Dominican Republic 5 star all inclusive hotels: 15 options for different vacations

Europe is damp and gray in winter. The Dominican Republic greets you with sun and a warm sea during these months. People come here for the beaches of Bavaro, Caribbean cuisine, and all-inclusive vacations.

The Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the Caribbean by area, and its resort zones stretch along two coastlines (according to the official tourism portal of the Dominican Republic).

Fifteen five-star all-inclusive hotels differ from one another not by their star rating, but by the details. Some have a long beach and a separate adults-only area, others have a water park and a mini zoo for kids, and still others have a coral reef right off the shore. The same all-inclusive package at different resorts means a different set of restaurants, pools, and entertainment.

We've rounded up 15 five-star all-inclusive hotels in the Dominican Republic and organized them by vacation style. You'll see who each resort suits, where it's located, and what details to check before booking.

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How to choose a 5-star hotel in the Dominican Republic

💡 In short:

• Pick the coast and area: Bavaro and Uvero Alto in Punta Cana, La Romana in the southeast, Las Terrenas in Samana.
• Choose the format: a family resort with a water park or an adults-only hotel.
• Check what's included in the all-inclusive package: meals, drinks, water activities, and evening shows.
• Season, resort zones, and entry rules: 09/2026, verified on the official tourism portal of the Dominican Republic

Five stars in the Dominican Republic aren't awarded just for room size. The all-inclusive package price usually covers buffet dining, drinks at the bars, beach sports equipment, and an evening program. Each hotel has its own set of restaurants and entertainment, and that matters more than the category sign.

The coast matters just as much. Punta Cana is divided into areas: Bavaro with long beaches and extensive infrastructure, and Uvero Alto, which is quieter and farther from the center. La Romana in the southeast suits those who want a quiet vacation and golf. Las Terrenas in Samana is chosen for its natural bays and lower hotel density.

Also look at the guest mix. Some resorts are adults-only, so a quiet pool and peace on the beach are guaranteed. Others are geared toward families: water parks, kids' clubs, mini zoos, and shallow pools. Choose the format based on the crowd you want around you.

Below are 15 hotels from different areas, without a breakdown by coast. The order isn't a ranking: this is a selection by vacation style, not a podium. La Romana, Samana, and Puerto Plata on the north coast require a separate transfer.

1. Majestic mirage punta cana

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana is located in Bavaro, in the east of the country. It's a resort of separate buildings among palm trees, where all rooms are designed as suites with large terraces and separate bathrooms. Some rooms have jetted tubs (according to the official Majestic Resorts website).

The beach with a private area is right next to the buildings. Bars and a restaurant operate on the shore, and guests are provided with equipment for water sports. Golf courses and stables are a bit farther away.

Dining is all-inclusive: a buffet in the main restaurant and drinks at bars throughout the property. During the day you choose between the beach and the outdoor pool, and in the evening there's an entertainment program. Kids spend time in an activity club, while adults work out in the gym or relax in the spa and sauna.

• Who it's for: families with kids and couples who want a spacious room.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Prices: Majestic Mirage Punta Cana on Trip.com

2. Catalonia Punta Cana

Catalonia Punta Cana sits in the shade of palm and tropical trees. Rooms are decorated in Caribbean style: air conditioning, minibar, modern appliances. The all-inclusive package includes three meals a day at the Grand Caribe restaurant, a la carte dinners at the other restaurants, a spa, pools, and a gym.

Entertainment is designed for all ages. Activity staff lead water aerobics and regular aerobics, bike rides, and evening shows. On the beach you get equipment for water sports, and the PressReader app gives you access to books and magazines. There are age-based clubs for kids and teens, and adults have access to a casino and discos.

It's about a seven-minute walk to the developed beach (per the map). Privileged category guests get a separate area on the shore. Another beach and golf clubs are nearby, so you can vary your day without long trips.

• Who it's for: families with kids and active couples.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Prices: Catalonia Punta Cana on Trip.com

3. Be Live Collection Marien

© Juan Espaillat · CC BYPhoto: Juan Espaillat, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Be Live Collection Marien operates in Puerto Plata, on the country's north coast (according to the official Be Live Collection Marien website). The hotel's beach has a Blue Flag designation, and the property itself is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Rooms and terraces offer garden views, and each room has a minibar, air conditioning, and a TV.

Five restaurants serve guests with a la carte menus and buffets. You can grab a snack and a drink with light bites or dessert at one of the bars on the property.

Active guests have access to equipment for windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and diving. The pool hosts aqua aerobics and water polo, and tennis courts are available. There is a fitness center and a spa with skincare and stress-relief treatments. Kids are kept busy at the kids' club, and the entertainment team gets everyone involved in shows in the morning and evening.

