Plenty of couples, families, and solo travelers have long favored the Dominican Republic as their tropical vacation destination of choice due to its beauty, affordability, and convenient location to the U.S.
Punta Cana is one of the most popular areas in the Dominican Republic, offering miles of beaches, ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, and dozens of resorts and boutique hotels to suit every budget and type of traveler.
There’s so many it can be hard to choose. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you by rounding up the top 10 Punta Cana resorts for every budget. (For amazing resorts outside of Punta Cana, check out our article on the top 15 Dominican Republic all-inclusive resorts.)
Punta Cana Resorts Quick Picks:
Best Punta Cana resort for couples: Secrets Cap Cana or Iberostar Grand Bavaro
Best Punta Cana resort for families: Dreams Royal Beach
Best Punta Cana resort for activities: Grand Palladium Grand Bavaro
Best luxury Punta Cana resort: Sanctuary Cap Cana
Iberostar Grand Bavaro
Iberostar Grand Bavaro is part of a massive complex directly next door to Dreams Royal Beach. The lavish grounds live up to the Spanish-based chain’s reputation for opulent architectural design with high domed ceilings, Greco-Roman-inspired white pillars, and lush gardens. The marble bathrooms are just as palatial, with deep bathtubs and French doors.
The all-inclusive rate at this top-rated adults-only Punta Cana resort includes butler service, huge private furnished terraces, and in-room whirlpool tubs. Guests at Iberostar Grand Bavaro will also enjoy a complimentary golf package with their stay that includes unlimited rounds of golf and free transfers to and from the course.
Excellence Punta Cana
This luxurious all-inclusive Punta Cana resort is adults-only and offers sublime views of aquamarine water from lavish suites that feature private furnished verandas, whirlpool tubs, and swim-up entrances.
Guests can choose from eleven unique restaurants, several of which are located by the waterfront and offer open-air dining. There are also five lounges and bars. Join the Excellence Club and get upgraded service and access to even more exclusive restaurants and lounges.
The all-inclusive package at Excellence Punta Cana is optional and includes all meals, a fully-stocked mini-bar, watersports equipment use, and a romantic dinner date among other perks. Hang out on the gorgeous white sand beach, lounge by the pool, sip a refreshing drink at the beach bars, take a yoga class, or indulge at the onsite spa.
Secrets Cap Cana
Tucked away in an exclusive gated community on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, Secrets Cap Cana is known for its warm staff, excellent service, and delicious food. Secrets’ romantic setting makes it popular with couples, and the resort offers generous honeymoon and wedding packages for couples getting married in the Dominican Republic.
Rooms feature modern Caribbean décor and suites come with private balconies or terraces with soaking tubs. Some have swim-up entrances. Upgrading to the Preferred Club gets you special amenities including access to a private lounge and exclusive pool, enhanced concierge service, and afternoon hors d’ouevres.
Feast on a variety of flavors from French and Italian to Mexican and fresh seafood to Pan Asian at 9 restaurants and a coffee shop. Enjoy 6 bars including a beach bar, a swim-up bar, a theater bar, and a music lounge. Secrets resorts are all-inclusive with rates that cover unlimited dining and drinks, 24-hour room service, WiFi, pool and beach service, and their signature “endless entertainment:” daily activities such as watersports and pool parties plus nightlife.
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana has recently undergone a major facelift, renovating several high-end suites with luxury amenities like swim-up suites and private plunge pools, as well as remodeling the private villas.
One of the best all-inclusive Punta Cana resorts for adults, Sanctuary Cap Cana offers a romantic escape on more than 20 acres of pristine beachfront along the dazzling Caribbean. Amenities and services include six pools, five gourmet restaurants, seven bars and lounges, and a fully equipped fitness center.
There is a wide range of daily activities and nightly entertainment for guests to enjoy, but one of the biggest draws is the Iberostar Golf Course. Complimentary transportation to and from the golf club is included in the rate. There’s also a world-class spa with several romantic couples’ treatments and a new ZEN garden plus hydrotherapeutic pools.
