Punta Cana may be one of the most popular resort destinations in the Caribbean, but it’s not all about giant resorts lining the shore of the east coast of the Dominican Republic: those same peerless beaches also are inhabited by a collection of smaller hotels and resorts that typically put the emphasis on personalized service, unique accommodations, and luxury amenities and dining. While they may not be as small as your traditional boutique hotels, they do offer the kind of intimacy and personality you’ll find in smaller properties. Here are some of the best boutique-style hotels in Punta Cana.
Four new Ocean Villas and a string hatch-covered waterfront bungalows with private plunge pools cap the luxury accommodations at this 65-room boutique resorts in the exclusive Cap Cana community. For fine dining it’s hard to beat the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in the Dominican Republic, which offers special healthy cuisine menus as part of its broad array of wellness programs and amenities.
Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort and Club
With just 13 suites and villas designed by Dominican native Oscar de la Renta, this is the height of luxury in the Dominican Republic, defining style and service in Punta Cana. Guests can enjoy golf at the Puntacana club, the services of a Six Senses Spa, and a trio of superb restaurants.
Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina and Villas Cap Cana
The former Ancora resort has been reflagged as the world’s first Sports Illustrated Resort; with 116 rooms, it’s small enough to be intimate but big enough to offer a satisfying list of amenities, including (as you’d expect) a bunch of active sports options like beach soccer and water polo, a baseball themed restaurant, and a variety of fun off-site activities like horseback riding and motocross.
Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto beach is home to this 96-room boutique hotel, whose all-inclusive amenities include all-suites accommodations, dining in four a la carte restaurants, spa treatments, wine tastings, beach rides on horseback, and helicopter transfers to the resort.
Temptation Grand Miches Resort
Ready to take a walk on the wilder side? The new 114-room Temptation Grand is an adults- (and couples) only resort that emphasizes sensual playtime with a nude Jacuzzi, topless-optional pool area, a sexy playroom, and sexy theme nights. It’s all included in a stay that also bundles accommodations, unlimited dining and drinks, and live entertainment.
Settle into a soaking tub at one of the 55 guest villas at this splendid boutique hotel, set on the beach and an all-inclusive limited to adult guests only. Highlights include guest rooms stocked with a dozen wines, oceanfront junior suites with private plunge pools, and dining at Astroatelier and three other restaurants designed by top Dominican chef Cristian Matias Baez.
The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana
A 132-room all-inclusive that’s kid friendly without sacrificing luxury, the Reserve at Paradisus includes a family concierge to arrange activities, spacious suites that can give couples plenty of space as well as accommodating children, and family and splash pools in addition to the resort’s main swimming area. Tennis, pickleball, wine tasting, dance classes, water sports and a kids’ play area are all included in stays.
If you’re looking for a more traditional all-inclusive vacation in Punta Cana, see our top all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for 2023.