The Best All-Inclusive Hotels to Book in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Guests are welcomed to the Paradisus Palma Real Golf Resort & Spa on entering a plush reception, consisting of swish marble architecture and a jaw-dropping courtyard, which leads into the design-forward rooms. Take a few hours to indulge in the spa’s thermal circuit and gym – and factor in time for other social experiences, from sushi-making to wine-tasting and salsa-dancing. And when it comes to dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice too, as there are 11 restaurants.

You’ve got the ultimate escape at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. Designed to give guests a luxury experience from the moment they land, the exclusive hotel has a terrific setting in the gated community of Cap Cana. It majors in first-class service across the board, with easy access to golf courses and deep-sea-fishing excursions. On site, there’s a water park that’ll entertain all ages and a range of restaurants: order burgers at Navigator Grill and freshly squeezed juice at the Chinola. Top tip: book into the impressive underground spa, complete with sky-lit lagoon.

The sunsets at adults-only Excellence Punta Cana are the stuff of local legend, and that is part of the reason romantics love this adults-only resort. It’s got an idyllic beach setting, so you can stroll hand in hand as the day fades to peachy-pink, or sit back and savour the ocean view from the main pool with a fruity cocktail. You won’t need to leave the premises for the duration of your stay, as there are stacks of activities on offer. Best of all, included in the all-inclusive price are 30 minutes of horseback-riding, tennis and Spanish lessons, bike tours, and the chance to wallow in the two-storey spa’s hydrotherapy circuit.

The swanky Sanctuary Cap Cana is an exclusive adults-only resort that exudes a village-like vibe. Its focus is wellness, so you can expect an impressive number of pools. A focal point is the Instagram-worthy Castle Tower, with its jutting turrets and moat leading to the subterranean spa. Here you’ll find waterfalls and a half-moon pool, as well as a spectrum of treatments and a fresh juice bar. When it’s time to eat, you’re spoilt for choice: the multiple restaurants, covered by the all-inclusive rate, serve steak, seafood, Chinese and Italian – for the most discerning palate.

This place might be small, but it’s certainly perfectly formed: a secluded 96-room getaway, just an hour’s drive from the airport along a bumpy dirt road. Check in and you’ll agree – this place feels a million miles from Punta Cana’s mega-resorts. The welcome is warm – expect to be greeted with a bottle of local rum – and all rooms are suites, all the better for their private plunge pools. The adjacent white-sand beach is uncrowded – perfect for romantic sunset walks and water sports, and you can even saddle up for a complimentary horse ride.

The Palladium brand has a well-deserved reputation for first-class places to stay, and this one is no exception – it’s one of the four hotels that make up the 2,000-plus-room Palladium mega-resort in Bavaro. Like living it large? Here you’ve got a property that’s super-popular with the party crowd. There’s a great nightlife scene with poolside DJs, all kinds of sporty activities and a kaleidoscope of places to eat, whether you like Mexican, tapas, Japanese, Brazilian, Italian, Mediterranean, pan-Asian or surf and turf. And if you just want to chill? Every room has a balcony tub for ultimate indulgence, and the white-sand beach is minutes away.

As you might have guessed, no kids are allowed at the adults-only Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, so the amenities are immaculate and there are plenty of secluded spots for romance in the grounds, shaded by palm trees. The resort has pride of place on a stunning stretch of beach, with plenty of lounge chairs and thatched umbrellas. There are three impressive pools – one meanders through the grounds like a lazy river, and you can take advantage of a free introductory scuba class before heading out to marvel at the marine life up close.