Dominican Republic

<p>A visit to the Dominican Republic is never complete without trying the unique tastes of the Dominican cuisine. With a great variety of food reflecting the colourful culture and history of the Dominican Republic, you’ll get to sample some of the most delicious food the Carribeans have to offer and get a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals in the meantime.</p><ul><li>Start off your mornings with a delicious mangú (green plantains, boiled and mashed) with eggs, fried cheese and fried salami, with sliced avocado on the side, for a traditional Dominican breakfast experience. Opt for a typical Dominican lunch called bandera dominicana – a plateful of rice, red kidney beans, meat stew and tostones or mashed and double-fried green plantains.</li><li>After a colourful lunch, you have plenty of options to choose from for a traditional dinner. Some of the most popular dishes are chicharrón or pork rinds, locrio de pollo or fried rice with chicken, mofongo or a plantain mound with either deep-fried pork or shrimp, or the seven-meat stew sancocho accompanied by avocado. </li><li>Top these hearty meals off with some of the staple Dominican desserts – the grated coconut in cream, sweet beans, sour milk desserts, orange sweets, milk sweets, papaya and pineapple desserts, and guava and cashew paste soaked in soup are some of the most popular sweet options. If you’re looking for something more natural, you’ll have an abundance of tropical fruit juices in the form of milkshakes or batidas.</li><li>Remember to try coconut water straight from the groves and forests, and sample the fresh sugar cane juice from the local fields.</li></ul>

Food & Drinks

<p>The Dominican Republic has some of the most exquisite beaches in the Caribbean, along with a picturesque coastline with powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. The beaches have something for everyone as well, from visits to tranquil and shallow waters with your family to enjoying the ever-awake party life along the coast, the Dominican Republic has you covered.</p><ul><li>Some of the best beaches are found along the coastline of Punta Cana all the way to Uvero Alto. The soft sand along the beaches, combined with the aquamarine waters, make for great idyllic escapes into the Caribbean. While it tends to get crowded, there’s a good reason for its popularity – the natural scenery is unrivalled and the experience is therapeutic. Public access is protected by law, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the coastline as they wish.<br/></li><li>For something a bit more secluded from the public, you could take the boat to Playa Rincon where you’ll be greeted with the softest white sand beach and vibrant waters for a good 3m stretch. At the western end of the beach lies a small freshwater stream for a quick dip against the backdrop of a lush, green forest. When you’re craving some Dominican cuisine, the seafood restaurants along the coastline serve local dishes as well as renting beach chairs.<br/></li><li>If you’re looking for more activity, music and entertainment during your visit to the beach, you shouldn’t miss Playa Boca Chica. Don’t let the white sandy beach and calm waters trick you – there isn’t much peace to be found here. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by tourists and locals alike looking to enjoy the music and the dancing, and the beach comes alive with street vendors selling anything from local snacks to paintings.</li></ul>

Beaches

<p>The Dominican Republic is an unmatched haven of delicious cuisine, marvellous natural beauties and welcoming people – but this isn’t all when it comes to the unforgettable experiences that await you on a holiday trip to the island. Dominican culture is the perfect blend of Hispanic heritage and African traditions, and this colourful combination leads to unique artistry that spills onto the streets wherever you turn.</p><ul><li>Music remains one of the most popular and socially significant forms of art in the Dominican Republic. Centuries of culture and history meet in the folk songs and tunes, ranging from sounds with clear African antecedents to rhythms born of Spanish and Middle Eastern traditions. You’ll have endless opportunities to hear these sounds, as it’s typical to expect music and dancing to happen just about anywhere – be it the local convenience store, the club or the car wash. Even the most mundane of places can turn into a fun experience, where even an old colonial monastery can be a place to dance the night away.</li><li>The most popular means of making this one-of-a-kind music is the Dominican merengue, which is considered a national legacy. Originating from the countryside as merengue típico, it was created by using three different traditional instruments to reach a decidedly Dominican sound. Its younger cousin bachata also enjoys a growing popularity, crossing the boundaries and taking Latin America by storm.</li><li>The best way to experience this to the fullest is Festival de Merengue. Started back in 1967, Santo Domingo’s annual Merengue and Carribean Rhythms Festival is a celebration of colours, music, dancing and companionship, embracing the country’s vast history and traditions. While the party itself takes place against the backdrop of the Carribean sea on the city’s malecón, it easily spills onto the neighbouring streets and nearby bars. For two weeks each summer, you’ll get to watch the national dance in person.</li></ul>

