The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's undisputed leader when it comes to all-inclusive resorts, with more than two dozen all-inclusive properties ranging from budget to luxury. Many of the all-inclusives in locations like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are operated by Spanish hotel companies like Riu, Sol Melia and Barcelo, but you'll also find familiar names like Wyndham, with more U.S. brands on the way.
Grand Oasis Marien
Located about 20 minutes from the Puerto Plata airport, the Marien -- named for a Taino Indian prince -- offers 332 rooms in four classes, including oceanview rooms and suites. The all-inclusive package includes free drinks at the resort's sports bar and other restaurants and bars. Activities include aerobic and Latin dance classes, mini-golf, windsurfing and kayaking, diving, and tennis on lighted clay courts.Grand Oasis Punta Cana
This 467-room hotel on the Punta Cana beachfront has piano, cigar, theater and sports bars, a trio of a la carte restaurants, nightly family films, and is located just minutes from the area's golf courses (not included, but discounts offered). All meals, drinks, and motorless sports are included.Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
© Majestic Beach Resorts
Opened in 2005, the Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana is part of the new wave of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The resort includes a spa, multiple restaurants, meeting and wedding facilities, lagoon-style pool, and a broad, sandy beach.
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
This sister resort to the Majestic Colonial resort is slated to open in fall of 2008.Melia Caribe Tropical
© Sol Melia Resorts
With a dozen restaurants to choose from, you'll never get hungry or bored at this huge resort on Bavaro beach. Accommodations include 1,144 junior suites, 72 deluxe suites, and 72 deluxe master suites with kitchenettes -- a unique amenity among Dominican Republic all-inclusives; the Royal Suites include butler service and a private lounge and club. The emphasis is on families, with a Flintstone-themed kids program, but there's also a championship golf course and casino.
Grand Paradise Bavaro
This 504-room Punta Cana resort promises four-star accommodations and service; it has the usual array of land and water sports included but also free bicycle rentals and horseback riding (nonmotorized water sports limited to one hour per day; motorized water sports and dive tours extra). In addition to the main buffet restaurant, the Grand Paradise Bavaro has Chinese and Italian eateries. The resort also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course.Occidental Grand Punta Cana
The Occidental Grand Punta Cana has 865 stylish guest rooms surrounding a trio of lagoon-style swimming pool, with a palm-fringed beach dotted with thatch-roof palapas. There are nine restaurants and seven bars. Elite-level services and amenities are available at The Club Royal, including private check-in, luxury rooms with jetted tubs, and preferred seating at restaursnts.Paradisus Palma Real
© Sol Melia
Sol Melia's luxury all-inclusive is located on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, and the elegant grounds of the resort -- full of courtyards and columns -- are home to 554 suites, three pools (including private pools for Royal Service and Family Concierge level guests), gardens, terraces, tennis and paddle-tennis courts, a large spa/health club, casino, and 12,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests also enjoy unlimited greens fees at the Cocotal Golf Course, a variety of cooking and lifestyle classes, sports instruction, horseback and bike excursions, and much more.
