Lifestyle

Best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic


The Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive resort scene might seem like the hub of spring break activity, and it certainly is — but that’s only scratching the surface.

Decadent, luxury resorts have boosted this serene country’s hospitality scene in recent years. Of course, there are still plenty of options we love for families or friends just looking for some warm weather and fun.

Whether you’re looking to stick to your favorite loyalty program or chasing after more of a bespoke resort, the Dominican Republic has something for you. Here are some of our favorites.

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

HYATT ZILARIA CAP CANA/HYATT

Best for: Travelers who want plenty of action, tropical vibes and a dose of romance.

Why stay here: An accessible Caribbean retreat, this property is an especially good value if you have World of Hyatt points to redeem.

Best way to book: Book the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana directly on Hyatt’s website to earn or redeem points and take advantage of elite benefits.

Ultimate fun in the sun comes to guests at this adults-only all-inclusive resort on Juanillo Beach. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana wows with its amenities, suites and a wide array of dining options.

The resort’s 375 suites offer a mix of ocean views and swim-up access for those willing to splurge. Larger suites feature extras like spacious balconies, living rooms and even private hot tubs. Twenty-four-hour room service and well-stocked minibars that include a mix of beer and sodas will keep you nourished when you don’t feel like eating out.

Of course, do make time for Hyatt Zilara’s six restaurants and seven bars — the train seating at Journeys, the resort’s Indian restaurant, is as picture-perfect as the curry served. A martini nightcap at One Eyed Cat, the on-site martini bar, is the best way to end the day and channel your inner 007. Don’t worry: They won’t judge you if you prefer it stirred over shaken.

Activities like visits to the on-site Canapolis Water Park, live music performances at the resort amphitheater or fitness classes ranging from yoga to aqua cycling are all included in your stay. Though, you might consider paying for extras like a couples massage on the beach or a private moonlit dinner — Hyatt Zilara’s romance concierge is happy to do all the planning.

Rates start at $699, or 35,000 World of Hyatt points, per night.

Royalton Chic Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

FERNANDO CALZADA/CHICH PUNTA CANA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Nightlife, pool parties and widespread fun with a boutique hotel twist.

Why stay here: Countless activities, boat excursions and funky rooms keep guests entertained and busy from check-in to check-out.

Best way to book: Book direct with Marriott to earn and burn points or benefit from Bonvoy member rates.

Marriott’s Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic errs more on the vibe side of a trendy boutique hotel than a packed all-inclusive resort with college students — though, it does still enjoy revelry from its more mature guests.

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Royalton Chic Punta Cana is popular with couples and honeymooners thanks to its enhanced amenities like excursions to neighboring areas and catamaran tours, an all-day buffet with Caribbean fare like mofongo and even an on-site casino. Those who splurge on a Diamond Club package get added amenities like butler service, a dedicated beach area with bar service and complimentary early check-in and late checkout.

The resort’s rooms and suites notably lean into Royalton Chic Punta Cana’s nightlife aesthetic with purple underlit beds, but these spaces are still a cozy place to return to after a day in the sun. Larger presidential suites feature extras like swim-out pools and additional bedrooms.

Rates start at $297 or 77,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

Playas de Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

HYATT

Best for: Travelers who prefer boutique hotels over large resorts. 

Why stay here: Experience the allure of expansive suites featuring private plunge pools on luxurious terraces, all within close reach of a serene, uncrowded beach.

Best way to book: Book directly with the resort for the best rates.

Those looking for a more intimate, glammed-up all-inclusive experience should look no further than Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. The 96-suite resort wows with the details like a welcome bottle of rum or tequila upon arrival, thrice-daily housekeeping, a complimentary 20-minute wellness experience and horseback riding — oh, and no set check-in or checkout time.

Suites and villas similarly amaze guests with cathedral ceilings, teak furniture and private balconies or terraces overlooking the gardens, pool or ocean. The 3-Bedroom Villa Caney Garden View is the ultimate indulgence in terms of upgrades, as this 4,100-square-foot space includes a sprawling living room, four bathrooms, walk-in closets, a plunge pool and a gazebo for outdoor dining.

Activities abound, from exploring a coral reef just offshore to lounging by the infinity pools or taking part in a wine-tasting or cigar-rolling class. But save room for time indulging at Zoetry’s many restaurants — Mexican chilaquiles and Argentinian steak at the beachside Indigo restaurant are a TPG favorite.

Rates start at $464 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

BAHIA PRINCIPE PUNTA CANA/FACEBOOK

Best for: A budget-friendly all-inclusive getaway.