We Love

<p>The average flight time from the UK to the Dominican Republic is approximately 9 and a half hours.</p><p><br/>You can fly from a majority of UK Airports to Punta Cana.</p><p><br/>The Dominican Republic has a pleasant climate all year round.</p>

At a Glance

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Iberostar Punta Cana is an all-inclusive beachfront resort on Playa Bávaro in the Dominican Republic, forming part of a larger Iberostar complex. Surrounded by tropical gardens and set directly on a long stretch of sand, it combines family-friendly facilities, a strong activities line-up and access to an 18-hole P.B. Dye golf course, making it a solid option for Caribbean beach programmes.</p><h3>Accommodation</h3><p>Accommodation is in hotel-style rooms and suites set across low-rise buildings within the gardens. Units are designed for practical comfort, with air-conditioning, balcony or terrace and views over the gardens, pools or ocean. Interconnecting and family-friendly configurations are available, supporting both couples and multi-generational stays.</p><h3>Dining</h3><p>The resort operates a wide all-inclusive dining offer. Higüey and Hispaniola are the main buffet restaurants, serving international and local cuisine across the day. Additional themed venues include La Marimba grill, La Sibila gourmet restaurant, La Pagoda Asian, María Bonita Mexican, Star Rock American and La Palapita, plus snacks and light options at outlets such as La Yola Ice Cream Parlour and El Chiringuito beach bar. Drinks are available from a choice of bars, including the Macao Lobby Bar and El Patio Bar, with all-inclusive service covering local drinks and selected international brands.</p><h3>Facilities</h3><p>Beach and pool facilities include direct access to Bávaro’s beachfront, multiple outdoor pools and sunbathing areas, and an all-inclusive pool snack bar. Sports and activities fall under the Fit &amp; Fun programme, with a fitness centre (16+), multi-sport rooms for classes such as yoga and Zumba, tennis courts, mini-golf and an extensive non-motorised water sports offer, with some activities free for the first hour. A PADI-certified Dressel Divers centre is based on site for diving and snorkelling excursions, and guests have preferential access to the 18-hole Iberostar Bávaro Golf Club course. SPA Sensations offers a full treatment menu including therapeutic massages, head massage, reflexology, chocolate exfoliation, volcanic mud treatments and a wet area with whirlpool, sauna and tropical showers. Star Camp provides age-segmented children’s clubs (Monkey, Dolphin and Eagle) with dedicated pools, playgrounds and activity programmes.</p><h3>Location &amp; Transport</h3><p>The resort is located on the beachfront of Playa Bávaro, within a multi-hotel Iberostar complex set in tropical gardens. Transfer time from Punta Cana International Airport is typically around 25–30 minutes by road. From the hotel, guests can access a small on-site Caribbean-style shopping street and can book local excursions to wider Punta Cana attractions and offshore snorkelling sites.</p><h3>Ideal For</h3><p>Iberostar Punta Cana is well suited to families and multi-generational groups seeking an all-inclusive Caribbean resort with strong children’s facilities and access to a wide range of sports and entertainment. It also works for couples and golfers who want direct beach access, multiple dining choices and on-site access to a recognised 18-hole course, as well as operators looking to package dive, spa or wellness-light programmes with an environmental angle.</p><h3>Need to Know</h3><ul><li>Beachfront all-inclusive resort on Playa Bávaro within a larger Iberostar complex</li><li>All-inclusive board with two main buffets and multiple themed à la carte restaurants and snack outlets</li><li>Multiple bars including lobby, pool and beach bars; local drinks and selected international brands included</li><li>PADI-certified Dressel Divers centre on site for courses and excursions</li><li>Access to Iberostar Bávaro Golf Club: 18-hole, par-72 P.B. Dye course with driving range and clubhouse</li><li>SPA Sensations with wide treatment menu plus water circuit (whirlpool, sauna, tropical showers)</li><li>Fit &amp; Fun sports offer: fitness room (16+), multi-sport studios, tennis, water sports (kayak, catamaran, snorkelling, windsurfing) and more</li><li>Star Camp children’s activity programme split by age groups, with kids’ pool, playground and dedicated menus; babysitting available at extra charge</li><li>Resort operates a single-use plastic-free policy, coral nursery and bee conservation projects as part of its sustainability approach</li></ul>

