Best For Singles: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana lives up the brand’s reputation, offering a glam experience and electrifying atmosphere. Stunning suites feature quirky yet plush retro décor and contain amenities such as marble bathrooms and in-room Jacuzzi tubs. An incredible thirteen pools offer a variety of atmospheres, from quiet oasis-like enclaves to social swim-up bars scenes dedicated activities hosts keep energy levels high at the more lively ones.
While the beachfront pools see plenty of action, with in-pool lounges, waterslides, swim-up bars, and ocean views, the spectacular guitar-shaped pool is the centerpiece of the resort. Drinking options range from the sophisticated Eclipse Terrace to the moodily lit Moon Lounge. The cavernous Oro Nightclub is one of the best nightclubs in the DR, where top DJs spin on award-winning sound systems and dazzling light displays illuminate bars and dancefloors filled. Looking to test your luck? There’s also a casino with blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and slot machines.
Get Yourself Ready For Sunshine
Dominican Republic vacations are completely hassle-free and perfect for the entire family, all year round.From active vacations in Punta Cana, to beach escapes on the coast in Miches, our Club Med resorts in Dominican Republic offer something for everyone.The Dominican Republic provides colonial architecture and modern structures, peaks and valleys, cliffs and mangroves, white sand beaches lined with palm trees, salsa and merengue. Add the locals’ warm welcome and DR has it all!
The Reserve At Paradisus Punta Cana
The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana is a boutique hotel that offers incredible service, amazing rooms, and limitless luxury.
From the spa, to the pools, to the beach itself the only decision youll have to make while youre here is to decide what to enjoy first.
The family concierge service helps make those decisions even easier.
They can guide you in the right direction, and inform you about everything thats taking place throughout the whole resort so you dont miss a single thing that catches your interest.
Theres a restaurant right alongside the main pool where you can try new and exotic flavors, or you can find many old favorites located throughout the property.
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Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro
Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro is a fantastic place for families.
The balconies or terraces outside each room are perfect for enjoying the view with your morning coffee.
There are main restaurants with large menus and special themed restaurants, too.
The nice thing about very large resorts is that they have even more choices so youll always find something great to try.
When youre sitting out on Arena Gorda beach, youll find yourself never wanting to leave.
But once you take the very short stroll back to the resort, youll remember that there are so many other things to do.
Huge resorts like this are all about options.
Youre not going to try every single experience here, but youre going to have so many options that you can make this experience your own.
Best For Luxury: Sanctuary Cap Cana
Courtesy of Sanctuary Cap Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana overlooks Caribbean waters from its cliff-top perch like an old castle. A collection of grandiose colonial Spanish buildings, the resort is all rough-cut limestone walls, warm pastel stucco, and ornate balustrades and towers. Guestrooms come in a variety of styles, but all are opulent with old-fashioned fittings and every modern comfort expected of a hotel of this standard. Guests lazing in lounges and cabanas on the powdery white beach can avail themselves of food and drink wait service from the beach bar, just as can guests around the pool can.
A stunning marble edifice built around a serene courtyard, Sanctuary Spa is a true highlight. Step inside and you’ll find Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, and treatment rooms offering a full menu of massages, body scrubs, facial cleanses, vitality rituals, and salon services. Superb dining options include the seafood specialties of Blue Marlin perched on stilts above the water in a rustic alfresco terrace and the casual elegance of Casabella which serves an international buffet for breakfast and lunch. Other options include an authentic sushi restaurant and an Argentine-style grill.
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An Ideal Wellness Retreat
During your vacations at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, spend time to relax and indulge in a zen atmosphere.
From its unparalleled yoga classes on the beach or in the trees to the Spa or the healthy bar, this destination has a true extended wellness offer with professional coaching that you cannot miss!
Viva Wyndham V Saman Saman
Guests at the Dominican Republic all-inclusive, adults-only resort enjoy rates that include accommodations, all meals and snacks, unlimited beverages, cocktails, and wine. Water sports, theme nights, theater, parties, entertainment, taxes, and gratuities are also included. Activities include beachside yoga, pilates, volleyball, kayaking, and swimming at the pools.
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Casa De Campo Resort And Villas
At long last, the Dominican Republic’s oldest resort has all-inclusive option that allows guests to enjoy many of the luxury amenities within this expansive five-star complex. Casa de Campo is in La Romana, a resort paradise located on the southeastern shore of the Dominican Republic. This resort is especially well-known for its three Pete Dye golf courses, including the Caribbean’s top-ranking “Teeth of the Dog” course.
The resort’s all-inclusive rates encompass an astounding number of activities and amenities, including an equestrian center with riding lessons, polo, day and night golf, sailing, sport fishing, boating, diving, shooting, and hunting, among others. The fitness center provides complimentary classes and personal training, and physical therapy is also available.
There are several fine restaurants within the resort which are included in the rates, and room service is available at an extra charge. The resort also has its own marina and a beach club on Minitas Beach, as well as private access to three beaches facing the Caribbean. Guests can utilize any of the non-motorized water sports equipment at no extra charge.