• Who it's for: families with kids and guests who want a beach right at the hotel.
• Location: Puerto Plata, north coast.
• Prices: Be Live Collection Marien on Trip.com

4. Majestic colonial punta cana

© Ben Kucinski from Beverly Hills, CA · CC BYPhoto: Ben Kucinski from Beverly Hills, CA, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana sits along a long beach with blue ocean water. It takes about five minutes to walk from the rooms to the shore (based on the map). Rooms offer garden, ocean, or pool views, and suites come with a jacuzzi tub, appliances, and comfortable furniture.

The property's standout feature is a long outdoor pool with two jacuzzi areas. Bars are located right by the water, and an instructor teaches diving lessons directly in the pool. On the beach you can get gear for diving, windsurfing, and snorkeling, and you can rent a catamaran or a boat.

Guests are fed by the property's restaurants: two operate as buffets, a grill restaurant is located on the beach, and the others serve French, Caribbean, and Japanese cuisine. In the evening, kids and adults can enjoy a full entertainment program, and entertainers work with children throughout the day.

• Who it's for: families with kids and couples who love water sports.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Prices: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana on Trip.com

5. Be live collection punta cana

© Ivan Curra · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ivan Curra, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Be Live Collection Punta Cana is a good fit for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Guests booking the "Better Together" and "Adults Club" packages get separate beach areas and dedicated pools with jacuzzis.

Rooms are spacious, with a terrace or balcony and views of the ocean, garden, or pool. The property has several pools, including a kids' pool with slides and water features. There is an outdoor playground, and kids' club staff keep children entertained while you relax by the pool or at the spa.

For water sports, the beach provides equipment for diving, windsurfing, and water skiing, and instructors give thorough briefings. Dining is handled by the property's restaurants: the main one serves buffets, while the other themed restaurants are usually open for dinner. A separate restaurant serves guests on the exclusive club and VIP packages.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want separate adult-only areas.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Prices: Be Live Collection Punta Cana on Trip.com

6. Majestic elegance Punta Cana

© Batle Group: Mar Hotels, Majestic-Resorts & Lively · CC BY-SAPhoto: Batle Group: Mar Hotels, Majestic-Resorts & Lively, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana is made up of elegant three-story villas surrounded by palm trees. The complex is divided into two zones. The first, Majestic Elegance, suits a large group or family: the spacious rooms can accommodate a small group, and the terraces overlook a lagoon pool or the garden.

The second zone, Elegance Club, is adults only. Almost every room has a private entrance to the pool and its own small garden, and the bathrooms have open or enclosed jacuzzis. Guests in this category get access to separate restaurants with a dress code, a la carte service, and live music.

All guests can enjoy the buffet in the main restaurant; the other restaurants are a la carte. The hotel's own clean beach with a gentle entry into the sea is good for children. For sports, there are basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, a gym, and water sports equipment.

• Who it's for: families in the Majestic Elegance zone and couples in the Elegance Club zone.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Rates: Majestic Elegance Punta Cana on Trip.com

7. Barceló Bávaro Palace

© Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Barceló Bávaro Palace is part of a large beachfront resort complex and holds a Green Key certificate for its ecotourism efforts. It's a comfortable place for a family vacation: the beach has soft sand and an easy entry into the water with almost no waves, so it works even for small children.

For kids, the property has a club, playgrounds, and several pools, including a shallow one with slides and attractions. Both children and adults enjoy the on-site water park. For sports, there's equipment for water activities, golf and tennis facilities, and an entertainment program that runs all day.

The complex's spa center offers treatment programs for recovery and beauty care. Meals are included in the all-inclusive package, and the restaurants and bars serve seafood and Caribbean cuisine.

• Who it's for: families with children, including toddlers.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Rates: Barceló Bávaro Palace on Trip.com

8. Catalonia Royal La Romana

Catalonia Royal La Romana sits by its own coral reef with colorful fish, which is why divers and water sports enthusiasts come here. Golf courses are nearby, and guests can use them free of charge, with no extra fees.

The complex is adults only: children are not accommodated. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, with air conditioning, separate living and sleeping areas, and a balcony or terrace.

The all-inclusive plan covers buffet breakfasts and any dishes with drinks at the restaurants and bars. During the day, you can enjoy the beach, fitness and aerobics classes, entertainment shows, and time by the pool or in the spa center. In the evening, there's a full entertainment program with theatrical performances and live music.

Rooms with a terrace and direct pool access are available for booking, as are two-story rooms. In the Romance Deluxe Swim Up category, guests receive fruit, a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate, a romantic dinner for two, and a relaxing massage session.