Why stay here: Low cost doesn’t mean limited fun at Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, which offers a litany of outdoor activities, delectable dining and stunning views from its stretch of pristine Punta Cana shoreline.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages.

There’s a wide range of activities to keep travelers of all ages busy and engaged at this family-friendly Punta Cana all-inclusive resort: a kids’ club, a water park, two lagoon-style swimming pools, catamaran excursions, Jeep tours and horseback riding just to name a few.

The all-suite property features private balconies or terraces in all accommodations as well as seating areas to stretch out and relax after a day perusing the resort. Consider upgrading to a two-bedroom suite if traveling with family — or just opt for one of Bahia’s connection junior suites.

You’ll find a wide-ranging mix of international cuisine at poolside and beachside restaurants to keep you well-fed and hydrated between dips amid the crashing waves (or just the splashes of your neighbor in the pool).

Rates start at $318 per person, per night.

Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort

La Romana, Dominican Republic

VRX STUDIOS

Best for: Adult groups and couples who want a relaxing vacation void of children.

Why stay here: With a spa, casino, infinity pools and more than 10 bars and restaurants, there’s no chance of getting bored at this popular all-inclusive resort.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points and enjoy any elite benefits.

There’s something for everyone at Hilton La Romana Resort & Spa, Punta Cana — plus the ability to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points. The sprawling property includes 356 guest rooms and suites, many of which include private balconies and views of Bayahibe Beach and the ocean.

Rooms and suites all feature a private outdoor space as well as a complimentary minibar that’s restocked daily. You can pay up for added perks like swim-out rooms or ocean-view suites. Premium rooms include added benefits like a VIP pool, private beach and early check-in.

Dining ranges from Italian at Azzurri to flip flops and fabulous at the Coral Reef beach bar. Be sure to fuel up, as you’ll need the energy for some of Hilton La Romana’s activities like windsurfing, snorkeling, catamaran sailing and dance lessons to name a few. Of course, you can also try your hand at lady luck at the resort’s on-site casino — you might just win enough to book your next all-inclusive getaway.

Rates start at $420 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Sanctuary Cap Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

COREY WEINER/SANCTUARY CAP CANA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Swimming inside your room.

Why stay here: Many private pools are located outside a guest room, but Sanctuary Cap Cana is one of the few resorts where you can swim in total privacy indoors, too.

Best way to book: Reserve directly with Marriott so you can earn or redeem points for your stay. (Note that booking through the Sanctuary Cap Cana website will not give you Marriott benefits.)

Marriott’s first all-inclusive resort to fall under The Luxury Collection branding is a luxe affair for those who want a chic spin on an all-inclusive getaway. The decadent resort sits on a cliff with stunning views of the ocean.

Swanky accommodations range from ocean-view junior suites to a two-bedroom Castle Island suite with a private pool, oceanfront deck and ample living area for lounging with a book or glass of wine.

You’ll need a longer trip to make a dent in Sanctuary Cap Cana’s endless dining options: The resort boasts 13 different restaurants and bars for guests to pick from. (We’re partial to the teppanyaki at Wok, where you’ll get your own private chef for the night in this moat-surrounding restaurant.)

Plus, you’ll stay busy from check-in to checkout with activities like trying your hardest for a hole-in-one on the Jack Nicklaus golf course, singing the night away at the Love Bar piano bar or just splashing in the sun at one of Sanctuary Cap Cana’s six pools.

Rates start at $484 or 132,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Casa de Campo

La Romana, Dominican Republic

CASA DE CAMPO RESORT & VILLAS/FACEBOOK

Best for: Those looking for plenty of elbow room — 7,000 acres perhaps? — to unwind.

Why stay here: There’s a reason celebrities flock to Casa de Campo with its activities like scuba diving as well as scrumptious meals and enormous spa.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages.

Old Hollywood is the vibe at Casa de Campo, a historic resort that has drawn celebrities to the Dominican Republic for decades. Even Frank Sinatra flew his private jet onto the landing strip of this storied resort that features a mix of rooms, suites and private villas.

Casa de Campo isn’t as high society today as it was in its beginnings, but it’s still a decadent way to enjoy the Dominican Republic’s quieter southern coast. While we respect and love you for your affinity for cardio, you’ll likely need to utilize the resort’s golf carts to see the entirety of this 7,000-acre property. Accommodations range from guest rooms to private villas. We’re particularly fond of the oceanfront villas, which include breakfast prepared in your villa along with dedicated butler service to help pack and unpack.

