Looking for the ultimate tropical getaway in the Dominican Republic? These spectacular, top-rated Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts are your ticket to paradise!
With pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear cerulean waters, and a warm tropical climate, Punta Cana is the perfect destination for a dream vacation.
Lori and I are excited to share with you our painstakingly crafted guide to the most award-winning, best-rated, amenity-crammed stays on the market today—the cream-of-the-crop of Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts and beach hotels!
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway at one of the top adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, a truly memorable Caribbean all-inclusive family resort vacation, or a rejuvenating solo retreat, these incredible stays offer a haven of relaxation and indulgence at the highest levels.
From world-class dining options, endless activities, and top-notch entertainment, to luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service, these tropical island resorts have it all.
So grab your beach bag and get ready to be pampered, unwind in paradise, and create memories that will last a lifetime, as we discover some of the very best family-friendly and adults-only all-inclusive stays in the Caribbean.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of our list to jump-start your travel planning!
| ➊ Iberostar Grand Bávaro • BEST OVERALL • | Ages 18+ | $$$ |
| ➋ Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana • TOP PICK FOR FAMILIES • | All Ages | $$$$ |
| ➌ Secrets Cap Cana • TOP HONEYMOON CHOICE • | Ages 18+ | $$$$ |
| ➍ Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana | All Ages | $$$ |
| ➎ Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana | Ages 18+ | $$$ |
| ➏ Finest Punta Cana by The Excellence Collection | All Ages | $$$ |
| ➐ Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Resort | Ages 18+ | $$$$ |
| ➑ Zoetry Agua Punta Cana | Ages 18+ | $$$$ |
Read on for more details about these outstanding Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts, with helpful tips for planning a truly wonderful island escape to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
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8 Best Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resorts
The area encompassing Punta Cana’s hotels and resorts stretches for some 30 miles (50 km) along the far eastern shoreline of the Dominican Republic. The eight spectacular stays in this guide are clustered around three main places:
- The upmarket gated resort community of Cap Cana located roughly 6 miles (10 km) south of Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and Punta Cana city center;
- Playa Bávaro, some 15 miles (25 km) north of the city center;
- The beaches around Uvaro Alto, 25 miles (40 km) north of the city center.
We’ve included approximate travel times to/from the airport for each resort to assist you with your travel planning.
Now, let’s dive in!
➊ Iberostar Grand Bávaro
Top-rated Iberostar Grand Bávaro kicks off our list of best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts!
Stunningly perched on breathtaking Playa Bávaro, this outstanding adult-only resort features eye-catching Greco-Roman design and one of the most unique watering holes you’re bound to find in Punta Cana—El Barco—a bar in a floating ship right in the middle of the resort.
Iberostar Grand Bávaro boasts spacious, elegant, and comfortably furnished rooms offering private terraces and balconies, many with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Six gourmet restaurants and four top-notch bars call Grand Bávaro home, and meals are planned and prepared by the resort’s world-class chefs and culinary staff using only the freshest ingredients.
But what really sets this five-star resort apart from the pack is a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and the environment.
Iberostar’s signature Wave of Change initiative is focused on minimizing the resort’s footprint and conserving the marine ecosystem for generations to come.
traveling with kids?
Iberostar Grand Bávaro is exclusively for guests ages 18+, but neighboring Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bávaro offers a similar level of service and amenities for guests of all ages.
RATINGS ▸ Perfect 5.0/5.0 on TripAdvisor out of an unreal 14,713 reviews!; 4.9/5.0 on Google (9,607 reviews); 9.4/10 on Hotels.com.
LOCATION ▸ Playa Bávaro — 30-minute drive north from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
HOT TIP ▸ Looking for a deal? Be sure to check out Iberostar’s current promotions in Punta Cana on their website and save up to 20% on your stay.
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➋ Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is a luxurious resort located in the heart of Cap Cana, offering guests of all ages an unparalleled experience from the moment they arrive.
Year after year, this top-rated resort has become one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the Caribbean, and it’s no wonder why—Hyatt Ziva has it all!
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana boasts 375 spacious suites and luxurious villas, each offering breathtaking ocean vistas or lush tropical garden views.
