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Sometimes you want a vacation where you explore hidden gems, visit cultural sites, or head to every museum in town. Other times, you want to enjoy some fun in the sun. Those looking for the latter should head to Punta Cana, a resort town in the Dominican Republic known for its fine white sands, clear ocean waters, and numerous all-inclusive resorts.
The Dominican resort town is on the island’s east coast, featuring nearly 20 miles of sandy beaches. The area is ideal for relaxing on the beach, all-inclusive cocktail in hand, and water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, boating, jet skiing, and windsurfing.
Although the beach town was once known as Punta de Borrachón (Drunkard’s Point), these days, Punta Cana isn’t a party town, although it can be if that’s what you’re in the market for. Nowadays, Punta Cana is all about all-inclusive luxury resort experiences, from wellness to family-friendly to adults-only resorts.
Here are some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for your next beach vacation, whether you’re a college student traveling with friends, on your honeymoon, or are parents looking to take the whole family along.
If you’re in the market for a child-free vacation, honeymoon, or a quiet break, these are the best adults-only all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana.
Rebranded and reopened in 2022, the Sanctuary Cap Cana is Marriott’s first luxury all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. However, the brand has more than 30 all-inclusive properties within Latin America and the Caribbean.
If you’re after luxury, this is the Punta Cana all-inclusive resort for you. Beyond its 300+ suites and villas, the hotel, decked out in Spanish Colonial style, features a Castle accommodation section, including the opulent Castle Island Suite. This suite is on its own private island, complete with not 1 but 3 indoor plunge pools, butler service, 2 bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms.
Those happy with a regular suite won’t leave disappointed. Many of the suites feature outdoor space, jetted tubs, and ocean views, or are swim-up. And with 11 different restaurants and bars, various pools, and a stunning beach area along the serene Cap Cana coast, adults looking for a peaceful getaway will find it here.
Suite rates start at around $470 or 100,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hot Tip:Still figuring out how to get to Punta Cana? Use your points and miles to fly to the Caribbean. United, Delta, and American Airlines operate flights between several U.S. hubs and the Dominican beach town.
Another hotel located along the tranquil Cap Cana coast, the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is one of the newest and most contemporary Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts to visit for a luxurious, modern stay.
The hotel has so much to do that you don’t need to leave the resort. From 25 bars and restaurants to the beachfront infinity pool and the swim-up suites, you might want to stay forever — though the property is aptly located near golf courses, a marina, and eco-parks should you get the urge to leave.
It may be the ideal place to stay fit while on vacation, as the property is home to a 4,000-square-foot fitness center with numerous machines and weights, spinning bikes, and space for onsite activities like yoga, TRX, Zumba, and more.
Guests often choose this hotel because it’s adults-only. However, if you feel like getting in touch with your inner child (or being around many of them), guests can access the Canapolis Water Park, part of the neighboring family-friendly property Hyatt Ziva.
Room rates start at $485 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hot Tip:Have a stash of points and miles? Here are the best Punta Cana hotels to book with points (for max value).
Breathless Punta Cana & Spa is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort under the Hyatt umbrella. Here, guests have equal opportunity to indulge in all things adult: rejuvenating morning yoga classes, tropical treatments at the Pevonia Spa, and boozy pool parties with DJs spinning beats.
The ideal resort for adults wanting a well-rounded stay that includes relaxation and energetic activity, guests have full access to the amenities at the Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa next door, a family-friendly resort with an onsite water park.
Guest rooms feature bold, Caribbean-inspired colors and decor with lush garden views. It’s worth upgrading to a swim-up suite, an Xhale Club room or suite, or the ultimate luxury, the Xhale Club Presidential Suites, with ocean views. All Xhale rooms and suites have access to 2 private Xhale Club pools, Xhale Club Lounge access, and butler service.
