
The best hotels in Punta Cana
More than 50km of golden and white sand beaches make up Punta Cana’s Coconut Coast, and some of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic have set up camp along its beguiling shores.
Despite its popularity Punta Cana is still a spectacular destination to visit if you’re looking for a tropical retreat, thanks to the efforts of some of the best luxury resorts here that have tried to weave their 5 star hotels seamlessly into the surrounding natural beauty, while offering a level of indulgence and luxury to rival anywhere in the world.
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola (named by the explorer Christopher Columbus who landed on the island in 1492) with Haiti to the west and Puerto Rico just a couple hundred kilometres across the waves from Punta Cana to the east. The island sits perfectly between the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, and while it’s most famous for some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, which are also some of the best beaches in the world, and the lavish beachfront hotels and all inclusive resorts dotted along its coastline, there’s plenty to discover inland too.
Lush dense rainforests, lagoons and waterfalls can all be found across the landscape along with towering mountains, including the Caribbean’s tallest point, Pico Duarte.
Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital and the oldest colonial city of the Americas founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher Columbus’s brother), is just a few hours’ drive west of Punta Cana, and is filled with historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the oldest standing cathedral in the Western hemisphere dating back to 1512.
The Dominican Republic is also full of pirate history. Pirates would hide around Catalina Island, off the southern coast, to ambush Spanish ships sailing to and from Santo Domingo and in 1586, famous English pirate Francis Drake captured the Spanish city.
In 2007 Scottish pirate Captain William Kidd’s lost treasure ship, the Quedagh Merchant, an Armenian-built Indian merchant vessel captured by Kidd in 1698 and then hidden, was found, incredibly, in crystal-clear shallow waters close to the shore off Catalina Island more than 300 years later.
There’s plenty to see and do around the Punta Cana region, with the most popular activities revolving around the beautiful Caribbean beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, and there are usually a number of excursions on offer from whichever luxury Punta Cana resort you’re staying at.
A trip to Saona Island, just off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic to the south of Punta Cana, is perhaps the most highly rated, which is no surprise. Just do a quick search on Instagram and you’ll see the appeal.
Part of the East National Park, Saona Island is home to mangroves, coral reefs and some of the most instagrammable palm-fringed beaches in the world and was reportedly one of the filming locations for Pirates of the Caribbean.
The best hotels in Punta Cana all offer a fantastic base to explore, or stay put and simply discover your idyllic resort, the beach, the pool, and the cocktail list. Each of these Punta Cana hotels aims to make your experience in the Dominican Republic unique and unforgettable, and by the time you’ve finished reading, and you have a better idea of the best places to stay in Punta Cana, it’s likely you’ll want to book a week at each of them.
If you love the West Indies as much as we do take a look at these Caribbean luxury resorts too, along with our guide to the best Caribbean islands to visit for ultimate indulgence. And for even more luxury travel inspiration and wanderlust have a browse through the Wild Bay Co travel journal.
Have you been to Punta Cana? Where did you stay? If you had the trip of a lifetime let us know so we can add the hotel to the list of the best hotels in Punta Cana below. Tell us about your experiences and let’s raise the profile of the places that are truly unforgettable. Contact us and let us know.
Wild Bay Co is as much a celebration of the people who make these incredible experiences possible, as it is a celebration of the luxury resorts and hotels themselves. If you’ve stayed somewhere outstanding that deserves recognition for its exceptional attention to detail as well as its stunning setting then contact us and let us know.

The Caribbean’s premiere AAA 5 Diamond Awards hotel designed by the late Oscar de la Renta.
Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is a luxury boutique hotel designed by Oscar de la Renta at Puntacana Resort & Club.
Luxury, refined
A AAA Five Diamond Awarded property in the Dominican Republic, Tortuga Bay offers responsible luxury, impeccable service and villas with interiors designed by the world-famous Oscar de la Renta.
Tortuga Bay’s friendly, professional staff have every detail taken care of from the moment you touch down at Punta Cana International Airport. The hotel’s VIP Service will whisk you through customs to a private car that is awaiting your arrival. After a brief ride through the lush and vibrant Dominican scenery, your personal concierge will welcome you, check you in at your villa, and provide you with your own golf cart to travel throughout the resort.
Located in a private enclave within the resort, this hotel includes 13 luxurious villas offering exceptional luxury, privacy, security and five-star service. Guests may choose from a variety of accommodations: 1 bedroom junior suites, 2 bedroom suites, 3 or 4 bedroom villas, all situated along pristine white-sand beaches, with every convenience within reach.
This 5 star Punta Cana resort is nestled on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Its beautiful architecture and sparkling setting provide the perfect environment to experience one of the most enticing islands in the Caribbean.


Eden Roc Cap Cana is the Dominican Republic’s only Relais & Châteaux member hotel.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
This is Caribbean paradise. A luxury resort, beach club and dining, endless wellbeing. Discover Eden Roc Cap Cana.
Welcome to paradise
Boasting 65 sumptuous accommodations ranging from lavish boutique villas with their own private pools to elegantly designed Beachfront suites and four recently unveiled charming Ocean Villas that offer complete privacy, Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a unique and secluded property nestled in the exclusive, beachfront community of Cap Cana at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
Eden Roc Cap Cana presents two distinct resort areas: the in-land Boutique Suite segment, located at a 300-meter distance from the Beach Club and featuring with 34 stand-alone Suites & Villas overlooking the garden or the lagoon-style pools, and the Eden Roc Beach Club surrounded by 26 stunning Beachfront Two Bedroom Suites and 5 new Oceanfront Pool Bungalows.
Powder white sand, inspired dining venues and extravagent amenities make this one of the best hotels in Punta Cana.

