I definitely recommend packing water shoes for your visit at Ocean El Faro.
Here’s a little trick when visiting the beach. On the right-hand side of the beach there is a white sign that indicates that the lifeguard does not supervise past this point. If you enter the water from that end, you will notice it to be less rocky.
My verdict
Should You Visit Ocean El faro, Punta Cana? Ocean El faro, Punta Cana is quite a stunning resort and offers a lot of activities for family and friends. However, it’s crucial to weigh the positives against the negatives to determine if it aligns with your expectations and budget.
Is It Truly a 5-Star Resort? Ocean Elfaro possesses many qualities that align with the standards of a 5-star resort, including its luxurious accommodations. However, occasional maintenance issues and inconsistencies in service, not the greatest food may raise questions regarding its 5-star rating. It’s recommended to read recent reviews and consider personal preferences before making a final judgment.
In conclusion, Ocean Elfaro, Punta Cana offers a mix of positives and negatives that should be carefully weighed before making a decision. By considering your budget, expectations, and desires for a vacation, you can determine whether this resort is the right fit for you.
