If you’ve been hunting for the Now Larimar Resort Punta Cana online lately, you’ve probably run into a bit of a digital dead end. It’s confusing. You see old photos of those iconic winding pools and palm-thatched roofs, but the booking engines keep redirecting you. Honestly, it’s because the resort technically doesn't exist under that name anymore. In 2020, amidst a massive rebranding wave by AMResorts (now part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection), the property underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and emerged as Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana.
It wasn't just a name change. They gutted rooms, overhauled the dining concepts, and fundamentally shifted the "vibe" from a high-energy, slightly dated party spot to something much more polished. If you loved the old Now Larimar, you'll recognize the bones of the place, but the experience is night and day.
The Identity Crisis: What Happened to Now Larimar?
Travelers are often loyal to a fault. I've spoken to families who visited Now Larimar five years in a row and were terrified when the "Now" branding vanished. The "Now" brand was always positioned as a sort of middle-ground—vibrant, family-friendly, but maybe a little rough around the edges in terms of service consistency. By transitioning it to the Dreams Resorts & Spas portfolio, Hyatt moved the goalposts.
The resort occupies a prime slice of Bavaro Beach. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the level of luxury. When it was Now Larimar, the Garden View rooms were often criticized for feeling a bit dark or "lived-in." The renovation introduced a brighter, modern Caribbean aesthetic. Think less heavy mahogany and more stone, light woods, and linens. They basically took a "good" resort and spent the money required to make it a "great" one.
The Bavaro Beach Factor
Let’s be real. You don't go to Punta Cana for the architecture. You go for the sand. The stretch of beach formerly known as the Now Larimar footprint is widely considered one of the best on the island.
Why? Because of the seaweed management and the offshore reefs. While some resorts further north in Uvero Alto struggle with massive waves and "red flag" swimming days, this section of Bavaro is relatively calm. It’s swimmable. It’s turquoise. It’s exactly what you see on the postcards.
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Room Categories That Actually Matter
When you're booking the "new" Now Larimar (Dreams Royal Beach), the room selection is where people usually mess up.
- The Preferred Club: This isn't just a marketing gimmick here. It gives you access to a private lounge, a dedicated beach area, and—most importantly—a private pool that is significantly quieter than the main pool.
- Swim-up Suites: These were a staple of the old resort and remain the most requested. Just keep in mind that "swim-up" often means "everyone walking by can see into your room." If you value privacy, go for a higher floor with a balcony jacuzzi.
- Deluxe Tropical View: These are the entry-level rooms. They’re fine, but they can be a long walk from the beach.
Eating Your Way Through the Rebrand
One of the biggest complaints about the old Now Larimar was the buffet fatigue. It was predictable. The new iteration has leaned heavily into "Unlimited-Luxury," which is Hyatt-speak for "we don't make you wear those annoying plastic wristbands and you don't need reservations for dinner."
They kept the fan favorites like the Teppanyaki tables (now at Himitsu), but the quality of ingredients shifted upward. There is a French restaurant, Bordeaux, which is adults-only. If you’re traveling with kids but want one night of sanity, this is your escape hatch. The seafood at Seaside Grill is also a massive step up from the previous incarnation.
Honestly, the coffee shop is the secret winner. Most people overlook it, but the Coco Café is open 24 hours. If you have jet lag or a toddler who wakes up at 5:00 AM, that place is a literal lifesaver.
The "Garden" Side vs. The "Beach" Side
There is a weird quirk about the layout of this property. It is long. Like, really long.
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The resort is essentially split into two sections. If you stayed at Now Larimar back in the day, you might remember the "Garden" side which felt like a separate world. Today, part of that footprint has been split off into Dreams Flora and other nearby properties, but the core Dreams Royal Beach remains focused on that central corridor leading to the ocean.
If you have mobility issues, this is a factor. They have golf carts buzzing around constantly, but at peak check-in times, you might be waiting a while. Always request a room "close to the lobby" if you hate walking, or "close to the beach" if you don't mind the trek for the sake of the view.
Is it Still Good for Kids?
Now Larimar was a kid magnet. The good news is that the "new" version kept the Explorer’s Club and the Core Zone for teens. They didn't "adult-ify" it so much that it became stuffy.
The kids' club has a fountain/splash area and a massive sandcastle-inspired playground. For teens, there are batting cages and rock climbing walls. It’s one of the few places in Punta Cana where the teen club isn't just a room with two broken Xboxes. They actually have structured activities that don't feel forced.
Common Misconceptions and Red Flags
I see a lot of people asking if the "Now" brand is completely dead. Not entirely, but in Punta Cana, the transition to Dreams or Sunscape is the standard move.
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The Seaweed Issue: Let's talk about the sargassum. No resort can control the ocean. Between May and September, Punta Cana (including this resort) can get hit with brown seaweed. The resort staff works incredibly hard—literally raking the beach at 6:00 AM—but if nature decides to dump seaweed on the shore, it’s going to be there. This isn't a failure of the resort; it's a Caribbean reality.
The "Timeshare" Pitch: This is the one thing that hasn't changed since the Now Larimar days. When you arrive, someone will offer you a "welcome breakfast" or a "resort tour" in exchange for coupons or a free massage. This is a sales pitch for the Unlimited Vacation Club. If you aren't interested, a firm "No thank you" is required. Don't be polite about it—be clear, or they will follow you to the elevator.
Nuance in Service: The Dominican Pace
If you are coming from New York or London, the service at the resort might feel slow. It’s not. It’s just "island time." Whether it was Now Larimar or the current Dreams, the culture of the staff is warm and friendly, but rarely hurried. If you order a drink at the pool bar, it might take ten minutes. Lean into it. You’re on vacation.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book what used to be the Now Larimar, here is how you do it right:
- Check the Map First: Make sure you are booking Dreams Royal Beach. Do not confuse it with Dreams Flora or Dreams Onyx, which are in different areas of Punta Cana.
- Download the Hyatt Inclusive Collection App: This is a game-changer. You can see the daily schedules, restaurant menus, and even order room service without picking up a phone.
- Tipping Strategy: While the resort is "all-inclusive," the staff works incredibly hard. Bringing a stack of small bills ($1s and $5s) for your bartenders and housekeeping will significantly "lube the wheels" of your service experience.
- The Airport Transfer: Don't just hop in a random taxi at PUJ airport. Pre-book a private transfer through a reputable company like DAT (Dominican Airport Transfers). It’s usually cheaper than the resort’s official shuttle and much faster.
- Pack an Insulated Cup: The plastic cups they provide are small and sweat in the heat. Bring a Yeti or a Stanley. The bartenders will fill it up for you, and your drink will stay cold for more than three minutes.
The Now Larimar Resort Punta Cana era was great for its time, but the upgrade to Dreams Royal Beach has fixed the aging infrastructure issues that were starting to plague the property. It’s still that same beautiful beach, just with better food and much better pillows.
Practical Insider Insight: If the price point for Dreams Royal Beach is too high for your dates, look at the sister properties like Sunscape Coco. It’s a bit more budget-friendly but maintains a similar layout. However, for the specific beach quality that made Now Larimar famous, sticking with the rebranded Royal Beach is your best bet for a guaranteed "resort" feel without the 2010-era decor.