Some rooms also feature a private terrace or balcony, perfect for relaxing in the comfort and privacy of your home-away-from-home. And the optional butler service ensures a worry-free vacation for the length of your stay.
Ziva takes dining to the next level with its 12 mouthwatering restaurants, including six à la carte options, a buffet restaurant, a café, a snack bar, and four bars.
Kids of all ages will love the resort’s exciting water park, featuring a lazy river, a wave pool, water slides, and a splash pad.
And grown-ups will love to indulge in the two-story full-service spa—a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation featuring a wide range of luxurious treatments and therapies as well as a hydrotherapy circuit, which includes a sauna, steam room, and hot and cold pools.
And let’s not forget about the beach! Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana boasts a simply stunning beachfront location right on breathtaking Playa Juanillo, where guests can relax on the soft white sand, soak up the sun, or embark on aquatic adventures—from snorkeling and kayaking to paddle boarding and more.
All this and much more adds up to make Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana one of the very best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts for the ultimate family vacation, or for anybody looking for an ideal balance of relaxation and fun in the sun with all the amenities.
Looking for an Adult-Only Stay?
You’re in luck! The other half of the Hyatt property—Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana—also offers a world-class stay with all the amenities in Cap Cana, but just for adults!
RATINGS ▸ Perfect 5.0/5.0 on TripAdvisor out of 4,805 reviews!; 9.4/10 on Hotels.com; 4.6/5.0 on Google.
LOCATION ▸ Cap Cana — 17-minute drive south from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
HOT TIP ▸ Cap Cana tends to be a bit more prone to seaweed/sargassum issues than other resort areas on our list. However, Hyatt Ziva/Zilara seems to manage it better than any other property we’ve reviewed in Cap Cana.
➌ Secrets Cap Cana
Another top-rated stunner located in the exclusive Cap Cana gated community, Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is one of the very best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts for couples dreaming of an unparalleled romantic getaway in paradise.
This adult-only resort offers an array of exceptional features and amenities, from luxurious suites, two spacious outdoor pools with modern design features, and a world-class spa for the ultimate pampering experience, to 8 gourmet restaurants, 6 bars, and a prime beachfront location on Playa Juanillo.
If you’re looking for a bit of action in your holiday, Secrets Cap Cana offers an assortment of daily activities, nightly entertainment, and fun and exciting off-site excursions.
And golfers will love neighboring Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada golf course, hailed as one of the top courses in the Caribbean.
RATINGS ▸ Perfect 5.0/5.0 on TripAdvisor out of a whopping 18,712 reviews!; 4.7/5.0 on Google out 2,594 reviews; 9.2/10 on Hotels.com.
LOCATION ▸ Cap Cana — 20-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
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➍ Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
If you’re on the lookout for a different kind of 5-star stay with a healthy dose of fun and loads of amenities that’s not the least bit pretentious, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana might just be the perfect beach resort in Punta Cana!
This exceptional, award-winning resort comes in two tantalizing tropical flavors—the family-friendly Wave experience for all ages, and the top-tier Hammock experience, a hotel-within-a-hotel for ages 18+.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Wave offers a ton of exciting features and amenities for guests of all ages.
In addition to a prime beachfront location and no shortage of water and land-based activities, the resort’s two spacious outdoor pools offer a chance to cool off, relax, and soak up the ocean views, while the splash pad is sure to be a hit with little ones.
When you’re ready to dry off, head to one of 10 mouthwatering food and beverage venues, serving up tasty local dishes, fusion offerings, and American favorites, as well as a wide selection of refreshing cocktails and drinks.
The Parakeets Kids’ Club, is a perennial favorite with kids ages 4-12, offering fun and entertaining daily programming, leaving grown-ups to explore the full breadth of the resort’s amenities.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars are shared between Wave and Hammock, but some establishments are just for 18+.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive and luxurious experience, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana Hammock adults-only experience is the perfect choice. This side of the resort is a haven for those seeking a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The infinity pool is the centerpiece of the resort, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Indulge in a private cabana to unwind and soak up the rays in style.
RATINGS ▸ 4.8/5.0 on Google out 3,308 reviews; 4.5/5.0 on TripAdvisor (1,627); 8.8/10 on Hotels.com (585).