Re-imagining the all-inclusive experience to be intimate, personal and centered around your well-being.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
Immerse yourself in The Art of Life® at this wellness boutique haven, Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana.
Boutique oasis
Located on the unspoiled beach of Uvero Alto and with a coral reef just offshore, this serene, 96-suite boutique sanctuary oasis embodies the local heritage, respects the environment and encourages cultural immersion to inspire your well-being.
A private helicopter transfer to the resort sets the tone for your stay. Upon arrival, you’re immediately enveloped by its natural beauty and abundant flora. Hard woods, palapa (cane-thatched) roofs, cathedral ceilings and natural stone touches showcase the resort’s eco-friendly architecture and are a nod to the Dominican Republic’s history. Caribbean and international flavors are used in the gourmet cuisine at the four a la carte restaurants as well as indigenous treatments at the Zoëtry Spa.
This honeymoon favorite has been a AAA Four Diamond award winner since 2012 and includes Zoëtry’s signature Endless Privileges®, where everything is included.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana offers a unique experience and a complete switch-off from the daily hustle. Its 200-yard stretch of pristine beach, excellent array of healthy and tasty dining options and its peaceful tropical oasis feel make this one of the best hotels in Punta Cana.

All-inclusive luxury surrounded by local culture, magnificent ocean views and incredible amenities.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is a luxury all-inclusive, adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic located on the sought-after shores of Juanillo Beach.
On the sought-after shores of Juanillo Beach
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is the newest all-inclusive resort exclusively for adults in the beautiful gated community of Cap Cana. Located on the sought-after shores of Juanillo Beach in the Dominican Republic, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is a tropical paradise where guests can indulge in all-inclusive luxury surrounded by local culture, magnificent ocean views and incredible amenities like sprawling infinity pools with swim-up bars, a water park with a lazy river and slides, floating swim-up suites, 25 unique restaurants and bars, and a world-class fitness center.
The first Hyatt Zilara in the Dominican Republic is minutes away from championship golf courses, a state-of-the-art marina, deep sea fishing, eco-parks, adventure excursions and Punta Cana International Airport is only 15 minutes away.

Stunning oceanfront settings, vibrant culture, live entertainment and so much more.
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Set on the pristine beaches of Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana is an exclusive adults-only all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic.
Turquoise waters and white sand beaches
The suites and villas at Sanctuary Cap Cana, an exclusive adults-only all-inclusive resort, are designed to complement the predominately Spanish Colonial architecture of the property, featuring rich wood accents, tropical rattan furnishings and elegant coral bathrooms. All suites and villas feature furnished balconies or terraces, flat-screen televisions, minibars that are replenished daily, espresso machines, bathrobes and slippers, and bathrooms with double vanity sinks.
Sanctuary Cap Cana resort is located in Cap Cana, a private gated community retreat inside Punta Cana. Cap Cana is made up of 30,000 acres of flawless beaches, and oceanfront valley roads. It is the ideal destination for any type of traveler, with a variety of things to do, such as, water sports and outdoor activities, and high quality restaurants. This destination is also home to Punta Espada Golf Club, which is considered one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. Cap Cana also holds one of the most spectacular marinas in the world, famous and accredited by international journals for its fishing. All of these amenities combined with Cap Cana’s turquoise waters and white sand beaches make it one of the most beautiful and desirable vacation spots in the world.

Infinite excellence, for adults.
Excellence Punta Cana
Excellence Punta Cana is a romantic all inclusive hideaway stretched along a golden sand Caribbean beach.
Sublime relaxation
The artistry of Excellence Punta Cana comes tailored for you to indulge among magnificent natural surroundings, lagoon-style pools, and matchless golden sand beaches. Every lush corner of the resort is brimming with romance, warmth, relaxation, and the benefits of a true adults only experience in a tropical Caribbean atmosphere.
Low-rise buildings, expansive suites, and bespoke service provides an outstanding “home away from home” sentiment that characterizes this resort.
With choices like swim-up suites, private pools, rooftop terraces, Caribbean Sea views, and Excellence Club categories, you can give in to the privacy of expansive and upscale accommodations.
And to truly unwind and relax Miilé Spa in Excellence Punta Cana specializes in all-natural treatments inspired by local traditions, offering a warm and spectacular service, skilled therapists, signature techniques, and an overall sensation of rejuvenation and renewal to complete your dazzling Caribbean getaway.

An adults-only 5 star hotel overlooking Playa Bayahibe and the Caribbean Sea.
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort is a luxurious all-inclusive resort set on the pristine beaches of La Romana.
Luxury Dominican Republic retreat
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort is an adults-only 5 star hotel overlooking Playa Bayahibe and the Caribbean Sea, offering a variety of activities on site such as windsurfing, snorkeling, volleyball, and merengue lessons, and a selection of onsite restaurants, bars, and live entertainment nightly.
There are five restaurants to choose from including Chinola for traditional Dominican dishes, Sakura for modern Pan-Asian cuisine and a sushi bar, Mare for the freshest fish and seafood available, and Noor and Caoba for all-day dining options.
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort is located around 45 minutes from Punta Cana on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, on one of the best beaches in the Bayahibe. Benefitting from the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, close to both Catalina Island and Saona Island, and with a host of facilities and dining options, Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort is one of the best hotels in the region.
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