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Alison Fox, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
It’s impossible not to relax in the Dominican Republic, and Punta Cana is an ideal location to take advantage of turquoise Caribbean Sea, buttery sand beaches, near-perfect weather and an everything-at-your-fingertips atmosphere. From classes celebrating Dominican food and culture to impressive hydrotherapy spas and seemingly endless dining choices, the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer travelers the chance to have it all without having to pull out a credit card while they’re on vacation.
Couples will love the candle-lit bubble baths and nightly petit fours at the Excellence Punta Cana, while kids will love the character sightings and “slime” at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana. Active travelers will find an endless array of things to do, at our top pick, Majestic Elegance, while beach bums will love the prime access found at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana. Based on multiple trips and stays, we update this story regularly to monitor the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for 2024. Read our latest selections below.
Editor’s Picks:
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana Overall: Majestic Elegance
- Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
- Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive In Punta Cana: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Families: Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts Punta Cana
- Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Couples: Excellence Punta Cana
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Groups: Sanctuary Cap Cana
- Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana Overall: Majestic Elegance
Pool area at Majestic Elegance Punta Cana.
Majestic Excellence Punta Cana
Majestic Elegance
Who Will Love It: Everyone from families with young kids to adults looking for a beachfront escape
All-Star Amenities: Included minibar replenished daily; separate door for room service; in-room jacuzzi
What Not To Miss: The pickleball court with free group lessons
Location: Playa Bávaro
Distance To Airport: 17 miles
Step onto the sand and into the sun from underneath one of the grass palapas at this beachfront oasis, which has something for everyone. Majestic Elegance caters to everyone, from adults who want kid-free time to families of all ages, with both a family section and the 18+ Elegance Club. For families, there are multiple restaurants and unlimited snacks, a children’s club, and a games area for teenagers (complete with pool tables, table tennis, darts, and more). Adults looking for a quieter escape can relax at the adults-only pool or decompress with a spa day set amongst a mangrove swamp. The resort takes all-inclusive to the next level with more than a dozen bars and restaurants ranging from Italian to teppanyaki, as well as free golf green fees, tennis courts, a free in-room minibar, aromatherapy room service and more. The rooms are split into two sections: a family section, which comes with either a jacuzzi or swim-up option, and the adults-only section, which comes with butler service and a bottle of sparkling wine and premium liquor.
Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
Suite at Secrets Cap Cana.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Travelers who want everything at their fingertips yet don’t want to compromise on luxury amenities
All-Star Amenities: Minibar refreshed daily; soaking tub; some rooms with swim-up access
What Not To Miss: The “Sip, Savor & See” program, allowing guests to access complimentary dinner, drinks, and live entertainment at nearby resorts
Location: Cap Cana
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
Set across a sprawling estate with gorgeous views of turquoise water from the edge of an infinity pool, this AAA Five Diamond resort offers every luxury a traveler could imagine. From top-shelf spirits and seven à la carte restaurants (plus a few extra casual spots) to a romantic dinner on the beach or free dance and Spanish lessons, there’s always something to do. Learn how to dive with a free introductory scuba lesson in the pool, relax at night with a cocktail and a big screen movie on the beach, or learn how to aqua pole dance to work up a cool sweat. The resort features 457 suites, including rooms with swim-up pool access, decorated with natural woods, organic live-edge benches, and rich textiles. The property also offers the option of a Preferred Club, which steps up the luxury with private plunge pools, upgraded minibars and a private club with afternoon hors d’oeuvres. While all of the rooms are gorgeous, the real gem is the Presidential Suite, featuring more than 2,000 square feet of space with a bar and kitchenette (and refrigerator refreshed daily), two oceanfront balconies, and a plunge pool.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Pool chairs at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
Courtesy of Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Travelers who want a kid-free escape on a gorgeous beach
All-Star Amenities: In-room minibar; private balconies
What Not To Miss: The 14,000-square-foot fitness center with two cardio areas, spinning, TRX training, Pilates, and more
Location: Juanillo Beach
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
The adults-only all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana has everything travelers would want or need in a kid-free escape, from six different restaurants and seven bars and lounges (with unlimited cocktails, of course) to more than 40 acres of oceanfront, beach butlers, a nearly 27,000-square-foot spa and daily activities like cooking classes. Hang out at one of the infinity pools or head over to the all-ages Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana on the same grounds to splash around in the Canapolis Water Park, complete with a lazy river with grotto cascade, water cannons and five slides. The resort’s 375 suites feature ocean views or swim-up access with in-room minibars stocked each day with water, sodas and beers. If you’re looking to splurge, book the Presidential Suite, which pampers guests with sweeping ocean views, a luxurious soaking tub, butler service, a private check-in and check-out area, private access to the Club Pool and more.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Families: Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts Punta Cana
Nick Swim-up Flat Suites.