LOCATION ▸ Cap Cana — 17-minute drive south from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
HOT TIP ▸ While the resort, its amenities, service, and concept, get rave reviews, there are better beaches on this list for beach lovers who want to spend much of their time in or on the ocean.
➎ Live Aqua Punta Cana
Welcome to Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana where your senses come alive and find inspiration in impeccable service, forward-thinking asthetics, and loads of luxurious amenities.
Situated on idyllic Uvero Alto Beach, this outstanding adult-only resort is a stunning showcase of contemporary design, seamlessly blending modern architecture with the awe-inspiring terrestrial and aquatic landscape that surrounds the resort.
Rooms and suites are a perfect combination of modern amenities and elegance, boasting thoughtfully-designed interiors with patios and balconies that take full advantage of breathtaking views.
The Aqua Swim-Up pool rooms are a favorite among guests, while honeymooners seeking a romantic hideaway will find the Honeymoon Suite or top-tier Fuego, Tierra, Viento, or Luna suites to be an ideal choice.
Live Aqua Punta Cana also has 5 restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience, such as fresh seafood, Mexican, French, Italian, pub food, and hibachi!
And Live Aqua has no shortage of activities to enjoy—from thrilling water sports and rejuvenating yoga classes, to multiple swimming pools, full-service spa, and much more.
Truly one of the best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts for honeymooners and couples looking for an extraordinary experience in the Caribbean.
RATINGS ▸ Perfect 5.0/5.0 on TripAdvisor (3,086 reviews); 9.0/10 on Hotels.com (927); 4.5/5.0 on Google (937).
LOCATION ▸ Uvero Alto (Playa Palmera) — 40-minute drive north from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
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➏ Finest Punta Cana
Nestled on the shores of picturesque Playa Palmera, Finest Punta Cana by The Excellence Collection beckons vacationers with clean and modern design and a plentitude of luxurious amenities and world-class offerings.
With its pristine, white sand beaches, azure waters, and lush, tropical vegetation, this resort is a true picture-postcard paradise.
Finest Punta Cana is home to a variety of lavish suites, all of which are tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and high-end amenities.
Accommodations range from Junior Suites to Swim-Up Suites, and even eye-catching Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suites, each designed to cater to your unique needs and preferences.
The variety of dining options at Finest Punta Cana is second to none, with a whopping 15 restaurants and eateries to choose from, each offering its own unique flair and delectable flavors from across the globe.
For those seeking relaxation and pampering, the resort’s world-class spa is the perfect retreat. With its tranquil ambiance and indulgent treatments, guests can unwind and rejuvenate in style.
Kids will get a kick out of the resort’s splash pools, children’s games, and all-day Imagine Kids Club, while grown-ups will love the wide range of fun and exciting activities and water sports, state-of-the-art fitness center, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink.
Simply put, Finest Punta Cana is one of the very best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts and the ultimate beach getaway for couples, families, and solitude seekers looking for a luxurious and all-encompassing vacation experience.
RATINGS ▸ 4.9/5.0 on Google (5,749 reviews); 9.0/10.0 on Hotels.com (591); 4.5/5.0 on TripAdvisor (2,012).
LOCATION ▸ Uvero Alto (Playa Palmera) — 40-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
HOT TIP ▸ The consensus among guests is that Finest Punta Cana generally does a better job than most of keeping their beautiful beach free and clear of seaweed/sargassum—even throughout the summer months—making this one of the best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts on our list if you plan to spend a lot of time in or on the water.
➐ Sanctuary Cap Cana
Experience the breathtaking allure of the newly reopened Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Resort, following its remarkable $45 million renovation.
With its stunning 16th-century Spanish-inspired design and abundance of lavish features, this adult-only resort squarely stands in a league of its own.
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the exquisitely designed suites and villas, featuring lavish furnishings, modern conveniences, and private furnished balconies, many offering mesmerizing ocean views.
For an unparalleled honeymoon or tropical escape, indulge in the tranquility of Sanctuary Cap Cana’s signature Swim-Out Suites, complete with personalized butler service.
