You may not book an all-inclusive, oceanfront resort vacation in the Caribbean solely for the man-made swimming opportunities, but the free-form pool at Dreams Punta Cana is pretty darn cool. It weaves through the property from just in front of the lobby to a few steps from the beach, and each section attracts different types of guests: Spirited adults gather at the swim-up bar, couples chill near the quiet area close to the lobby, and families hang out where all the poolside activities take

You may not book an all-inclusive, oceanfront resort vacation in the Caribbean solely for the man-made swimming opportunities, but the free-form pool at Dreams Punta Cana is pretty darn cool. It weaves through the property from just in front of the lobby to a few steps from the beach, and each section attracts different types of guests: Spirited adults gather at the swim-up bar, couples chill near the quiet area close to the lobby, and families hang out where all the poolside activities take place. Two rows of three-story guest-room buildings flank the long pool, and some first-floor rooms actually have "swim-out" sections (reserved for couples, mind you). A children's pool is separate from the free-form pool but still close to all the action.

Families of three or four can book deluxe rooms or junior suites. Families of five or more will need to reserve a "deluxe family room," which is actually a room with a king bed connected to a room with two double beds. For still more space, consider the "master two-bedroom suite," a junior suite connected to a deluxe room. Upgrade to the Preferred Club for rooms in premium locations, some with private outdoor Jacuzzis. Other Preferred Club amenities include access to a private lounge with continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres throughout the day (not that big a deal, since as an all-inclusive guest you get included food around the clock anyway), as well as free in-room Internet access (a bigger deal, perhaps, if you have work to do on vacation; access otherwise costs $25 per day).

The Dominican Republic's Punta Cana area, on the eastern tip of the island shared with Haiti, is known for its white-sand beaches, and indeed Dreams Punta Cana has a fabulous one that's 1,300 feet long. While there is some coral in the ocean near the beach, the best rock-free swimming areas are marked. Beach palapas for shade and the canopy beach beds are snapped up quickly; still, given the spacious grounds here, you'll always be able to find a place to lounge in the Caribbean sun.