The resort has a reception desk and features 427 rooms. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) is provided to guests. Guests interested in excursions can get more information at the tour desk. There are also a number of shops that make for great strolling and browsing. Parking spaces are available to guests travelling by car. Further services include a babysitting service (for a fee), medical assistance, a laundry service, a hairdresser and a page service.

Ideal for beach holidaymakers and families, this resort lies in Punta Cana, right by the sea.

The dining area includes 8 restaurants and a bar. All-inclusive can be booked. A delicious and varied buffet awaits guests at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resort also offers snacks. The chefs prepare delicious specialities during the show cooking. For guests, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a fan. In most units, a balcony with sea views provides an ideal place to relax. A safe and a minibar are also available. Guests will also find a tea/coffee station included among the standard features. An ironing set is provided for guests' convenience. Other features include a telephone, a flatscreen television with cable channels and WiFi (no extra charge). Bathrooms are equipped with a baby bath and include a hairdryer. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Family rooms are available for parents with children.

Guests can go for a swim or just relax in the pool complex, which includes an outdoor section and a children's area. Parasols and comfortable sun loungers are available on the sun terrace. A variety of sports are offered at the resort, including tennis and golf or, for a fee, paragliding and horse riding. The fitness rooms are perfect for a comprehensive workout. Various wellness options are available at the resort, including a spa, a sauna, a hammam and massage treatments. Guests of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy a fun entertainment programme.

Iberostar Punta Cana

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Iberostar Dominicana is an all-inclusive, beachfront resort set on Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana. Surrounded by palm-lined gardens and sharing a wider complex with Iberostar’s neighbouring properties, it offers a lively Caribbean atmosphere with five-star comforts and easy access to shared golf, spa and dive facilities.</p><h3>Accommodation</h3><p>The resort has 506 rooms and suites, designed in bright, tropical style with modern amenities. All feature private balconies or terraces overlooking the gardens, pools or ocean. Interconnecting options and family-friendly layouts are available, while oceanview categories give couples a more tranquil, upgraded setting.</p><h3>Dining</h3><p>Guests can choose from eight restaurants and seven bars across the resort and wider complex. Options range from buffet venues serving international and Dominican dishes to speciality outlets for Italian, Japanese teppanyaki, steakhouse and seafood concepts. Beach and pool bars, lobby lounges and evening venues provide tropical cocktails, Dominican rum and live music.</p><h3>Facilities</h3><p>Two outdoor pools form the heart of the resort, with surrounding sun terraces and shaded areas. Bávaro’s long sandy beach is directly in front of the property for swimming, sunbathing and non-motorised water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and windsurfing. Star Camp runs age-segmented activity programmes for children, while adults have access to tennis, archery, beach volleyball and daily entertainment. Spa Sensations offers massages, facials, body treatments and a small hydrotherapy circuit with steam and sauna. Guests of Iberostar Dominicana also benefit from shared use of the complex’s PADI dive centre and 18-hole P.B. Dye golf course.</p><h3>Location &amp; Transport</h3><p>The hotel is located on Bávaro Beach within the Iberostar Bávaro complex, about 25 minutes’ drive from Punta Cana International Airport. From this base, guests can reach Cocotal Golf &amp; Country Club, Downtown Punta Cana, Manatí Park and other local attractions by short transfer or organised excursion, while still keeping the beach at the centre of the stay.</p><h3>Ideal For</h3><p>Iberostar Dominicana suits families and multi-generational groups who want a busy, all-inclusive resort with strong kids’ facilities and access to a wide restaurant and activity offering. It is equally attractive for couples and friends seeking a sociable beachfront setting with golf, spa and diving on hand and a clear Caribbean focus.</p><h3>Need to Know</h3><ul><li>Beachfront all-inclusive resort on Bávaro Beach, part of the Iberostar Bávaro complex</li><li>506 rooms and suites, all with balcony or terrace; family and interconnecting options available</li><li>Eight restaurants and seven bars including buffets, Dominican/Caribbean, Italian, Japanese and steak/seafood concepts</li><li>Two main outdoor pools plus direct access to a long sandy beach with non-motorised water sports</li><li>Star Camp children’s activity programme and daily entertainment for adults and families</li><li>Spa Sensations on site; access to complex facilities such as PADI dive centre and 18-hole P.B. Dye golf course</li><li>Eco-conscious operations including coral-reef and sustainability initiatives within the Iberostar group</li><li>Approx. 25 minutes’ drive from Punta Cana International Airport, close to Cocotal Golf &amp; Country Club, Downtown Punta Cana and Manatí Park</li></ul>