• Who it's for: couples and guests looking for a quiet vacation without children.
• Not for: families with children.
• Location: La Romana, in the southeast of the country.
• Rates: Catalonia Royal La Romana on Trip.com

9. Dreams Dominicus La Romana resort & spa

© Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa sits on the oceanfront in La Romana. The hotel works for both romantic and active vacations. The rooms feature accessories with a local flair, and each has a balcony or a wide terrace overlooking the tropical garden or the ocean. Preferred Club rooms have a private entrance to exclusive pools, and the club lounge serves breakfast in the morning and drinks with snacks throughout the day.

The beach has its own water sports center. Here you can get equipment and instruction for canoeing, kayaking, sailing, diving, and snorkeling. The spa center offers massages and facial and body treatments.

The restaurants introduce guests to Caribbean cuisine and dishes from other culinary traditions, from familiar to exotic, and the bars always have light snacks and drinks. There are separate clubs for children and teens organized by age and interests, and parents can arrange a nanny for little ones. In the evening, there's live music along with musical and dance shows.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want both romance and entertainment.
• Location: La Romana, in the southeast of the country.
• Rates: Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa on Trip.com

10. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

© Angel Ramos G · CC BYPhoto: Angel Ramos G, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has a large casino and lively discos, so the complex is often chosen for a young crowd vacation. The room furniture is custom-made. The rooms feature signature Sleep Like a Rock Star beds with Egyptian cotton linens, jacuzzis, minibars, modern electronics, and internet access. Some rooms have a private entrance to the pool and an exclusive beach area.

Meals are all-inclusive (according to the official Hard Rock website): a buffet in the main restaurant and dinners at a la carte restaurants with no extra charges and no restrictions. The property has numerous bars, pools including children's pools, and fitness and spa centers. Room service is available around the clock, and guests in certain categories get their own pool and a private beach area.

The beach has well-developed infrastructure and offers water activities. The golf course was designed by Niklaus Design, and there's also a mini-golf course. Children have access to playgrounds, a club, and a water park, while teens have their own dedicated areas. In the evening, there are concerts, including performances by rock stars.

• Who it's for: young people, groups, and music lovers, with separate areas for kids.
• The catch: noisy due to the discos and casino.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Prices: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana on Trip.com

11. Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is located in Uvero Alto and is adults-only. It's a large modern complex with spacious grounds and a long private beach. Snacks and drinks are served on the shore during the day.

Rooms are comfortable, with whirlpool tubs, balconies or terraces, and views of the ocean, tropical gardens, or lagoon pools. Some rooms offer direct pool access. Guests have access to the Breathless Spa by Pevonia, sports courts, a fitness center, kayaks, and tennis courts. Wedding ceremonies can also be arranged here, and romantic dinners are held on the oceanfront.

The main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A la carte restaurants are also available, along with room service at any time. In the evenings, shows take place in the indoor theater and a nightclub is open. During the day, dance, Spanish, and cooking classes are offered. Diving and kitesurfing lessons are available for an additional fee.

• Who it's for: couples and groups of friends looking for a vacation without kids.
• Not for: families with children.
• Location: Uvero Alto, Punta Cana.
• Prices: Breathless Punta Cana on Trip.com

12. Grand Bavaro Princess

© MichaelPloujnikov · CC BY-SAPhoto: MichaelPloujnikov, CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), Wikimedia Commons

Grand Bavaro Princess sits in a tropical park with mango groves and turquoise pools. Flamingos and peacocks stroll through the gardens, and the sea is right there. Two-story cottage suites stand right in the garden, and every room has an original design.

The all-inclusive package covers dining at all restaurants in the complex except Licey, where the package includes dinner once a week. Sports facilities and water activities are available, and there is a spa center with some treatments included in the package. Yoga and dance classes are held on the beach.

Kids enjoy the mini zoo where they can interact with animals, and there are age-based kids' clubs. There is a casino, evening shows, and live music in many restaurants and bars.

• Who it's for: families with kids and guests who value green grounds.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Rates: Grand Bavaro Princess on Trip.com

13. Occidental Punta Cana

Occidental Punta Cana sits in the very center of the Bavaro tourist zone. The complex of two-story bungalows is surrounded by a tropical garden where tropical birds roam, and kids can watch fish and turtles in the ponds.

Standard rooms and Royal Level club suites are available for booking. Royal Level guests get special privileges: concierge service, internet access, a separate breakfast restaurant, and a beach bar. All guests have access to the complex's restaurants, some of which serve buffet style and others a la carte. At the bars you can choose drinks with light snacks and desserts, the Rebels snack bar is open around the clock, and kids will love the pizzeria.

Various activities run day and night. Guests play sports, including water sports, relax on the beach or by the pools, and get treatments at the spa lounge. Evening entertainment includes shows, musical performances with an orchestra, discos, and a casino.

