Mention the Dominican Republic and the first thing that usually comes to mind is mega-resorts in places like the tourism hub of Punta Cana. But think again, because there’s much more to the Dominican Republic than its most famous resort town, and you don’t have to stay at a large resort to have big fun. So check out our pick of the best small hotels in the Dominican Republic, then pack a bag and ándale! CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon has the full scoop. (For more info on the destination, here’s our complete list of the Best Dominican Republic Hotels).
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa What’s not to love about this elegant and understated 50-suite hotel in Puerto Plata, secreted in plain sight within a compound of all-inclusive resorts? With chic bedrooms (some with balcony bathtubs); a rooftop infinity pool; and spa services delivered in gazebos that front the resort’s slice of sand, we can’t think of a single thing.
Tortuga Bay Famously designed by late local-born fashion Oscar De La Renta, this AAA Five Diamond villa resort offers guests in its 30 suites a luxurious welcome, starting with planeside pick-up at the airport in Punta Cana. Enjoy the use of your own golf cart to tool around the oceanfront acreage; eight restaurants; three golf courses; and a quiet beach that feels a world apart from the busy strands of Punta Cana, just minutes away.
Casas Del XVI What do you get when you combine three meticulously restored 16th-century homes in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone? A boutique hotel with seven elegant suites that are serviced by solicitous butlers and offer unparalleled levels of citified comforts. Airport pickup; loaner iPhones and comp Wi-Fi are just three of the perks we appreciate.
Natura Cabana This petite beachfront enclave halfway between Cabarete and Sosua is big on amenities, with two restaurants, a pool and a beachfront yoga pavilion for the enjoyment of guests in its eleven thatch-roofed cabins. Each one-, two- or three-bedroom oasis is whimsically designed, with darling touches that include concrete walls studded with colorful marbles; and in the bathroom, shower curtains fashioned from garlands of shells.
Billini Hotel Smack in the center of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, this 24-suite boutique combines the contemporary with the classic to enchanting result. What we love: 24-hour concierge service; walking proximity to all the Zone’s sights; and a rooftop pool deck that serves up potent cocktails and Instagrammable city views.
The Peninsula House Bed-and-breakfasts don’t come much fancier than this Victorian stunner on the Samaná Peninsula. Decorated with antiques and artifacts from the owners’ travels, each of the six spacious suites is a study in refinement, and the service is second to none.