15 Reasons To Visit Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

Are you considering visiting Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic? This review highlights the top things to do at the resort, along with insider tips. 

The tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic offers guests the ultimate Caribbean getaway with all-inclusive resorts, dreamy beaches, and island hospitality. During our recent visit, we had the opportunity to stay at the new Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana.

We had the opportunity to visit this lovely property thanks to AAA Travel. Our AAA agent helped take all the stress out of vacation planning. Read all about our experience in booking a vacation with a AAA Travel Agent. This page contains affiliate links.

Margaritaville Cap Cana is an all-inclusive luxury vacation for the entire family. Families will appreciate the many kid-friendly amenities, while couples will bask in the serenity of the adults-only honeymoon suites.

Gourmet dining takes center stage as the resort is home to six different restaurants, five bars, and phenomenal room service options.

Lounge poolside with a refreshing drink during the day and enjoy the live nightly entertainment after dinner. We highlight a few of the top experiences we had during our visit to Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana.

Getting To Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

Visitors in the Dominican Republic will typically arrive at the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Ensure to check entry requirements before arriving as things can change overnight.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana is a fifteen-minute drive from the Punta Cana International Airport and is found in the exclusive gated Cap Cana area. If you are looking at another resort, ensure you check the drive time to the resort, as some can be nearly an hour’s drive.

TIP: Book your transfer before arriving. It eliminates the stress of finding a transfer at the airport. We booked ours through Nexus, which was reliable, clean, and friendly.

Once you have cleared customs and have gathered your luggage, you will enter a sea of transportation drivers and services vying to get your business. Transfers and taxis will be your primary mode of transportation unless you rent a car.

Once at the resort, they can help arrange transfers and help plan excursions.

Accommodations at Margaritaville Cap Cana

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana is owned by Karisma Hotels, which offers various properties throughout Punta Cana and the Caribbean. We also paid a visit to the Nickelodeon Resort, which was every kid’s dream come true during our visit to the Dominican Republic.

However, Margaritaville is every parent’s dream come true. In the words of Jimmy Buffett, “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached.” Not only is Margaritaville an all-inclusive resort, but it also has a beautiful beach, infinity pools, exquisite dining options, and plenty of margaritas! Add in the Parakeets Kid’s Club, plenty of fun activities like the flip-flop Olympics, and various kid-friendly amenities; you will be booking a return trip before you leave.

The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from the impressive Jimmy Buffett Suite to swim-up rooms with private plunge pools. A variety of accommodations can be found in an adult-only area of the resort, which features its own pool and swim-up bar.

Helpful Tips:

•  Download WhatsApp, It is the primary way of communicating with your butler and staff.
• The staff here graciously accepts tips in US Dollars and Dominican Pecos. I recommend having a variety of bills available in either currency for tipping throughout the trip.
• Room Service can be ordered 24-hours.
• You can request to have particular bottles of liquors, wine or beer in your room upon arrival.
• If testing is required to get back into your country, the hotel offers it on-site for a charge.

Luxury Villas

A magical romantic getaway starts with one of the luxurious Villas at Margaritaville Cap Cana. These guest suites include a plush king-size bed, an outdoor shower, an in room refreshment center, bottles of top liquours, a breakfast bar, and a soaking tub.

One of the best highlights of a villa stay is that you have personalized butler service. These dedicated professionals are there to make your stay perfect. From having margaritas at 5’o clock, arranging a floating taco tray, or setting up an excursion, your butler goes above and beyond to ensure you leave refreshed and relaxed.

They even have your welcome flip-flops, and welcome are waiting upon your arrival.

Son of a Sailor Suite

Our room choice was the spacious Son of A Sailor Suite, which had spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Walking into this beautiful suite, we knew we could let all of our worries fly out the window. In addition to having a dining table, there was a massive living room, breakfast bar, kitchenette with a mini bar, and a private terrace.

Traveling with our daughter having two separate rooms was a huge perk. The Master Bedroom can be closed off from the rest of the suite giving much-needed personal space. The couch converts into a bed; your butler will often take care of converting it for you if you let them know.

Another perk of the Son of a Sailor Suite is a half bath near the breakfast bar. This is in addition to the large bathroom with a rainfall shower, soaking tub, and double sinks.

One of my favorite spots to spend my mornings and evenings was on the private terrace overlooking the beautiful resort and sea.

