Famous for great weather and pristine beaches, the Dominican Republic is one of our best-selling resort destinations in the Caribbean. It occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola and boasts more than 800 miles of coastline, world-class hotels, championship golf courses and a culture enlivened by Spanish, French and African influences.
Dominican cuisine reflects native Antillean and Creole flavors, with dishes similar to those found in other Latin American countries. After sundown, nightclubs jump with lively merengue music and slower-paced bachata rhythms. A passion for baseball is also part of the country's culture, and there are six teams in the Dominican Republic's pro baseball league.
Snorkelers and divers explore coral reefs and shipwrecks, fishing enthusiasts compete for marlin and sailfish and golfers are drawn to courses designed by legends of the game. But most come to the Dominican Republic simply to enjoy its broad, sandy stretches.
Below are our 10 top-selling resorts in the Dominican Republic. All of them are located in or near Punta Cana, a popular destination that lies at the eastern end of the island. This region has a great variety of affordable all-inclusive resorts with superb beaches and plentiful water sports.
Each of the properties listed below is all-inclusive, which means the upfront price includes accommodations, meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, entertainment, activities and nonmotorized water sports. Click the links to price a stay at any of them, with or without airfare.
Riu Republica (4.5 stars) -- Highlights at this no-kids resort include eight pools, the Splash Water World park and complimentary windsurfing and snorkeling. There are evening shows, a nightclub and several restaurants, including Italian, Asian and steakhouse options. Some suites have a Jacuzzi on the terrace.
Secrets Tides Punta Cana (5 stars) -- This no-kids haven is located on a palm-studded beach and features two infinity pools, three hot tubs and an array of dining options. Preferred Club accommodations come with access to an exclusive lounge and a dedicated pool and swim-up bar.
Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro (4.5 stars) -- Order a tropical drink from a swim-up or beachfront bar, sail a catamaran over Caribbean waves or join an aerobics session or beach volleyball game. Live entertainment might feature the country's popular merengue and bachata rhythms.
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana (5 stars) -- This resort features seven restaurants, 11 bars, nine pools, four tennis courts and dedicated facilities and activities for children and teens. The no-kids Elegance Club is reserved for guests ages 18 and up and has swim-up suites with terraces and Balinese sun beds, plus access to five exclusive bars.
Grand Palladium Bavaro (5 stars) -- Guests at this property, set on a stunning beach surrounded by coconut trees and lush vegetation, have access to eight a la carte restaurants, six show cooking restaurants, 20 bars, five pools, four pickleball courts, a miniature golf course and age-appropriate activities for young children and older kids.
Barcelo Bavaro Palace (5 stars) -- Head to the beach for swimming or kayaking; the calm water is protected by a coral reef. This resort also offers 11 restaurants, a water park, an 18-hole golf course designed by P.B. Dye and an escape room. The kids club organizes supervised activities for children, and older kids can gather in their own nightclub for dancing and DJ music.
Ocean El Faro (5 stars) -- This Spanish colonial-style property features nine restaurants, coffee and ice scream shops, multiple bars, two swimming pools, a lazy river, a water park, eight tennis courts and a bowling alley. A no-kids section called El Beso is home to two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and an exclusive restaurant among other amenities.
Secrets Royal Beach (5 stars) -- Palapas and palms dot the sugar-white beach in front of this no-kids resort, and a free-form pool winds through manicured gardens and verdant grounds. The property features eight dining options, 11 bars and lounges, a spa and swim-up suites that front a lazy river.
Occidental Caribe (4 stars) -- This expansive resort sits on a pristine stretch of Arena Gorda Beach. It features seven restaurants, a variety of bars, three swimming pools, a playground, an 800-seat theater for evening shows and a club for kids ages 4 to 12.
Ocean Blue & Sand (4.5 stars) -- The broad, white-sand beach is a main attraction here, but you also might want to plunge into one of two lagoon-style pools, try the climbing wall or play a game of tennis. There is a PADI diving center on-site as well, plus two Jacuzzis, nine restaurants and a theater for nightly shows.
