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All-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana: My List After staying at 14
All-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana: My List After staying at 14
We use affiliate links at no extra cost to you. This helps us pay for the hotels we visit ourselves, so we can give honest reviews and point out the negatives without pressure.
After staying in 14 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, from budget options to ultra-luxury with butler service, I can tell you which ones are truly worth it and which ones are a disappointment.
Don’t trust the hotels’ professional photos. Here you’ll see real photos and videos recorded by me, my personal experience, and a price comparison tool so you can book at the best rate. (You can save up to 30%, almost nobody knows this.)
In Punta Cana, there are spectacular hotels… and others that cost the same but are far below average. That’s why choosing well is so important: for the same price, you can book an incredible hotel or another in the same category that’s just “okay.”
Plus, I’ll tell you how the food is, the all-inclusive service, the water parks, and the overall atmosphere so you can choose the perfect resort for your travel style.
If you still have questions, at the end of the article I help readers in the comments section.
Quick summary
Hotels I’d definitely stay at again
If you’re looking for an adults-only, relaxing stay with really good food: Melia Punta Cana Beach (8.6 on Expedia and 8.8 in my personal ranking)
If you want an adults-only hotel with a good vibe but also a place to relax: Breathless Punta Cana (9.0 on Expedia and 9.0 in my personal ranking)
1. Melia Punta Cana Beach: The best all-inclusive resort for couples
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
Of the 14 resorts where I've stayed in Punta Cana, this was the hotel with the best food. Literally. If you like to eat well, you're going to enjoy it here.
Why I recommend it
Type of atmosphere
Adults only.
Quiet, elegant, and with a “Wellness Inclusive” concept (yoga classes, sports activities, spa, relaxation areas…).
It's not a party resort. In fact, if you're looking for partying, you'll get bored. It's more for disconnecting, relaxing as a couple, and eating very well.
2. Nickelodeon Punta Cana: The best resort for families with kids
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
We paid $510 per night in low season, but I don't regret it. It is, for me, the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana for families with young children.
Everything is extremely well-maintained, and you can tell in every detail.
Why I recommend it
The water park is really fun: Freshly painted slides, clean areas, Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob figures… It's a safe place for kids, and parents don't have to be constantly on alert.
Spacious rooms: In the standard room, our little one had plenty of space to run around. They also offer connecting rooms for larger families.
Character breakfast (SpongeBob, Dora, Paw Patrol…): a real hit with kids. Adults may find it a bit noisy, but the little ones love it.
Maximum level of care: lawns, gardens, decoration, themed details everywhere. You can tell they invest a lot in maintenance.
Very good menu restaurants: They're not “gourmet” top-level, but good quality. You can book themed restaurants that kids love… and adults too. We liked them all.
Type of atmosphere
Family resort 100%.
Perfect for kids to have a blast while also being comfortable and quiet for parents.
Beaches, pools, and common areas
Large pools, with quiet areas for adults and more lively ones for families.
The water park is separate, which helps those who want tranquility not to hear the noise of the slides.
Good beach, though not the best in the area (at this level, Melia, Secrets, and Excellence are superior).
3. Breathless Punta Cana: The best adults-only all-inclusive hotel
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
Breathless Punta Cana is an adults-only resort with a spectacular level of service. The food surprised me in a good way, and the atmosphere is quiet, elegant, and very well maintained.
For me, one of the best adults-only resorts if you're looking for good food, atmosphere and exceptional staff. It cost us $410 per night and I don't regret it. I definitely recommend it.
Why I recommend it
Food and breakfast very good (8/10): much better than other resorts in the area at the same price. Fresh products, variety, and good restaurants.
Spectacular service: The staff anticipates your needs. At the pool, at the restaurants, at the beach… They treat you very well.
Perfect if you want peace and adults only: No kids, no noise, no stress. Just disconnect and enjoy.
Very good beach: Wide, clean, and with good service (they bring you drinks, towels…).
Varied entertainment: Yoga, water activities, live music… without being overwhelming.
Type of atmosphere
Adults only, quiet but with activity options.
The atmosphere is more “relaxed and enjoyable” than at a party. Although there's a disco at night if you want it.
4. Whala! Bavaro: Affordable and decent all-inclusive
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
If you're looking for a budget all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana that delivers without paying high prices, Whala! Bavaro is a very decent option. It's not a luxury hotel, but for what you pay, it offers more than expected.
Why I recommend it
Good food for a budget resort. The buffet surprised me: I repeated dishes, and that's saying something after traveling for a month through resorts trying to take care of myself.
Three pools: a beautiful and quiet chill-out, a main one with a jacuzzi at the end (this is my favorite), and another one that I never saw in use (in the entertainment area).
