It's no secret: We love the Dominican. It's home to stunning beaches, warm weather, sunny skies, and a ton of great all-inclusive resorts. These are our favorites.
With 730 rooms, the Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa sits smack on the beach in Punta Cana and is one of the nicest resorts along this crowded stretch of coast. This sprawling all-inclusive is about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana proper, and includes several pools, a lazy river, kids’ clubs for different ages, and entertainment. The Royalton Bavaro Resort has broad appeal for couples and families, and rooms are sharp and modern, with lovely terraces in all units. The Diamond Club upgrade will score you private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Otherwise, the standard all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants, plus drinks and gratuities.
The Excellence El Carmen – sister property of the Excellence Punta Cana – is a luxury adults-only resort that has amazing suites, including top-floor options with private rooftop terraces and plunge pools. The vibe at the resort is young and hip, but the Uvero Alto location in Punta Cana is more relaxed than more central parts of this strip. The Imperial Suite in particular scores you luxurious upgrades, though Excellence Club upgrades are also worth the splurge. These include private lounge and restaurant areas, plus rooms that are even sharper than the rest. Rates for all guests here include meals at 11 restaurants (including a taco truck and juice bar) plus 24-hour room service and activities like snorkeling. Extra charges apply at the full-service spa, but the thermal suite is free.
Situated in the blue waters of Samana Bay, Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado is a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. Why? Well, this exclusive property sits on its own private island, requiring a ferry ride from the mainland to reach. That means private beaches that can feel far less crowded than those along the D.R.'s southern shores. With only 268 rooms, the hotel is small compared to some of the larger mega-resorts found elsewhere in the Dominican Republic. And in addition to the private beaches, there are also two pools, six restaurants, and four bars. The Bahia Spa is also a hit with previous guests, while activities on-site are numerous. Rooms are spacious and have a classic look, and rates include all meals, transportation to and from the Samana Peninsula, drinks, and 24-hour room service.
The 92-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Catering to couples, the resort boasts an uncrowded white-sand beach, sleek and spacious suites, a pristine pool, and one of the Dominican Republic’s top spas. Included amenities — yoga classes, laundry services, top-shelf liquor, and even a horseback riding session — are plentiful, but a difficult-to-reach location and no kids’ club make it less suited for families. But that’s exactly what makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a romantic and relaxing getaway.
The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is packed with everything from a casino and spa to swim-up bars, a beautiful white-sand beach, and plenty of activities for both families and adults. While the Majestic Colonial is part of a large three-property development, this portion in particular renovated many of its common areas in 2017. The resort is split into a family-friendly side and the adults-only Colonial Club side, though keep in mind that certain days can feel a little wild. There are twice-weekly foam parties that mean rooms near the pools will pick up some noise. However, the 658 suites are attractive, with marble floors, jetted tubs, and ocean views in some. Dining is diverse and gets high marks, ranging from buffets and theme nights to a great sushi spot. A massive lazy river-style pool forms the core of the resort, and there are always available sun loungers here, though the beach does get crowded.
Best known for its Honeymoon Suite, the adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana is part of a swish resort development that's filled with pretty much every perk you'd need on a Dominican Republic all-inclusive vacation. While the Spanish castle-inspired architecture might read a little heavy-handedly at first, the interiors here are chic and modern, with a classic-contemporary style. The Honeymoon Suite, which is located in the Castle section of the resort, includes its own private pool and stunning beach views. Other amazing units, like the Monarch Villa, are also available for travelers who really want to splurge. You'll also find five pools, five restaurants, numerous bars, and 24-hour room service all included in the rate, though Santuary Cap Cana's spa will cost extra.
