A clean cliffside resort in the D.R.’s up-and-coming (and less developed) Samana Peninsula, the laid-back Gran Bahia Cayacoa attracts international families with its solid service, its beautiful rooms, and some of the best all-inclusive food in the Caribbean. The beach, however, is less remarkable. Most guests hang out near the pool.
A clean cliffside resort in the D.R.’s up-and-coming (and less developed) Samana Peninsula, the laid-back Gran Bahia Cayacoa attracts international families with its solid service, its beautiful rooms, and some of the best all-inclusive food in the Caribbean. The beach, however, is less remarkable. Most guests hang out near the pool.
With three al fresco restaurants, a lovely lobby lounge, two infinity pools with ocean views, and a modern spa, the Bannister Hotel is an upscale boutique option. All of its 33 spacious suites come with full kitchens and private balconies. Set on a quiet, picturesque marina (sadly without a beachfront), the gated property feels worlds away from downtown Samana, but it’s only a 15-minute drive to the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Guests looking for a beachfront alternative may want to consider the nearby Xeliter Vista Mare Samana.
With three al fresco restaurants, a lovely lobby lounge, two infinity pools with ocean views, and a modern spa, the Bannister Hotel is an upscale boutique option. All of its 33 spacious suites come with full kitchens and private balconies. Set on a quiet, picturesque marina (sadly without a beachfront), the gated property feels worlds away from downtown Samana, but it’s only a 15-minute drive to the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Guests looking for a beachfront alternative may want to consider the nearby Xeliter Vista Mare Samana.
Don't be fooled by the deceptively well-manicured grounds or Wi-Fi access: The rooms are filthy, the food is disgusting, and the beach is littered with seaweed, shells, and cigarette butts. Instead, check out the nearby, similarly priced Oasis Hamaca, which has significantly cleaner rooms, infinitely better food, and a much cleaner beach.
Don't be fooled by the deceptively well-manicured grounds or Wi-Fi access: The rooms are filthy, the food is disgusting, and the beach is littered with seaweed, shells, and cigarette butts. Instead, check out the nearby, similarly priced Oasis Hamaca, which has significantly cleaner rooms, infinitely better food, and a much cleaner beach.
This 652-room property offers some amenities that stand out from other all-inclusives in Punta Cana, including a top-notch spa and dermatology program, a wide beach that stays relatively uncrowded, and some modern (almost chic) lounge areas to enjoy a drink. There are two buffets as well as three a la carte restaurants requiring reservations; dining is not a strong point here, though, and restaurants book up quickly. Rooms are divided into two areas: the garden-view, bungalow-style Standard Rooms, and the newer Superior Rooms with more contemporary furnishings. Expect an upgrade pitch upon arrival, but know that this more expensive option lacks a walk-out balcony. Guests use the free shuttle service to get around to the two main pools, outdoor whirlpool area, theater, bar, and the peaceful Cafe Dominicano. Beware of pesky sales people wandering around selling extras.
This 652-room property offers some amenities that stand out from other all-inclusives in Punta Cana, including a top-notch spa and dermatology program, a wide beach that stays relatively uncrowded, and some modern (almost chic) lounge areas to enjoy a drink. There are two buffets as well as three a la carte restaurants requiring reservations; dining is not a strong point here, though, and restaurants book up quickly. Rooms are divided into two areas: the garden-view, bungalow-style Standard Rooms, and the newer Superior Rooms with more contemporary furnishings. Expect an upgrade pitch upon arrival, but know that this more expensive option lacks a walk-out balcony. Guests use the free shuttle service to get around to the two main pools, outdoor whirlpool area, theater, bar, and the peaceful Cafe Dominicano. Beware of pesky sales people wandering around selling extras.
At the end of a winding, private residential road, the upper-middle-range Casa La Nouba sits high atop a hill with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The vibe is akin to partying at a sleek, ultra-luxurious house set in the Hollywood Hills of California. However, it's still a proper bed-and-breakfast where the French owners are hands-on, personally serving meals throughout the day and chatting with guests in the common areas.There are few traditional hotel amenities here, but the property offers five meticulously designed guest rooms with authentic art and a pool with a million dollar view. For those who must have beach access, check rates at Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort.
At the end of a winding, private residential road, the upper-middle-range Casa La Nouba sits high atop a hill with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The vibe is akin to partying at a sleek, ultra-luxurious house set in the Hollywood Hills of California. However, it's still a proper bed-and-breakfast where the French owners are hands-on, personally serving meals throughout the day and chatting with guests in the common areas.There are few traditional hotel amenities here, but the property offers five meticulously designed guest rooms with authentic art and a pool with a million dollar view. For those who must have beach access, check rates at Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort.
