Punta Cana airport has the most Instagram worthy lounge amenity we’ve ever seen. Not one but 2 swimming pools overlooking the runway!
While there’s been a Punta Cana airport pool since 2017, PUJ opened a second, much larger VIP lounge in October 2023. Here’s a video walkthrough of the new VIP lounge.
Priority Pass Lounge at PUJ
Both the original PUJ VIP lounge and the new lounge that opened in October 2023 are free for Priority Pass holders.
However, the airport’s contract with Priority Pass Lounges expired the day before our visit and the cost to enter was $25 per person. It’s now back to free for PP holders. I’ve got updated prices below.
After spending 6 nights at Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana (for free with Hyatt Points), we were some of the 1st Priority Pass holders to see the new lounge and pool.
According to the PUJ Airport website, the lounges offer free access to people who hold Priority Pass, Lounge Club, Lounge Key, Diner’s Club or Dragon Pass.
Last time I checked, the Priority Pass mobile app also shows that you can get free access to both the old (small) lounge near Gate 24 and the new VIP lounge with a PP membership card.
New PUJ Airport Lounge Pool
Located in the newest section of Terminal B, the new VIP Lounge with pool is across from Gate 30. To get there, stay to the left as you exit security.
You’ll have a 5-10 minute walk and the new lounge will be on your left, just past Criollitos candy shop.
After you take the elevator up, you enter this gorgeous lounge.
It’s nicer than any Centurion Lounge I’ve visited and it’s not much of a step below the Chase Sapphire Lounge that we visited on our New England fall road trip.
Behind the main bar, there’s a door to a smoking balcony with tables, chairs and ash trays. The lounge itself is non-smoking but if you need a fix, you can go outside and smoke. The smoking area is right above Gate B32 with great views of the airport.
The main buffet was well stocked with fruits, vegetables and several hot dishes. There’s a definite Dominican flair but it seems like there’s something for everyone to eat.
As you’d expect, the bathrooms were gorgeous and included showers if you want to clean up after taking a dip in the swimming pool.
Showers had both a tall rain shower head and a hand held shower wand. You can even get a locker in the bathroom.
Original PUJ Airport Pool Lounge
On the other end of Terminal B, near Gate 24, you’ll find the old VIP Airport lounge whose pool has been photographed by hundreds of social media influencers.
And now Zuzu’s been able to dip her toes in the PUJ pool!
Opened in 2017, this is the original Punta Cana airport VIP lounge. It’s been made famous by the insane images of this infinity pool overlooking the runway.
To get to this lounge, stay right after you exit Terminal B security and take the elevators near Gate 24.
Even though it’s incredibly exciting to have a pool at an airport lounge, the rest of the lounge is small and pretty forgettable.
With the Priority Pass contract having expired the day before we arrived, the lounge was practically deserted.
But even with almost no one there, it’s a pretty small lounge. Nothing like the new lounge near Gate 30.
Food options at the original PUJ pool lounge were much fewer than at the new lounge.
Airport Lounge Cost
On the day that we visited, the cost to enter these lounges was $25. However, the Punta Cana airport’s official website shows a cash price of $50 per person or $35 when paying with an American Express card. Kids from 2-7 years old are $25 each.
But the best deal is to get free entry with your Priority Pass membership. In addition to Priority Pass holders, you can get in for free with Lounge Club, Lounge Key, Diner’s Club or Dragon Pass.
The Best Airport Lounge?
While the original PUJ Airport Lounge was famous for its pool, the new lounge might have a claim to being one of the best airport lounges in the world. The space, views, food and drinks were all about good as it gets. And then they’ve got a pool!
After 6 free nights at a pair of Punta Cana adults only all inclusives, the new lounge was a fantastic way to end our vacation in the Dominican Republic!
For Priority Pass card holders who can get in for free, this is a must visit lounge when flying through Punta Cana. And even at $35 or even $50 per person, it stacks up well against other airport lounges.
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