Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
An honest, ranked guide to the best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic — adults-only, family-friendly, luxury, and budget picks with real pricing and what's actually included.
The Dominican Republic is the undisputed king of Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. With more than 70,000 hotel rooms — the majority of them all-inclusive — the country offers options at every price point, from cheerful budget properties where rum flows freely to ultra-luxury enclaves where a butler unpacks your suitcase. The problem is not finding a resort; it is finding the right one amid a flood of sponsored reviews and paid influencer content.
This guide is different. We have visited dozens of properties across Punta Cana, La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná and ranked them by what actually matters: food quality, beach access, room condition, service consistency, and honest value for money. No resort paid for placement here.
All-inclusive resorts make financial sense in the Dominican Republic for one simple reason: the country's tourism infrastructure is built around them. Independent restaurants, taxis, and activities near resort zones are often priced for resort guests — meaning you may not save much by going a la carte in places like Bávaro. Here is when all-inclusive is genuinely worth it:
When all-inclusive is not the best choice: if you want to explore multiple cities, eat at local comedores (small restaurants), or spend most of your time doing off-site excursions. In that case, consider a boutique hotel in Samaná or Santo Domingo instead.
These properties deliver the most consistent all-around experience — strong food, good rooms, reliable service, and excellent beach or pool access.
Excellence Punta Cana has earned its reputation as the resort that gets everything right without charging ultra-luxury prices. This adults-only property on Playa Uvero Alto offers nine restaurants, a massive spa, a gorgeous pool complex, and rooms that are genuinely spacious — the Excellence Club suites include rooftop terraces with Jacuzzis.
What stands out: The food is several notches above the typical buffet-and-mediocre-steakhouse model. The Japanese restaurant (Iru) and the French bistro (Chez Isabelle) serve dishes that would be respectable in a standalone restaurant. The beach is wide, calm, and less crowded than properties further south along the Bávaro strip.
Rates: US$250-450/night double occupancy in high season (December-April). The Excellence Club upgrade (US$60-100/night more) is worth it for the private pool area, premium liquor, and priority restaurant reservations.
Pros: Consistently excellent food quality; beautiful pool complex with swim-up bar; spacious rooms; excellent spa; adults-only peace and quiet.
Cons: Uvero Alto beach location means you are 35 minutes from downtown Punta Cana restaurants; limited nightlife on-site compared to Hard Rock; some rooms are a long walk from the main pool.
Secrets Cap Cana sits within the gated Cap Cana development, which means the grounds are immaculate and the beach (Juanillo) is one of the most beautiful on the east coast. This Hyatt-affiliated adults-only resort features the Preferred Club tier — essentially a resort within a resort — with a private infinity pool, dedicated concierge, upgraded minibar, and enhanced room service.
Rates: US$350-600/night double occupancy. Preferred Club adds US$80-120/night but includes perks worth the premium.
Pros: Stunning Juanillo beach; Preferred Club is exceptional; excellent cocktail program; modern room design; quiet atmosphere.
Cons: Standard-tier rooms feel overpriced for what you get (push for Preferred Club); some restaurants require reservations days in advance during peak season; Cap Cana location is isolated from anything off-resort.
Hyatt's adults-only brand delivers the most consistently excellent service of any resort we have visited in the DR. Staff remember your name, your drink order, and your preferred pool lounger by day two. The property is smaller than mega-resorts, which contributes to a more personal experience.
Rates: US$300-500/night double occupancy.
Pros: Outstanding service; beautiful Cap Cana beach; Hyatt loyalty points; excellent swim-up suites; strong cocktail quality (they use name-brand spirits, not bottom-shelf rum).
Cons: Fewer restaurant options than Excellence or Secrets (six versus nine); pool area can feel crowded during peak weeks; nightly entertainment is modest.
The Dominican Republic has more adults-only all-inclusive options than almost any Caribbean destination. These are the standouts for couples, honeymooners, and anyone who prefers their vacation without children in the pool.
Newer and slightly more affordable than its sibling Excellence Punta Cana, El Carmen occupies a prime stretch of Uvero Alto beach. The swim-up suites are the sweet spot: you step from your terrace directly into a semi-private pool. Seven restaurants, rooftop terraces, and an excellent beach bar round out the package.
Rates: US$200-380/night double occupancy — roughly 15-20% less than Excellence Punta Cana for a very similar product.
Pros: Lower price for the Excellence brand quality; newer rooms; great swim-up suites; lively pool scene without being rowdy.
Cons: Slightly smaller spa; restaurants not quite as refined as the original Excellence; service can be uneven during the December-January crush.
For travelers who find mega-resorts exhausting, Zoëtry is the antidote. This 96-suite boutique property feels more like a high-end wellness retreat than a typical all-inclusive. Rooms have no television (by design), the spa is world-class, and the food is organic and thoughtfully prepared. The beach is shared with the Dreams resort next door but never feels crowded on the Zoëtry side.
Rates: US$400-700/night double occupancy — premium pricing for a premium experience.
Pros: Intimate and peaceful; outstanding spa; organic food program; butler service; beautiful jungle-meets-beach setting.
Cons: Very expensive; limited dining variety (four restaurants); not ideal if you want lively nightlife or a party atmosphere; some guests find the no-TV policy frustrating.
Hard Rock is the maximalist choice. Thirteen pools (including a wave pool and lazy river), a casino, a bowling alley, a nightclub, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and a kids' club that runs until 11 PM so parents can actually enjoy an adult dinner. The rooms are large — even the base category is 50+ square meters — and the music-themed decor is fun without being tacky.
Rates: US$200-400/night double occupancy. Children under 4 free; ages 4-12 approximately US$80-120/night additional.
