The D.R.'s classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo hotel is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint "town" of Altos de Chavon, and numerous other on-site activities. It can take some time to get from place to place, but each of the spacious rooms comes with a golf cart for guests' use. Though the Eden Roc may offer more luxurious rooms, Casa de Campo certainly offers more activities and some prefer its upscale, yet slightly more laid-back, vibe.

Designed by Oscar de la Renta, the 30-room Tortuga Bay hotel offers amazing service (including preferential treatment at Punta Cana Airport), an on-site nature reserve, several superb restaurants, and three world-class golf courses. 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.

The adults-only Secrets caters to honeymooners and couples, but of the more party-hearty variety: The resort offers numerous on-site bars as well as nightly entertainment. However, tranquility (and romance) can certainly be found in the kid-free restaurants, lazy river, and intimate spa, and all rooms feature balconies or terraces with large whirlpool tubs. Room decor is similar to, but a step above, that at the Now: Floral throws, bright furniture, accent walls, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and large marble bathrooms all come together to make comfortable, if not particularly luxurious, accommodations. The resort lacks a golf course, but overall its a solid choice for couples looking to let loose -- and still enjoy a bit of romance.

One of the few boutique hotels in Punta Cana, the quiet, 55-room Sivory lures mostly couples to its secluded location -- about a 60-minute ride from the airport. Service is impressive, as is the natural setting, but the beach doesn't compare to those further south.

Built in 2009, the 176-room Sanctuary Cap Cana looks like a small Spanish village perched on a cliff by the ocean -- note the breathtaking views. Its beautifully decorated pools, spa, golf course, and restaurants are all among the D.R.'s best, though they don't quite match those at the Casa de Campo. But the Sanctuary does have more mordern rooms, some with private pools.

The Puntacana Hotel's 170 suites are steps away from the beach, on a giant property that includes three golf courses, including La Cana, Six Senses spa, a nature preserve, eight 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.

The all-inclusive Riu Palace, opened in December 2011, is a luxe option in Punta Cana. It's part of the massive complex of Riu resorts, which are all located on a beautiful, white-sand beach. Rooms are some of the best in the area, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and liquor dispensers. Their sexy look (picture sleek lines, a pink, purple, and black color scheme, and spacious open bathrooms) seems designed with couples in mind, but the hotel does provide a kids' club as well as numerous on-site activities. With 610 rooms, its a mid-size resort for the area: Getting around the property does not require a shuttle but some amenities (such as the casino) are located farther away at sister properties in the Riu complex.

Opened in late 2008, the 600-room Majestic is newer, cleaner, and more modern than most all-inclusives. Its giant pool, soft-sand beach, great beds, Jacuzzis in every room, and brand-name liquor make it a cut above most D.R. resorts. But the buffet, like anywhere, isn't great -- a bit disappointing for the price.

It's one of the most stylish, most luxurious hotels in the Dominican Republic -- but it's surrounded by 14 crowded, all-inclusive mega-resorts in the gated Playa Dorada complex. Rooms are gorgeous -- chic décor, private outdoor tubs, and four-post beds -- but at the beach, the rooftop pool, and on the balconies, guests suffer through their neighbors' poolside megaphones and karaoke nights.