Part of a complex that also houses The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, this is the largest of the bunch. But don't let that scare you off — it's also one of the nicest and manages to feel blissfully uncrowded due to its massive size. Features are almost countless, and include a beautiful beach, pools, a pretty Asian-themed spa, a yoga studio, and excellent dining options. There are also bike stations for those who prefer to cycle around the large property (in addition to the free shuttle). At night, the beach comes to life with parties for adults and those traveling with their families. Royal Service upgrades, which include access to a private lounge plus a separate pool and beach area, are also available. You'll be pitched on arrival, but even the regular all-inclusive rates are generous, though keep in mind that some dining options will cost extra.
The Hard Rock Punta Cana is one of the biggest all-inclusive resorts in the country, with 1,775 rooms, 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, an 18-hole golf course, 65,000 square feet of meeting space, a massive spa and fitness center, and the Dominican Republic’s largest casino. We get it: We were intimidated, too, when we showed up to visit. However, while some Hard Rock properties skew a little too thematic, that's not the case here. In fact, it's one of the nicest all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The property is equally suitable for families, couples, and those just looking to have a good time. An incredibly long list of amenities includes regular concerts, a nightclub, kids' and teen clubs, a stunning stretch of beach, and food that scores high marks from previous guests.
Popular for weddings, the Dreams Punta Cana is a lovely upscale all-inclusive property that attracts guests with its beautiful beach, swim-out rooms, and Preferred Club upgrades. The list of features is long and includes a rock-climbing wall, a modern gym, a full spa, free water sports, daily and nightly entertainment, and numerous kid-friendly amenities. The star of the show here, though, might be the pools, which include one of the largest in the Dominican Republic. The 658 rooms are on the small side for the price, but the dining options score solid reviews from previous guests.
For families traveling with young kids, the Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is easily one of the Caribbean's best kid-friendly properties. From its Spongebob-themed Pineapple Villa to all-inclusive plans and a great water park, this resort is tailor-made for active days. There are numerous Nickelodeon-style events throughout the day and night, including dance parties, shows, and raffled-off opportunities to get slimed. While the beach can be a little rough for swimming, there are enough pools and chances to get wet on land, with the water park and its character visits being the most popular. There are also a dozen dining and drinking outlets found on-site, with nearly all food and beverages included in the rates. Still not enough? Game rooms and sports areas round things out.
Breathless Punta Cana lives up to its name, with a dizzying number of activities and perks on-site, including the Xhale Club and a casino, alongside a lazy river, multiple pools, and a beautiful beach. The 750-suite adults-only property is massive, so guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds, whether they are dining, swimming, or unwinding on the sand. It's not the most sedate property in the region — themed pool parties are the norm here, but those are included along with food, drinks, and water sports. Xhale Club upgrades score extra snacks and in-room services, plus VIP sections along the beach and in most dining venues. Breathless Punta Cana often gets compared to Dreams Onyx Punta Cana, though dining is generally better at Breathless.
With its contemporary interiors, CHIC by Royalton Luxury Resorts is a 320-room all-inclusive that's best for travelers seeking high-energy escapes. Features include varied on-site dining options, and beautiful pool and beach facilities. Amenities such as an on-site spa and a small fitness center also make CHIC an attractive option. Guests who upgrade to the Diamond Club will be treated to premium drinks and exclusive beach and pool access, which may be worth it. However, keep in mind that direct ocean-view rooms are limited and you should be willing to pay for this perk if it's a make-or-break feature in your vacation.
This upscale, adults-only all-inclusive property is a 45-minute drive from the Punta Cana Airport and is a haven for surfers. This section of coast is a bit rougher than what's found elsewhere in the region, but equally beautiful. The Excellence Punta Cana has a secluded vibe, despite its 464-room footprint, and includes a laid-back pool, a luxe spa, an amazing fitness center and yoga studio, and — our favorite — welcome glasses of Champagne upon arrival. At night, the honeymooners, couples, and wedding groups that flock to Excellence Punta Cana can choose from a number of high-end restaurants before hitting the theater or lively bars and lounges. While high-end club upgrades are available, we have to say that the standard all-inclusive offerings here are so generous that it may not be needed.