Courtesy of Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts
Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Families with kids of all ages
All-Star Amenities: Kids’ swim floaties; in-room toddler equipment available; 24-hour room service
What Not To Miss: Character meals with favorites from SpongeBob and the Paw Patrol pups to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (an extra charge applies to these meals)
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 24 miles
Kids will feel like they’ve stepped inside their TV and into their favorite cartoons at this over-the-top family playground. Start the day hanging with your favorite characters from Marshall, Chase, and the rest of the Paw Patrol gang or Dora the Explorer herself, or head to Club Nick for endless hours of fun complete with a ball pit and kids’ program. The fun continues outside at the resort’s water park where kids (and kids at heart) can grab orange tubes and float along a lazy river, participate in an interactive game show, or even get “slimed.” The Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana features more than 400 suites, villas, and swim-up rooms with amenities for all ages, including strollers, bottle sterilizers and toddler bathrobes for little ones, as well as kid-sized beach chairs for soaking up the beautiful Dominican Republic weather.
Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
Suite at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers seeking more sun than crowds
All-Star Amenities: In-suite minibar refreshed twice each day; maid service three times a day; Bulgari bath amenities
What Not To Miss: The 20-minute complimentary spa treatment
Location: Playas Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 29 miles
Arrive in style to this 96-suite resort with a private helicopter transfer, flying over the rolling waves and pristine beaches of the Dominican Republic. Once there, travelers will enjoy the property’s location with a coral reef just off shore and 200 yards of gorgeous beach as well as endless included activities, from snorkeling and heading out on a catamaran to beach horseback riding, cigar rolling classes, cooking classes and more. As a smaller property, each suite at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana feels like an oasis in itself with cane-thatched roofs, rich teak furniture and a warm Caribbean breeze wafting through from a private terrace. The property, which is geared toward adults but allows children, doesn’t have set check-in or check-out times, so the entire vacation feels truly personalized. For those seeking an ocean view, the Junior Suite Deluxe Oceanfront is a great bet, featuring a private terrace and plunge pool overlooking the water from which travelers can enjoy complimentary bottles of sparkling wine.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Couples: Excellence Punta Cana
Pool at Excellence Punta Cana.
Courtesy of Excellence Punta Cana
Excellence Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Couples who want a quiet, adults-only escape
All-Star Amenities: In-suite premium liquor and stocked minibar; free calls to the U.S. and Canada; Bulgari toiletries in some rooms
What Not To Miss: Stock up on souvenirs at the small but cute on-site shopping galleria
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 28 miles
Like many all-inclusive resorts, Excellence Punta Cana offers an endless array of activities, from snorkeling and beach volleyball to dance lessons, tennis, and just lounging around on the beach sipping from a coconut embossed with the name of the resort. But where the hotel really shines is in its celebration of honeymoons and anniversaries, with packages available to toast your partner in style. Think Champagne breakfast in bed, petit fours with turndown service, a private romantic beachfront dinner, candle-lit bubble baths and more. And for couples who really want to pamper themselves, the resort’s spa is ready with couples treatment rooms and even a couple’s spa suite. The adults-only resort features 461 suites separated into regular rooms and the elevated Excellence Club. The Excellence Club’s honeymoon suite in particular features a private pool overlooking the picture-perfect Caribbean sea.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Groups: Sanctuary Cap Cana
Exterior of Sanctuary Cap Cana.
Courtesy of Playa Hotels And Resorts
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Adult groups, both large and small
All-Star Amenities: Pillow menu; furnished patios; butler service; luggage unpacking/packing service in some room categories
What Not To Miss: Nightly Dominican epicurean events featuring ingredients like cacao and rum
Location: Cap Cana
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
Solo trips are great, but there’s something special about sharing a luxury vacation with friends, and the adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana makes that even easier with group specials and an endless array of included activities offering something for everyone. Groups will love the 13 different bars and restaurants, a night club, six pools, yoga lessons, bike tours, access to the nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship golf course, and more. And those planning even larger getaways will love the palm tree-lined pool terrace that can hold dinners for 35 people and the resort’s private island and suite, which can host up to 120 guests for a cocktail party. To make a group getaway even more special, friends can take advantage of a complimentary upgrade to the next highest room category through the end of 2025.