In an area replete with historic hotels, the two-and-a-half-pearl Savoy Hotel Boutique Santo Domingo’s contemporary design stands out, though it's not without its flaws. All 26 boldly decorated rooms include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges; Suites upgrade to balconies. The hotel’s location is its best asset as it sits at the western edge of El Conde — a bustling pedestrian walkway that’s home to dozens of tourist-friendly shops, restaurants, and bars. The cramped bathrooms, abundant street noise, and lack of features may dissuade some guests, however, prices are a real bargain. While slightly more expensive, Hotel Conde de Penalba offers more polish, an alfresco restaurant, and a better location near Parque Colon.
In an area replete with historic hotels, the two-and-a-half-pearl Savoy Hotel Boutique Santo Domingo’s contemporary design stands out, though it's not without its flaws. All 26 boldly decorated rooms include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges; Suites upgrade to balconies. The hotel’s location is its best asset as it sits at the western edge of El Conde — a bustling pedestrian walkway that’s home to dozens of tourist-friendly shops, restaurants, and bars. The cramped bathrooms, abundant street noise, and lack of features may dissuade some guests, however, prices are a real bargain. While slightly more expensive, Hotel Conde de Penalba offers more polish, an alfresco restaurant, and a better location near Parque Colon.
The 1,402-room, upscale Palace Deluxe is the main all-inclusive resort at the family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace, located on a lovely beach a 25-minute drive from the airport. It has tons of on-site features including an attractive spa, a 24-hour casino, four swimming pools – one for adults only and another for kids – and 11 restaurants. But aside from lines at the front desk, the guest capacity of the resort rarely shows: visitors do not have to search for spots at the pools and beach, and reservation requirements keep restaurants well-organized. Couples, families, and partiers all mingle seamlessly at the property. Though the adults-only sister property has a slightly more romantic vibe, plenty of couples opt to stay here as it’s where most of the features are located. Contemporary rooms feature free minibars, rainfall showers, and outdoor spaces – plus most have whirlpool tubs and ocean views. For a more intimate family-friendly vibe, consider The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real.
The 1,402-room, upscale Palace Deluxe is the main all-inclusive resort at the family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace, located on a lovely beach a 25-minute drive from the airport. It has tons of on-site features including an attractive spa, a 24-hour casino, four swimming pools – one for adults only and another for kids – and 11 restaurants. But aside from lines at the front desk, the guest capacity of the resort rarely shows: visitors do not have to search for spots at the pools and beach, and reservation requirements keep restaurants well-organized. Couples, families, and partiers all mingle seamlessly at the property. Though the adults-only sister property has a slightly more romantic vibe, plenty of couples opt to stay here as it’s where most of the features are located. Contemporary rooms feature free minibars, rainfall showers, and outdoor spaces – plus most have whirlpool tubs and ocean views. For a more intimate family-friendly vibe, consider The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real.
The beachfront, 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The rustic ambience and zen energy are on the opposite end up the spectrum from what you'll find at the booze-fueled all-inclusives around Bavaro. Instead, Zoetry offers an uncrowded white-sand beach, 96 spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine swimming pool, and one of the area's best spas. The resort prides itself on offering Endless Privileges, which includes no formal check-in/check-out times, limitless top-shelf liquor, and free laundry service on top of four gourmet a la carte restaurants (no buffets), a cafe, and three bars (one swim-up). Guests also get a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach. It's a 45-minute drive from the airport, about as far as you can get in Punta Cana. Couples wanting to be closer to the airport may prefer the swish Sanctuary Cap Cana, while families should consider Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a kid-friendly side and adults-only section.
The beachfront, 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The rustic ambience and zen energy are on the opposite end up the spectrum from what you'll find at the booze-fueled all-inclusives around Bavaro. Instead, Zoetry offers an uncrowded white-sand beach, 96 spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine swimming pool, and one of the area's best spas. The resort prides itself on offering Endless Privileges, which includes no formal check-in/check-out times, limitless top-shelf liquor, and free laundry service on top of four gourmet a la carte restaurants (no buffets), a cafe, and three bars (one swim-up). Guests also get a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach. It's a 45-minute drive from the airport, about as far as you can get in Punta Cana. Couples wanting to be closer to the airport may prefer the swish Sanctuary Cap Cana, while families should consider Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a kid-friendly side and adults-only section.