Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
A complete honeymoon planning guide for the Dominican Republic covering the most romantic resorts ranked with prices, adults-only vs couples-friendly options, private beach dinners, sunset catamaran cruises, couples spa treatments, romantic restaurants, and budget to luxury planning tips.
The Dominican Republic consistently ranks among the top five Caribbean honeymoon destinations, and for good reason: world-class beaches, direct flights from most major U.S. and European cities, a range of resorts from budget-friendly to outrageously luxurious, and a romantic energy that permeates the culture (this is, after all, the birthplace of bachata — music literally designed for slow-dancing with someone you love).
But not every DR resort is honeymoon-worthy, and the difference between a memorable romantic trip and a disappointing one often comes down to choosing the right property, the right area, and the right experiences. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff and tells you exactly where to go, what to book, and what to skip.
Designed by Oscar de la Renta (who was Dominican), Tortuga Bay is a 30-suite boutique property within the larger Puntacana Resort complex. It feels nothing like a mass-market all-inclusive — it feels like a private estate. Personal concierge, private beach, six-seat electric golf carts to move around, and the design aesthetic of someone who dressed the world's most elegant women for decades.
Price: US$550-1,200/night (room only; meal plans available). Why for honeymoons: The suites have private plunge pools, the beach is shared with only 30 other suites, and the Oscar de la Renta design details (hand-painted tiles, Caribbean-colonial furniture) create a genuinely romantic atmosphere. Caveat: Not all-inclusive by default. Meal plans add US$150-200/person/day.
The gold standard for adults-only all-inclusive honeymoons in the DR. Secrets operates on the "Unlimited Luxury" concept — no wristbands, no reservations required at specialty restaurants, top-shelf spirits, 24-hour room service. The swim-out suites (where your room opens directly into a semi-private pool) are the honeymoon sweet spot.
Price: US$350-700/night all-inclusive (swim-out suites: US$500-900). Why for honeymoons: The Preferred Club upgrade adds rooftop access, premium liquor, and a dedicated concierge. The spa offers couples treatments in oceanfront cabanas. The private beach is calm and uncrowded compared to the main Bávaro strip.
Excellence is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that punches above its price point. The rooms are large (most are suites), the restaurants are genuinely good (not just "good for all-inclusive"), and the service is notably attentive. The Excellence Club upgrade gives you a private pool area, premium room category, and exclusive restaurant access.
Price: US$250-500/night all-inclusive (Excellence Club suites: US$400-700). Why for honeymoons: Honeymoon packages include room upgrades, sparkling wine, fruit and chocolates, a couples massage, and a romantic dinner setup — often at no extra charge if you prove your wedding date at check-in.
The smallest and most boutique-feeling of the major Punta Cana resorts. Only 96 suites, surrounded by coconut palms and a serene, wellness-focused atmosphere. Zoëtry is for couples who want quiet, not party. No loud pool music, no entertainment shows, no crowded buffets. Organic cuisine, holistic spa, and a chill-out rooftop are the vibe.
Price: US$400-800/night all-inclusive. Why for honeymoons: The low room count means genuine intimacy — you will recognize other guests by day two. The "Endless Privileges" concept means everything is included, including off-site excursions and horseback riding on the beach.
If budget is not a constraint, Eden Roc is the most luxurious resort in the DR. Suites start at 1,000+ square feet with private terraces and plunge pools. The Albatross pool area is adults-only. Restaurants include Mediterranean, Asian, and Dominican fine dining. The Cap Cana marina and Playa Juanillo are steps away.
Price: US$600-1,500/night (room only or all-inclusive available). Why for honeymoons: The overwater suites (among the few in the Caribbean) are the ultimate romantic accommodation. Private butler service, couples bath ritual, and a location on the most photogenic beach in the area.
Far from the Punta Cana resort corridor, Sublime Samaná sits in the lush hills above Las Terrenas in Samaná. This is for couples who want a romantic hideaway surrounded by tropical forest rather than a mega-resort. Casitas are scattered through the hillside connected by stone paths. The infinity pool overlooks the forest canopy.
Price: US$200-450/night (breakfast included, other meals à la carte). Why for honeymoons: The most authentic, boutique romantic experience in the DR. Combine with whale watching (January-March), Playa Rincón beach days, and El Limón waterfall for an adventure-romance combination.
These properties guarantee no children on the property — no kids at the pool, no crying babies at dinner, no splash zones.
These resorts welcome families but have adults-only sections, pools, or restaurants that create honeymoon-appropriate spaces:
Our recommendation: For honeymoons specifically, book adults-only. You are paying premium prices for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Having a quiet pool, a serene beach, and a restaurant without high chairs makes a noticeable difference in the romantic atmosphere.