The large resort features 324 very spacious suites—the smallest starts at a whopping 646 square feet—with tropical rattan furnishings, coral bathrooms, and furnished terraces. The most impressive is undoubtedly the Castle Island Suite, which clocks in at 5,500 square feet and sits on its own private island featuring two bedrooms, butler service, luggage packing services, three indoor plunge pools and unbeatable ocean views.
Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Aerial view of Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana.
Courtesy of Margaritaville Resorts
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Beach bums seeking a relaxing time
All-Star Amenities: Balconies with hammocks, Adirondack chairs, or daybeds; customizable in-room refreshment center
What Not To Miss: A dip in the “polar pool” at the St. Somewhere Spa, which is kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation
Location: Cap Cana
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
It’s always 5 o’clock at this beachfront all-inclusive resort, which takes full advantage of Playa Juanillo’s white sand and calm waves. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana hosts a variety of events on its beach, offers sports like beach volleyball, has relaxing beach hammocks on hand, and will even plan a romantic beachside dinner. Beyond the sand, the resort has several pools (complete with DJ pool parties), offers pickleball and cornhole tournaments, puts on flip-flop Olympics, and keeps the little ones entertained with the Parakeets Kids’ Club.
The resort welcomes travelers with 519 rooms and suites, including 40 villas, and features an adults-only area—named Hammock—for those seeking extra serenity. Each guest room amplifies the surrounding Caribbean atmosphere with blue ocean-inspired tiles, turquoise-colored walls and private balconies to welcome sea breezes. The Island Reserve Villas, which come with private pools and swim-up suites that boast direct access to the resort’s pools, are a major highlight.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities In Punta Cana: Breathless Punta Cana Resort And Spa
Suite at Breathless Punta Cana Resort And Spa.
Courtesy of Breathless Punta Cana Resort And Spa
Breathless Punta Cana Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Vacationers who value access to sports equipment; travelers with pets
All-Star Amenities: Minibar refreshed daily; small dogs welcome
What Not To Miss: The many fitness classes from paddle yoga to beach zumba
Location: Playa Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 25 miles
Breathless Punta Cana Resort and Spa takes care of it all, offering travelers anything and everything they need so they can truly relax. Each of the resort’s 750 suites welcomes guests with private terrace hot tubs and minibars refreshed each day. There are 10 different restaurants and an endless parade of nightly themed entertainment, from a masquerade party to black light pool parties. The resort also provides many included activities like sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing lessons, tennis, and beach yoga, and features an on-site casino so travelers can make their vacation a little more interesting. Guests who want to really pamper themselves should book an xhale club suite, which comes with higher-end amenities like afternoon hors d’oeuvres, an upgraded minibar, a pillow menu and access to two exclusive pools. Beyond human travelers, the resort welcomes small dogs with adorable amenities like dog beds, food and water bowls, a rope toy, small plastic bones and more.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Spa And Wellness In Punta Cana: Finest Punta Cana
Exterior of Finest Punta Cana.
Courtesy of Finest Punta Cana
Finest Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Travelers whose idea of relaxing includes spending hours at the spa
All-Star Amenities: Stocked minibar and in-suite premium liquor; pillow menu; service box for 24-hour room service
What Not To Miss: Hanging with the resident flamingos who roam the property; hurtling down the giant flamingo-shaped slide
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 26 miles
Relaxation is goal of any all-inclusive vacation, and Finest Punta Cana does it right by offering one aqua hydrotherapy session per person included in all Finest Club and Excellence Club rooms. Stepping into the ONE spa is a study in serenity thanks to its airy, double-height ceilings, natural greenery and minimalistic design. Head to the holistic bar to pick out your own essential oils, salts, and other natural ingredients, or work your way through the hydrotherapy circuit complete with Swedish saunas, an ice fountain, hot and cold plunge pools, a steam bath, and more. The resort, which has areas for both adults-only and families, doesn’t leave kids out of the spa experience either with a kid-friendly salon and treatments for younger guests like the “I love fruits” manicure using scrubs and masks with scents like strawberry or mango and topped off with fun glittery polish. When not spending time at the spa, enjoy one of the resort’s 455 rooms and suites separated into three categories: regular suites, Finest Club suites, and Excellence club suites. All rooms are modern and bright with tile floors, framed glass rain showers, and plush daybeds to soak up the Caribbean sun.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools In Punta Cana: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort And Spa
Exterior.
Courtesy of Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort And Spa.