• Who it's for: families with kids and couples who want to be close to Bavaro's infrastructure.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Rates: Occidental Punta Cana on Trip.com

14. Ocean blue & sand beach resort

Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort sits on Bavaro Beach. Bungalow rooms come with jacuzzis, living and sleeping areas, spacious bathrooms, balconies, and terraces. Some rooms include VIP service. The complex's restaurants offer national cuisines, and the bars are a great place to relax with a drink.

The white-sand beach with easy water access is cleaned and guarded, and there is a bar and restaurant right on the shore. The spa center offers cosmetic and wellness treatments, massages, a sauna, and a Turkish bath.

The entertainment program changes daily and is designed for adults and kids. Guests take part in contests, enjoy concerts, watch shows, and do aerobics, while the Ocean Tower casino and discos run in the evenings. Kids and teens are kept busy at clubs, and adults can use the bowling lanes, billiards, volleyball, climbing wall, archery, and tennis. On the beach you get water sports equipment and a diving orientation.

• Who it's for: families with kids and active guests.
• Location: Bavaro, Punta Cana.
• Rates: Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort on Trip.com

15. Viva Wyndham V Samana

© Herbe30 · CC BYPhoto: Herbe30, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Viva Wyndham V Samana is located in Las Terrenas, in the Samana province. The complex is adults-only. Newlyweds get special conditions and gifts, and they just need to show their marriage certificate. Wedding ceremony arrangements are available for an extra fee.

Rooms are spacious, with comfortable furniture and modern appliances, and bathrooms come stocked with amenities. The terrace overlooks the garden or the sea.

At the restaurants, guests choose buffet-style dining or order from the menu, and no advance booking is required for a la carte restaurants. The all-inclusive package includes room service and beach sports equipment for water activities, except motorized equipment. The spa center offers care treatments and various types of massages. In the evening there are musical and entertainment shows, and you can also rent bicycles, go horseback riding, or rent a car.

• Who it's for: couples and newlyweds.
• Not for: families with kids.
• Location: Las Terrenas, Samana province.
• Rates: Viva Wyndham V Samana on Trip.com

Dominican Republic 5-star all-inclusive hotels on the map

The map shows all 15 complexes from this selection. Check how the hotels are located relative to the airport and to each other before choosing an area. Bavaro and Uvero Alto are close to Punta Cana. La Romana, Samana, and Puerto Plata require a separate transfer.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to the Dominican Republic for a beach vacation?

You can swim and sunbathe on the coast year-round, but the driest period is winter and early spring, when there is less rain and the sea is calmer. Summer and fall are hotter and more humid, with possible short tropical downpours. Check the forecast and entry rules on the official tourism portal, and book popular dates well in advance.

Which hotels in this selection are adults-only?

Catalonia Royal La Romana, Breathless Punta Cana, and Viva Wyndham V Samana operate without kids. At Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, adults have a separate Elegance Club zone. These complexes are quieter at the pool and on the beach, and quiet grounds are part of the experience itself.

What is included in the all-inclusive package?

Typically it includes buffet dining, drinks at the bars, light snacks, beach sports equipment, and an evening program. A la carte restaurants sometimes require advance booking, and some water activities and diving sessions cost extra. Check the package details when booking the hotel.

Is the Dominican Republic good for a family vacation with kids?

Yes, many hotels in this selection are geared toward families. Grand Bavaro Princess has a mini zoo with flamingos, Barcelo Bavaro Palace offers a wave-free beach and a water park, Occidental Punta Cana has a pizzeria for kids, and Be Live Collection Marien runs a kids' club. The gentle beaches of Bavaro and La Romana are great for little ones.

What is the difference between Bavaro and La Romana?

Bavaro in Punta Cana means long beaches, large complexes, and dense infrastructure near the airport. La Romana in the southeast is quieter: fewer hotels, more greenery, and golf courses. If you want a quiet vacation with golf, choose La Romana; if infrastructure and a short transfer matter more, choose Bavaro.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're traveling with kids, go for Grand Bavaro Princess or Barceló Bávaro Palace: they have a water park, a mini zoo, and a gentle slope into the sea. For a romantic getaway without kids, Catalonia Royal La Romana and Viva Wyndham V Samana are good choices. A young crowd will enjoy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana with its large casino and concerts, while water sports enthusiasts should look at Majestic Colonial Punta Cana and Breathless Punta Cana.

If you want spacious suites and your own beach, start with Majestic Mirage Punta Cana. If you need a coral reef right off the shore, pick Catalonia Royal La Romana. Those who value lush grounds and quiet will like Grand Bavaro Princess.

Compare dates and all-inclusive rates in a single search and book before the high season kicks in.

Find a hotel in the Dominican Republic on Trip.com

Before your trip, check your passport expiration date and entry requirements on the official portal. Wishing you a relaxing vacation and warm seas.