Dominican republic | mexico | active relaxing | catering to all
Slice of Paradisus
T ravel plans are incomplete without a sun vacation or two in the forecast. And if 5-star luxury appeals to you (why wouldn’t it?), then let us introduce you to Paradisus by Meliá Destination Inclusive Luxury Resorts. Scattered along the shores of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, these properties take pride in their elevated experience and integration of nature. Each resort is shaped by its surroundings, with natural and cultural nuances encountered through on-site experiences and cuisine.
Transat has paired up with Paradisus by Meliá, offering all-inclusive packages with direct flights from many major eastern gateways. Daily flights from Montréal and Toronto depart for Cancún through October, and Punta Cana from November to April. Here, we take a closer look at the resorts, excursions, cuisine and more, so you can choose the sun-drenched destination that best suits your holiday desires.
Paradisus Grand Cana
Set back from Bávaro Beach, Paradisus Grand Cana is a top choice for grand family vacations. The 5-star complex has large five-person suites and plenty of space to gather by one of the pools. Kids can splash about at the waterparks or join a kids’ club for organized fun. Head down to the Beach Club where kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and snorkelling are readily available to guests, as are beach cabanas for supporters on the sand. Between activities, be sure to try Mangu, the resort’s central restaurant serving local cuisine with fresh seafood and Latino flavours.
The Dominican and Mexico’s elevated resort experience
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Bávaro Beach at Paradisus Grand Cana
Dominican Republic
Mexico
Active relaxing
Catering to all
Waterpark at Paradisus Grand Cana
Master Suite at Paradisus Grand Cana | credit: Roberto Lara Fotografia
Plan your trip
Paradisus Cancún
Paradisus Palma Real
Yoga at Paradisus Cancún | credit: Lighuen Desanto
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Catamaran sailing in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Mangu at Paradisus Grand Cana
The Reserve benefits include complimentary spa treatments and access to exclusive areas
Paradisus Grand Cana | credit: Mario Iozzi
Paradisus Palma Real
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Origen Buffet at Paradisus Grand Cana
Paradisus Palma Real
Golf Resort & Spa
The aptly named Paradisus Palma Real Golf Resort & Spa is nestled between Bávaro Beach and Cocotal Golf and Country Club. Its colonial-style architecture and open spaces make the most of the beachfront vista, while the proximity to the golf course means you can play nine holes before lunch (we recommend resort restaurant Flora for authentic Dominican cuisine and locally farmed ingredients). Spend your afternoon within a few strokes of a swim-up bar or loosening up for your next round of golf with a hydro massage in the pool.
Paradisus Cancún
On the East Coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in the centre of the Hotel Zone, is Paradisus Cancún. Just 20 minutes from the airport, this resort stretches along white-sand shores with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Nichupté Lagoon on the other. The lobby welcomes you with lush greenery, the rooms capture views from all angles and the beach is on your doorstep. Mayan influences are seen throughout the complex’s structure and felt through their Destination Inclusive experiences, like visiting a local cenote for a shaman ritual and yoga class.
Paradisus Riviera Maya
Follow the coastline south and you’ll find Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Paradisus La Perla. Families can keep busy at the former, with clubs for ages 17 and below. La Perla is the adjacent adults-only property, ideal for a romantic getaway. These resorts share access to Riviera Maya’s colourful coral reefs, restaurants like Fuego (Peruvian) and Mole (Mexican), as well as YHI Spa—a temple of relaxation where couples might treat themselves to a massage and parents might escape to the salon. Beyond resort walls, the town centre of Playa del Carmen is a 30-minute walk and eco-parks like Xcaret are a short drive away.
At the resort
The beauty of staying at an all-inclusive Paradisus resort is that once you arrive, you don’t have to go far (or anywhere) to fill your days. Learn to sail a catamaran or scuba dive, play a round of golf or a game of volleyball. Make your own chocolate, join a cooking class or a gemstone workshop—that is, if you’re not too busy working on your tan from the comfort of a beach cabana or pool lounger.
Out and about
For those looking to explore their surroundings further, we recommend booking an excursion or two. Staying in Punta Cana? History buffs might enjoy a guided tour of the colonial capital, Santo Domingo, where sights include the Alcázar of Columbus and National Pantheon. Keen swimmers can island hop to Saona for new snorkelling sites. A vacation in Riviera Maya would be more complete with a day trip to the archaeological ruins of Tulum. On the way, pay a visit to the underground caverns of Rio Secreto.
Wine and dine
When all-inclusive meets 5-star, you know you’re in for a treat. Paradisus offers a variety of worldwide and local cuisine, often made with locally sourced and farmed ingredients. From buffet restaurants that cater to families and fussy kids, to exclusive 18+ spaces, you’ll never run out of new options. In the Dominican Republic, try the Dominican and Caribbean-inspired menus at Mangu and Amor de Mar. Over in Cancún, Blue Agave and Cielo are your go-tos for Mexican fare.
Elevate your stay
Upgrade to The Reserve for a VIP adults-only experience. The Reserve, a tranquil sanctuary at most Paradisus resorts, is designed for adults seeking ultimate privacy and relaxation. For families and groups desiring a blend of luxury and convenience, choose the Family Concierge experience. Both upgrades grant access to exclusive areas, restaurants, rooms and pools. Additional benefits include a private check-in lounge, concierge service, priority reservations, complimentary spa treatments and an off-site Destination Inclusive excursion.