Pros: Massive variety of activities; excellent kids' club; good pool complex; solid food across 11 restaurants; in-room Jacuzzi tubs in most categories; casino for evening entertainment.
Cons: The resort is enormous — it can take 15 minutes to walk from your room to the beach; service quality is inconsistent (some staff are outstanding, others indifferent); the beach itself is not the best in Punta Cana; pool areas get loud.
The family-friendly counterpart to Hyatt Zilara, Ziva occupies the same Cap Cana development with access to the stunning Juanillo beach. The KidZ Club is well-staffed with structured activities (not just a room with a TV), and the property manages to feel upscale despite hosting families. Interconnecting rooms and family suites are available.
Rates: US$280-500/night double occupancy. Children 2-12 approximately US$70-100/night additional.
Pros: Beautiful beach; Hyatt loyalty program; excellent KidZ Club; strong service; good variety of restaurants; separate adults-only pool area for parents who need a break.
Cons: Premium pricing; limited evening entertainment for teens; Cap Cana location is far from independent restaurants or shops.
Club Med invented the all-inclusive concept, and their Punta Cana property remains one of the best family activity resorts in the Caribbean. The circus trapeze school is legendary — kids (and adults) learn actual flying trapeze skills. Sailing, kayaking, tennis, archery, and a golf academy are all included. The kids' clubs are segmented by age (4-10, 11-17) with age-appropriate programming.
Rates: US$200-380/night per adult. Children under 4 free; ages 4-11 approximately US$100/night.
Pros: Unmatched activity programming; flying trapeze; excellent kids' and teens' clubs; active vacation rather than passive lounging; good sports facilities.
Cons: Rooms are dated compared to newer resorts; food quality is inconsistent (the buffet is decent but a la carte options are limited); beach is not the best; the GO (staff) entertainment style is not for everyone.
Budget all-inclusive in the DR means under US$150/night per person. At this price, you will sacrifice room luxury and food variety, but the basics — beach, pool, unlimited drinks, and a bed — are covered. These are the best of the budget tier.
Grand Sirenis delivers a surprising amount of resort for the price. The beach is genuinely beautiful (Playa Uvero Alto), the pool complex is large, and there are six restaurants. Rooms are basic but clean. This is the budget resort we most comfortably recommend to friends.
Rates: US$100-180/night double occupancy all-inclusive.
Pros: Excellent beach; good pool; reasonable food for the price; friendly staff; solid value.
Cons: Room decor is dated; drinks use house-brand liquor (the rum is fine, the whiskey is rough); buffet gets repetitive after four nights; Wi-Fi is slow in rooms.
Riu Republica is the party-friendly budget adults-only option. The Splash Water World water park is a highlight, and the pool scene is lively with DJs and foam parties. It is not a quiet retreat — this is for younger travelers who want fun at a fair price.
Rates: US$120-220/night double occupancy all-inclusive.
Pros: Fun atmosphere; water park; lively pool; decent beach; affordable; good for groups and solo travelers.
Cons: Noise — everywhere; food is adequate but not impressive; rooms are compact; service is fast but impersonal; not romantic.
Food is the single biggest differentiator between a good all-inclusive and a great one. Most budget properties rely on the same playbook: a massive buffet of varying quality plus three or four specialty restaurants that require reservations and serve competent but uninspired dishes. The resorts below break that mold.
Even at top resorts, the buffet is the weakest link. Breakfast buffets are universally good (eggs, fruit, pastries, Dominican mangu are hard to mess up). Lunch buffets range from decent to forgettable. Dinner buffets at budget resorts often feature reheated versions of lunch. Our advice: eat breakfast at the buffet, skip the lunch buffet for a beachside grill or room service, and always reserve a specialty restaurant for dinner.
The phrase "all-inclusive" is elastic. What is included varies significantly by resort and room category. Here is the honest breakdown:
Timing and booking strategy can save you 20-40% on the exact same room.
If you are booking a stay of seven nights or longer, email the resort's reservations department directly and ask about extended-stay discounts. Many properties offer 10-15% off for stays exceeding one week, plus complimentary upgrades when availability permits. Mention any loyalty program membership (Hyatt, Marriott, etc.) — status benefits often apply at DR resorts.
Not every all-inclusive is worth your money. Here are warning signs from our experience:
Excellence Punta Cana is our top overall pick for adults-only, offering the best combination of food quality, room comfort, beach access, and value. For higher budgets, Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana deliver a more luxurious experience. For budget-conscious couples, Excellence El Carmen provides the Excellence brand at lower prices.
Excellence Punta Cana leads for pure food quality among true all-inclusives. If you are willing to consider optional meal plans rather than strict all-inclusive, Casa de Campo in La Romana has the best dining in the country. Among family resorts, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana offers the most consistent kitchen.
For beach vacations of five nights or more — yes, almost always. The math favors all-inclusive once you factor in three meals, unlimited drinks, entertainment, and activities. The exception is if you plan to spend most days off-resort exploring. In that case, you are paying for meals and drinks you will not consume. For exploration-heavy trips, consider a boutique hotel and eat at local restaurants instead.
Plan for US$5-10 per day total in tips. This covers housekeeping (US$2-3/day left on the pillow), bartenders and waiters at specialty restaurants (US$1-2 for standout service), and pool or beach attendants (US$1 for a well-timed towel or umbrella setup). Tipping is not mandatory at all-inclusives, but staff wages are modest and gratuities are genuinely appreciated.
This guide covers Punta Cana. Explore more about this destination.
View DestinationOur team includes contributors who live in the Dominican Republic year-round and travel the island extensively, from Santo Domingo to remote southwest villages.