By Alexander Britell
It’s the Caribbean’s most popular destination by volume — but the Dominican Republic has a wonderful collection of properties that emphasize quality over quantity. From classic beachfront resorts to hip boutiques, you can find precisely the luxury experience you’re looking for. But these are the three best to visit right now.
Tortuga Bay
If the Dominican Republic has a signature luxury hotel, it’s this: the boutique Tortuga Bay in Punta Cana. Everything here is about effortless elegance, from the beachfront villas to the Oscar de la Renta-designed interiors. Here, it’s all about privacy, exclusivity and one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.
Casa Colonial
This is the hotel that in many ways reinvented hotel cool in the country. Easily the Dominican Republic’s best hotel for design, this Puerto Plata-area boutique cleverly mixes classic colonial architecture with contemporary styling, under the guidance of noted designer Sarah Garcia. But that pales in comparison to the top-level service, always warm and never pretentious.
Gansevoort Dominican Republic Playa Imbert
The best new hotel in the Dominican Republic, this recent entrant has all of the classic Gansevoort elements you’ve come to expect, like massive guest rooms and Miami-chic design. And while a number of hotels have recently attempted to bring luxury to the country’s north coast, none can compare to this hotel’s completeness.