When it comes to all-inclusive resorts, we’ve always said that the Dominican Republic is the regional king — and that’s borne out in the numbers. And while many of the country’s top all-inclusives are focused in Punta Cana, there are so many great resorts all over the Dominican Republic, from Cap Cana and Uvero Alto to the Samana peninsula.
What they all have in common is quality combined with the essence of the all-inclusive experience: comfort. Here are the best all-inclusive resorts across the Dominican Republic, updated with new information from our team of on-the-ground reviewers and ranking experts.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana The Dominican Republic’s best all-inclusive resort is a boutique experience. Zoëtry is a wellness brand, and that permeates the thatched-roof-highlighted property, with a lovely combination of traditional luxury and hip, eco-style vibes. And with just 96 rooms, it offers the kind of intimacy most all-inclusives can only dream of. Simply but, this is the best Dominican Republic all-inclusive resort.
Sanctuary Cap Cana This fascinating design is home to an ultra-luxury resort that is uniquely adults only. One of the best features of the property is its size, as a small resort set in the heart of the tony Cap Cana enclave. And the swim-up rooms are spectacular.
Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real This property is a standout for what it does well — which is just about everything. The Reserve, a special hotel-within-a-hotel, offers everything from exclusive restaurants to special activities for kids. And that’s what makes this unique — unlike many “special sections,” this is family-friendly, not adults only.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana This is easily the resort that offers the most pure fun of any in the Dominican Republic. It’s got it all — gaming, golf, a world-class nightclub, 13 pools and even the option of having a Fender guitar delivered to your room.
Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana Set on the marvelous beach of Bavaro, this 500-room hotel is perched on a less-frequented stretch, meaning the feeling of a far more private paradise than many large resorts in Punta Cana. For an even better experience, try the Preferred Club.
Gran Ventana Beach Resort This hotel in the beach area of Playa Dorada on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, this VH Hotels and Resorts property is relaxing, tranquil and, more importantly, thoughtful. It’s the latter that extends across the 506-room Puerto Plata resort, most notably in the recently-debuted Vintage Bar (above).
The Level at Melia Caribe Tropical Another great example of a hotel-within-a-hotel, this is all about exclusivity: it begins with a VIP check in and includes its own GABI Club, priority reservations and even a private beach area. That and an even better example of Punta Cana service. And more importantly, there are both adults-only and family wings of The Level.
Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus Set in the southeastern corner of the Dominican Republic in Bayahibe, this 504-room property is a great way to see another corner of the country, available for both adults and families at an always budget-friendly rate.
Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Bahia Principe has a whole range of hotels — ticking a lot of boxes on the hotel spectrum. But this property has something no other Dominican Republic all-inclusive can boast — its own island off the coast of Samana. This adults-only, 268-room property is set on its own private cay, meaning it takes the tropical beauty of the Dominican Republic to another level entirely.
Excellence Punta Cana This is the Dominican Republic’s best all-inclusive resort for food. A gourmet-focused property, with nine restaurants offering a veritable culinary tour of global cuisine. And the best part? You never have to make a reservation at any of them.