Spacious and clean rooms. Pleasant smell and modern feel.
Great location: very close to the best beach in the area (in front of Melia) and next to an area with shops, restaurants, and bars.
They offer breakfast with room service (rare in budget-friendly all-inclusives).
Type of atmosphere
Quiet, mostly couples and small families.
Very relaxed atmosphere. Not partying, but not for kids either.
5. Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: A luxurious, quiet and family-friendly all-inclusive
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
Wyndham Alltra is one of the resorts I liked the most in Punta Cana. It combines true luxury, a super elegant atmosphere, and impeccable spaces, but without losing the fun touch for families.
Why I recommend it
Elegant atmosphere from the first minute: quiet music in the gardens, clean and well-maintained architecture, impeccable common areas.
Very good water park for kids: without being as big as Nickelodeon, it's perfect for them to have a blast while adults relax at the pool.
Very spacious and beautiful rooms: clean design, plenty of space, all new.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in Punta Cana: quality products, great variety, and super fresh orange juice.
Perfect for families with small children: quiet atmosphere, large gardens, clean and open spaces.
Type of atmosphere
Luxury family resort.
Quiet atmosphere, not partying. Couples and families.
6. RIU Palace Bavaro: The one that best combines party and relaxation
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
RIU Palace Bavaro is one of the most complete resorts in Punta Cana: spectacular party at the RIU Pool Party, good food, incredible beach, and elegant spaces to rest. It combines fun and relaxation like few hotels do.
Why I recommend it
The Pool Party: If you're looking for a party, you'll find it here. The atmosphere is unbeatable: DJ, foam, animation, drinks… And if not, you can escape to the adult-only areas.
Excellent beach: One of the best I've seen in Punta Cana. White sand, wide and without seaweed.
Varied food: Themed buffets, à la carte, and a very complete snack service. Nothing exceptional, but consistent.
Good balance between party and relaxation: There's an exclusive area with a quieter pool for adults only.
Type of atmosphere
Mix between couples, friends, and families.
The Pool Party attracts a younger audience, but outside of that, the resort is quiet.
7. Dreams Royal Beach: The best value for money resort
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
It's one of those resorts that surprises you with how beautiful it is and for the quality of its food. We paid $220 per night, which was practically half the price of other hotels in its category, and even so, it was better than several more expensive ones. It seemed like a bargain to us.
Why I recommend it
Outstanding breakfast (9/10): freshly made pastries (croissants and soft donuts), good quality salmon, and dishes prepared like poached eggs with hollandaise sauce.
The pool is beautiful: with waterfalls, a swim-up bar, and “chill” areas with excellent atmosphere.
Spectacular beach: white sand, turquoise water, well-maintained sun loungers, and good service.
Beautiful, modern, and well-maintained rooms: with a terrace, a rain shower, and quality details.
Quiet atmosphere, but with a water park for kids: Perfect if you travel as a family but want relaxation.
Type of atmosphere
Family and couples resort.
Quiet atmosphere, without parties. Ideal for resting and enjoying.
8. Royalton Hideaway Punta Cana: The best value for money resort
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
Royalton Hideaway is a very complete all-inclusive resort that combines adults-only zones with ideal areas for children. Its strong point is the food and the a la carte restaurants for dinner.
It has an elegant atmosphere, very good food, and the advantage of being able to use the Royalton Splash facilities, including its water park. Overall, a beautiful and highly recommended hotel.
Why I recommend it
A la carte restaurants (9/10): One of the best a la carte dining experiences in Punta Cana. The Asian restaurant and the Italian restaurant are particularly good.
Can use all Royalton Splash facilities: Two hotels for the price of one. If you travel as a family, your kids will love the water park.
Very quiet atmosphere in the Hideaway zone: Adults only, you can rest without noise or crowds. Perfect for couples.
Beautiful and spacious rooms: with a jacuzzi on the terrace and premium service in the Hideaway zone.
Type of atmosphere
Couples and families with access to both areas.
Hideaway is adults only, but you can go to the family zone whenever you want.
9. Occidental Punta Cana: Beautiful, inexpensive but lacking quality
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
At $185/night in high season, it costs literally less than half of the other 5-star resorts in the area (which are usually between $320 and $300). For that price, the hotel delivers…, but if you compare it with a real 5-star, it falls short.
Why I recommend it
Very good deal for the area: For that price, you're not going to find anything better in Punta Cana. And it's not a bad hotel.
Spectacular beach: One of the best I've seen in Punta Cana. Seriously.
Correct service: Not exceptional, but not bad either. Better than expected for the price.
What I didn't like
The buffet is lacking: Few options, not too fresh, and with a “mass tourism” feel.
