Luxury in the Dominican Republic

   When Club Med hit the scene 40 years ago, its sole emphasis was on fun.But before long, the swinging singles resorts soon spun off a more grown-up version, a family resort.Over the years, these family Club Meds have added kids clubs, baby clubs and teen clubs.Now, Club Med Punta Cana has all this and more – an embrace of luxury that adds a new level of sophistication and comfort, while still retaining all the fun.

Last year, the club was shuttered and all the rooms were redone, with opulent new bedding and bathroom fixtures, flat screen TVs, and a totally redesigned restaurant and main bar.And new oceanfront family suites have upped the ante even more, with a private infinity edge pool, a concierge and separate, sedate check-in, and expansive rooms tricked out with even more goodies:a soaking tub plus separate glass-enclosed shower, fresh flowers, artwork, soft bathrobes and slippers.These Tiara suites are the culmination of the $34 million renovation.

You can always find something to eat or drink at Club Med, but the Tiara suites also offer room service (included), which means you can have a glass of milk and a plate of fruit waiting when your child wakes up from a nap.And while she’s napping the next room, you can catch up at work; each suite comes with a computer and free Internet access.

The suites offer twice daily cleaning, turndown service with chocolates, a stocked mini-bar, and a bar with snacks at the concierge office.Suites have espresso makers, and the concierge also has one; how civilized to come off an early plane ride and have a decent cup of coffee.

You’ll also find a decent cup of coffee served with hot milk at the two restaurants.The staggering variety of food includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, local cuisine, including freshly caught fish, and enough to satisfy the most discriminating palate.A welcome new touch is the juicer; you choose from an array of veggies and fruit and get a customized glass of, say, beet tomato cucumber juice.The bar on the beach has also been expanded, with lounges set up so you can look at the water or watch the sun set. You can also get a light meal there.

The Baby Club Med (for kids 4 months-2 years) has parent-child workshops, so new parents can learn alongside their kids.

The children’s club, Mini Club Med, for kids 4-10, boasts a new water park, with fountains, sprays and water slides.At the kids club, kids can play tennis or archery, sail, kayak – but if they don’t want to be part of a group, they can go on their own.What’s really nice is that one of the friendly G.O.s (think camp counselor) is usually hanging around, happy to show you how to skate better, improve your serve, hit the bulls-eye.When my 10-year-old picked up a basketball, a G.O. materialized and started shooting baskets with her.