The phrase “dream vacation” is often accompanied by images of white sand beaches, palm trees gently dancing in the breeze, impossibly turquoise water and a fruity tropical drink in hand. Not hard to settle back into that image, is it? The Dominican Republic has more visitors each year than any other Caribbean island for those very reasons.
We picked out the best beach resorts for your Caribbean vacation to the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Tortuga Bay Hotel at Punta Cana Resort & Club was designed with vision and care for even the smallest detail by famed fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta. For starters, he designed the entirety of this impressive 1500-acre reserve, its 13 villas and the Oscar de la Renta boutique on-site—the first of its kind at any resort. This resort’s private beach may be the most beautiful in Punta Cana and it sits out your front door, across a few steps of finely-manicured grass. Enjoy nothing but the soothing sound of waves at night here, this peaceful retreat is far from cities and nightlife. Choose a spacious villa with ocean views and one, two, three or four bedrooms, each complete with elegant decor, a kitchenette, Frette linens, dazzling stone bathrooms and a personal golf cart for exploring the property. At Tortuga Bay you’re either on the beach or looking at it, no matter which villa you occupy.
Visit the Caribbean’s only Six Senses Spa on the premises for a rejuvenating spa experience—you can even arrange a treatment in the privacy of your room. The on-site Bamboo Restaurant serves up gourmet food with a complimentary continental breakfast. In addition to the resort many perks like free WiFi, 24-hour room service, swimming pool and fitness center, the resort’s proximity to PUJ airport allows their “VIP Whisking Service.” Enjoy accelerated processing through customs on arrival and a personal escort to Tortuga Bay, just 10 minutes away. Finally, Tortuga Bay should also be singled out for its ongoing conservation efforts, winning it the 2014 World Travel Award for being the “Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort.”
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Book a suite at Le Sivory Punta Cana Hotel if you’re looking for the ultimate romantic getaway at a truly boutique hotel with an all-inclusive dining plan. This recently renovated adults-only escape has AAA Diamond Award status and a backdrop straight from a tropical movie set. Prepare for nothing less than extravagance during your stay—spacious suites with classy Caribbean decor, WiFi, jacuzzis on the terrace, bathtubs and showers for two and most important, beachfront or ocean views. Little touches like complimentary bug spray in rooms, towel art and flowers reveal Le Sivory staff go above and beyond for guests. There’s no early rising to reserve a sunbed or umbrella at this residence. The large, private beach has golden sand and ample amenities for all guests to enjoy—even though it’s unlikely you’ll see more than a few fellow beachgoers.
Gastronomically, Le Sivory is a culinary delight. The award-winning chef, Cristian Matias Baez created varied menus for the hotels three restaurants. In addition, you can dine with your toes in the sand at Palapa Beach Restaurant or sip tropical cocktails at the two pool bars. Escape to the light and airy spa, surrounded by nature, for a soothing massage or take advantage of the complimentary dry sauna and whirlpool baths for the duration of your stay. By the time you’re packing your bags, you’ll remember the staff by name and want this hotel to stay your little secret.
La Romana, Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has something for everyone with all-inclusive or a la carte options and luxurious rooms or private villas. Choose your accommodations based on your vacation plans—the resort rooms are spacious with a balcony or terrace and modern decor with natural accents, and in the villas, you’ll feel as if you’re vacationing in your own private home. Villas have garden or oceanfront locations with daily maid service, breakfast prepared in the villa and concierge service for all reservations. All guests of the resort receive a complimentary golf cart for exploring the premises. If golf is the main focus of your trip, inquire about the all-inclusive golf packages and opt for a golf lodge room—the original lodgings of the resort but completely redone.
Dining options are limitless here—seven restaurants are included in the all-inclusive experience with Italian, Mediterranean, Dominican, sushi and more. Enjoy a romantic evening at La Piazzetta restaurant overlooking Altos de Chavón or keep it simple with food from Epicure food truck on Minitas Beach. After a long day, why bother dining out? Room and private chef services can supply everything you need for a delicious meal in bed. When it comes to nightlife, this complex has everything from bustling to intimate. The seven bars, two of which are nightclubs, offer a variety of atmosphere so you can have a romantic nightcap or dance until the sun comes up. Get in some R&R by the infinity pool or under an umbrella on the beach. The resort spa offers ayurvedic techniques for natural soothing—get a massage, facial or take a dip in the water sanctuary.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
The Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort gives guests the ideal launch pad for their next unforgettable Dominican Republic adventure. This classic mid-level, all-inclusive complex hides in the warm-climate wonderland known as Puerto Plata, right on the island nation’s northern coast, and has its own large beach and central swimming pool (complete with a popular swim-up bar). There are also two buffet-style restaurants offering wide-ranging international dining options, with à la carte dining also available upon request for whenever you have something special in mind.
Meanwhile, younger travelers—and older travelers looking for some alone time—will love the kids club on premises, where they can socialize with other guests their age while engaging in a full itinerary of fun-filled activities. The rooms here are comfortable and come with either balconies or terraces for basking in the ocean breeze. Plus, larger suites are available for families or large groups.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The recently refurbished Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana sits on the beautiful white sand of Arena Gorda Beach offering 24-hour all-inclusive perks. More than 600 spacious suites deliver a comfortable haven for when both families and couples alike need time out of the sun, equipped with satellite TV, plush bedding, patio and some even have outdoor jetted tubs.
Between the resort’s three buffets, five international restaurants and five bars you’ll find satisfaction no matter your preferences. The pool and beach are the main attraction here, with a lively swim-up pool bar, plenty of loungers and shade when you need it under palm trees or a cabana. Families love vacationing here because there’s something for every age including the RiuLand Kids’ Club, a 24-hour sports bar, a discotheque, Renova Spa and free admission to Splash Water World. Plus, windsurfing, tennis, a sauna and more are all part of your all-inclusive package!
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
At Hotel Riu Republica the clientele love partying and a drink is never far away. This adults-only playground has more than 1,300 rooms, eight swimming pools, 10 bars and nine restaurants. Spending the entire day at the beach is easy here, it’s stunning and unoccupied loungers are never hard to find. Around-the-clock entertainment means waterslides, kayaking, scuba lessons and beach volleyball are just the beginning of the fun; there are also beach barbeques, Michael Jackson shows and a nightclub.
When you’re ready to crash in the evening (or the wee hours of the morning), beachy vibes and plush bedding welcome you to your room equipped with a terrace or balcony, satellite TV and a safe. In addition to the Asian, Italian, Indian and steakhouse restaurants, couples looking to turn up the heat can arrange a romantic al fresco dinner or couples Aromatherapy & Deep Tissue Massage for an additional charge.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Having a great adults-only vacation isn’t always about a secluded romantic getaway or a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Sometimes it’s about finding the perfect destination to both bond with old friends and make new ones. Enter Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa, a great place for couples, groups and intrepid solo travelers to make memories that will last a lifetime. Brightly colored, Caribbean decor and balconies with whirlpools make every room inviting whether it has ocean or pool views.
Guests can expect mingling by the pool at one of the many DJ parties and oceanfront bars, relaxation on the beach from the vantage of a private cabana and rejuvenation in the world-class spa by Pevonia while enjoying the “Ultimate Luxury” all-inclusive experience. The resort’s eleven gourmet dining options never require reservations and around-the-clock room service means both breakfast in bed and late night snacks are never an inconvenience.
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