TRS Cap Cana Hotel

Formerly the AlSol Tiara Cap Cana, the TRS Cap Cana Punta Cana opened in late-2018 after undergoing extensive renovations. Today, it's one of the sharpest resorts in this resort-packed corner of the Dominican Republic. Shiny pools dot the lush grounds and swank yachts fill the wide marina that sits right next to the hotel. The style throughout the resort is impeccably contemporary, and interiors employ a funky mix of patterns, materials, and colors to create something that looks altogether on trend. Open-air spaces are outfitted with a mix of vintage and modern seating, and pops of bright yellow and blue alongside stone and warm wood tones.

The grounds are serene and beautiful, thanks to pretty lawns dotted with palm trees, and views of both the marina and the sea. There is no loud entertainment program here -- save for some live music in the evening -- and the atmosphere is relaxing and romantic. While the property is large, the hotel itself has only 115 rooms, which makes it feel much smaller and more private than the mega-resorts found elsewhere on the island. This, along with its great all-inclusive package -- which covers premium drinks, daily refills of in-room minibars, all buffet and a la carte meals, and access to the spa -- draws couples and families with adult children seeking a peaceful vacation by the sea.

The TRS Cap Cana sits in a quiet section of Punta Cana’s Cap Cana Development, part of a luxury village that includes other luxury hotels, a clean, charming main square, and a marina. There isn’t much in the immediate neighborhood, but golfers can find a few good courses within a 15-minute drive of the hotel, including Punta Espada, La Cana, and Corales. The resort also offers easy driving access to a couple of local attractions, such as Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (five minutes) and Scape Park (15 minutes). The hotel offers free shuttle service to a longer, nicer beach daily, with a stop at Blue Mall. Punta Cana International Airport is just under a 15-minute drive away.

The hotel’s 115 rooms are either Junior Suites with small sitting areas, or One-Bedroom Suites with separate living areas. All units here are spacious and chic. The design emphasizes natural light -- each room has large glass doors leading to balconies, which feature lovely pool or ocean views. Some of the units have swim-out pool terraces with gorgeous views of the Cap Cana Marina. Carefully placed lighting adds a soft, romantic touch to the rooms' already pleasing decor: ocean blues, natural wood tones, and splashes of orange all come together to make for a soothing tropical vibe. Furniture has clean, modern lines, while bold abstract art decorates walls. Beds are made with white duvets and sit beneath handsome padded headboards, completing the polished look.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and Nespresso machines. Minibars are stocked daily free of charge with beer, sodas, and water. Walk-in closets, sofa beds, bathrobes, and slippers round out additional perks. One-Bedroom Suites have bigger outdoor spaces, complete with loungers and hot tubs for two.

Bathrooms are upscale, with double sinks, plenty of counter space, and chic glass-enclosed showers that feature both removable and overhead rainfall showerheads. Ambassador Suites have outdoor showers with panoramic ocean views, along with jetted tubs in the bathrooms.

Butler service is available 24/7 in all units.

The TRS Cap Cana sits adjacent to a small, man-made beach which, unfortunately, tends to get lots of smelly seaweed. While hotel workers are busy cleaning it up, the stench is unavoidable. Die-hard beach bums might be disappointed, but the resort offers free shuttle service daily to a larger, nicer beach located just a short drive away.

Additionally, there are two large, beautiful outdoor pools here, including one with a swim-up bar. Both are ringed with loungers, umbrellas, and a few cabanas, and offer views of both the marina and the sea.

The spa is a chic, bright space with a white-on-white, almost futuristic look, and it offers a complete menu of body treatments and salon services. Guests get free access to the whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms.  Additional wellness options include the hotel's airy fitness center, which is outfitted with a nice selection of cardio and weight machines.

The hotel also features indoor and outdoor event space, including a hall for up to 80 guests. Wedding packages are available, as are catering services and audiovisual equipment. Self-parking is free.

As an all-inclusive resort, all meals and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are covered by the room rate. TRS Cap Cana has several dining options, all of which get consistently good reviews for quality and variety. Capricho is the hotel’s buffet, offering international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a big dining room with show cooking stations. Additionally, there are two a la carte eateries. El Gaucho serves up Argentinian steaks, while Izakaya offers Japanese cuisine. Helios Beach Club has buffet and a la carte options during the day, plus live music in the evening. Those wanting to catch a game can head to Xtra Time, the hotel’s 24-hour sports bar.

Room service is available 24/7. Additionally, all guests get one free meal at Chic Cabaret & Restaurant, a formal dinner spot with sensual shows located at sister property TRS Turquesa, to which the hotel provides free shuttle service.