All-inclusive packages at Casa de Campo include unlimited horseback riding, tennis and non-motorized water sports. You can also take part in skeet or trap shooting and a kids club. Dining includes the more casual Chilango Taqueria and romantic, French-inspired La Caña (bouillabaisse tastes all the more fresh with the Caribbean Sea so near).

All-inclusive rates start at $600 per night.

Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

BREATHLESS PUNTA CANA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Adults who want to be lazy in the sun then turn it up with live music and DJs.

Why stay here: At Breathless, you get the perfect mix of a relaxing vacation with high-energy social elements.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn and redeem points.

Amenities abound at this 750-suite all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. Breathless, Hyatt’s popular adults-only luxury all-inclusive imprint, wows at its Dominican Republic location with a variety of restaurants, entertainment and activities.

Accommodations include private balconies or terraces with large whirlpools. Those who splurge for an Xhale Club-level suite have access to more personalized butler service and access to VIP areas on the property.

Guests have 10 restaurants to choose from, including gourmet French cuisine at Coquette or Mediterranean at Kibbeh. Of course, we’re fans of making friends amid the splashy revelry of Deep, Breathless Punta Cana’s swim-up bar.

Major fun is to be had when you check into Breathless. Blacklight pool parties and Gatsby parties are just some of the variety of celebrations to be had during a stay. There are four pools — including two reserved for Xhale Club guests — and a variety of activities, from windsurfing to horseback riding. Don’t forget to save time to pamper yourself at the Spa by Pevonia, which offers treatments like chocolate mint exfoliation and aromatherapy massage at an extra fee.

Rates start at $422 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive

La Romana, Dominican Republic

VIVA RESORTS BY WYNDHAM/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers wanting a mix of seclusion and social time with their all-inclusive getaway to the Dominican Republic.

Why stay here: Whether you’re looking to soak in the waterfront views from a private balcony or make new friends at the seven restaurants here, Viva Dominicus Beach offers an array of options for you to relax your vacation away.

Best way to book: Book directly with Wyndham for the best rates and to earn or burn Wyndham Rewards points.

Wyndham’s fairly recent push into all-inclusive resorts offers an affordable way to enjoy some fun along the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach includes four pools, six restaurants and plenty of activities for guests of all ages.

Guest room and suite options range from spacious garden-view rooms with private balconies all the way up to ocean-view bungalows with thatched roofs and a private terrace.

Dining options at the property include Viva Mexico, a vibrant spot for alfresco guacamole and tacos, while La Roca Grill is a higher-end option for grilled fish amid romantic beachfront views. La Terraza is an all-day buffet offering everything from omelets in the morning to Italian at dinner. Between meals, hang out at the pool, swing from the seaside trapeze or indulge in a deep-tissue massage next door at the Viva Dominicus Beach’s sister property, Viva Dominicus Palace.

Rates start at $257 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.

Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites

Arena Gorda, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

RICHARD KOHLER/IBEROSTAR PUNTA CANA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Multigenerational travelers who want activities available for everyone.

Why stay here: There’s a kids club on-site to keep the little ones entertained while golf lovers can enjoy the best 18-hole golf course on the island (designed by P.B. Dye).

Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates.

Families looking for an affordable all-inclusive getaway to Punta Cana should look no further than Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites. The IHG-affiliated all-inclusive resort is located on a picturesque stretch of Playa Bávaro’s beachfront and offers a wide array of family fun, spacious accommodations and delicious dining.

The town center-style layout of the resort sets the stage for an abundance of amenities, like Iberostar’s three-story fitness center, 12 restaurants (we’re partial to sushi at Kabuki Japanese Restaurant and the New York strip at Brave Steakhouse), a kids camp and golf course. Scuba diving and exploring the resort’s coral nursery is a one-of-a-kind Iberostar experience for those looking to do more than “just” enjoy the crashing waves.

Space abounds in the guest suites (all of which include private balconies or terraces), but we’re particularly keen on the junior suites closer to the pool or with oceanfront views. Families should consider larger two-bedroom suites while couples might want to indulge in the ultimate wow factor: the penthouse suite with a king-size bed and oceanfront view (complete with a welcome massage to really help unwind from real life to vacation life).

Rates start at $383 per night.

Best credit cards for booking all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic

There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you’re loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.

Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits, though.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 rate, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.

Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits are:

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earning rates: Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

Benefits: Cardholders get up to $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel. Plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage among other policies.

Annual fee: $95.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Related reading:

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

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