346 rooms await guests at this resort, which includes a reception desk. Services and facilities include a babysitting service (for a fee), a laundry service, a hairdresser and a page service. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) allows guests to surf the internet and catch up on email. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. There are a number of shops as well. Parking spaces are available to guests travelling by car.

The dining area includes 8 restaurants and a bar. All-inclusive can be booked. A delicious and varied buffet awaits guests at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resort also offers snacks. The show cooking is a particularly special attraction. For guests, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Air conditioning and a fan ensure that rooms maintain comfortable temperatures. Most units include a balcony with sea views, where guests can relax and linger a while. A safe and a minibar are also available. Guests will also find a tea/coffee station included among the standard features. An ironing set is provided for guests' convenience. Other features include a telephone, a flatscreen television with cable channels, an alarm clock and WiFi (no extra charge). A hairdryer and a vanity mirror are on hand in the bathrooms for everyday use. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Family rooms are available for parents with children.

While the adults swim a few laps in the outdoor pool, children can enjoy splashing about in their own swimming area. Sun loungers and parasols on the sun terrace create a perfect space for guests to relax and unwind. A variety of activities are available at the resort, for example tennis and golf or, for a fee, paragliding and horse riding. After an eventful day, guests can work out and recharge in the gym. The wellness area features various facilities, such as a spa, a sauna, a hammam and massage treatments. Guests of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy a fun entertainment programme.

Iberostar Dominicana

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort &amp; Spa is a 4-star all-inclusive resort set directly on Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana. The property combines a classic Caribbean beachfront setting with extensive gardens and a compact, village-style layout, providing a practical option for clients seeking relaxed, good-value stays with easy access to diving, golf and local shopping.</p><h3>Accommodation</h3><p>The resort offers 548 rooms spread across several low-rise buildings. All rooms include a balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi. Garden, pool and sea-view categories are available, allowing product teams to match outlook and budget, while the overall configuration suits both couples and families on week-long stays.</p><h3>Dining</h3><p>Vista Sol Punta Cana operates an all-inclusive programme with six restaurants: a main buffet and five à la carte options. The buffet restaurant covers international favourites and local dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the à la carte venues provide additional variety across different cuisines on a reservation basis. Seven bars, including pool and beach bars, serve soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages throughout the day and evening.</p><h3>Facilities</h3><p>Facilities include several outdoor pools, a jacuzzi and a private section of Playa Bávaro equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. Loungers and shades are also provided around the pools. A concierge desk and a paid local shuttle help guests access nearby shopping and activities. The on-site spa and wellness facilities are complemented by gardens and shaded areas for quieter relaxation. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across key public areas.</p><h3>Location &amp; Transport</h3><p>The hotel sits on the beachfront in the Bávaro area, approximately 25 km from Punta Cana International Airport. The German-run Ultramarine Divers dive centre is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, offering boat dives and courses in small groups. Cocotal Golf &amp; Country Club and Palma Real Shopping Village are each roughly five minutes away by car, giving easy access to golf and retail options.</p><h3>Ideal For</h3><p>Vista Sol Punta Cana is well suited to couples and families looking for an all-inclusive, beachfront property with straightforward facilities and good access to local diving and golf. It is particularly useful for value-focused Caribbean packages and for clients who like to combine time on-resort with off-site excursions and activities.</p><h3>Need to Know</h3><ul><li>4-star all-inclusive resort on Playa Bávaro</li><li>548 rooms with balcony/terrace, air-conditioning, bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi</li><li>Private beach area plus multiple outdoor pools and jacuzzi with loungers and umbrellas included</li><li>Six restaurants (five à la carte, one buffet) and seven bars under the all-inclusive programme</li><li>Concierge and paid shuttle service for nearby attractions</li><li>Ultramarine Divers dive centre approx. 10 minutes’ walk; Cocotal Golf &amp; Country Club and Palma Real Shopping Village about five minutes’ drive</li><li>Punta Cana International Airport roughly 25 km away</li><li>Between April and December, increased sea grass/Sargassum can occur along the shoreline depending on wind and currents; local teams work to clean affected areas when needed</li></ul>

