This large maze-like property is arguably the best of the four Princess properties in Punta Cana. Set on a great stretch of slightly less crowded beach in the area of Bavaro, there are 808 condo-style units spread out over seemingly never-ending grounds. The sprawling property allows for more privacy but also means a long walk to the beach and pool area for many guests. The walk can be broken up with a little exploration in the ecological park, which contains rabbits, peacocks, chickens, and parrots; otherwise, guests will have to patiently wait for the tram, which comes around every 15 minutes or so. Decent restaurant options and daily specials allow for dining variety, and the lively (but not too lively) bar scene is a highlight, especially in the lobby for pre-dinner drinks and piano music. Though the resort brings in a mix of international couples and families, honeymooners might seek a spot with a little more romance.
This large maze-like property is arguably the best of the four Princess properties in Punta Cana. Set on a great stretch of slightly less crowded beach in the area of Bavaro, there are 808 condo-style units spread out over seemingly never-ending grounds. The sprawling property allows for more privacy but also means a long walk to the beach and pool area for many guests. The walk can be broken up with a little exploration in the ecological park, which contains rabbits, peacocks, chickens, and parrots; otherwise, guests will have to patiently wait for the tram, which comes around every 15 minutes or so. Decent restaurant options and daily specials allow for dining variety, and the lively (but not too lively) bar scene is a highlight, especially in the lobby for pre-dinner drinks and piano music. Though the resort brings in a mix of international couples and families, honeymooners might seek a spot with a little more romance.
The upscale Secrets Royal Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a party atmosphere along Punta Cana’s beautiful Bavaro Beach. Its 464 air-conditioned rooms are attractive and modern, and feature free minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with hot tubs; some feature ocean views. Three pools -- two with swim-up bars -- and generous all-inclusive rates mean things can get a bit loud as the day goes on, and it's worth noting that amenities like the spa are at kid-packed Now Larimar Punta Cana next door. Reservations aren’t required for any of the five on-site restaurants, but wait times can be long and food gets mixed reviews. Preferred Club upgrades include a private pool and lounge, as well as great in-room perks. Couples seeking a quieter all-inclusive option should consider the luxurious Sanctuary Cap Cana.
The upscale Secrets Royal Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a party atmosphere along Punta Cana’s beautiful Bavaro Beach. Its 464 air-conditioned rooms are attractive and modern, and feature free minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with hot tubs; some feature ocean views. Three pools -- two with swim-up bars -- and generous all-inclusive rates mean things can get a bit loud as the day goes on, and it's worth noting that amenities like the spa are at kid-packed Now Larimar Punta Cana next door. Reservations aren’t required for any of the five on-site restaurants, but wait times can be long and food gets mixed reviews. Preferred Club upgrades include a private pool and lounge, as well as great in-room perks. Couples seeking a quieter all-inclusive option should consider the luxurious Sanctuary Cap Cana.
In Punta Cana, it's almost impossible to rival the five-pearl Tortuga Bay Hotel for sheer luxury, VIP treatment, and boutique intimacy. The Oscar de la Renta (a locally legend, born in nearby Santo Domingo) designed property offers some of the chicest lodging on the entire island. Every amenity -- including Bamboo restaurant, the white-sand beach, free airport transfers and expedited immigration service, and Six Senses Spa -- is world-class. The 30 spacious and sophisticated suites are luxuriously appointed with jetted tubs, beautiful bathrooms, private butler service, and ocean-view balconies/terraces. Cruiser bikes and golf carts come with each suite. If guests are going to balk at anything here, it’s likely to be the price and lack of evening entertainment. Although it lacks the same sophistication, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club offers a similar location and amenities on an adjacent beach -- for lower rates.
In Punta Cana, it's almost impossible to rival the five-pearl Tortuga Bay Hotel for sheer luxury, VIP treatment, and boutique intimacy. The Oscar de la Renta (a locally legend, born in nearby Santo Domingo) designed property offers some of the chicest lodging on the entire island. Every amenity -- including Bamboo restaurant, the white-sand beach, free airport transfers and expedited immigration service, and Six Senses Spa -- is world-class. The 30 spacious and sophisticated suites are luxuriously appointed with jetted tubs, beautiful bathrooms, private butler service, and ocean-view balconies/terraces. Cruiser bikes and golf carts come with each suite. If guests are going to balk at anything here, it’s likely to be the price and lack of evening entertainment. Although it lacks the same sophistication, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club offers a similar location and amenities on an adjacent beach -- for lower rates.