The single most popular romantic activity in Punta Cana. A 3-4 hour catamaran cruise along the coast with open bar, snorkeling stop, and return during sunset. The light on the water between 5:30-6:30pm is extraordinary — golden, warm, and made for photos. Book a smaller catamaran (12-20 passengers) rather than the party boats (50+ passengers). Cost: US$70-120/person through resort; US$50-80 independently.
Most luxury resorts offer private beachfront dinner setups — a table for two on the sand, candles, dedicated server, multi-course meal. This is the quintessential honeymoon experience. At Secrets Cap Cana, the oceanfront dinner package runs US$150-250/couple above the all-inclusive rate. At Eden Roc, private beach dining starts at US$200. At Tortuga Bay, your concierge arranges it as part of the experience.
Pro tip: Book for a night with a waning crescent or new moon for the darkest sky and brightest stars. Full moon nights are romantic too, but the moonlight washes out the candlelight effect.
Dominican spas use local ingredients — cacao body wraps, coconut oil massages, larimar stone therapy, and coffee scrubs using beans from the Cordillera Central. A 90-minute couples treatment at a resort spa runs US$150-300/couple. The spa at Secrets Cap Cana has outdoor treatment cabanas overlooking the ocean — worth the premium over indoor rooms.
If your honeymoon falls during whale season, a day trip to Samaná for humpback whale watching is unforgettable. Watching a 40-ton whale breach 100 meters from your boat is the kind of shared experience that defines a trip. Full-day tours from Punta Cana including transport: US$150-200/person.
Available at multiple locations along the east and north coast. The best operation is at Rancho RN23 near Bávaro — they run small groups along a palm-lined beach at sunset. US$60-90/person. Genuinely romantic if you are comfortable on horses; awkward if you are not (assess honestly before booking).
A romantic honeymoon in the DR does not require US$500/night resorts. Here are legitimate budget options that still feel special:
Budget honeymoon total: A 7-night budget honeymoon in the DR can run US$2,000-3,500 for two including flights, accommodation, food, and a couple of excursions. That is a fraction of what you would spend in the Maldives, Greece, or even Turks and Caicos.
If this is the one trip where budget takes a back seat:
The DR is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the Caribbean. Many couples marry here and honeymoon here simultaneously. The legal requirements are straightforward:
Most large resorts have dedicated wedding coordinators who handle the legal paperwork. Packages range from US$1,500 (basic ceremony, officiant, champagne toast) to US$15,000+ (full production with photographer, florist, reception dinner, and live music). Secrets Cap Cana runs 350+ weddings per year and has the process streamlined. For something more intimate, Casa de Campo's Altos de Chavón amphitheater and chapel create a dramatic Mediterranean-style setting.
Pro tip: Hold the legal ceremony before you travel (at city hall at home), and have a symbolic ceremony in the DR. This eliminates the bureaucratic complexity of obtaining legal marriage documents in a foreign country while still giving you the romantic beach ceremony experience.
February and March. The weather is near-perfect (28-30°C, minimal rain, low humidity), the dry season is in full swing, and whale watching is at its peak in Samaná. January is also excellent but slightly more crowded and expensive due to New Year and holiday travel. December is beautiful but prices peak during Christmas week. April and May offer similar weather at 15-25% lower prices as the shoulder season begins. Avoid September-October if weather reliability is important — that is the peak of hurricane season.
A 7-night honeymoon ranges dramatically based on your style. Budget (Airbnb + local restaurants in Las Terrenas or Bayahíbe): US$2,000-3,500 for two including flights. Mid-range (Excellence El Carmen or similar all-inclusive): US$4,000-7,000 for two including flights, all meals, and drinks. Luxury (Secrets Cap Cana swim-out suite or Eden Roc): US$7,000-15,000 for two. Ultra-luxury (Tortuga Bay or Eden Roc overwater suite with private experiences): US$12,000-25,000+. The DR consistently offers more romantic value per dollar than competing Caribbean honeymoon destinations.
For most honeymoons, an adults-only all-inclusive like Secrets Cap Cana or Excellence El Carmen is the right call. The value is exceptional (no nickel-and-diming for drinks and meals), the stress level is zero (everything is handled), and the romantic infrastructure (private dinners, couples spa, sunset bars) is built into the experience. Go independent if you want a more adventurous, boutique experience — a week split between a Samaná guesthouse and a Santo Domingo boutique hotel gives you cultural immersion that no resort can match. The independent route requires more planning but delivers more personal, unique memories.
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.