Tip: Order the 24-hour room service to enjoy a sunrise breakfast on your terrace in the morning.

Rooms and Suites

A variety of other luxury room types are available throughout the property. The standard Paradise Room offers exceptional amenities, including a stand-alone rain shower and a private terrace.

The Best Things To Do At Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

Sample over 100 different Rums at Rum Runners

Want to know the ideal spot to get your refreshing Rum Runner cocktail? Look no further than Rum Rummers. With over 100 different rums available for tasting, Rum Runners is the place to sample some of the best rums in the world.

Rum Runners overlooks the infinity pool making it the perfect lunch spot or place to enjoy a few poolside cocktails. Don’t miss out on the buffet of fresh ceviches tucked away behind the bar.

Insider Tip: Rum Runners offers a variety of delicious traditional Dominican cuisine. You will do yourself a disservice if you don’t make it here to try them. Order the Sancocho; it was out of this world.

Indulge In The Floating Tacos

A foodie experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list is the floating tacos at Margaritaville. The chefs will create the ultimate fiesta for you to enjoy poolside, complete with margaritas. Floating tacos can be enjoyed in a private pool, swim-up suite, or main pool.

The exceptional staff will meet you at your desired poolside location with a floating tray of gourmet tacos, chips, salsas, and guacamole. After you have finished, pull the tray out of the water and place it near your loungers.

Tip: I recommend setting this experience up upon arrival at the front desk. If doing this with younger kids, I recommend having them eat outside of the pool to prevent food from being dropped in it accidentally. No one should have to swim with soggy tortilla chips.

Relax With A Massage at St. Somewhere Spa

The perfect place to kick-start your vacation in Margaritaville is with a visit to the St. Somewhere Spa. Unwind with a Swedish massage, splurge on rejuvenating facial, or soothe yourself with one of their many holistic treatments.

The spa provides a serene escape with a tranquil, relaxing room to enjoy after services. Warm robes, slippers, and hot tea make it hard to leave. I recommend trying the ginger tea blend; it is terrific.

Insider Tips: 

• The aqua spa is very impressive. I didn’t make it this trip, but it will be a must next time.
• The Fins Up! Fitness Center is in with the spa for those looking to maintain their fitness regimens while on vacation.
• They have a bridal dressing area that is ideal for pampering the bride-to-be. 
• Don’t skip the relaxation room.
• For the busy parents who are visiting with thier kids, take time to enjoy a spa service for you. Self care is a necessity, even if it is just sitting in a lounger poolside for an hour. However, the spa creates a carefree atmosphere that is ideal for a little you time.

Enjoy a Spectacular Sunrise Breakfast

With every vacation, there are travel moments that are worth the extra cost. Enjoying a phenomenal rooftop sunrise breakfast overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is one of these moments.

Staff will greet you on top of the roof with mimosas, beautiful fresh fruit, and coffee at your private table. As the sun rises, savor a variety of breakfast entrees that you have preselected the evening prior. Everything is beautifully prepared and tastes exquisite.

Tip: Bring sunscreen or a sunhat. It does start to get hot as the sun continues to rise and there isn’t much shade on the rooftop.

Go On An Excursion to the Scape Park

A nearby excursion that is full of tropical fun is Scape Park. Scape Park is a natural theme park offering thrilling ziplines, cave swimming, water ziplines, and swimming in the famous Hoya Azul.

There is a good amount of walking to and from each natural attraction. We went for four hours and only got through half of the park!

Tip: Plan on spending ALL DAY HERE. The cost is worth it if you plan on doing all the incredible attractions that are included in your admission. 

Dine At JWB Steakhouse

One of the top dining options at Margaritaville is the JWB Steakhouse. It is a premier steakhouse where guests can select their preferred cuts grilled to perfection and paired with classic steakhouse sides. 

An impressive bar greets you upon arrival, where you can sip on a pre-dinner cocktail. While steak is the signature dish, there are various other delicious options on the menu.

Tip: Make reservations; this is one spot guests like to come to multiple times because it is excellent.

Grab A Margarita At The SOS. Swim Up Bar

It’s 5’o clock somewhere, and the SOS. Swim Up Bar is the ideal spot to grab that signature margarita. Best of all, you don’t even have to get out of the pool.

