The best resorts and hotels in Punta Cana

Punta Cana just may be your happy place, particularly if you have a thing for turquoise waters.

This area in the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic is famous for its fab beaches and eclectic cultural mix. Most everything, especially the cuisine—plantains, yucca, rice and beans, seafood and meat—is influenced by European, African and Latin American traditions. Don’t worry about downing all these rich delicacies, there’s plenty to do to burn off the guilt: rafting, scuba diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, paragliding, zip lining, horseback riding, fishing, golf or swimming in the crystal waters. Whennight falls the party continues, whether it’s hitting the nightclubs or pressing your luck at the casinos.

Whether you’re looking for romance, family or best gal or guy time there is a hotel just for you.

Live ina pineapple near the sea | Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts

The big news out of Punta Cana is the newly opened Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana. How fast can you say SpongeBob, SquarePants? For family fun, stay in the Pineapple Villa, inspired by SpongeBob’s own home in Bikini Bottom. With families in mind, there are complimentary baby food, strollers, cribs, kids’ spa robes, and baby bottle warmers for infants and toddlers.  With its water slides, splash pads, lazy rivers, movies, game shows, clubhouse and more, kids might just like this better than Disneyland. Parents, meanwhile, can fill their days soaking up sun or relaxing at Vassa Spa.

A waterslide for every day of the week | Photo courtesy Memories Splash Punta Cana

Another great spot for families or groups of friends is Memories Splash Resort & Spa. It has bragging rights for having the largest waterpark in the Caribbean with splash pads, spray grounds, tubes, a wave pool and seven water slides. If you prefer Mother Nature, take the free train ride or walk the short jaunt to Bavaro Beach.

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A pool all to yourself, now that’s bliss | Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Cap Cana

Also worth checking out is a collection of resorts from the AlSol group. Just a short drive from Punta Cana International Airport is Cap Cana, which is suddenly a see-and-be-seen celebrity spot for folks like Lupita N’yongo,Brandon McManus and others. If you’re in the mood for swanky, these villas and suites are for you. There’s also Tiara Cap Cana, which is for hip Millennials, with its colorful decor and swim-out suites. For an adults-only experience, there’s the appropriately named Sanctuary Cap Cana, which is tranquility at its best. The Castle Island suite, boasts high ceilings, large swim-out suites, private guest lounges, ocean front balconies and more. For family fun, the AlSol Luxury village is designed for multi-gen travelers with its spacious guest rooms. AlSol Del Mar offers select rooms with private pools and in-deck Jacuzzis.

Beach, beach and more beach |Photo courtesy of Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort

For the sports enthusiasts, adults-only Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort is an ideal, all-inclusive choice. There is an expansive spa and fitness center, professional soccer field, tennis and basketball courts, a PGA-rated, 18-hold professional golf course, miniature golf, a semi professional baseball field and a sports theater to kick back and watch the action. There’s other fun to be had too, with a casino, water park, kids club, laser tag, nine restaurants and several bars.

The Hard Rock Hotel isn’t all poolside relaxation | Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

There’s much buzz around the addition of Camp Woodward at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, the largest action-sport facility in the Caribbean. The new facility, opening in 2017, will offer 20,000 square feet of adventure, including skateboarding and BMX parks, a tumbling floor and foam pit, cheer and hip hop programs, trampolines, dry land snowboarding and snow skiing, and a digital media program.

Tagged: Caribbean, Hotels