Paradise Found: The Definitive List of the Top 10 Hotels in the Dominican Republic

With a dizzying array of options, picking the perfect hotel in the Dominican Republic can feel like trying to find a specific grain of sand on Bávaro Beach. Fear not, sun-seeker! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve sifted through thousands of reviews on TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Booking.com to bring you the definitive, no-fluff list.

This isn’t just a random collection of fancy places; this is a curated guide to the absolute best, based on the ratings of travellers just like you. Get ready to update your “dream vacation” Pinterest board. This is our list of the top 10 hotels in the Dominican Republic for 2025.

10. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa (Punta Cana)

Best for: Adults-Only Bliss

Kicking off our list is the resort that knows how to keep a secret… the secret to pure, unadulterated relaxation. Located in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana, Secrets is an adults-only, all-inclusive paradise. Think sophisticated luxury, impeccable service, and a beach so perfect it looks photoshopped. The pools are vast, the cocktails are strong, and the general vibe is “I have not a single care in the world.”

Why it makes the list: Secrets consistently earns top marks for its pristine grounds, exceptional food quality (a rare feat for all-inclusives), and staff who treat you like royalty. It’s the perfect escape for couples looking to reconnect without a screaming toddler cannonballing into the pool next to them.

Expedia Review: “From the moment we arrived, we were treated like VIPs. The ‘Unlimited-Luxury’ is no joke. Our room had a swim-out pool, the food at every single restaurant was spectacular, and the beach was breathtaking. We left feeling more relaxed than we have in years. We are already planning our return trip!”

9. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (La Romana)

Best for: Unparalleled Luxury and Sporting Life

Less a hotel and more a 7,000-acre private kingdom, Casa de Campo is legendary. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself. It boasts three championship golf courses (including the world-famous Teeth of the Dog), a sprawling marina, an equestrian center, and even a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village. Guests zip around in their personal golf carts, creating a unique sense of freedom and exploration.

Why it makes the list: For those who believe “more is more,” Casa de Campo delivers. Its sheer scale and the variety of activities on offer are unmatched. It’s a favorite among celebrities and discerning travellers for a reason—the privacy and luxury are second to none.

TripAdvisor Review: “There are no words to truly describe the Casa de Campo experience. It is pure perfection. We used our golf cart to explore everything from the marina to Altos de Chavón. The service is flawless, the dining is exquisite, and playing Teeth of the Dog was a bucket-list moment. Worth every single penny.”

8. Iberostar Grand Bávaro (Punta Cana)

Best for: Grandeur and Attentive Service

Another adults-only stunner on Bávaro Beach, the Iberostar Grand elevates the all-inclusive experience to an art form. The architecture is Greco-Roman-inspired, giving it a palatial feel, complete with a full-scale replica ship in the main lagoon (which also doubles as a music bar, naturally). What truly sets it apart is the butler service available to every guest, ensuring your every whim is catered to, from unpacking your luggage to drawing a perfect bubble bath.

Why it makes the list: Reviewers endlessly praise the staff. From the gardeners to the butlers, everyone seems genuinely happy to be there, creating an infectious atmosphere of joy and top-tier service.

Booking.com Review: “The best all-inclusive I have ever been to. The grounds are immaculate, the food is wonderful, but the staff is what makes this place a 10/10. Our butlers, Luis and Maria, were phenomenal and anticipated our needs before we even knew we had them. You feel completely pampered from start to finish.”

7. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

Best for: Zen-Like Serenity and Wellness

If your idea of a vacation involves tranquility, wellness, and escaping the world, Zoëtry Agua is your sanctuary. This is not a party resort. It’s a boutique, all-inclusive haven focused on its “Endless Privileges” concept. Think organic, gourmet dining, a complimentary 20-minute wellness treatment, and no set check-in or check-out times. The vibe is quiet luxury, with cane-thatched suites, natural wood finishes, and serene, meandering pools.

Why it makes the list: Zoëtry delivers a unique, health-conscious luxury experience. It’s the perfect antidote to a stressful life, and guests leave feeling rejuvenated, not just relaxed.

TripAdvisor Review: “Zoetry Agua is paradise on earth. It is so peaceful and beautiful. The staff is warm and attentive, the food is healthy and delicious, and the entire atmosphere is designed for relaxation. The daily yoga on the beach was a highlight. It felt less like a hotel and more like a spiritual retreat.”

6. Sanctuary Cap Cana (Punta Cana)

Best for: A Romantic, Castle-by-the-Sea Fantasy

Sanctuary Cap Cana looks like a Spanish colonial village that decided to retire on a stunning Caribbean cliffside. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with architecture that includes a literal castle on an island in the middle of the property. With a mix of suites, villas, and bungalows (some with private pools), it offers a diverse range of luxurious accommodations.

Why it makes the list: The sheer architectural beauty and romantic ambiance are off the charts. It’s one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the world, but its beauty is matched by incredible service and amenities.

Expedia Review: “This place is an actual fairytale. We stayed in the Castle Island Suite and it was the most incredible hotel room I’ve ever seen. The views, the private pools, the service… everything was a dream. The grounds are stunning and you can spend a whole day just exploring the property. 100% recommend for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.”

5. Eden Roc Cap Cana

Best for: Chic, Boutique Glamour

Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, Eden Roc brings a touch of the French Riviera to the Caribbean. This boutique resort is the epitome of chic, with vibrant, colourful villas, each boasting its own private pool and outdoor relaxation area. It feels exclusive and intimate, offering a stark contrast to the mega-resorts nearby.