Fly with Air Transat
Passengers voted Air Transat the Best Leisure Airline in North America at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Their direct flights to Cancún and Punta Cana mean you don’t waste precious vacation time in the air, and they’re neatly wrapped up in Transat’s all-inclusive resort packages. Use their “best price per month” calendar to find the lowest fare from your chosen eastern airport.
Poolside bar at Paradisus Palma Real Golf Resort & Spa
Junior Suite at Paradisus Palma Real Golf Resort & Spa | credit: Thiago Da Cunha
Beach cabanas at Paradisus Palma Real Golf Resort & Spa
Paradisus Cancún is set between the sea and a lagoon
Sante Restaurant at Paradisus Cancún
The Reserve welcome lounge at Paradisus Cancún | credit: David Massey
Paradisus Playa del Carmen beach (left); Kanna Beach Club | credit: Ione Green (right)
Paradisus La Perla: The Reserve Presidential Suite pool (left); Couple on the beach (right)| credit: Ione Green
Italian red snapper by Antonia Lofaso
Paradisus Palma Real
Dominican republic | mexico | active relaxing | catering to all
Dominican republic | mexico | active relaxing | catering to all
Dominican republic | mexico | active relaxing | catering to all
Paradisus Grand Cana
Set back from Bávaro Beach, Paradisus Grand Cana is a top choice for grand family vacations. The 5-star complex has large five-person suites and plenty of space to gather by one of the pools. Kids can splash about at the waterparks or join a kids’ club for organized fun. Head down to the Beach Club where kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and snorkelling are readily available to guests, as are beach cabanas for supporters on the sand. Between activities, be sure to try Mangu, the resort’s central restaurant serving local cuisine with fresh seafood and Latino flavours.
Paradisus Palma Real
Golf Resort & Spa
The aptly named Paradisus Palma Real Golf Resort & Spa is nestled between Bávaro Beach and Cocotal Golf and Country Club. Its colonial-style architecture and open spaces make the most of the beachfront vista, while the proximity to the golf course means you can play nine holes before lunch (we recommend resort restaurant Flora for authentic Dominican cuisine and locally farmed ingredients). Spend your afternoon within a few strokes of a swim-up bar or loosening up for your next round of golf with a hydro massage in the pool.
Paradisus Cancún
On the East Coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in the centre of the Hotel Zone, is Paradisus Cancún. Just 20 minutes from the airport, this resort stretches along white-sand shores with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Nichupté Lagoon on the other. The lobby welcomes you with lush greenery, the rooms capture views from all angles and the beach is on your doorstep. Mayan influences are seen throughout the complex’s structure and felt through their Destination Inclusive experiences, like visiting a local cenote for a shaman ritual and yoga class.
Paradisus Riviera Maya
Follow the coastline south and you’ll find Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Paradisus La Perla. Families can keep busy at the former, with clubs for ages 17 and below. La Perla is the adjacent adults-only property, ideal for a romantic getaway. These resorts share access to Riviera Maya’s colourful coral reefs, restaurants like Fuego (Peruvian) and Mole (Mexican), as well as YHI Spa—a temple of relaxation where couples might treat themselves to a massage and parents might escape to the salon. Beyond resort walls, the town centre of Playa del Carmen is a 30-minute walk and eco-parks like Xcaret are a short drive away.
At the resort
The beauty of staying at an all-inclusive Paradisus resort, is that once you arrive, you don’t have to go far (or anywhere) to fill your days. Learn to sail a catamaran or scuba dive, play a round of golf or a game of volleyball. Make your own chocolate, join a cooking class or a gemstone workshop—that is, if you’re not too busy working on your tan from the comfort of a beach cabana or pool lounger.
Out and about
For those looking to explore their surroundings further, we recommend booking an excursion or two. Staying in Punta Cana? History buffs might enjoy a guided tour of the colonial capital, Santo Domingo, where sights include the Alcázar of Columbus and National Pantheon. Keen swimmers can island hop to Saona for new snorkelling sites. A vacation in Riviera Maya would be amiss without a day trip to the archaeological ruins of Tulum. On the way, pay a visit to the underground caverns of Rio Secreto.
Wine and dine
When all-inclusive meets 5-star, you know you’re in for a treat. Paradisus offers a variety of worldwide and local cuisine, often made with locally sourced and farmed ingredients. From buffet restaurants that cater to families and fussy kids, to exclusive 18+ spaces, you’ll never run out of new options. In the Dominican Republic, try the Dominican and Caribbean-inspired menus at Mangu and Amor de Mar. Over in Cancún, Blue Agave and Cielo are your go-tos for Mexican fare.
Elevate your stay
Upgrade to The Reserve for a VIP adults-only experience. The Reserve, a tranquil sanctuary at most Paradisus resorts, is designed for adults seeking ultimate privacy and relaxation. For families and groups desiring a blend of luxury and convenience, choose the Family Concierge experience. Both upgrades grant access to exclusive areas, restaurants, rooms and pools. Additional benefits include a private check-in lounge, concierge service, priority reservations, complimentary spa treatments and an off-site Destination Inclusive excursion.
Fly with Air Transat
Passengers voted Air Transat the Best Leisure Airline in North America at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Their direct flights to Cancún and Punta Cana mean you don’t waste precious vacation time in the air, and they’re neatly wrapped up in Transat’s all-inclusive resort packages. Use their “best price per month” calendar to find the lowest fare from your chosen eastern airport.