Resorts
Paradius Palma Real Resort
The Reserve at Paradisus is a family–friendly, all-inclusive experience in Punta Cana. With 132 luxury suites, it is an upscale, quieter version of its sister property, Paradisus Punta Cana, which has more than 500 rooms. All Reserve guests have access to the amenities, activities and restaurants at the neighboring resort, but they get the benefits of a more laid-back atmosphere. The beach is a 15-minute walk, 5-minute bike ride or quick shuttle drive from the guest suites.
Casa de Campo, La Romana
The tropical playground known as Casa de Campo is Dominican Republic’s most famous luxury resort and residential community. Located in La Romana, on the southeastern coast of the island, Casa de Campo is set on 7,000 acres and is home to 3 world renowned golf courses. It also has trap and skeet shooting ranges, an equestrian center and an immaculate beach. All are easily accessible with your personal golf cart. An experience here can be all inclusive or not, but it will most definitely be unforgettable.
Sublime Samana, Las Terrenas
If you desire an escape from the all-inclusive mega resorts of the Dominican Republic and prefer a more luxurious and serene experience in an unspoiled part of the island, then the Sublime Samana might be the perfect place for you. Located in the verdant town of Las Terrenas, this resort is quiet yet chic, with a collection of 26 private suites and casitas nestled on the beach. Sublime’s stunning beauty makes it hard to leave the property, but the advantage of being in Las Terrenas is the accessibility to the town, which is filled with great restaurants, and nearby attractions, including Los Haitises National Park and El Limón waterfall.
Tortuga Bay
Situated inside a private enclave within the Puntacana Resort & Club, Tortuga Bay has a reputation for unparalleled service and style. As the only AAA 5-diamond hotel in the Dominican Republic, this resort provides special advantages such as VIP airport pickup service, which lets you bypass long immigration lines, as well as a personal villa manager who ensures that your needs are being met. The 30 suites inside 13 villas were designed by DR native Oscar de la Renta and have magnificent views of La Cana golf course or the Caribbean Sea.
Beaches
Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana
The most beautiful stretch of beach in the Punta Cana area is undoubtedly Bávaro Beach, just north of Punta Cana. The calm Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming or wading, and the water color is a typical Caribbean turquoise hue that stretches out well beyond the roped-off swimming area to the protective reef in the distance. Beyond the swimming zone is an action packed area of boats and parasailers.
Beaches of Las Galeras
While Playa Rincon, near the town of Las Galeras, is frequently mentioned as one of the top beaches in the Dominican Republic, the beautiful beach that lines the waterfront of Las Galeras itself is equally stunning. Beyond the main beach, you can easily walk 15 minutes or less in either direction to find more incredible beaches and your own tranquil piece of waterfront to lay out your towel or rent a beach chair.
The entire beachfront area of Las Galeras is graced by huge coconut palms, and the shallow beaches radiate a range of turquoise, green, and blue shades that are unparalleled along the entire north coast of the island. Add to this the charming little town of Las Galeras, and this is truly one of the Dominican's undiscovered treasures.
Cabarete Beach, Cabarete
Cabarete Beach, running all along the waterfront of Cabarete, is more about atmosphere than turquoise waters. The beach here is lovely and is one of the few in the area that is frequently calm enough for swimmers of all abilities. The shore is also shallow for a considerable distance, making it more appropriate for children than other beaches in this area.
But the real draw here is the vibe. Casual but modestly trendy restaurants line the beach, with tables, chairs, patio lights, and lamps set up under thatch-roofed buildings and directly on the sand. You can dine by the stars at some of the quaint seaside restaurants or listen to a band or solo musician in the early evening. A game of volleyball is usually playing out on the beach or soccer balls are being kicked around.
Playa Grande, Rio San Juan
Far from the famous resort destinations of Puerto Plata or Punta Cana, Playa Grande is an undeveloped beach with a distinctly Dominican feel. Backed by palm trees and a few rustic food stands, this coral-colored, soft-sand beach looks out onto the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean.
Playa Grande is located on the outskirts of the town of Rio San Juan, but day trips to this beach can be easily organized from Cabarete or Puerto Plata. If you have your own vehicle or car and driver, you can also stop off at nearby Playa Caleton, a much smaller beach in a quiet cove with often little to no wave action. Playa Caleton is a fun and safe beach for children. Similar to Playa Grande, a few vendors are set up along the beach.