Families are welcome at the Casa de Campo, and the kids’ program is part of the package. This includes a supervised day program for ages 1 to 17, personal nanny services, and a family entertainment center equipped with games and diversions for all ages. Also included are classes at the “real Madrid soccer school,” perfect for aspiring soccer stars.
Best Budget: Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus
Courtesy of Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus
Located on the quiet south coast, the Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus stretches from the pristine forests of the Cotubanama National Park down to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus. The resort is less intensely developed than many neighboring properties, with immaculate green lawns, shady trees, and ornamental fountains. The wide expanse of beach faces toward a calm, sheltered bay, ideal for pursuits like snorkeling, parasailing, and catamaran rides. Other sports include mini-golf, beach soccer, volleyball, and archery, while activities include yoga sessions, Spanish classes, and light-hearted dance contests.
When it comes to dining, five restaurants provide themed experiences stand-out options include the opulently decorated El Colonial, family-friendly Japanese La Geisha, and authentic Mexican at La Hacienda. Located next to the beach, the serene spa offers a Jacuzzi, sauna, and Turkish bath, and services like mud body wraps and beachfront massages in open-air treatment huts. Six bars keep the drinks flowing all day and into the early hours. While not part of the resort, the lighthouse-shaped Faro de Bayahibe bar, located right on the waters edge, is the place to enjoy stunning sunset views and an evening cocktail.
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Additional Information On Dominican Republic Activities:
The Dominican Republic is a favorite Caribbean destination renowned for its sugary soft sand, tall towering palm trees, and tropical sightseeing. Southwest Vacations® offers many beach vacation packages where you can stay, play, and explore this famous tropical island. Relax and rejuvenate at the beach with a morning of sunbathing and swimming in the inviting calm water. Then, spend a lazy afternoon with a drink and a book under the shade of a palm tree or head out on the town for a little shopping.
The Dominican Republic is also the perfect place to experience thrills and excitement. River rafting, snorkeling with sting rays, ziplining, and catamaran cruises are just the start to the many fun activities and adventures that you can take advantage of on your vacation. Take a safari to explore even more of Punta Cana. Visit sugar plantations or take a breathtaking helicopter tour of the island where youâll have a birdâs-eye view of the gorgeous coast. Take ATVs for an exhilarating ride through the rainforest or slow things down with a horseback ride where you can admire the surroundings through Punta Cana’s rocky mainland.
Southwest Airlines® flight service to Punta Cana may vary based on departure, date, and origin city. View our flight information, so you can travel with ease.
Viva Wyndham V Heavens
Located in Puerto Plata near the Playa Dorada Golf Course and Beach, this five-staradults-only resort is perfect for those seeking a laid-back tropical vacation. In addition to the stretch of white-sand beach, guests can relax by one of the numerous pools, or socialize at the main pool, which also offers poolside service.
Property amenities also include a full-service spa, sauna, fitness center, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities. Guests are treated to live entertainment nightly, and there is also a theater on-site. Guest rooms and suites feature ocean views and private balconies.
There is a free shuttle to local attractions, including the golf course and other local tourist attractions like the Del Oro Chocolate Factory and the Malecon Puerto Plata. Those who want to explore local cuisine are also just a short distance from several excellent off-site restaurants.
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Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
A favorite with many families, this theme resort is a luxury all-inclusive that brings out the kid in everyone. Fans of SpongeBob can book a suite in Pineapple Villa, where you can practice livin’ like Larry in Bikini Bottom. These over-the-top suites are giant two-story pineapples, complete with two bedrooms and three bathrooms waterbugs can also opt for one of the poolside swim-up suites.
Every Nickelodeon fan knows what an honor it is to be slimed, and no guest will go without the opportunity to get covered in green goo, from private sessions to daily group-sliming. Parents don’t need to worry about the mess, though, since there are plenty of pools to rinse off in, as well as a large water park with rides for all ages. Families also have access to a private beach on Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto, complete with chairs, umbrellas, buckets, and sandcastle tools.
Themed restaurants are another big hit with the kids, and cartoon “stars” including Patrick himself show up often for impromptu photo ops. When the kids don’t want parents cramping their style, they can spend the day at the supervised Club Nick while the grown-ups do their boring adult stuff, like lazing around at the spa or enjoying a gourmet meal.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
This adults-only Punta Cana resort offers four-star pricing but all the amenities you expect in a top-notch all-inclusive. Secrets has all-suite lodging, and each features floor-to-ceiling windows with a private balcony or terrace, walk-in showers, and huge soaking tubs swim-up poolside suites are available.