Very little variety of food: The à la carte restaurants are not available every day, and you have to book.
Outdated rooms: They're not ugly, but they feel old and not very well maintained.
Type of atmosphere
Families and couples looking for an affordable option.
Quiet atmosphere, without parties. Correct, but without luxury.
10. Royalton Chic: Adults-only resort with atmosphere
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
It's an adults-only option with good value for money, ideal if you're looking for a modern atmosphere, activities, good beach without paying what other more expensive adults-only resorts like Breathless cost.
I recommend booking the room with a jacuzzi on the terrace. It's worth it.
Why I recommend it
Very fun atmosphere: It's an adults-only resort with activities, pool party, disco… Perfect if you want entertainment and a good atmosphere.
Good beach and pools: Wide beach, clean, and with good service. Pools are well-maintained.
Modern rooms with jacuzzi: The room with a jacuzzi on the terrace is spectacular. Recommended.
Type of atmosphere
Adults only, with party atmosphere.
Perfect for couples and friends looking for fun.
11. Sunscape Dominicius: A very good and budget-friendly resort
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
It's an affordable all-inclusive resort (we paid $155 per night) on one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic: calm, clean water, romantic sunsets, and lots of life even in low season.
Ideal if you're looking for an affordable price, a lively atmosphere, and a top beach, even knowing that the quality is more than 4 stars. I do recommend it.
Why I recommend it
Decent rooms: clean and with a very comfortable bed, although you notice some humidity from the air conditioning. The bathroom is a bit small. Basic amenities: just soap and shampoo; the extras are for VIP clients. But for the price, very good overall.
Good but simple food: breakfast is fine, nothing special. Lunch and dinner are improved and well-cooked, but they lack higher-quality products like salmon, tuna, or beef cuts (but I repeat, for $155 per night, amazing). The homemade pizzas from the buffet are very, very, very good. The bar snacks are lacking: sandwiches with lots of bread and little filling.
Restaurants with long lines: you can't make reservations, and at peak times, you have to wait quite a bit to dine. So we couldn't try the à la carte restaurants.
Fun pools and water slides: good pools, two water park zones for young children and for adults or teenagers.
Adult facilities: well-equipped and clean gym, but small; if there are 10 people, it fills up.
Mini-club for kids: A mini-club that really works with them, animation active all day, play areas, and staff attentive to the little ones.
Friendly staff: some of the friendliest we found in the Dominican Republic.
Lively atmosphere: surprisingly full even in low season. Many people are enjoying themselves in a relaxed way and good atmosphere.
Spectacular Sunset beach: clean, with many hammocks and a beautiful sunset.
Type of atmosphere
The resort is family-oriented and lively, with lots of life at any time.
Who I recommend it for
Families looking for a beautiful beach and areas for kids to play safely.
Couples who want romantic sunsets and a beautiful and affordable setting.
12. Dreams Cap Cana: A very good luxury resort
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
Cap Cana is the most exclusive area of Punta Cana, and Dreams Cap Cana lives up to it: elegant, beautiful, with attentive service and a very well-cared experience in every sense. It's not the most fun for teenagers, but for couples or families with little ones looking for excellence, it's one of the best options.
As a note: It's the most affordable super-luxury resort in Cap Cana. We paid $380 per night, but in this area, the normal is to pay $600 to $1,000 per night.
Why I recommend it
Elegant rooms with premium amenities: the rooms are beautiful, very well decorated, with tasteful finishes. Ceiling lights and an elegant headboard. Impressive minibar with a full fridge and high-quality air conditioner.
Good gastronomy:
Good breakfast, they even have fresh juices and champagne. There are also very good pastries. There is French press coffee, hand-ground.
Good lunch, although there could be a little more variety.
Very good dinners: from sushi and ceviche to tuna tataki, passing through salmon and great meats. Attention to detail with pleasant touches.
Pools: very clean, with various zones, jacuzzis, and spaces to relax or be with family.
The bellhop: Michael, the bellhop, is super friendly and helpful.
Jonathan from the spa treated us excellently.
Equipped and clean gym: one of the best I've seen in the 16 resorts where I've stayed in the Dominican Republic.
Excellent cocktail service, well above average.
Negative points:
The app for room requests doesn't work very well.
The beach is beautiful, but in October (low season), the sargassum affected it quite a bit. In high season, it's usually much better.
Type of atmosphere
Elegant, tranquil, and premium.
Who I recommend it for
Couples or families with small children who are looking for a luxury resort with outstanding service.
13. Grand Sirenis Punta Cana: A resort with a water park, but nothing special
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
Grand Sirenis is a large resort, with spacious rooms, a very big and fun water park, but without “wow” (it looks more fun in photos than in person), and a nice beach, but in general, the food quality is closer to a 4-star than a 5-star.
