Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Iberostar Grand Bavaro

With mountains, rainforests and lots of gorgeous beaches, it’s easy to both play hard and seriously chill out in the Dominican Republic. You can spend your days hiking, ziplining , or windsurfing. Or get spoiled at your resort — lounging on the beach, taking a dance class, or blissing out in a spa. Many of the best beach resorts are in Punta Cana on the eastern side of the island, or along the the Boca Chica and La Romana areas to the south. Most resort options are all-inclusive. Here are the best beach resorts in the Dominican Republic.

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Iberostar Grand Bávaro (Carretera Arena Gorda Bavaro; 809-221-6500) Punta Cana

Fodor’s calls this adults-only resort “an architectural gem. Highlights include the beachfront pool, theater, and a bar built into a replica of a ship. It’s a knockout from the moment you walk into the glamorous lobby, where the term ‘no expense was spared‘ is actually true. Google reviewers are also wowed by the service, which includes butlers. “The staff is extremely friendly and animated,” says one. “Our butler was lightning-fast, handling our every need, and everyone knew us by name.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Excellence Punta Cana (Playas Uvero Alto; 809-685-9880) Punta Cana

This adults-only resort offers easy access to the beach, nearly a dozen restaurants, and swim-up suites. Condé Nast Traveler says the resort “gleams with vibrant Caribbean-inspired colors and mid-century modern touches, while still retaining the romantic Colonial-era ambiance that has made it a perennial favorite for returning guests.” One Tripadvisor user notes that the resort “is more catered to older couples. The resort pretty much shuts down by 11 every night. If you are looking for a very quiet resort, this is for you, and the food is very good.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana (Playa Juanillo, Blvd.; 809-469-7090) Punta Cana

This adults-only resort “has everything you could want in a tropical vacation,” says Travel+Leisure. The magazine raves about the “beachfront, infinity pools with swim-up bars, a water park with a lazy river, and dedicated beach butlers to keep your cocktails steadily flowing.” A Google reviewer calls it “absolutely lavish. We upgraded our room to a swim-up and would totally recommend that if you prefer the convenience of stepping out of the room directly into the pool—less crowded water.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana (HFX+C7M; 849-200-1607) Punta Cana

This all-suites, all-inclusive branch of the Margaritaville chain is a crowd-pleaser with entertainment, water sports, tennis, and even pickleball. Travel+Leisure likes that “guest rooms include furnished balconies and customizable in-room refreshment centers. …and for kids aged 4–12, there’s the Parakeets Kids’ Club with daily activities.” Google reviewers love the attentive butlers and the pool scene. “The adults-only pool was always a good time, lots of activities,” says one. “We purchased the floating taco bar a few times—they just bring a load of them to you poolside.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Hilton La Romana (Playa Bayahibe; 809-221-8880) La Romana

Families will love this all-inclusive resort on a white-sand beach. Travel+Leisure likes the “family-sized guest rooms, a variety of restaurants, and a new water park with tube slides, lazy river, and kids’ splash zone.” Kids and parents will also love the eight dining venues, water sports, a teens’ club, and a children’s program. A Tripadvisor user enjoysthe beauty and experience of the water and beach. Calm and clear, clean and spacious. We snorkeled on our own each morning from the beach and around the pier seeing many fish as well as a manatee!”   >> Book this hotel for less

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