The 323-room Sanctuary Cap Cana is a romantic adults-only all-inclusive resort set along a lovely white-sand beach a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. This luxury hotel looks like a Spanish castle town by the ocean and it's located in the still developing Cap Cana complex, a bit removed from the main resort area. All rooms have attractive decor, jetted tubs, and furnished outdoor spaces, while upgraded units add outdoor hot tubs, living rooms, and/or private plunge pools. Its beautifully decorated swimming pools, full-service spa and fitness center, and array of daily activities and nighttime entertainment are standouts in the Dominican Republic. All-inclusive restaurants include buffet, Asian, Italian, and overwater seafood options, plus there are 24-hour room service and bars serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. However, some past guests have complained of a lack of variety and quality when it comes to both food and alcohol. Nevertheless, this is one of the D.R.'s best options, though it’s worth comparing rates with the similarly impressive Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which has a more intimate feel.
The 323-room Sanctuary Cap Cana is a romantic adults-only all-inclusive resort set along a lovely white-sand beach a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. This luxury hotel looks like a Spanish castle town by the ocean and it's located in the still developing Cap Cana complex, a bit removed from the main resort area. All rooms have attractive decor, jetted tubs, and furnished outdoor spaces, while upgraded units add outdoor hot tubs, living rooms, and/or private plunge pools. Its beautifully decorated swimming pools, full-service spa and fitness center, and array of daily activities and nighttime entertainment are standouts in the Dominican Republic. All-inclusive restaurants include buffet, Asian, Italian, and overwater seafood options, plus there are 24-hour room service and bars serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. However, some past guests have complained of a lack of variety and quality when it comes to both food and alcohol. Nevertheless, this is one of the D.R.'s best options, though it’s worth comparing rates with the similarly impressive Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which has a more intimate feel.
The sole adults-only hotel on the five-resort Riu complex, the Macao has a generally upscale vibe that’s significantly more tranquil than its sister properties. There’s still the requisite poolside entertainment and loud music by the gorgeous, white-sand beach, but couple-friendly amenities (which the other properties lack) include name-brand liquor and a designated VIP section on the beach. While this all-inclusive features sleek rooms and fun nightly entertainment, many guests complain about the mediocre food and the long walk to the gym and spa.
The sole adults-only hotel on the five-resort Riu complex, the Macao has a generally upscale vibe that’s significantly more tranquil than its sister properties. There’s still the requisite poolside entertainment and loud music by the gorgeous, white-sand beach, but couple-friendly amenities (which the other properties lack) include name-brand liquor and a designated VIP section on the beach. While this all-inclusive features sleek rooms and fun nightly entertainment, many guests complain about the mediocre food and the long walk to the gym and spa.
This lively 658-room resort is situated on pretty Bavaro Beach and draws a mix of families, spring breakers, and wedding groups. The grounds are a highlight, with tropical birds and palm trees all around, and there's are a wide range of bars and restaurants -- even a 24-hour pizzeria for those needing a late-night fix. This three-and-a-half-pearl resort is more walkable that other mega-resorts in the area, and rooms have homey, tropical style plus whirlpool tubs and balconies. There are plenty of activities like biking, tennis, archery, and a range of free non-motorized water sports. However, staff are always around to sell extra excursions and timeshare packages, so start practicing: "No, gracias." As an alternative, the Grand Palladium Punta Cana is a bit more pricey, but rooms have more personality.
This lively 658-room resort is situated on pretty Bavaro Beach and draws a mix of families, spring breakers, and wedding groups. The grounds are a highlight, with tropical birds and palm trees all around, and there's are a wide range of bars and restaurants -- even a 24-hour pizzeria for those needing a late-night fix. This three-and-a-half-pearl resort is more walkable that other mega-resorts in the area, and rooms have homey, tropical style plus whirlpool tubs and balconies. There are plenty of activities like biking, tennis, archery, and a range of free non-motorized water sports. However, staff are always around to sell extra excursions and timeshare packages, so start practicing: "No, gracias." As an alternative, the Grand Palladium Punta Cana is a bit more pricey, but rooms have more personality.
Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is an upper-middle-range adults-only resort within a resort, situated in Punta Cana's larger Grand Bahia complex (which it shares with four other resorts). The 498 Junior Suites here are more or less identical, and include furnished balconies and daily restocked minibars. Facilities exclusive to the Aquamarine include a huge central pool area with lots of seating and a bar, plus two a la carte specialty restaurants (one with international fine dining, the other with Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine). Guests also get access to restaurants and amenities across the larger resort, including tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa. Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is right on the beach, with water sports facilities available. Families might want to consider Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana instead, which allows children and offers much more for kids.
Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is an upper-middle-range adults-only resort within a resort, situated in Punta Cana's larger Grand Bahia complex (which it shares with four other resorts). The 498 Junior Suites here are more or less identical, and include furnished balconies and daily restocked minibars. Facilities exclusive to the Aquamarine include a huge central pool area with lots of seating and a bar, plus two a la carte specialty restaurants (one with international fine dining, the other with Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine). Guests also get access to restaurants and amenities across the larger resort, including tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa. Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is right on the beach, with water sports facilities available. Families might want to consider Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana instead, which allows children and offers much more for kids.
True to its namesake brand, the four-pearl Hotel Riu Republica is a sprawling, mega-resort designed to cater to a hard-partying and adult-only clientele. With eight pools, a water park, nine restaurants, 10 bars, and premium all-inclusive alcohol always within reach, the buzz starts at sun-up and goes until well after dark. Foam parties, circus acts, and DJs keep the party vibe going. The 1,382 rooms are bright and contemporary, but mostly functional with flat-screen TVs, balconies, free minibars, and liquor dispensers. However, the beach and pools are overcrowded, the food is mediocre, and the atmosphere is loud and brash for 12 hours every day. For a bit more money, the neighboring Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers more amenities in a slicker, more stylish package.
True to its namesake brand, the four-pearl Hotel Riu Republica is a sprawling, mega-resort designed to cater to a hard-partying and adult-only clientele. With eight pools, a water park, nine restaurants, 10 bars, and premium all-inclusive alcohol always within reach, the buzz starts at sun-up and goes until well after dark. Foam parties, circus acts, and DJs keep the party vibe going. The 1,382 rooms are bright and contemporary, but mostly functional with flat-screen TVs, balconies, free minibars, and liquor dispensers. However, the beach and pools are overcrowded, the food is mediocre, and the atmosphere is loud and brash for 12 hours every day. For a bit more money, the neighboring Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers more amenities in a slicker, more stylish package.
This 570-room property is part of the Bahia Principe brand's Don Pablo Collection and is one of the smaller, more luxurious options in the Bahia Principe resort complex. With an airy, relaxed scene and pretty surroundings, this seaside locale seems to attract an even mix of families and couples. Guests can choose to get their Vitamin D fix at two pools or the adjacent beach (best to snag a spot early). Though dining options on-site are limited, guests get unlimited access to several restaurant, bar and nightlife areas -- as well as all the family-friendly amenities -- of the entire resort complex by walking or using the shuttle.
This 570-room property is part of the Bahia Principe brand's Don Pablo Collection and is one of the smaller, more luxurious options in the Bahia Principe resort complex. With an airy, relaxed scene and pretty surroundings, this seaside locale seems to attract an even mix of families and couples. Guests can choose to get their Vitamin D fix at two pools or the adjacent beach (best to snag a spot early). Though dining options on-site are limited, guests get unlimited access to several restaurant, bar and nightlife areas -- as well as all the family-friendly amenities -- of the entire resort complex by walking or using the shuttle.
The upper-middle-range, 502-room section of the enormous Grand Bahia Principe Resort is one of the newer areas of the complex, but it doesn't show -- expect patterned bedspreads and drapes. Still, families will appreciate close proximity to a water park, children's spa (yes, a spa for kids!), tennis courts, mini-golf course, go-cart track, and playground area. Low prices for the basic level means that guests can expect limitations on a la carte restaurant reservations and non-motorized water sports. As this section is farthest from the beach area, most guests don't mind sticking to the pool -- but beware of early risers who reserve prime pool spots. Premier Suites (and their higher prices) come with more space for families with young ones, and extra amenities such as bathrobes and slippers.
The upper-middle-range, 502-room section of the enormous Grand Bahia Principe Resort is one of the newer areas of the complex, but it doesn't show -- expect patterned bedspreads and drapes. Still, families will appreciate close proximity to a water park, children's spa (yes, a spa for kids!), tennis courts, mini-golf course, go-cart track, and playground area. Low prices for the basic level means that guests can expect limitations on a la carte restaurant reservations and non-motorized water sports. As this section is farthest from the beach area, most guests don't mind sticking to the pool -- but beware of early risers who reserve prime pool spots. Premier Suites (and their higher prices) come with more space for families with young ones, and extra amenities such as bathrobes and slippers.