It’s officially decided: this winter, you’re finally treating yourself to a trip to the Dominican Republic! Between the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, a deep-rooted rich history, and access to lush nature, choosing where to go when you don’t know the country well can feel overwhelming. Forget the clichés—this region of the Caribbean has way more to offer than just a shore lined with palm trees. To help you track down the top recommendation for your upcoming all-inclusive resort getaway, we’ve broken down five destinations you simply cannot miss. Whether you are hunting for a peaceful escape or thrilling activities… Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in the Dominican Republic between Samaná, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Santo Domingo.
Samaná
Samaná is the ultimate Dominican Republic playground for free spirits and nature lovers. Washed by the Atlantic ocean, the Samaná peninsula pits dense tropical forests against dramatic cliffs. Those craving authenticity often drop their bags around Las Terrenas, far from the resort crowds.
What’s more, locals and visitors return every winter starting in mid-January for world-class whale watching, marveling as humpback whales come to breed by the hundreds in the bay. It’s an absolute must-visit, once-in-a-lifetime experience! And that’s before we even mention the dreamy shores or the promise of an epic outdoor adventure…
Tucked nearby is the imposing Cordillera Samaná, a mountain range covered in over sixty varieties of palm trees. Famous for hidden natural cascades, including the stunning hike to El Limon, it’s a landscape that serves up breathtaking views at every turn.
A few all-inclusive resorts in Samaná to consider:
- Bahia Principe Escape Samana
- Cayo Levantado Resort – renowned for having some of the finest dining in the Dominican Republic!
- Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo
- Viva V Samana by Wyndham
Puerto Plata
Perched right along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata has a totally different pulse. Far from a cookie-cutter resort strip, this coastal hub is packed with genuine warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere that hooks visitors right away.
The best part? It’s wonderfully flexible on the wallet. With prices that are an absolute steal for a sunny escape, you won’t find any pretense here—just fuss-free, friendly accommodations and laid-back resorts where the focus is entirely on great cocktails, great excursions, and even greater beaches. It’s a brilliant destination that swings easily between total relaxation seekers and hardcore adrenaline junkies, with plenty of local attractions to keep you busy.
Indeed if your idea of a good time involves getting out on the water, Puerto Plata seriously delivers. Every water sport you can name is right at your fingertips here, from deep-sea sailing to scuba diving. In fact, just down the road, Cabarete reigns as the country’s absolute mecca for kitesurfing and windsurfing, drawing wind-chasers from every corner of the planet.
A few vacation packages in Puerto Plata to consider:
La Romana
Dreaming of upscale accommodations with rooms boasting breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea? La Romana is calling your name.
Known for effortless elegance and high-end escape, this sun-drenched region is tailored for travelers who want to slow down in style. It is chic, refined, and entirely fuss-free—provided you are willing to pay the price for absolute luxury. If you get restless, though, the surrounding local attractions offer plenty of distractions. The area serves as a fantastic springboard for exploring the charming town and fishing village of Bayahibe, touring the nearby colonial zone, or planning a day trip out to Saona Island.
For golf enthusiasts, La Romana is absolute paradise. You’re trading standard fairways for legendary layouts where the Caribbean tide practically crashes against your cart. Teeing off on iconic masterpieces like Teeth of the Dog, La Estancia or Ocean’s 4 Golf Club means playing right against that oceanfront with jaw-dropping views at every turn. If you’re serious about your game, Transat even offers bespoke golf packages to make booking your dream swing-and-stay trip a total breeze.
A few luxury resorts in La Romana to consider:
Santo Domingo
No matter where you base yourself in the Dominican Republic, the capital of Santo Domingo deserves a spot on your itinerary. Sitting at the cultural heart of the Caribbean, its famous colonial zone is a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with centuries of rich history. Spend your afternoon wandering down historic cobblestoned streets, sipping artisanal coffee, and soaking up the architecture. When the sun goes down, the city shifts into a lively nightlife gear, with open-air plazas filling up to the irresistible rhythms of bachata and merengue.
While we don’t offer direct flights to Santo Domingo per se, you can easily experience the best of both worlds. There is a selection of fantastic all-inclusive properties tucked away just an hour and a half from the capital in the lovely San Julio area, giving you a gorgeous beachfront base with incredibly easy day-trip access to the city.
A few Santo Domingo resorts to consider:
Punta Cana
At the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is the undisputed heavyweight of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Built for pure, unadulterated downtime, the famed destination pulls in every kind of traveler with miles of soft white sand, glowing turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
In fact, Bávaro Beach routinely locks down a spot among the stunning beaches of the world, and with its calm, sheltered shallows, it’s easily one of the best things to experience if you love underwater snorkeling.
The formula here couldn’t be simpler: a breathtaking shore right outside your door and zero itinerary stress. Whether you’re planning an epic trip to the Dominican Republic for families or with your special someone, Punta Cana is that girl—packing everything from kids’ splash parks and sparkling pools to private cabanas and couples’ spa days.
A few Punta Cana all-inclusive hotel packages to consider:
In short: What is the best part of the Dominican Republic to stay?
- Punta Cana: Perfect if your dream trip to the Dominican Republic—whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway—is all about unwinding, drifting effortlessly from the hot tub to the pool and straight to the stunning beaches, without ever needing to step foot off the property.
- Puerto Plata: This region is a total win for families and active travelers hunting for striking mountain views, outdoor adventure, and water sports—all while keeping prices budget-friendly.
- Samaná: The top pick for visitors seeking an intimate, eco-friendly escape along the wild coast of the Dominican Republic, in close proximity to lush tropical nature and epic whale watching.
- La Romana: Tailored for anyone craving high-end exclusivity, fine dining, world-class golf, and seamless access to local attractions and island boat trips.
- Santo Domingo: The epicenter of any trip to the Dominican Republic, defined by centuries of rich history and culture, charming cobblestone streets, and a vibrant atmosphere miles away from the standard beach strips.