We paid $328 per night in low season. More than others, which gave me a better overall experience.
Why I don't recommend it
Rooms without quality: the rooms are large, but the facilities are simple: no slippers, very basic amenities, and an old hair dryer. The bathroom has irregular pressure, hot/cold water reversed, and some improvable details.
Decent food, nothing special: the buffet is correct, especially the barbecue/grill, but it doesn't match the quality of a 5-star. Limited variety and some half-cooked dishes. I would lower expectations.
Normal all-inclusive: good night shows, but the rest of the all-inclusive service doesn't stand out.
Pools and water park are good, but without “wow”: the water park is fun, although it needs repainting. That said, it looks more fun in photos.
Staff: educated and helpful.
Very nice beach: clean, beautiful, and with enough space.
From the spa, the Turkish bath I personally liked a lot.
In general: it's a decent hotel, big and family-friendly, but with little differentiation. At the same price, other resorts offer better quality in food, facilities, and experience.
100% family-oriented, lively, and with constant activities.
Nothing romantic or tranquil.
Who I recommend it for
Families who find a very good deal and want a water park.
14. Lopesan Bávaro: 10/10 facilities and mediocre experience
If you want alternative prices,
I use Trivago and often save up to 30%.
My opinion after staying:
It's an enormous resort, modern and with some of the best facilities in all of Punta Cana: beautiful pools, a safe and fun water park, gorgeous bars, and one of the biggest gyms I've seen in a hotel.
But at the same time, it's one of the resorts where we received the worst treatment, especially at the buffet. If you pay a lot (we paid $477 per night in low season), the price-quality ratio doesn't compensate. A rude and arrogant treatment from half the workers.
I wouldn't return despite the facilities.
Why I recommend it
Spacious and beautiful rooms: very clean, excellent bed and pillows. The bathroom is nice, although it lacks privacy in the toilet (I don't know who had the idea of putting a toilet with a glass door, there's no privacy at all… 2 jaja).
Huge pool + secondary areas + water park with rubber floor (ideal for kids because they won't slip).
Giant gym that is the biggest I've seen in a hotel.
Good gastronomy at certain points: Italian starters spectacular (carpaccio, burrata, and tartar very good).
Delicious artisanal ice cream at the buffet (although with a line).
Beach: clean, spacious, and very beautiful.
Ideal for families: water park, mini-club, and lots of activities.
Why I DON'T recommend it
Very weak service:
At the buffet breakfast, non-existent smiles, and waiters shouting at each other. It felt like a neighborhood market and not a luxury resort.
In general, the staff is not friendly and is not proactive. At the pool bars, young girls are served first. I understand if you're in your 20s. But that's typical of the Dominican Republic; they're not detail-oriented in general.
Good food but not at the price level: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are of normal quality, but inferior to other cheaper 5-star hotels.
Irregular Wi-Fi: doesn't reach some pool areas or the beach. Inexplicable in a resort of this level.
Bad management of problems: during a force majeure event, we spent 5 hours without electricity or water; they didn't offer a shower or late check-out, or any compensation.
Type of atmosphere
Elegant resort, enormous and full of premium facilities.
Who I recommend it for
I really don't recommend it. For that price, you have other resorts where you'll enjoy your vacation more. Without dry responses, shouting between workers, or bad attitudes when you ask for something normal and suppose to be included in the price.
Quick comparison table
*Approximate prices based on what I paid (Except RIU which invited us).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best area in Punta Cana to stay at an all-inclusive?
Bávaro: the most balanced area, many resorts and good beach.
Uvero Alto: more tranquil and without hundreds of hotels, ideal for family resorts and adults only.
Cap Cana: exclusive super luxury area.
Dominicus (La Romana): very good beach and lower prices than Punta Cana.
2. Is it safe to stay at all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana?
Inside the resorts, security is good: there’s surveillance and controlled access. Even so, use the safe for valuables and don’t leave phones or cameras unattended on the sunbed, just as you would in any beach destination.
3. What is the best time to travel to Punta Cana?
In general, from December to April, the weather is usually better, and there’s a lower chance of storms. Between May and October it can be hotter, with occasional rain and a bit more sargassum (seaweed on the beach), depending on the year.
If you want fewer people and good prices, the low season can be worth it. I went during the low season and really enjoyed it.
4. Is it better to save on the hotel or pay more for a good resort?
If your budget allows, it's better to pay a little more for a good resort. But not because you pay more will you have a better hotel and service. Read my guide to help you not pay for a “luxury resort” and have a mediocre experience.
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