Room rates start at $305 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hot Tip:Many of the hotels on this list are part of the Hyatt portfolio. You can earn Hyatt points with The World of Hyatt Credit Card, but one of the best ways to earn points that can transfer to the Hyatt program is with a credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Even if your chosen all-inclusive resort isn’t part of a points program, you can still earn 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel purchases when booking with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
Adult travelers who want to focus on wellness should head to the Meliá Punta Cana Beach, a hotel with various wellness zones to encourage guests to relax, live in the moment, and get into vacation mode.
Guest rooms and suites are “wellness-inclusive,” meaning the coastal chic decor, inviting and comfortable beds, pool, garden, and beach views were explicitly created to help guests unwind and enjoy. And from daily yoga and shamanic drumming to complimentary bicycle use and paint-and-sip wine events, there are plenty of chill activities that all types of travelers can enjoy.
The hotel features the YHI Spa, a calming retreat that uses elements like water and nature to create an enticing space for guests to take a break and disconnect. Treatments include healing larimar hot stone therapy and coffee and sugar body scrubs. From lounging at the weaving, lagoon-style pool to testing out the healthy, fresh cuisine options, you’ll leave this resort feeling truly rejuvenated.
Room rates start around $200 per night.
From 400-thread count sheets to in-room Nespresso machines, Live Aqua Beach Punta Cana offers guests the utmost comfort. Guest rooms are comfortable and contemporary, and some suites have swim-up access. Honeymooners might opt for the honeymoon suite, which offers swim-up access and perks like a complimentary couples massage.
The hotel’s geometric, modern lines run from the guest rooms to the various pools — long, rectangular stretches of water flanked by cabanas and in-water lounge chairs.
The onsite fitness center offers sea views, while dining options range from French and Mexican to Italian and Japanese. Meanwhile, test out the Feel Harmony Spa by Live Aqua for the ultimate relaxation. It uses Natura Bissé products and offers luxurious services like citrus and oxygen treatments, detox marine wraps, and water rituals.
Room rates start at $390 per night; room rates for the honeymoon suite start at $650 per night. Make sure to join the Fiesta Rewards program to earn points on your stay, as well as perks and discounts.
Excellence Punta Cana considers itself to be a “bespoke all-inclusive experience,” which we certainly find intriguing, as sometimes, during a larger all-inclusive resort experience, things like personal service tend to get lost in the chaos. But not at Excellence, which ensures every guest has the vacation they need.
Guests can explore the hotel’s lagoon-style pools beneath swaying palm trees on an idyllic stretch of white sands. There’s also a fitness center with gym equipment that offers cardio, Pilates, and yoga classes. The Miilé Spa is massive, complete with 14 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, various sensations showers, a Swedish sauna, spa gardens, an ice room, and more.
The hotel is all-suite, with options ranging from the lowest-category garden view junior suites to oceanfront terrace suites with plunge pools. With more than 10 different bar and restaurant options, guests can choose from fresh seafood to Mexican or French cuisine and everything in between.
Suite rates start at $298 per night.
Hot Tip:Not exactly sure what all-inclusive means? While each hotel has its own rules and regulations about what all-inclusive rates include, in most hotels and resorts, it means that food, drinks, use of the resort’s facilities, and some activities are included. While some hotels worldwide offer all-inclusive rates (among other rates, like breakfast or half-board), most all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana are fully all-inclusive with everything included.
Many hotels in Punta Cana are catered towards adults, but not necessarily adults-only. If you don’t mind spotting a lone child or teen at the pool or are hoping to enjoy an adult-centric all-inclusive without it feeling like you’re the only one not on your honeymoon, here are the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for adults, from young adults to spring breakers to a solo getaway.
Zoëtry is an all-inclusive brand within the Hyatt portfolio that’s re-designed its all-inclusive experience to feel more personal. From authentic cuisine to guest-focused customer service to enriching and authentic attractions and activities, the brand strives to redefine the concept from an all-inclusive: think locally-sourced, curated gastronomy options vs. tourist hordes shoving each other to be first in line for french fries at the dinner buffet.
The Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana fits the brand’s profile perfectly, featuring just 96 suites, 4 à la carte restaurants, and a property that feels luxurious but also inspired by the local environment — think cane-thatched roofs that tower over balconies and in-room Jacuzzis. Other details include Bvlgari bath amenities, private plunge pools, daily afternoon tea time, and coral stone bathrooms.