Or, elevate your stay to new heights by opting for the opulent one-bedroom Castle Suite or the expansive Castle Island or Terrace Tower two-bedroom suites, spanning over 5,000 square feet.
Sanctuary Cap Cana goes above and beyond to cater to couples, providing a range of activities specifically designed for an intimate experience.
Enjoy romantic beachside dinners, rejuvenating couples massages, and picturesque sunset cruises, creating unforgettable memories.
With a team of dedicated staff, Sanctuary Cap Cana is focused on ensuring that couples have an exceptional and unforgettable stay in paradise.
RATINGS ▸ 4.5/5.0 on TripAdvisor (10,279 reviews); 9.4/10.0 on Hotels.com (1,004); 4.6/5.0 on Google (1,989).
LOCATION▸ Cap Cana — 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
HOT TIP ▸ As with most of the Cap Cana resorts, seaweed/sargassum can be an issue in the summer months. If ocean-based activities are important to you, you may be better off at one of the resorts north of Punta Cana along beaches such as Playa Bávaro or Playa Palmera in June, July, and August.
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➑ Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Last, but certainly not least, on our list of the very best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts, Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is an exceptional beachfront resort north of Punta Cana that feels more like a small and serene community of luxury villas than a mega-resort.
From spacious and well-appointed Junior Suites to jaw-dropping Swim-Up and Oceanfront Suites, each room is a haven of comfort and relaxation.
The resort also offers an exclusive Penthouse Ocean View plunge pool suite for an epic honeymoon, and jaw-dropping 3-Bedroom pool villa for the ultimate family vacation.
And let’s not forget Zoetry Aqua’s fantastic dining options, with four gourmet restaurants serving up a variety of international and local cuisine—from the fusion flavors of Indigo to delicious Latin American dishes of Piragua.
Zoetry Aqua Punta Cana also offers a range of activities and excursions, including snorkeling, kayaking, and guided tours of the local area. And for a bit of pampering, the resort’s spa is a must-visit.
Whether you’re looking for an active family vacation with all the amenities, or a wonderfully romantic holiday, Zoetry Aqua is one of the top Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts for an incredible tropical escape.
RATINGS ▸ 4.5/5.0 on TripAdvisor (6,496 reviews); 4.6/5.0 on Google (945); 8.8/10.0 on Hotels.com (398).
LOCATION ▸ Puerto Sabaneta — 53-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
Top Tips for Staying at Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resorts
If you’re looking for an incredible beach vacation, choosing one of these top-rated Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts is the way to go. But there are a few things we think you should know before jetting off to paradise. Here are some helpful tips to make your stay as fun and relaxing as possible!
- Amenities & Inclusions — Before booking an all-inclusive resort, make sure they have the specific amenities you’re looking for. Planning on doing off-site excursions? Craving a pampering spa day? It’s important to know what’s included in the all-inclusive package and what comes with an extra cost.
- Packing Tips — Don’t leave home without an ample supply of sunscreen (reef-friendly and 30 SPF or higher is highly recommended). Bug repellant is also a good idea, as is an insulated bottle for keeping your beverages cold on the beach. A lot of visitors recommend bringing extra cash for tips, but do keep in mind that tipping is included (and sometimes even discouraged) at some all-inclusive properties.
- Atmosphere — Consider the kind of vibe do you want in your hotel stay? For example, Iberostar Grand Bávaro attracts a more mature crowd, Sanctuary Cap Cana is geared towards couples, and Margaritaville Island Reserve offers a fun and lively “5 o’clock somewhere” vibe.
- Airport Transfer Time — When it comes to traveling to Punta Cana, most visitors fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Depending on where you’re staying, your airport transfer may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. We’ve included estimated travel times to each resort to make your planning easier.
- Recent Guest Reviews — Recent online reviews can offer helpful insights into what a stay at one of these Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts might be like. TripAdvisor and Google can be helpful resources, but booking sites like Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and Booking.com offer verified guest reviews, which may be more reliable.
Thanks for reading this hand-crafted guide to the best Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts!
And don’t forget to share this bucket list of Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts with your travel crew!
Article cover photo: Finest Punta Cana by The Excellence Collection