Soak Up The Sun On Juanillo Beach

A highlight of any Dominican Republic escape is soaking up the warm sunshine. Margaritaville has beach access with plenty of loungers and day beds (on a first-come, first-serve basis). This is heaven on earth for sun-worshippers not wanting to step foot in the ocean. Yet, those looking to wade out in the sea to cool off will find it rocky and rough, making it difficult to swim.

However, only a few steps from Margaritaville is Juanillo Beach, known as Playa Juanillo, a beautiful beach with a swimming area available. The beach is public, so guests from nearby resorts and locals are welcome to use it.

Eat Your Way Through The Gourmet Village

The Gourmet Village will take guests on a tasty journey as it is home to various restaurants found in Margaritaville. Each dining concept has a story inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics behind it!

Whether you dine at the incredible Mon So Wi for Asian cuisine, dine alfresco at Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria, or step inside the Boat House for their many culinary stations, each meal will be spectacular.

Dining takes center stage as serving top-quality food is a priority. From hand squeezing limes for margaritas to daily culinary creations masterfully designed by their devoted head chefs, the quality is second to none.

We ate our way through Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana and never had a bad meal or felt anything was below par. If dining is a priority to you during your travels, this is one place that has elevated its dining experience.

Tip: Make reservations as restaurants can get busy during peak times.

Take A Landshark Brewery Tour

Did you know that Landshark has a brewery onsite? Beer is brewed weekly at the Landshark Smokehouse Brewery & Grill, and guests can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery. Meet the head brewmaster, learn how beer is produced, then cap off your tour by sipping on a nice cold one!

The Smokehouse Brewery is open from lunchtime until the evening serving classic BBQ favorites alongside live music or sports on the big screens.

Splash Areas For Kids

One thing that we adored is that they welcome kids with open arms. The tiny custom loungers for their smallest guests were not overlooked, as our daughter made herself quite at home poolside. There is a small splash pool and an additional splash area for kids to enjoy on the property.

Fun sprayers, dump buckets, and bubblers make for an afternoon of fun at the splash area, while staff will bring them smoothies and juice drinks made just for them.

Tip: Kids can enjoy all the other pools throughout the Margaritaville, except the adults-only pool. 

Snag Tasty Treats At Joe Merchant

One of our favorite parts of the day was swinging into Joe Merchant’s for coffee or a sweet treat. Joe Merchant is a convenience store offering a variety of snacks and treats to be able to take back to your room. These items have an additional charge that will be billed to your room.

Joe Merchant’s also is a coffee shop serving delectable Dominican coffee paired with incredible desserts or small sandwiches. These items come included with your all inclusive hotel experience.

Tip: Check to see if your resort package includes Joe Merchant credits. Suppose you haven’t had the opportunity to use them during your stay. Go and grab snacks for your plane ride home before leaving.

Cool off with a Rum Punch at the Punch Bar

Nothing says Caribbean beach vacation like a nice cold rum punch overlooking glistening pools and the beach. The Punch Bar sits at the heart of the Gourmet Village, making it the perfect spot to grab a cocktail.

Feeling the sea breeze drift through the open-air bar while sipping on a tasty rum punch was pure bliss.

Tip: The Punch Bar prides itself in creating craft cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Even unique smoothies for kids! This was our go-to place for cocktails.

Sway In a Beach Hammock at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

One of our favorite spots to hang around was in the hammocks near the Main Lobby. Take time out of your visit to climb into one of these hammocks and sway for a good twenty minutes. It is remarkable how your stresses seem to disappear.

Insider Tip: The hammocks are near a pop-up bar and a chef grilling fresh juicy hamburgers! The smell alone will have you standing in line waiting to enjoy your cheeseburger in paradise.

Enjoy the Live Entertainment

Daily entertainment is scheduled throughout the entire resort for guests to enjoy. Whether participating in a mixology class, making a splash at one of the iconic pool parties, or grabbing bean bag chairs to listen to live music, there is always something happening at Margaritaville. 

The entertainment options are endless, with a full schedule available for viewing on your TV daily. Local performers can be found every evening at the Margaritaville Main Stage, or opt for a beach bonfire. Compete in the Flip Flop Olympics, join a corn hole tournament or greet the day with sunrise yoga.

Margaritaville offers the ultimate island experience with the tropical vibes of Jimmy Buffett. We hope our guide will help you plan your next getaway to Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana.

“Mind on a permanent vacation, ocean is the only medication. Wishing my condition ain’t ever gonna go away.” -Jimmy Buffett

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15 Reasons To Visit Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana