A lush, tropical wonderland awaits those who enter the Dominican Republic, a place as dense with untamed natural beauty as it is with luxury resorts and hotels. Many travelers flock here for the sprawling all-inclusive resorts, but the island’s boutique hotel options offer exclusivity without sacrificing luxury.
Choose from our list of the best boutique hotels in the Dominican Republic.
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Picture palm trees, elegant cabanas and sleek minimalist design supporting nature as the star of the show at this hotel nestled right on Coson Beach. Sublime Samaná Hotel & Residences’ spread of different-sized suites and casitas make it the perfect vacation spot for families and couples. All accommodations were designed by native architect Antonio Segundo Imbert and include a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and terrace or balcony. Tranquility abounds with carefully-designed separate family and adults-only pool areas alongside a flawless beach.
Dine on gourmet cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients at the Beachside Grill Palapa and open-air Bistro Restaurant or arrange a candle-lit dinner on the beach. Weekly complimentary yoga and meditation classes help keep you in a tranquil state of mind the duration of your stay while resort-recommended excursions keep your blood pumping with new experiences. Pamper yourself at Coconut Whispers Spa with a spa or beauty treatment like a couple’s cabin, temazcal, Vichy shower or massage—nothing melts routine worries away like soaking in a flower-filled tub.
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.
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.”
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.
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