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The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Its resorts, wildlife, white-sand beaches, golf courses, and diverse population make it a fascinating place to visit. The country’s eight international airports include Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), with direct flights from more than 28 countries and 96 cities around the world.
These all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic make vacationing convenient for visitors who don’t want to be surprised by unexpected expenses at the end of their trip. In most cases, taxes, gratuities, meals, drinks, entertainment, and activities are included in the cost of a room. To help you plan your tropical getaway, we’ve rounded up some of the Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive resorts that are best for both family and adults-only vacations.
Booking Tip
Looking to score a deal on your all-inclusive vacation? Consider visiting the Dominican Republic outside of the peak season, which typically lasts from December to April.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, Punta Cana
Set on a private beach in Punta Cana, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana offers two resorts in one: the family-friendly Wave and the adults-only Hammock. Across the property, you’ll find 519 suites, 40 luxury villas, ten restaurants, a spa, and two pools. Guest rooms have furnished balconies and customizable in-room refreshment centers. Daily entertainment, water sports, tennis, pickleball, cocktails, meals and beverages, and all taxes and gratuities are included in the rate. For kids ages four to 12, there’s the Parakeets Kids Club with daily programming and activities.
“As a sun-starved Northeasterner, I spend winters scheming getaways to destinations where sand and surf are the main attractions, and I only need to check my watch to confirm it’s wine o’clock somewhere. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, an all-inclusive located within Punta Cana’s private, 30,000-acre stretch of private shoreline, made for an enjoyable couples getaway in January 2022,” said Travel + Leisure contributor Robin Catalano. “During the day I stuck mainly to Margaritaville’s corner of Juanillo Beach, and the markedly quieter adults-only section of the resort. I also made forays into the St. Somewhere Spa, where I indulged in hydrotherapy circuits followed by the polar plunge pool and sauna or a massage.”
Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Punta Cana
Surrounded by palm trees and lush landscaping, Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort has 14 restaurants and bars where guests can enjoy unlimited meals and drinks. There’s a main pool, a family pool, and a splash pool for small children. Activities and amenities include sailing, windsurfing, kayaks, catamarans, bicycles, a kids zone, tennis, and paddle courts. All taxes, service charges, and gratuities are included. Guests looking for an adults-only experience can stay in one of The Reserve rooms or swim-up suites, which have their own private pool and beach area, plus a slew of other privileges.
Viva V Samaná By Wyndham, Samaná
Guests at this 286-room Dominican Republic resort enjoy rates that include accommodations, all meals and snacks, unlimited beverages, cocktails, and wine. Situated on the Samaná Peninsula, the property makes the most of its sandy shores with outdoor activities, including beachside yoga, pilates, and volleyball. Water sports, theme nights, entertainment, taxes, and gratuities are also included. Visitors can also bliss out at the top-notch spa.
Grand Paradise Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
The beachfront Grand Paradise Playa Dorada features 425 guest rooms and 94 suites, an on-site casino, evening entertainment, and a disco. The rate includes three meals daily plus snacks, wine with lunch and dinner, tennis, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, miniature golf, horseback riding, and biking. Supervised kids activities are available at Kiki’s Kids Club for ages four to 12. A Select VIP Club level adds premium drinks, private check-in, concierge services, and admission to adults-only areas.
Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana, Punta Cana
Live out your childhood dream of getting slimed at Nickelodeon Punta Cana. This all-inclusive resort on Uvero Alto beach leans into cartoons like Spongebob Squarepants and Paw Patrol, making it a fun, splashy getaway for families and kids at heart. “I’m a self-proclaimed Spongebob superfan, and I had a blast watching my favorite episodes in the open-air theater and sipping slime smoothies at the swim-up bar,” said T+L contributor Madeline Bilis after a 2024 stay.
The resort counts 460 suites, though the property’s true highlight is the Pineapple Villa, a spacious 1,500-foot home with a fruit-shaped foyer that resembles Spongebob’s underwater residence. Elsewhere, nine restaurants, three bars, and four pools make plenty of space for fun in the sun. Perhaps the best spot of all to catch rays (and get slimed) is at Aqua Nick, the on-site waterpark decked out with bright-orange water slides, water jets, fountains, a lazy river, and more.