From the Caribbean cuisine at the onsite restaurant Piragua to the citrus and marine-themed treatments at the spa, even the possibility of a helicopter transfer to the resort, a stay here will feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional all-inclusive.
Room rates start at $450 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
From doubling down at the Hard Rock Casino to finding your inner child at the hotel’s water park to snapping Instagrammable shots on the beachfront Hard Rock sign (think a la Hollywood sign-style), this is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for young adults or spring breakers. Top-shelf liquor is included in the all-inclusive rate, and you won’t have to leave to go dancing, thanks to the hotel’s onsite nightclub. This might be one of Punta Cana’s best all-inclusive resorts for college students looking for spring break fun in the sun.
And groups of friends can even have major jam sessions — the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana allows guests to pick from 20 different Fender guitars and have one delivered directly to their room, alongside an amp and headphones.
That being said, families won’t be shunned here, as the onsite water park, numerous pools (including an adults-only option), arcade, laser tag, bowling area, and mini-golf may appeal to everyone. Even pets are welcome if you want to bring along furry friends.
Room rates start around $350 per night.
Hot Tip:If you’re wondering whether or not to tip at all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, it varies. Tipping is optional at most resorts. If you’d like to tip, first find out if staff members are allowed to accept tips. In most cases, tipping is discretionary. If you feel like you’ve had great service, consider leaving a tip on the bed for housekeeping or at a restaurant after a meal you enjoyed. You can tip in either U.S. dollars or Dominican pesos.
Punta Cana is one of the top spots in the Caribbean to come with children, teens, and other family members. Many all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana have top family amenities. Some Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts have water parks, kids’ clubs, and other children and teen-catered activities. These are the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
While the aforementioned Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is adults-only, its sister site is the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, which is the family version. If you’re in the market for a Punta Cana all-inclusive family resort with a water park, this is one of the best spots, thanks to its onsite Canapolis Water Park, complete with 5 slides. Both kids and adults will also love that non-motorized water sports are included, like kayaking and paddleboarding.
The hotel features The Lost City of Anac Pac Kids & Teen Club, with a spider zone play area, indoor treehouse, and teen lounge with video games. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy wellness activities, including Zumba, yoga, or Pilates classes at the 14,000-square-foot fitness center or head to the spa, which features 18 treatment rooms, a natural cave and lagoon, and the Dominican Republic’s first Himalayan Salt Lounge.
Regarding guest rooms, the hotel has 375 suites ideal for families — even the most basic room category, a junior suite with king rooms or double beds, has a living space that can turn into extra space for additional family members.
Suite rates start at around $500 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
With numerous all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana as part of the Hyatt portfolio (including 5 different Dreams properties), you may wonder which is the best all-inclusive for you. Depending on your preference, you may be looking for an all-inclusive with swim-up rooms or a Punta Cana all-inclusive family resort with a water park. For those looking for a new hotel (but not so new it hasn’t yet worked on the kinks), choose the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa, which opened in December of 2022. The hotel also has those aforementioned swim-up suites, as well as a water park.
Besides the 4 pools and water park, the property is ideal for families, from its giant chess board and indoor game room to its beach volleyball courts and basketball court. The hotel offers both the Core Zone for teens and the Explorers Club for children and childcare services (at an additional cost).
While the kids are safely enjoying activities in the aforementioned clubs, parents can dine and drink at 8 restaurants or 13 bars. Or, head to the Dreams Spa by Pevonia, featuring a hydrotherapy circuit, Vichy cabin, sauna, steam room, lounge room, indoor pool, and a full-service salon with beauty, nail, and hair treatments.
Room rates start at about $225 per night but can be double that in peak season. Points rates start at 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
This all-suite hotel is perfect for families, and kids under 2 stay free. Even the most basic king suites have a small living space, coffee maker, outdoor terrace, and bathroom with a rainfall shower. Larger families should opt for a 2- or 3-bedroom condo — some even feature extensive private outdoor space, a whirlpool, and ocean views.
