What Makes All-Inclusive Viva Resorts By Wyndham A Good Deal

Viva Resorts by Wyndham is a chain of tropical all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean where value and fun are guaranteed. We have long praised this chain because their value for money promise makes their all-inclusive, family-welcoming resorts so successful.

Eight resorts include the Viva Fortuna Beach in the Bahamas, Viva Maya and Azteca in Mexico’s Playacar development on the Riviera Maya, and five properties around the Dominican Republic. Several have been reviewed by Family Travel Forum writers who praise their fun ambiance and great staff.

The DR is home to the ninth and newest resort, Viva Miches by Wyndham, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort, opening this fall. Miches is a newly developed north coast resort area known for its natural scenery and adventure sport activities. The government has emphasized environmental conservation and the preservation of local flora and fauna to protect the region, a win-win for travelers.

As you can read in our writer’s detailed review of the Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, this company knows how to show its guests a good time.

Viva Italia! A Brief History of Viva Resorts

Viva Resorts’ founder and president was Ettore Colussi. This charming Italian Odysseus beached his sailboat on Hispaniola, after five years of roaming the Caribbean. He found “home” in the Dominican Republic. After spending several months getting to know the country, Colussi returned to Italy, scooped up some willing buddies, and bought his first resort hotel in 1987. Colussi committed to four values, not unlike the founders of the enduring Club Med.

1. The first was building resorts in the best beach locations.

2. Next was maintaining a top value proposition in the face of tough competition. Viva by Wyndham Resorts are still affordable.

3. Colussi was adamant about being family-friendly while welcoming all types of guests.

4. Lastly, he chose to hire a diverse pool of talented, multi-lingual staff who could entertain and serve. Mr. Colussi grew his first resort, Viva Dominicus Beach, from 60 bungalows to 1,000 rooms in 20 years.

After La Romana, Mr. Colussi followed his first love, scuba, and built the group’s next property on Grand Bahama. Two resorts in the Mexican development of Playacar along the Riviera Maya followed. Then came more in the Dominican Republic.

Today, while the Dominican Republic resorts still attract many Europeans, Italian guests make up only about 30% of the company’s business. That doesn’t mean the Italian talent for cuisine, generosity of spirit and great design sense is gone, however. Rooms are spacious and well decorated, with a variety of room sizes and styles appropriate to every type of family. Don’t expect fancy at Viva Resorts, however. Their first commitment is to offering a top value vacation.

Sustainability is a Viva Resorts by Wyndham Priority

Respect for their environment has long been part of the Viva ethos. Back in 2003, the beaches at both Viva Dominicus Beach and Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham were recognized for their water quality, safety and public environmental education with Blue Flag Beach certifications.

Then, Indiana University collaborated with the Domincan resorts to protect the 1724 Guadalupe Underwater Archaeological Preserve (GUAP) and marine environment. GUAP is the DR’s most frequently visited dive site, where snorkelers and scuba divers can see diverse marine life surrounding the wreck’s cannons and anchor.  

Today, each of the all-inclusive Viva Resorts by Wyndham has achieved the brand’s Green Certification. In addition to projects protecting the environment at several properties (such as the Coral Nursery at Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham), the “Green” label covers several aspects of resort management. 

Let the kids know they can expect recycling, towel and linen reuse, interior energy-efficient lighting, and utility tracking. As part of their commitment to responsible tourism at each destination, resorts also focus on fostering education and sports, promoting health and supporting local communities.

All Inclusive Resorts are a Good Deal for Hungry Families

At an all-inclusive resort company, one price covers everything a vacationer might need. For many, that starts with food. Families enjoy three meals a day from bountiful buffets, so picky eaters are easily accommodated. Adults can indulge in unlimited beverages and house brand alcohol.

Keep in mind that these resort rates are a good deal. At lower-cost all-inclusives, it’s not all sushi and lobster rolls and premium Scotch. Foodie families may prefer to stick to the higher-priced tier of Viva by Wyndham resorts.

Everyone, however, does love to drop into the 24-hour snack bars. And the pampering. Wait staff circle the pool and public areas with refreshments, there’s an afternoon High Tea service, and rooms with minibars have them restocked daily.

All Inclusive Resorts Can Be Spa Vacations or Wellness Retreats

If the possibility of overeating makes you nervous, turn your stay into a spa vacation. Viva Resorts by Wyndham are in tropical locales where fresh fruit, vegetables and salads are abundant, and each buffet offers a low-fat, low-calorie, plant-based selection to accommodate any diet. Recreate in the beautiful outdoors setting.

