As the biggest section of the Grand Bahia Principe (five hotels within), the Bavaro has a whopping 816 rooms in itself, in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Hacienda level with a few extra amenities like closer proximity to the beach, coffeemakers, bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels upon request. The beach requires a walk from most rooms -– worth the trek, especially at sunrise -– and it's typically the easier bet to get a prime spot during the day (chairs by the two pools tend to fill up quickly). Rooms are spacious and clean with minibars, though they mostly contain outdated décor. There's a pesky charge for the in-room safe, but with a water park and plenty of a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment, this huge resort is meant to keep the masses happy.

This 200-room upscale resort is just a five-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, and draws mostly American couples and families. Highlights include the the long, large pool or white-sand (but short, and partially seaweed-strewn) beach. Rooms are elegant and modern, and most have at least partial ocean views. The atmosphere is low-key, but the resort can seem isolated and lacks the energy of activity-packed all-inclusive resorts in the area -- which is part of the appeal for many. The two restaurants serve organic fare, and there is a free shuttle to golf, tennis, and the restaurants at Puntacana Village. Those seeking an upscale resort with all-inclusive rates might want to consider the Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection or The Level Melia Caribe Tropical.

The largest of four Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana, the 683-room, luxury Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is a kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort that still manages to feel uncrowded due to its expansive grounds. Guests can expect to walk or hitch rides on the regular shuttle service to get to the beach, pools, luxury spa, kids’ club, and impressive restaurants around the resort; there are also bike stations for those who prefer to cycle. The beach doesn’t quiet down at night as it can at other resorts, but rather comes alive with a party scene appealing to both young and old. Rooms are contemporary and well-outfitted with free minibars, sofa beds, and furnished balconies – but the majority overlook the garden. The Royal Service upgrade -- expect a sales pitch upon arrival -- allows access to the private lounge and a separate pool and beach area, and comes with personal butler service. The resort is a bit more luxurious -- and a bit pricier -- than the neighboring Bavaro Princess Resort, Spa and Casino. Beach-lovers may prefer the feature-packed Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a more oceanfront setting.

Part of a sprawling five-hotel complex, the 676-room, family-friendly Riu Palace Punta Cana is an upscale all-inclusive resort set along a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with palm trees. The pool complex is stunning, complete with three large pools, a swim-up bar, and several whirlpools. Clean, spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, free minibars with liquor dispensers, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all local and imported drinks, as well as non-motorized water sports, daily entertainment for all ages, and access to most amenities and a number of restaurants at neighboring sister properties. For something a tad more luxe, check out the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort, though its grounds aren’t as impressive.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa is a four-pearl oceanfront adult-only resort in the ritzy Cap Cana development that has a lot to like. The 457 sharp rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies (some with ocean views, whirlpool tubs, or swim-out pools). The resort’s beach is gorgeous and -- like its two massive pools -- is lined with plush lounge chairs and umbrellas. This all-inclusive property's several restaurants only get mixed reviews, though everything from French and Mexican to steaks is available. Other resort amenities include multiple bars, a spa, gym, and freebies like non-motorized water sports, Spanish classes, and introductory diving classes. For an oceanfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, but better nightly entertainment and that's walkable to nearby shops and restaurants, it’s worth considering Secrets Royal Beach instead. 

The 510-room mid-range Natura Park bills itself as an eco-resort -- but the air conditioners in every room, plastic bar cups, and lack of recycling initiatives have us questioning this claim. Still, with tons of exotic birds scampering around the lush property, Natura Park is more connected to nature than most of its neighbors. Features-wise, the hotel has a large pool with a swim-up bar, a beautiful beach, four dining options, and a small spa and fitness center. Rooms are simple and a tad dated, and there’s no in-room Wi-Fi, but reasonable nightly rates make Natura Park an attractive pick. The nearby Be Live Collection Punta Cana doesn’t have the eco-friendly spiel, but it has more modern rooms, six dining options, and additional amenities for a similar price point.   

The Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana is mid-range, family-friendly all-inclusive with more affordable prices than three of the four other resorts in the massive Bahia complex. This section has 756 rooms in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Golden level (which offers a few extras, such as closer proximity to the beach). The beach requires a walk or shuttle from most rooms, but it's easier to get a lounge chair here than at the pool, where chairs tend to get snatched during sunrise. Rooms are basic, clean, and spacious with pull-out sofas for families, but there's a pesky charge to use the in-room safe. It's a crowded, large-scale resort with lots of features and lots of bar and restaurants options.

Thanks to a 45-million dollar renovation completed in 2017, the adults-only Excellence Punta Cana is now one of the best luxury all-inclusive properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Kids aren't allowed, so expect a peaceful scene at the spacious beach, two outdoor swimming pools, and two-story luxe spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Lobster and premium alcohol are included at the ten bars and nine gourmet restaurants, and only the teppanyaki restaurant requires reservations.
The 464 contemporary suites are divided into six categories, and all have romantic jetted tubs, free Wi-Fi, and free minibars. Some have ocean views, swim-up access, or private pools. Upgrade to the Excellence Club for extra perks like better beach beds and a private swimming pool. The only real downsides are the 45-minute drive from the airport and that the ocean can be too rough for swimming. For a more intimate luxury all-inclusive resort, consider the nearby 92-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.

Occidental Caribe is a three-pearl oceanfront all-inclusive modeled after a medieval castle that draws families and partiers alike. Its 798 air-conditioned rooms are pleasant enough, but a bit dated, and include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies. The long beach has flour-soft sand and many lounge chairs (but no umbrellas), while two zero-entry pools are surrounded by cabanas and lounge chairs. An oceanfront trapeze area offers free circus-style aerial classes. A small kids' water park and indoor kids' club are available for the little ones. Seven restaurants receive mostly positive reviews and range from Italian to Asian cuisines. Premium packages are available with benefits like private check-in, a private lounge, and free Wi-Fi. For something that's similarly priced but a bit more modern, check out sister property Occidental Punta Cana, though it lacks the kids' water park. 

This multi-leveled upscale all-inclusive property is located on a planned village square and yacht-filled marina in the remote, uncrowded Cap Cana development. The 166 huge, modern rooms have nautical touches and kitchenettes; they feel like the apartments they were once intended to be. The small beach located near sister resort Alsol Tiara (a five-minute walk away) isn't the highlight here, but there are four chic pools, transportation to Punta Espada Golf Course, and no reservations required for the restaurants. It's a great value for a four-pearl resort, but those who want to be closer to the action in Bavaro can compare rates with Ocean Blue & Sand.