Here’s what’s new for 2026 at Club Med Punta Cana

Among Caribbean resorts, Club Med Punta Cana achieves almost mythical status for families. It’s an easy win with a large kids’ club for children aged between 4 months and 17 years (divided by age so that every baby, toddler, child and teenager gets the attention and activities appropriate to them), family-friendly evening entertainment, and a daily Circus School that gives children and adults the chance to soar through the air on a trapeze, jump high on a trampoline and play on other elements scattered around the brightly colored open space.

I recently went and checked out the resort’s new and updated spaces including the reimagined dining room that replaced the more traditional buffet room; new deluxe rooms in the Costa del Coco section of the resort; the reinvented main bar, Joia, which feels like the welcoming heart of the property day and night; a new coffee shop serving drinks and snacks all day (and all-day access to the brand’s signature white chocolate bread, more on that below); and the changes to the lobby/reception area I mention because I want to show you the focal point of the new space, which is a beautiful sculpture inspired by celestial navigation (photo above).

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Come with me to see what’s new at Club Med Punta Cana. I took lots of photos while I was there to capture all the details.

El Mundo Food Club: new main restaurant

I hope this is a Club Med trend that will hit its resorts around the world, the main restaurant has ditched the traditional buffet format for a much more inviting dining room setting.

El Mundo is broken up into individual restaurant spaces, each with a menu that changes based on meal times and days. It’s the perfect format for mixing and matching, and while it’s not all that different from a buffet (there’s little wait time, and most of the food is already prepared), it feels much more creative and elevated.

Included in the mix are French-focused Lulu, Central and South American-inspired Chula, pan-Asian restaurant Kyo, American Smokey’s and Mediterranean Olea with its mix of Greek, Middle Eastern and Italian fare. Outside, there is also a dessert counter serving homemade gelato.

Costa del Coco Room: new room

There are many types of rooms at this sprawling resort, but the newest is the one at Costa Del Coco, which is the building located directly behind the Hispanola restaurant (my favorite place for breakfast by the sea).

The rooms are said to be inspired by coconuts, a playful design point reflected in the arches between spaces and the attention to texture and color. While not large, these rooms are beautifully designed to offer a sense of space of their own, including a lounge area with seating and TV that opens onto a balcony, a wardrobe and dressing area that is screened off from the rest of the room, a separate shower and sink area (perfect for several people sharing the space), and a master bedroom space that lets in light from multiple angles. Bonus: The area’s central location makes it easy to walk to most of the resorts.

Joia: new main bar

The new main bar, which replaces Cielo, is steps from the resort’s main pool, El Mundo, Circus School and the main outdoor stage and theater. During the day, it feels connected to the surrounding landscape and bustling, hosting dance classes and other activities. In the evening, it’s a natural gathering place, with plenty of comfortable seating for couples, families and groups.

Late at night (after 10), there are parties, with dancing and drinking. The design combines a relaxed island vibe with a more elegant touch that hints at the brand’s French roots. Drinks–all free because Club Med is all-inclusive–include cocktails, mocktails, sodas, wine and beer, and sparkling water.

Coffee Shop: new space for coffee, pastries and snacks

Full disclosure, I wish they’d named it something fancier than Coffee Shop, but that’s just a small excuse for what you get here: Dominican-sourced coffee all day long, coffee drinks, smoothies, and snacks.

Large jars offer self-serve cookies and other treats, and pastry cases contain homemade baked goods including tiny croissants and Club Med’s signature white chocolate loaves (available in several forms, including mini loaves and sliced ​​loaves; believe us, even if you’re not a white chocolate lover, there’s something about the lightly sweet, perfectly textured loaves that will have you hooked).

There are also sandwiches and fruit, which is worth knowing about, especially if you’re at the pool next door and want a light lunch or snack. And perhaps most important: It’s one of the few air-conditioned spaces outside of the guest rooms, which is especially nice on hot days.

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