The Best Hotels to Book in Punta Cana

Desperate to hit the beach? This swoon-worthy Punta Cana hotel sits right next to a stretch of powder-soft sand regularly voted as among the best beaches in the world. If that’s not enough, most rooms have sea views and hot tubs, and the all-inclusive package includes feasting in 11 restaurants. No chance of boredom striking either: there’s a spa, 24-hour casino, golf course, shopping mall, escape room, professional football pitch, baseball field and two clubs.

Enjoy a dip in the pool without the usual splashing children at this adults-only property, next to a chic marina in the most exclusive part of town. The all-inclusive package at this luxury resort in Punta Cana is suitably grown-up too, including branded wines and spirits, spa access, 24-hour room service, an Ibizan-style beach club and two à la carte restaurants serving Argentinian and Japanese cuisine.

This all-inclusive, five-star resort in Punta Cana is never short on the wow factor. There’s a huge, 400m (1,312ft) pool, as well as a private beach area, indulgent spa, sports bar, nightclub, and tennis and basketball courts. To please the younger ones, there’s a club and water park tailored just for kids. All of the rooms have jacuzzis, but you should really go for the Majestic Junior Suites; each comes with a furnished terrace, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, and direct pool access.

Children will never want to leave this spectacular five-star beach resort in Punta Cana, where the big draw is a huge water park full of slides and attractions. They’ll also love the enormous kid’s club and the dance classes. Then there are the swim-up suites – with them, they won’t need to waste a moment out of the pool each day. Of course, you adults aren’t forgotten either. While your young ones are up to their eyes in activities, you can indulge in wine tasting sessions, water yoga, a Natura Bissé spa, a sushi bar and a cevicheria.

Every room at this luxury hotel in Punta Cana here is an opulent, indulgent suite. Even the most basic come with a private courtyard, Bose surround sound, walk-in wardrobe, vaulted ceilings and its very own pool. A honeymoon paradise, the hotel goes all-out to guarantee a seriously swish stay elsewhere too: just outside are a Blue Flag-certified private beach with butlers, a cigar cellar, a Jack Niklaus-designed golf course and a near-3,000sqm (32,291sqft) spa.

Penned by late fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, this boutique hotel in Punta Cana is small but elegant and offers a true VIP stay. All 30 suites and villas are situated along the white sand beach. They each include Frette linens, kitchenettes, balconies and coraline-stone bathrooms. You even get your very own golf cart to whisk you wherever you need to be. Perfect for your wheels are the two championship golf courses on site. Not a golfer? Then feel time slip by at the Six Senses spa, or get more vigorous with the array of water sports on offer.

Located 20mi (32km) northwest of the busy Bávaro resort strip, the Sivory Punta Cana is perfect if you’re after some privacy – as well as the chance to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Dominican Republic. Each of the 55 suites is equipped with a balcony and either a personal plunge pool or Jacuzzi. The interiors combine East Asian and Caribbean design elements while, in addition to lounging by the infinity pool, the resort offers a plethora of activities to keep you busy, such as golfing, sailing and even deep-sea fishing.

The Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana luxury resort is almost an hour’s drive away from Punta Cana International Airport, making it a popular destination for honeymooners who crave seclusion. The 96 cane-thatched suites feature private terraces, deep soaker tubs and Bvlgari bath amenities. And if the 1,200ft (366m) private beach isn’t enough to keep you entertained, the Zoëtry Endless Privileges program offers activities such as spa treatments and guided tours of the surrounding cultural landmarks.

The beach may be a golf cart ride away, but the 7,000-acre (2,833ha) Casa de Campo has so many on-site activities that you’ll hardly miss the ocean at all. It’s certainly a paradise for golfers: you can also drive a cart to one of the three courses designed by Pete Dye – including the notoriously challenging Teeth of the Dog. Alternatively, spend the day at the spa, playing polo, kayaking, or lounging at the pool. While the various levels of standard rooms are quite spacious, the hotel is also accommodating to large groups, who can book private villas that range from three- to seven-bedroom.

Situated on the southern end of the Punta Cana resort row, this is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of Bávaro Beach. Extremely family-friendly, this luxury Punta Cana resort spoils families with a plethora of activities and accommodations, able to keep both the big and little ones busy. Younger guests will be entertained with an arcade, in-room PlayStations and even a mini theme park called The Flintstones Land. The Meliá Caribe Tropical doesn’t forget you adult however: enjoy a couple’s massage, a night of gambling in the on-site casino or bonding over a dinner in one of the 13 restaurants.

Club Med properties are predominantly known as resorts where couples can get away from it all in a location of their choosing. However, the Club Med Punta Cana caters towards families. As a result, the 631 rooms aren’t just large; they’re outfitted with all the modern amenities that make you feel at home. Outside, families can enjoy engaging activities such as tennis lessons, kayaking or snorkeling. When you parents need a break, kids of all ages can be (temporarily) sidetracked by one of many entertainment programs. Young kids participate in supervised games and art projects, while teens can hang out in their own club, The Lab at the Ramp.

Guesthouse Las Piedras is the perfect place to experience Punta Cana more intimately than at a large resort. A three-minute walk to the restaurants and shopping at the center of Bávaro and just 10 minutes from the beach, this quaint bed and breakfast boutique hotel in Punta Cana is run by a local husband and wife team gives you an optimum location for very reasonable prices. Two guests share a private room equipped with a bathroom, fridge, fan and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is offered every morning along with the possibility of lunch and dinner. Oh, and the food is top-notch!

Located a mere 650ft (200m) from the Los Corales entrance to Bávaro Beach, Chateau del Mar is as close to the turquoise Caribbean waters as you can stay without sleeping in the ocean. The one-to-three-bedroom suites at this beach hotel in Punta Cana all offer a patio or balcony with at least a partial ocean view. You also get a TV, air conditioning, a full kitchen and easy access to the hotel pool. Those who choose to stay in the three-bedroom penthouse suites also have rooftop terraces that come complete with a gazebo and jacuzzi. Feeling adventurous? You can easily find adrenaline-inducing activities, such as parasailing and kite surfing, all just a few steps away from your door.

Family-friendly resorts are great and all, but this one’s just for the adults. The Excellence Punta Cana, winner of the AAA/CAA Four Diamond Lodgings award and located about 30 miles north of Punta Cana proper, doesn’t accept guests under the age of 18. There’s no screaming, no crying; just blissful peace and quiet. Inside, the spacious suites keep the romance alive with king-sized beds and private jacuzzis. Outside, spend time relaxing by the pool, taking scuba lessons or enjoying a massage at the Millé Spa. No matter how you fill your days, make sure you spend your evenings afterwards perusing the menus at the 10 different on-site restaurants.