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.
Uniquily sited on a beautiful and secluded promontory, the Riu Bachata is a luxury all-inclusive retreat on Maimon Bay, with 610 bungalow-style rooms surrounded by tropical gardens. The resort is located in the Puerto Plata region, 15 miles from the airport. Amenities include a spa, casino, multiple restaurants, and the Pacha nightclub.
This Puerto Plata resort caters to an international clientele and shares the Riu resort complex with the Riu Mambo and Riu Bachata hotels. Like the Riu resort in Punta Cana, there is a Caribbean Street running through the complex lined with shops, restaurants, and a spa. Riu Merengue guests have a range of dining and activities to choose from and also can enjoy the nearby casino at Riu Bachata.
This beachfront resort on Maimon Bay near Puerto Plata has 436 rooms and shares facilities with the other Riu resorts in the complex.
Part of the Riu resort complex in Punta Cana, the Riu Naiboa has 362 rooms in a garden setting near the Caribbean Street promenade (full of shops and restaurants, as well as the Eternal Spa and Pacha night club. Note: this property is not beachfront, but shares the beach with the nearby Riu Taino resort and also shares amenities with the other Riu resorts in the complex.
Locsted on a 16-mile stretch of Arena Gorda beach and part of the Riu Punta Cana resort complex, the upscale Riu Palace offers 356 deluxe rooms in Colonial-style buildings. The hotel has a casino, Japanese restaurant and other dining choices, and entertainment at the Copacabana ampitheater. On the upscale end of the Riu resorts.
The newest of the Riu resorts -- opened in May 2006 -- the upscale Riu Palace has 612 junior suites in four-story buildings, each with jetted tubs and 24-hour room service. The hotel is home to some of the best restaurants in the Riu complex, including Brazilian, Japanese, and Italian dining, and guests also have access to the facilities at the four other Riu hotels.
This beachfront resort in the Riu Punta Cana complex has 620 rooms in one-story bungalows. The hotel has three pools and is home to the La Yolo steakhouse, and also shares amenities with the other Riu resorts nearby.
Located in La Romana, the Sunscape Casa del Mar is a high-rise resort with many scheduled activities and entertainment options, a kids club, seven restaurants and seven bars. Food, fruit juices and soft drinks, and activities included. The famed Casa de Campo golf course at Bayahibe is about a half-hour away. The 751 rooms include ocean or garden views, and oceanfront suites are available in the Sunscape Club.
Located near the Nautical Club in the village of Cabeza de Toro -- home to international fishing competitions -- the Sunscape Punta Cana boasts a free-form pool, extensive gardens, and 528 rooms in three-story buildings, some with ocean views.
Named after a Robin Hood-style pirate captain, the Sun Village Cofresi is a mix of 300 hotel rooms and private villas. Rooms are first-claas, stocked with beer and other beverages and equipped with 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Choose from seven pools and five restaurants, and activities like horseback riding, tennis, bicycles, and introductory scuba lessons are included. The Ocean World Marine Water Park and Casino is nearby, and Sun Village host the annual Dominican International Film Festival. You also can rent the resort's 55-foot yacht, The Independence, for excursions.