Daily activities center around total action. Partake in favorite watersports or take group lessons in windsurfing, kayaking or scuba. Challenge all ages to team games like volleyball or soccer, reggae dance classes or yoga. Dive shops, banana boat rides, jet skis, hair-braiding and local crafts are some of the fun local options available for a fee. At some Viva Resorts by Wyndham locations, tour unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage sites and Mayan archeological parks.

For many, that one low all-inclusive price ensures a carefree ‘flop ‘n’ drop’ vacation. Look for the many hammocks, sun chaises and shaded patios available to guests seeking inaction. We find the mix of action and inaction perfect to accommodate multigenerational groups.

Enhancing the Viva by Wyndham Top Value Proposition

The past decade of damaging hurricanes, tropical illnesses and other traveler woes has resulted in good news for families. Added values to the Viva Wyndham brand include more restaurant options, including a la carte dining venues where you can book private tables in advance.

Two of the Dominican Republic resorts, at Puerto Plata and Cabarete, have enhanced family offers. They both have special family rooms sleeping up to five.

While preserving moderate rates, Viva Resorts by Wyndham has also been able to add spa facilities, dedicated miniclub facilities, and kiddie pools at each resort.

Comprehensive Kids Clubs and Family Together Fun Included at Viva Wyndham Resorts

Vivito the crocodile mascot greets all little ones at Viva Wyndham resorts. Each property runs a daily supervised kids’ program, divided into age-appropriate activities for ages 4-7 and 8-12. Private babysitting is available, for a fee, for the under-4s. Puzzles, gym time, arts ‘n’ crafts, pool games, kayaking, sandcastle building, and face painting are some options available daily.

Several of the resorts operate their supervised children’s programs for longer hours during the busy holiday season. Extended hours give parents plenty of time to enjoy themselves knowing their kids are well looked after.

Each resort also plans themed holiday activities that the whole family enjoys together. Picture being splashed with color during the annual Holi Party celebrating the Hindu festival of spring. Holiday events give your three- or more generational family group more excuses to spend quality time together.

Viva Resorts by Wyndham Expands to Miches

In keeping with growing traveler interest in environmentally sustainable travel and active adventures, the newest Viva resort will open in Miches, Dominican Republic. It’s easy to reach because it’s just a 90-minute drive from the Punta Cana Airport. The surrounding beach area of Playa Esmeralda is home to sea turtles, whose protected nesting grounds give it a more natural look.

Viva Miches, more luxurious than some other Viva Resorts, is adorned by the sparkling sea, lush forests and colorful artwork by local Dominican artists. There are 538 guest rooms, including connecting rooms and some with private plunge pools. The resort’s lush landscaping and décor blend in with the environment, a look designed to appeal to both couples and family groups. A second phase of development will increase the resort’s footprint to approximately 750 rooms. Once open, there are plans for an adults-only wing, bringing the total investment in Viva Miches by Wyndham to $130 million.

In addition to one international buffet which will serve some authentic Dominican and Caribbean dishes, there are four a la carte options. Families can book ahead for Latin fusion, Asian specialties, Oceanic and seafood specials and Mediterranean fare.

Miches also follows Colussi’s original commitment to entertainment — keeping guests busy by day with active recreation and by night with live shows.

In addition to wellness activities such as yoga and Pilates, the resort offers whale-watching trips (January to March) and excursions to Los Haitises National Park and Laguna Limón, havens for wildlife viewing. Capture your family’s portraits at nearby Montaña Redonda, known for its Instagram-famous hilltop swings.

This latest resort promises to be top value like its predecessors. To celebrate its grand opening, Viva Miches by Wyndham is offering early bookers an exclusive launch offer with rates starting at US$107per person, per night, in double occupancy.

Each Resort Surprises with Small Touches and Cool Facilities

One of the best qualities of the Viva Resorts is that they are not cookie-cutter properties. Discover a favorite corner for sunset cocktails at one. Enjoy a different nightly show put on by the talented and vivacious staff at each resort. Ask your teens to do some destination homework because some are near lively beach towns for a night away.

Viva Resorts has more than 37 years of experience developing, managing and marketing hotels in the Caribbean. They kept their own welcoming personality after joining Wyndham and are now part of the Trademark Collection of distinctive properties. Being part of a larger hospitality group has benefits too.

For example, some perks more commonly seen at luxury resorts come courtesy of Viva’s Wyndham affiliation. In addition to easy booking, the Wyndham Rewards program allows guests to maintain a preference profile and earn loyalty points.

We suggest trying one and then trying them all. You can do it because Viva Wyndham resorts are committed to affordability. Over several vacations, you will have used the Mini Disco to join Caribbean dance classes or taken archery lessons. The kids will have tasted Mofongo and learned to snorkel. Your parents may have hit the pickleball courts and conquered a dillball.

More than anything, we believe it’s those priceless memories that make Viva by Wyndham Resorts a good deal.