Many Dominican resorts show off photos of candlelit dinners, secluded beaches, and mesmerizing sunsets. What they won’t show you are the screaming toddlers, the poolside beer-chugging contests, and the flies buzzing around the buffet. After touring the D.R. incognito, we can assure you that these hotels (many of the adult-only) truly deliver — comfortable rooms, scenic pools, blissful spas, and a discreet yet obliging staff.
Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club 5.0
Designed by Oscar de la Renta, the 30-room Tortuga Bay hotel offers amazing service (including preferential treatment at Punta Cana Airport), an on-site nature reserve, several superb restaurants, and three world-class golf courses. The rooms are spotless and handsome, with elegant tropical decor, hot tubs, and balconies and terraces.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana 4.5
The Eden Roc, opened in 2012, is one of the most high-tech properties in the Dominican Republic, and is located in the gated Cap Cana community — which has a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, marina, and beach club. The 34 colorful suites are clustered around a small, man-made lagoon and feature elegant decor (picture four-poster beds, intricate floor tiling, and spacious bathrooms). Up-to-date amenities include iPad-controlled lights, sound systems, and TVs with numerous channels in Spanish and English. Suites also come with small pools and golf carts for getting around the property.
Sanctuary Cap Cana by Playa Hotels & Resorts
This 176-room romantic all-inclusive luxury resort looks like a Spanish castle town and is perched on a cliff by the ocean in the still developing Cap Cana complex, near the airport but a bit far from the main resort area. Its beautifully decorated pools, spa, and restaurants are all among the D.R.’s best.
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana 4.5
The 96-room Zoetry Agua is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Catering towards 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, and the secluded location and lack of kids’ club make it an ideal choice for those seeking a romantic and relaxing getaway.
Portblue Le Sivory Punta Cana 4.5
One of the few boutique hotels in Punta Cana, the quiet, 55-room adult-only Sivory lures couples to its secluded location — about a (bumpy) 60-minute ride from the airport. Service is impressive, as is the natural setting, and the beach is free of hawkers and tourists. Large, beach-chic rooms have some of the best bathrooms in the D.R., but are showing minor wear.
Excellence Punta Cana 5.0
This upscale, adults-only all-inclusive property is a 45-minute drive from the airport and has a spacious beach with rougher waves than at Bavaro Beach down the road. Swimming can be a challenge, but this surfer’s paradise has a more secluded feel, even with 464 rooms on the property. The meandering pool is never too crowded, and at night, adults — mostly honeymooners, couples, and wedding groups — can choose from a number of high-end restaurants before hitting the theater or lively casino. Room service is offered 24 hours, and chlorophyll juice and apples are offered in the the stand-out fitness center, yoga room, or luxurious two-floor spa. Excellence knows how to give excellent service, starting with the welcome glass of champagne immediately upon arrival. A more expensive club upgrade is available and may be pitched, but many will find they don’t need it with all that is already on offer.
Casa Colonial Beach and Spa 4.0
It’s one of the most stylish, most luxurious hotels in the Dominican Republic — but it’s surrounded by 14 crowded, all-inclusive mega-resorts in the gated Playa Dorada complex. Rooms are gorgeous — chic decor, private outdoor tubs, and four-poster beds — but at the beach, the rooftop pool, and on the balconies, guests suffer through their neighbors’ poolside megaphones and karaoke nights.
CHIC by Royalton Luxury Resorts 4.0
CHIC by Royalton Luxury Resorts is a 323-room upscale all-inclusive with contemporary decor and a happening vibe. Opened in December of 2014, this adult-only property is quickly becoming one of Punta Cana’s most sought-after spots, thanks to its ultra-modern rooms, varied on-site dining options, and beautiful pool and beach facilities. Amenities such as an on-site spa, a small fitness center, and free Wi-Fi throughout 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 — but otherwise it’s not worth the extra nightly cost. Though this is by no means a spring break type of place, loud music and lively poolside activities are part of the scene here.
Balaji Palace at Playa Grande 4.0
This sumptuous, upscale 18-room hotel on top of a picture-perfect cliff on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic is aptly named — its Indian-influenced architecture and decor is indeed palatial. Rooms have attractive carvings, textiles, and balconies, and some have terrific ocean views. There are a pretty, quiet pool, open-air massages at the spa, and quality food that can be served just about anywhere on the property. The small, gorgeous private beach is a highlight, and though it can disappear seasonally, the renowned Playa Grande is a 10-minute drive
Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado 4.0
The D.R.’s only luxury resort set on its own island, the Luxury Bahia Cayo Levantado offers a relaxing atmosphere for couples and families. There are scenic beaches, beautiful pools, and some of the best rooms in the country (each with private hot tubs). The beauty is incredible, but the dining and service lag behind even less expensive resorts
By: Oyster.com September 2018, Most Romantic Hotels in the Dominican Republic. recovered from: https://www.oyster.com/dominican-republic/hotels/roundups/most-romantic-hotels-in-the-dominican-republic/