The resort offers a wide range of activities and entertainment on-site, including weekly theme nights, beach movies, dance lessons, and live music day and night. Guests also have full use of the resort’s non-motorized watercraft and equipment, and can take complimentary scuba lessons in the infinity pool. Guests can also participate in guided bicycle tours of the area, and golfers can take the complimentary shuttle to the nearby Punta Espada golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
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Need A Little Rush With Your Relaxation
Adrenaline pumping. For those travelers who like to let out a whoop now and then, a Punta Cana vacation provides the perfect playground. Choose from zip-line adventures, ATV tours, horseback riding and more. Or keep it more relaxed and learn about the island itself with nature, wildlife and historical day trips. Theres no end in activities for the intrepid traveler.
Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado
Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado offers 5 star luxury.
This exclusive little island features hundreds of rooms to choose from, a couple of pools, ten restaurants and bars, and a great spa.
Theres a path that goes all through the island so you can explore and get some exercise while enjoying the amazing scenery.
The local flora is lush, and the green spaces on this island are so relaxing.
Theres a medical center to take care of any booboos, beaches on both sides of the island, numerous places to play sports and be physical, and just great vibes all across the island.
The A.I. package includes an hour of activities like paddle surfing, kayaking, tennis, catamarans and snorkeling, per day.
You can take diving lessons, dance classes, try surf yoga, and much more.
Theres a childrens menu, a shuttle boat, scuba diving, a butler service, a mini club for the younger ones, and a personal guide to help you make the most of this incredible little slice of paradise.
Paradisus Punta Cana is a beautiful property thats right on the beach.
They have giant swimming pools that circle rich gardens and tropical plants.
The younger travelers will feel right at home here.
This resort offers child care .
There are special clubs for babies, kids, and one for teenagers thirteen and up.
These programs help take a little pressure off parents who want some time to enjoy things on their own terms, and also makes the rest of the family feel special and included.
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Zotry Agua Punta Cana
Located on the beach at Uvero Alto, this all-suite resort offers a range of all-inclusive options to fit guests’ needs. This lovely property features suites with private balconies and complimentary room service.
There are multiple pools, including an adults-only pool and an infinity pool, as well as a lazy-river-style pool that flows past each guest building.
Guests can enjoy use of the private beach with complimentary beach umbrellas and chairs, as well as water sports equipment like canoes and fishing. There is also a fitness center with classes, and guests can take advantage of amenities at the resort’s nearby sister properties as well.
Best For Couples: Zotry Agua Punta Cana
Courtesy of Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
If you’re planning a romantic retreat, do yourself a favor and opt for the Endless Privileges program at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana. Rustic-chic rooms are done up in true island style with hardwood floors, soaring thatch ceiling, plush bedding, and lavish amenities. Bathrooms, meanwhile, come with soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and double vanities, as well as soft shower robes and artisanal bath products. If you feel like really going for it, some rooms even offer private plunge pools on ocean view patios. Guests can take advantage of well-stocked minibars, 24-hour room service, and a personal butler to arrange private dinners, rose-petal baths, and romantic activities such as horseback rides along the beach.
The program also allows access to four gourmet restaurants offering European-fusion, Italian, Caribbean, and light international fare in intimate candle-lit restaurants and scenic alfresco terraces. Guests are kept refreshed by unlimited cocktails and top-shelf spirits from the poolside swim-up bar, the tropical open-air lobby cocktail lounge, and the oceanfront Indigo Bar. The hotel spa is one of the finest in the DR, with facilities such as Jacuzzis, Finnish saunas, steam rooms, and sensation showers set amidst lush gardens. Specialist couples massages are also available in sensual private suites or in open-air beach huts.
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Driving In The Dominican Republic
Is my drivers license valid in the Dominican Republic ?
Ye it is valid. You can drive in the Dominican Republic using your valid drivers license, but only for the duration of your legal stayi.e. your 30-day tourist card or visa term.
Tips for Driving in the Dominican Republic
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle.
- The allowable blood alcohol level is 0.10%.
- The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you use a hands-free system.
- Right turns are allowed at a red light after you stop.
- The right of way is given to the vehicle that is on the bigger street.
- Trucks have priority before cars.
- If you want to make a left turn, its possible that other cars will still pass on the left-hand side of your vehicle. Pay attention to the road before making your turn.
Speed Limits in the Dominican Republic
The standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers when driving in the Dominican Republic are as follows:
- Within city limits 40 km/h
- Outside city limits 80 km/h
- On freeways 120 km/h
What to Bring Along While Driving in the Dominican Republic
- Drivers are required to carry a valid drivers license, registration documents, and insurance documents at all times while driving.
- Carry your passport with you at all times when driving.
Additional Information
Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort
Ocean Blue & Sand Punta Cana is a modern resort on the beach that brings a lot to the table, and not just the dining table!
The snorkeling adventure is an amazing way to experience life under the water.
The water itself is gorgeous, whether were talking about the beach or one of the swimming pools.
These restaurants include a 1950s style diner, along with cuisine from all around the world.
The rooms are modern, clean, and a great place to end a busy day of fun and pampering.
This resort has a bowling alley and a special play area for kids to make their time here memorable.
As a family, youll enjoy live entertainment, or just sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun.
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