The Radisson Blu Resort & Residence Punta Cana‘s lagoon-style pool weaves through the center of the property, meaning you can find family-friendly sections and quieter areas to relax. And while some all-inclusive resorts may upcharge you for certain amenities, this resort includes everything, from speedy Wi-Fi to beachside cocktails to 24-hour dining. The fitness center is open 24 hours, too.
The kids’ club is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features activities like arts and crafts, video games, supervised swimming, and water activities. Meanwhile, parents can relax on the palm tree-lined beach or head to the spa, which offers treatments such as seaweed facials, after-sun rituals, and sea salt polishes. You can even bring your dog along to join the family fun, as the hotel allows 1 dog per room up to 18 pounds.
Suite rates start at $230 or 75,000 Radisson Rewards points per night.
The name of this resort, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, tells you right away it will be family-friendly. From the Agua Nick Waterpark to the Nickelodeon characters that roam the breakfast buffet and the Nickelodeon-themed villas, children of all ages will love this family-friendly, all-inclusive Punta Cana resort. And the hotel’s gourmet all-inclusive package includes everything, from premium liquor to slime cocktails for the kids.
It wouldn’t be Nickelodeon without slime, and the Club Nick Kids Club and the Nickelodeon Palace have plenty to offer, from slime experiences to dance parties, ball pits, a baby zone, and plenty of other activities to keep the kids occupied.
Just because the hotel feels kid-themed doesn’t mean adults don’t get a relaxing vacation. From luxury swim-up suites to 4 pools, 9 restaurants, 3 bars, and a spa, adults can take advantage of several activities.
For a fun kid-friendly splurge, consider the Pineapple Suite, modeled after SpongeBob SquarePants’s undersea home, with 2 bedrooms, 3 marble bathrooms, a signature infinity pool, and an outdoor patio. Rooms even feature baby-friendly amenities, such as bottle warmers, strollers, and cribs.
Room rates start at $380 per night.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Dominican resort town of Punta Cana is by staying at an all-inclusive resort. An all-inclusive trip to Punta Cana is best when you’re in the mood for a beach-themed getaway and don’t feel like exploring the surrounding area or doing many off-the-resort activities. In most cases, all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana include all food and drinks, entertainment, and activities, though inclusions may vary by resort. Whether you’re in the market for a family-friendly experience, the best all-inclusive for young adults, or an adults-only Caribbean retreat, Punta Cana has an all-inclusive hotel for you.
The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, you shouldn’t need to spend too much additional money. Most places take credit cards, but having some cash for tips and shopping is helpful, especially smaller bills. You may want to plan to spend between a couple hundred to $500, which can cover excursions, shopping, and airport meals or transfers. However, this amount varies based on your family or group size, the activities you plan to do, and how much you tip.
No, all-inclusive hotels don’t include flights. However, some hotels offer the option to book an all-inclusive package that includes flights. Here are Upgraded Points, we think it’s better to book flights and all-inclusive hotels separately. This way, you can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles. Booking airfare and hotels directly also makes it easier to troubleshoot if anything goes wrong.
The best months to travel to Punta Cana are between December and April. This is Punta Cana’s dry season, which means you have warm, sunny weather and little rain. However, these months are peak season and often expensive, so traveling in months like May or June may mean you’ll see lower prices. If you travel between June and November, know it’s Atlantic hurricane season, which means you may see rain, or worse, a hurricane could affect your trip.
The cheapest time of year to visit Punta Cana is usually May or September. The weather is rainy, and kids are in school, so the island sees fewer visitors. These months are often the best time to visit if you’re looking for more affordable rates.
Cancun and Punta are both popular vacation destinations. When deciding which to visit, know that Cancun is more developed and has more to do outside the resort, like exploring natural swimming holes or ruins. Punta Cana feels more like a tropical paradise. Its beaches feel more pristine, with white sands and lush palm trees, but there’s less to do in the way of activities.
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Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.
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