John,
My boyfriend and I stayed at Bavaro Palace for 3 nights during this past December. It was a large, beautiful resort right on the beach. The beaches at Punta Cana are gorgeous. We vactioned at Puerto Plata the previous March and it just didn't compare to the beauty of Punta Cana. It was a little windy on the beach during Dec., so we spent most of our time by the pool. The buffet was okay. If you have the "all-inclusive" package then you'll be able to eat at any of the restaurants in the neighboring Bavaro resorts (I believe there are 5 connected in the resort area). You'll need to make reservations for the restaurants, but everything is free so I would suggest dining at the various restaurants as often as you can get reservations. The food and atmosphere are so much better than in the buffet dining room. We didn't find much of a nightlife. Although, there is a casino, discotec, and show to go to within the complex, things are kind of quiet after 10:30pm. We traveled outside the resort, but I wouldn't recommend it. My boyfriend was born and raised in DR and that was the only reason I felt safe to leave the resort.
Have a great time! Tracy