Hotel Catalonia Royal La Romana, La Romana
Located in the scenic fishing village of Bayahibe, this 117-room adults-only Hotel Catalonia Royal La Romana offers a peaceful atmosphere geared toward couples. It has a dedicated beach area for guests, a pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, five restaurants, and four bars, including a popular swim-up bar. The all-inclusive rate covers meals, snacks, 24-hour room service, and a minibar with soft drinks, beer, and snacks.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Punta Cana
There are plenty of family-friendly resorts in the Dominican Republic, but Hard Rock’s Punta Cana outpost has some extra-fun amenities that set it apart. The 1,775-room property features 13 pools, a bowling alley, an arcade, an escape room, a kids club, and even a “Flowrider” surf simulator where you can catch a wave in the main pool. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive meals and snacks at nine restaurants, nightly entertainment, live music, and 24-hour room service. Other activities include laser tag, volleyball, water aerobics, and tennis. Taxes, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and unlimited phone calls to the continental U.S. and Canada are also included.
Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, Punta Cana
Looking for a budget-friendly beach vacation? Head to Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, an affordable all-inclusive resort with 756 guest rooms and family-friendly amenities, including a kids club for children ages four to 12. Guests can also access the restaurants and entertainment at the nearby Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro and Grand Bahia Principe Turquesa. Drinks at hotel bars are included, and guest room mini-bars are restocked daily with snacks, juice, soft drinks, and beer. The rate also covers one hour daily for kayaks, tennis, catamarans, and snorkeling.
“Making the most of this all-inclusive spot with glistening ocean vistas means making the most of the neighboring resorts. Translation: With a stay at Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, you have access to the dining spots and facilities at neighboring Grand Bavaro and Grand Turquesa, too. So, pro-tip — after staying at the spot in September 2020 — dabble in ‘em all and don’t be bashful,” recommends T+L contributor Jesse Scott.
The Level at Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort, Punta Cana
While most all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic charge guests extra for spa treatments, this adults-only Meliá resort on Bavaro Beach has built them into a wellness-focused package. Guests who book The Level Wellness Suites can enjoy one spa treatment per day, aromatherapy, a vitamin C shower infuser, and a wellness concierge and app to help them reach their health goals. The Level guests can also access a private check-in area, VIP amenities, a private pool, premium brand drinks and snacks, and exclusive dining at Quimera Restaurant, in addition to the rest of the 287-room hotel’s all-inclusive offerings.
“In September 2020 – off COVID’s peak and in major need of a wellness retreat – I landed on a stay at Meliá Punta Cana Beach,” says Scott. “It brought me back to life and, for a solo or couple’s wellness adventure, it totally reinvigorates on a multitude of fronts. Built in 2019, the adults-only resort’s rooms are draped in white columns with tan and gold touches, with beachside suites coming at a premium. Speaking of premium, Meliá’s Level package is worth the upgrade and includes access to a private pool, lounge, and wellness ritual, among other perks.”
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Punta Cana
With 750 luxury suites, live DJ music, and seemingly endless activities, Breathless is an exciting adults-only beachfront destination. The all-inclusive rates cover fitness classes, entertainment, a pool with a swim-up bar, limitless gourmet dining, top-shelf cocktails, and 24-hour room service. Unlimited dining at 11 venues includes eight á la carte restaurants, a buffet, a café, and a grill on the beach. Complimentary exchange privileges with Dreams Onyx next door allows guests to dine at additional restaurants and bars.
Hilton La Romana Resort & Spa, Punta Cana
This all-inclusive, adults-only resort features 356 guest rooms and suites – many with private balconies. Guests may choose casual or fine dining, and top-shelf spirits are served at five different venues – from a swim-up bar to sophisticated lounges. Additional options are available at the neighboring Hilton La Romana, an All-inclusive Family Resort. Activities include windsurfing, catamaran sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, pool games, dance lessons, beach volleyball, and board games. The casino is open nightly from 7:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. A spa, fitness center, and optional excursions are available for guests.
Hilton La Romana Resort & Water Park, Punta Cana
Set on a white-sand beach, this all-inclusive Dominican Republic resort is ideal for a family getaway. The property has 418 guest rooms — many of which can accommodate groups – and multiple dining venues, including a buffet, a grill, a pizzeria, a café, and eight bars. There’s also a teens’ club, supervised children’s program, ping pong, board games, pool games, and live entertainment. Water activities include windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and the water park with tube slides, a lazy river, and a kids splash zone with mini waterslides.
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