Grand Palladium Grand Bavaro
Grand Palladium Grand Bavaro is one of many family-friendly all-inclusive Punta Cana resorts. It’s part of a 3-resort complex surrounded by shops, attractions, restaurants, tour companies, beaches, pools, waterparks, bars, and clubs. The Grand Palladium Grand Bavaro is a family-friendly resort, but several locations within the complex are for adults only, including the nearby Iberostar Grand Bavaro, a few restaurants, and the spa.
On-site activities include diving courses, a casino, daily live musical performances, and a private beach with ideal conditions for windsurfing. Free parking is offered for guests who prefer to do some exploring of their own.
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana is a medium-sized all-inclusive resort with 639 rooms. Built just steps away from Bavaro Beach, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores on a romantic honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.
This adults-only all-inclusive Punta Cana resort recently underwent a major renovation to freshen the exterior and give it a brand-new look. Beautifully landscaped grounds feature walkways lined with lush palm trees and vibrant flowers, creating a tropical oasis.
As at Secrets Cap Cana, rates cover unlimited dining and drinks, 24-hour room service, WiFi, pool and beach service, and their signature “endless entertainment:” daily activities such as watersports and pool parties plus nightlife.
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana
A family-friendly sister resort to Secrets Royal Beach, Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana has 373 guest rooms overlooking the water, the pool, or the resort’s gardens. Deluxe suites feature a private pool or hot tub and a large, furnished private balcony or terrace.
All-inclusive rates cover unlimited drinks, meals, entertainment day and night, and a minibar refreshed daily with drinks, snacks, and beer. There are nine dining options to choose from including a 24-hour buffet restaurant and 24-hour room service. There’s also a sports bar, two swim-up bars, a poolside grill, and an a la carte restaurant that serves delicious grilled specials you can enjoy right on the beautiful beach.
Kids will love the Explorers’ Club and onsite activities, while teens can hang out at The Core Zone Teens Bar, a nightclub-themed hangout with refreshments served in fancy cups with garnishes, arcade games, and pool tables.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
With elaborate villas that feature private plunge pools (four of which are beachfront) as well as stylish 1- or 2-bedroom suites with separate living rooms, Eden Roc Cap Cana has the perfect accommodation for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Parents can enjoy an exciting excursion or relaxing spa treatment while the kids hang out at Koko Kids’ Club. Alternatively, private babysitting services are offered for children who are too young for the kids’ club.
Dining options have thoughtfully designed menus that feature cuisines from around the world as well as local favorites. Blue Bar + Grill stands out as an exceptional eatery, with its cigar cellar, poolside rotisserie, and open kitchen that gives guests an inside look at gourmet food preparation. With several special offers happening year-round, rates at the ultra-chic Eden Roc Cap Cana can often be surprisingly affordable.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
This all-inclusive family Punta Cana resort is set on breathtaking Juanillo Beach. Spacious rooms and suites at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana have private furnished balconies that offer ocean, garden, or resort views. Upgraded swim-up suites are also available.
Lounge by one of the infinity pools (with swim-up bars), stroll the beautiful beach, and have your fill at six restaurants and five bars. Rates here include free parking, meals and drinks, room and beach service, a fitness center, WiFi, and activities like nonmotorized watersports plus yoga classes, cooking classes, dance classes, and nightly entertainment.
Kids will love the waterpark with its fun waterslides and lazy river, while adults can head to the spa for some rejuvenation. You can also go to nearby golf courses or book excursions like ziplining, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and more.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a luxury resort known for its music-inspired themes, signature Rock Spa® and Body Rock® Fitness Center, and upscale amenities.
The resort’s Rock Star Suites have a few extra touches to make you feel like a rockstar including music playing when you arrive and evening turn-down service before you call it a night. The casino has 25 tables and 435 slot machines where guests can play to win big.
Now that you’ve read our picks for the 10 best Punta Cana resorts, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’d like help planning your Punta Cana vacation, contact one of our expert travel advisors!