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa And Casino
Who Will Love It: Travelers whose idea of a good time is beach views from the pool
All-Star Amenities: Swim-up suites available; room service included
What Not To Miss: The Boulevard shopping complex with a casino, bowling alley, arcade, restaurants, and more
Location: Bávaro Beach
Distance To Airport: 10 miles
This large resort has something for everyone with more than 1,000 feet of beachfront offering top-notch Caribbean views, a bowling alley, an arcade and more than a dozen bars and restaurants. But it’s the resort’s pools where the property really shines. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort and Spa has seven different freshwater pools on offer, including a 30,000-square-foot two-level infinity pool that leads right onto the beach. Kids can also splash around in the 16,000-square-foot on-site water park complete with multiple slides, a giant water bucket and a shallow splash pad. The hotel is one of the largest in the area with 1,042 different rooms featuring sea glass-colored walls, airy terraces and touches of rattan. The overwhelming majority of rooms are considered junior suites, which offer either queen or king beds or swim-up access. But it’s the “Unique” rooms that truly offer the best amenities, including waiter service on the beach and a private pool complete with hammocks for the ultimate relaxation.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Foodies: Iberostar Grand Bávaro
Pools at Iberostar Grand Bávaro.
Courtesy of Iberostar
Iberostar Grand Bávaro
Who Will Love It: Travelers whose ideal vacation includes great food and cool bars
All-Star Amenities: Pillow menu; daily minibar service; no single-use plastic
What Not To Miss: The coral laboratory, where guests can learn how to maintain the diversity of local coral
Location: Playa Bávaro
Distance To Airport: 15 miles
Order up a refreshing mojito or a crushed cocktail from the Cala Esmeralda Bar, which is built into a replica of a Spanish galleon ship and sits anchored in the lagoon at this unique Playa Bávaro resort. It’s just one of the many bars and restaurants on hand at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro, which offers everything from Japanese teppanyaki to Dominican cuisine. Two of the resort’s restaurants even feature sustainable fishing certificates for those craving dishes like crab tartar and shellfish bouillabaisse. Guests can also access restaurants at three of the resort’s sister properties where they can taste Cajun flavors, Mexican dishes and more. The adults-only hotel features three pools, a golf course and its own coral nursery, where guests can learn how to protect the local coral. The hotel continues its commitment to sustainability in its suites, which are completely free of single-use plastic and offer unlimited purified water. Each suite comes with access to the spa’s hydrotherapy area and whirlpool baths, while some offer in-room butler service and semi-private pools.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities worldwide. These guides include the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and more.
- The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries.
- Each of our hotel writers is handpicked based on their area of expertise, whether they are area locals or avid travelers who have visited the destination frequently. Our travel writers all have bylines in other reputable travel publications, too. This guide was written by freelance writer Alison Fox, who has visited Punta Cana multiple times and stayed at many of the resorts on this list.
- This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in April 2024 by lifestyle editor Katherine Louie, who reassessed this story for freshness and added in two frequently asked questions.
About Alison Fox, Your Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resorts Guide
I am a journalist who focuses on travel news and features and has visited over 50 countries. Born in Brooklyn and a lifelong traveler, I developed a love for exploring at an early age, and one day hope to visit every country in the world. For me, Punta Cana represents the ultimate relaxing vacation, and my time in the Dominican Republic taught me the value of slowing down and living in the moment—a valuable lesson to bring to everyday life. Aside from Forbes Vetted, you can find my work in Travel + Leisure, Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and more.
What Part Of Punta Cana Is The Best To Stay?
This Bávaro neighborhood is one of the safest and most popular areas of Punta Cana for travelers due to its numerous hotels, resorts and wide range of activities. Our top all-inclusive pick, Majestic Elegance, is located in Bávaro. Bávaro’s main attraction is undoubtedly Bávaro Beach, one of the longest beaches in the Caribbean. It’s a 20 minute drive from the Punta Cana International Airport and is accessible to the public. However, many stretches of the beach are reserved for hotels and resorts, and the beach can be quite crowded during peak season. Cap Cana is another excellent town to consider, and it’s home to an impressive number of luxury resorts, hip restaurants and white sand beaches. In addition to its pristine beaches, Cap Cana has some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean.
What Is The Best Month To Vacation In Punta Cana?
Many travelers flock to Punta Cana’s beautiful beaches in December, January and February to escape the cold—this is considered peak season for the island. During this time, the weather is warm and comfortable, and there’s little risk of hurricanes or heavy rainfall (hurricane season is from June to November). For those hoping to avoid the crowds, March, April and May are also excellent months to visit, and the popular resorts and beaches won’t feel as packed.
