Best Beach Hotels in the Dominican Republic

The D.R.'s classiest, most famous resort since 1974, Casa de Campo's massive, 7,000-acre property comes with three world-class golf courses, an on-site horse stable, an immaculate beach, a luxurious spa, 20 restaurants, and even a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean villa. The rooms are a bit outdated, but this place is excellent for families, honeymooners, and anyone who loves variety.

Punta Cana Hotel's 202 modest suites are steps away from the beach, on a giant property that includes the La Cana golf course, Six Senses spa, a nature preserve, 8 restaurants, horse stables, and more. La Romana's Casa de Campo is nearly identical, unless you're a pro golfer -- Casa de Campo's Teeth of the Dog beats La Cana.

Designed by Oscar de la Renta, the 15-room Tortuga Bay hotel offers amazing service (including preferential treatment at Punta Cana Airport), an on-site nature reserve, several superb restaurants, and a world-class golf course. You can find a comparable room and setting at the Sivory resort at a more down-to-earth price, but its beach isn't nearly as nice.

Offering eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less private beach, daily yoga and Pilates classes, and a fabulous spa. It's quiet, and a bit rustic without TV or AC in rooms, but that's the point.

Located inside a safe, gated community, the 271-room Holiday Village is easily the most family-oriented Dominican resort. It excels in keeping kids happy with high-ropes, a wave pool, a huge beach, a teen center, and constant kid-friendly activities. Even better, it lets parents relax, with private bunk beds for kids, lifeguards, and nearby medical facilities.

All rooms at the 425-room Punta Cana, part of an 1,825-room mega-resort complex, feature in-room Jacuzzis, but the real draws are the clean white-sand beach, access to four free-form pools, and eight reservation-free restaurants with some of the D.R.'s best all-inclusive fare -- a good value, if you don't mind scrounging for a rogue lounge chair.

Drawing as many couples as families, the 374-room Ocean Blue calls itself a "golf resort," but the off-site budget White Sands Golf Course takes a backseat to its pristine beach, big pools, and decent food. It's packed with activities -- even bowling -- and all for a fair price.

Located on a remote stretch of one of the D.R.’s best beaches, this quiet all-inclusive is 90 minutes from the closest airport and nowhere near any attractions. But the hassle is worth it -- comfortable rooms, a luxury spa, excellent service, and a tranquil setting. Though the buffet is average, the a la carte dining is a cut above.

Viva's beach has some of the softest sand and calmest water in the D.R., and it's clearly the main draw at this Italian-owned, Italian-focused, 330-room resort. The outdated rooms are pretty basic, but the food and activities are a notch above, and the beach is reason enough to head to this all-inclusive.