Why it makes the list: Eden Roc is a masterclass in design and personalized service. It’s for travellers who appreciate fine details, from the Acqua di Parma toiletries to the perfectly crafted cocktails at the Riva Bar.

Booking.com Review: “Eden Roc is faultless. The design is stunning, like something out of a magazine. Our villa was spacious, private, and unbelievably luxurious. The staff addressed us by name from day one and the food at Mediterraneo was world-class. It is expensive, but you absolutely get what you pay for.”

4. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (Punta Cana)

Best for: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Luxury

Who says you have to sacrifice luxury when you bring the kids? Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana proves you can have it all. This all-inclusive resort is a family paradise, featuring a massive water park with slides and a lazy river, a kids’ club, and family-sized suites. But it’s not all about the children—adults will love the sophisticated dining options, the beautiful infinity pools, and the swim-up suites. It shares some amenities with its adults-only sister property, Hyatt Zilara, giving grown-ups even more options.

Why it makes the list: It has cracked the code for multi-generational travel, offering top-tier fun for kids and genuine luxury for adults. The reviews consistently highlight how clean, modern, and well-designed the entire resort is.

TripAdvisor Review: “Best family vacation we have ever had! The water park was a huge hit with our kids (and us!). The food was the best we’ve ever had at an all-inclusive, and the resort itself is brand new and gorgeous. The staff went out of their way to make our children feel special. We can’t wait to go back.”

3. Amanera (Río San Juan)

Best for: Sleek, Modern Seclusion

Perched on the verdant northern coast, far from the crowds of Punta Cana, Amanera is in a league of its own. As part of the ultra-luxe Aman portfolio, it offers a minimalist, Bond-villain-lair kind of vibe. Each free-standing “casita” offers sweeping ocean views and many have their own private pool. The focus here is on nature, privacy, and understated elegance, with a golf course that plays along dramatic cliff edges.

Why it makes the list: For those seeking true escape and unparalleled privacy, Amanera is the pinnacle. It’s a sanctuary where the stunning natural landscape is the main attraction, perfectly complemented by flawless Aman service.

Expedia Review: “Amanera isn’t a vacation; it’s an experience. The architecture is breathtakingly beautiful and blends seamlessly with the nature around it. The service is intuitive, discreet, and perfect. You feel like you’re the only guests there. The peace and quiet are the ultimate luxury.”

2. The Peninsula House (Samaná)

Best for: An Intimate, Old-World Manor Experience Note: The Peninsula House has faced closures and changes in recent years, but its legendary status keeps it at the top of “best of” lists. Always check for current operational status before booking.

This isn’t a resort; it’s a magnificent Victorian-style plantation house turned guesthouse, with only a handful of suites. Staying here feels less like being at a hotel and more like being a guest at a friend’s impossibly beautiful and well-staffed country home. Every room is filled with antiques, art, and books collected by the owners. It’s intimate, unique, and utterly charming.

Why it makes the list: It represents a type of personalized, character-filled luxury that simply cannot be replicated by a large resort. For decades, reviewers have described it as one of the most special and memorable stays of their lives.

A Rave Review: “I am hesitant to write this review because I want to keep this gem a secret. The Peninsula House is the most magical place I have ever stayed. Every detail is perfect, from the decor to the incredible breakfasts on the veranda. It is an escape from the modern world. Simply unforgettable.”

1. Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club (Punta Cana)

Best for: The Pinnacle of Elegant, Understated Perfection

And here we are, at the top of our list of the top 10 hotels in the Dominican Republic. Tortuga Bay consistently reigns supreme. Designed by the late, great Oscar de la Renta, this hotel is the embodiment of Caribbean elegance. Comprising a collection of stunning yellow villas, the hotel offers an experience that is both exclusive and incredibly warm. Guests receive VIP treatment from the moment they land, being whisked through a private airport terminal to their villa, where a dedicated manager caters to their every need.

Why it makes the list: Tortuga Bay is flawless. From the Oscar de la Renta design and amenities to the impeccable, intuitive service, it never puts a foot wrong. It provides access to the best of Puntacana Resort & Club (including Corales and La Cana golf courses) while maintaining a sense of serene, private seclusion. It is, according to thousands of reviewers, the undisputed champion of Dominican hospitality.

Booking.com Review: “Tortuga Bay is heaven on earth. The villa was spectacular, the private beach was pristine, and our personal villa manager made everything effortless. We felt so cared for and so completely relaxed. The Oscar de la Renta design is in every detail, creating an atmosphere of pure, understated class. It doesn’t get better than this.”

What is the best area to stay in the Dominican Republic?

It depends on your travel style! Punta Cana is famous for its world-class all-inclusive resorts and stunning beaches. La Romana offers ultra-luxury and golf at places like Casa de Campo. The Samaná Peninsula is lush, less developed, and great for nature lovers. Santo Domingo is perfect for history and culture buffs.

When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?

The peak season runs from December to April when the weather is driest and sunniest. The shoulder seasons (May-June and November) can offer great value with fewer crowds. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the highest risk in August and September.

What makes these the top 10 hotels in the Dominican Republic?

This list was compiled by analyzing guest ratings and reviews across three of the world’s leading travel sites: TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Booking.com. These hotels consistently receive the highest scores for service, cleanliness, location, and overall experience from thousands of real travellers.

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