You’ve seen the magazines. You know the iconic covers. But sleeping inside the brand? That’s a different story entirely. When word first got out that a Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana was opening in Cap Cana, people were skeptical. Honestly, it sounded like a gimmick. How do you turn a legacy media brand into a luxury hotel experience without it feeling like a glorified locker room?
Surprisingly, they didn’t go the "memorabilia on every wall" route.
It's located in the exclusive Cap Cana enclave, which, if you aren't familiar, is basically the "Beverly Hills" of the Dominican Republic. It's quieter than the main Bávaro strip. More polished. The Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana sits right on the edge of the Marina Cap Cana, meaning you aren't just looking at the ocean; you’re looking at multi-million dollar yachts bobbing in the turquoise water. It’s a vibe.
What the Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana Gets Right (and Wrong)
Most people assume this is just another all-inclusive mega-resort. It isn't.
Actually, it’s a rebrand of the former Ancora Cap Cana. That’s a detail many travel sites gloss over, but it’s crucial for setting expectations. Because it wasn't built from the ground up by the SI team, the layout is more of a Mediterranean village style rather than a sleek, modern skyscraper. You get these winding paths and stone buildings. It feels more intimate than the 1,000-room giants down the coast.
The "Sports" part of the name is handled with a bit of restraint. You’ll find the Sports Illustrated Clubhouse, which is the nerve center for catching games. It’s got high-end screens and decent wings. But the real "SI" touch shows up in the activities. They lean heavily into the active lifestyle. Think less "sitting by the pool with a sugary drink" (though you can definitely do that) and more "let’s go deep-sea fishing or hit the world-class golf courses nearby."
The Room Situation
If you’re expecting a standard hotel room, you'll be surprised. These are suites. Big ones. Many come with kitchenettes and separate living areas.
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- Studio Suites: Great for couples, but honestly, a bit tight if you have a lot of gear.
- Two and Three Bedroom Villas: This is where the resort actually shines. If you're traveling with a group of friends for a golf trip, this makes way more sense than booking individual rooms at a Marriott.
- Private Pools: Some units have "swim-out" access or private plunge pools. Do they feel like the SI Swimsuit issue? Kinda. If the sun hits the water just right.
Why Location Matters More Than the Brand
Cap Cana is the real hero here. If this resort were in a crowded part of Punta Cana, it wouldn't work. Being in Cap Cana gives guests access to Juanillo Beach.
Let’s be real: the resort itself isn't directly on a massive sandy beach. It’s on the marina. This is the biggest "gotcha" for travelers who don't do their homework. You have to take a short shuttle or a quick golf cart ride to get to the actual sand of Juanillo. But once you’re there? It’s arguably the best beach in the country. Wide, white sand, and water so blue it looks photoshopped.
Nearby Perks You Can't Ignore
- Punta Espada Golf Club: Jack Nicklaus designed this. It’s consistently ranked as the best in the Caribbean. If you stay at the Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana, you’re minutes away from teeing off over the ocean.
- Scape Park: This is a massive "eco-adventure" park nearby. You can zip-line into a cenote (a natural limestone sinkhole) called Hoyo Azul. It’s cold. It’s electric blue. It’s a must-do.
- The Marina: Walking the marina at night is just pleasant. It’s safe. It’s upscale. There are high-end restaurants that aren't part of the resort’s dining plan, which is great if you want to escape the "resort bubble."
The Dining Experience: Hits and Misses
Resort food is notoriously hit or miss. At the Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana, they try to balance casual sports bar fare with "fine dining."
The Italian spot is decent. The pasta is fresh. But the standout for most is the casual stuff. There's something about eating a burger while overlooking a marina that just feels right. That said, don’t expect Michelin-star quality. It’s good "vacation food." If you’re a true foodie, you’ll probably find yourself taking a taxi to some of the independent restaurants in the marina for at least a couple of dinners.
One thing to watch out for is the service speed. This is the Caribbean. "Island time" is a real thing. If you’re used to the frantic pace of New York or London, you’re going to have to take a deep breath. Your drink will come. Eventually.
Is It Good for Kids?
Sorta. It’s not a "waterpark and characters" type of place like the Nickelodeon Resort nearby. It’s more grown-up. Families who enjoy being active together—fishing, golf, boat rentals—will love it. But if you’re looking for a place that will babysit your kids in a colorful playroom while you nap, you might find the offerings a bit slim. It’s a lifestyle resort, not a daycare.
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Addressing the "E-E-A-T" Factor: What the Reviews Don't Tell You
I’ve spent a lot of time tracking the transition of these branded properties. The Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana is part of a larger trend where heritage brands (like Margaritaville or Hard Rock) move into the hospitality space. The risk is always that the brand is just a "skin" over an old hotel.
With this property, there have been growing pains. When it first transitioned from Ancora, there were reports of inconsistent maintenance. However, the management has been pouring money into the "SI-ification" of the grounds. It’s getting better every month. The staff is genuinely proud of the association with the magazine, and that enthusiasm usually translates to better service.
Comparing the Competition
If you’re looking at this resort, you’re likely also looking at:
- Hyatt Ziva/Zilara: Much more expensive, much more "corporate" luxury.
- Margaritaville Island Reserve: More of a party vibe.
- Eden Roc Cap Cana: Ultra-luxury. If you have the budget, go here. If you want value and space, stay with SI.
The Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana occupies a weird, cool middle ground. It’s for the person who wants the prestige of Cap Cana without paying $1,200 a night at a boutique hotel.
Misconceptions You Should Ignore
You don't have to be an athlete to stay here. You don't even have to like sports.
While the branding leans into the "active" life, the primary draw is the suite-style living and the marina access. You’ll see plenty of people who haven't picked up a tennis racket in twenty years just enjoying the view of the boats.
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Another misconception? That it's "just for men." Not true. The SI Swimsuit brand has always had a massive female following, and the resort's aesthetic—lots of whites, blues, and clean lines—appeals to anyone who likes a modern, nautical look.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
If you’re actually going to book a stay at the Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana, do these three things to ensure you don't end up disappointed:
Book the Airport Transfer in Advance. Don't just grab a random cab at PUJ. The resort is only about 15 minutes away, but having a driver waiting with a sign makes the entry into the Cap Cana gates much smoother.
Request a Marina View. Some rooms look back toward the property or the "village" streets. They’re fine, but the magic of this place is the water. Seeing the masts of the sailboats from your balcony at sunrise is worth the extra few dollars or the polite request at check-in.
Download the Cap Cana App. Since the resort is part of a larger gated community, there are events, bike rentals, and trail maps that aren't always publicized in the hotel lobby. Being "in the know" about what's happening in the wider Cap Cana area will triple your entertainment options.
The Sports Illustrated Resort Punta Cana isn't a perfect sanctuary, but it’s a distinct, high-energy alternative to the cookie-cutter resorts that dominate the Dominican Republic. It feels like a place where things are happening. Whether you're there to smash golf balls or just hide behind sunglasses and a book, the backdrop is hard to beat.
Check the seasonal rates carefully. Prices swing wildly between January and June. If you can snag a villa during the shoulder season, you’re getting some of the best real estate in the Caribbean for a fraction of what the neighbors are paying.