We first stayed at Cayena Beach during Christmas and New Year 2010 - 2011 for 2 weeks. We have returned to Punta Cana 4 times since then but have been unable to book Cayena till a trip in April 2012.

Firstly the three negatives, as other reviewers state, the rooms are modest and in need of refurbishment. However I hear this is being planned so things will probably improve. Besides, if you go the Punta Cana to spend much time in a hotel room, you may be missing the point! Second negative is only 5 of the 47 rooms have king size beds, most have two doubles. For this stay I requested a king size and got one which was nice. Third negative is the number of time share sales people stalking guests. They can be a little devious at times, but a firm no thanks usually stops the pressure.

Now the positives which far out weigh the negatives. The Cayena is a small private part of the much larger VIK Arena Blanca hotel. Cayena is quite compact and located literally on White Sands beach which is without a doubt one of the best sections of Bavaro beach. Room to food is 50-100 meters, food to beach is about 20 meters. The El Cano restaurant is exceptional and exclusive for Cayena guests, good food and great staff. The restaurant staff really make the stay special.

The beach deserves special mention, the sand really is almost white. Swimming there is very good since the beach is in a bay with a reef offshore meaning even when it's windy there is little surf, and the water is warmer than some other sections of Bavaro beach which are more exposed.

Previously there was a modest shortage of sun beds on the beach but this has been neatly solved with a new sun lounger area immediately behind the beach. The beach section in front of the hotel is reserved for Cayena guests only and this is policed quite effectively.

Cayena guests have full access to all facilities in the VIK Arena Blanca next door, this includes the main "El Mirador" buffet which is not bad, and two other main restaurants which are very good. Trattoria (Italian) and Estrella del Mar (Sea food and some other dishes). There is also a number of other minor eating places and bars dotted around the Arena Blanca. Available at modest extra cost is the excellent La Proa restaurant located above the Cayena El Cano restaurant. La Proa is a fantastic place to eat once or twice during a stay since it is open fronted for the most part, with amazing views. Expect to spend about US$50-60 for two people.

If you arrive at Cayena after 5.00pm on a week day you'll have the check in at the VIK Arena Blanca, since the Cayena reception is closed, but this fairly painless with good reception staff.

As with other all inclusive hotels, tipping is not required, however a few dollars once in a while goes a long way and is much appreciated. The Cayena staff are genuinely friendly and will go to some lengths to make your stay pleasant, especially if you show some appreciation for good work.

If your idea of a holiday is spending most of the day locked in a 5 star hotel room watching TV, don't go to Cayena. But if you want to experience what the Dominican Republic has to offer by way of weather, food, people and beaches, I whole heartedly recommend Cayena Beach Club. The cost is fair, the beach is flawless and the food and staff are great.

My husband and I stayed here for 5 days and 4 nights. The staff is wonderful especially.... Juan, Licowdy, Antonio and Pasquale. The resort was perfect for our 2nd Honeymoon. The resort is nice and close to the ocean, which makes life so much easier. The food and drinks were great. Our favorite places to eat were the ElCano for breakfast and lunch and the Italian place for Dinner. The room was very clean and the beach chairs and huts were perfect. Very relaxing resort!:) Word of advice make sure you get tot he airport at least 3 hours in advance it was a nightmare leaving there!!

The Cayena section of the VIK was supposed to be the "5 star" part of the resort unfortunately this was no the case. On our arrival they did not have our suite ready so we had to spend the first night at the VIK (rooms are terrible dated and not that clean) once over to the Cayena side we were please with the size and appointment of the room. However we soon discovered ants and water issues. The neighbors would shower and our room would have wet floors, the water run from our shower as well. The suite was well laid out but smelled moldy - probably due to the water. If I was to return to Punta Cana it wouldn't be to the VIK or to Cayena. The only advantage was it's wonderful location on the beach.

When we first arrived our room on the Cayena side was not available, they had overbooked the hotel, they sent us back to Arena side and gave us a lovely pool side view on Bldg 3 for that night, and the next day, went to see our Tour Agent rep, who talked in spanish to someone and they got us a room on 2nd floor on Cayena side and they apologized and were very friendly and gave us free day stay on our last day because our flight was leaving only at 8 p.m. (ck out is at noon) they found us a beachfront room for that day! Staff is very friendly! and since this is a small hotel (only 47 rooms) they got to know us when we walked in the restaurants...etc

Very delicious food at all 3 restaurants, buffet was ok, we certainly did not starve, different food but was expected because this is another country! Did not need to reserve at any of the restaurants, they also have a beach bar for fast snack (pizza, hotdogs, fries...etc) Beautiful scenery and most of the staff could understand English or French. only negative would be two beds (had requested king) , and their sheets were not fitted.. we don't sweat the small stuff so we really enjoyed this experience. Would definitely go back!!