This resort was renovated in 2021. 548 rooms are available to guests in a 4-storey main building and 10 auxiliary buildings. English- and French-speaking staff at the reception desk in the lobby are ready to assist you with check-in and check-out. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a currency exchange service and a cash machine. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) is provided in public areas. The complex offers a number of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. A number of shops, including a souvenir shop, are great for shopping or just browsing. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional facilities include a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the car park. Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a car hire service, medical assistance, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a page service and a hotel doctor.

This hotel is located in the tourist centre of Bavaró, just a few minutes' walk from the beach. Many shops, boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants are to be found in the vicinity. It is 25 minutes (20 km) from Punta Cana Airport.

The dining area includes a bar. Guests can dine in a cosy atmosphere at the restaurant (non-smoking and à la carte). Refreshing drinks at the beach bar are a perfect way to enjoy warm weather. All-inclusive can be booked. For breakfast (warm), lunch, and dinner, guests serve themselves at the buffet or choose their favourite dishes from the à la carte options (for dinner). Gluten-free meals, vegetarian dishes, children's meals and whole, unprocessed foods can be prepared on request. The hotel also offers snacks. The show cooking is a particularly special attraction. International brands are available for an additional fee. There are non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages as well.

Air conditioning and a fan ensure that rooms maintain comfortable temperatures. Most units include a balcony with sea views, where guests can relax and linger a while. The rooms have a king-size bed and a sofa bed. A safe and a desk are also available. Additional features include a refrigerator and a tea/coffee station. Equipped with internet access, a direct dial telephone and a television with satellite/cable channels, the rooms provide many ways for guests to stay connected and entertained. A hairdryer and a vanity mirror are on hand in the bathrooms for everyday use. 1 wheelchair-friendly room can be booked. Family rooms are available for parents with children.

The pool complex, which includes 3 outdoor pools and 2 children's pools is a great place to work out or just relax and unwind. A short break or an entire afternoon on the sun terrace, which features sun loungers and parasols, is time well spent. A hot tub can soothe sore muscles (for a fee). The complex offers an extensive outdoor sports programme, including tennis, beach volleyball, volleyball and paddle tennis. Guests can take part in a comprehensive water sports programme, which includes canoeing, catamaraning, kayaking, water aerobics and aquafit, with banana boat rides and snorkelling available for a fee. Sports enthusiasts are also offered a wide range of indoor activities, including a gym, table tennis, badminton, yoga, callisthenics and aerobics. There is a wellness area with a steam bath and a beauty salon and, for an additional fee, a spa, a sauna, massage treatments, hydrotherapy treatments and aromatherapy. Leisure facilities include an entertainment programme, a kids' club and live music.

Dominican Republic Featured Hotels