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Alison Fox, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
Get top recommendations for all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Expert-curated picks include the luxurious Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa, family-friendly Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts and adults-only Excellence Punta Cana. You’ll be treated to stunning beaches, gourmet dining and endless activities.
The best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer an everything-at-your-finger-tips atmosphere fronted by the Dominican Republic’s buttery sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. From classes celebrating Dominican food and culture to impressive hydrotherapy spas and seemingly endless dining choices, travelers can have it all without pulling out a credit card.
Our top pick is Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, which caters to groups and families with its water park, cenote-inspired spa, pristine beachfront and round-the-clock entertainment. Couples will love the candle-lit bubble baths and nightly petit fours at the Excellence Punta Cana, while kids will love the character sightings and “slime” at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana. Below, the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for 2024.
Editor’s Picks:
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana Overall: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
- Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
- Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Majestic Elegance
- Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive In Punta Cana: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Families With Young Children: Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts Punta Cana
- Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Couples: Excellence Punta Cana
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Groups: Sanctuary Cap Cana
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana Overall: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Families and groups seeking a beachfront getaway with ample amenities
All-Star Amenities: Water park; nightly live entertainment; swim-up suites; two-story spa; kids club
What Not To Miss: The lazy river at the water park
Location: Juanillo Beach
Distance To Airport: 7.5 miles
Set on the 40 acres of pristine beachfront, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is an all-suite resort that caters to families and groups. Guests of all ages will love the water park, complete with a lazy river, grotto cascade, water cannons and multiple slides. There’s also an outdoor amphitheater with live entertainment and daily activities like cooking classes. When it’s time to dine, choose from over 12 restaurants and bars including a Caribbean buffet, teppanyaki grill and poolside food trucks. While younger guests are busy at the kids and teens clubs, adults can enjoy some R&R at the 26,900-square-foot spa complete with a lagoon pool infused with Larimar stone and the first Himalayan salt lounge in the Dominican Republic. The 750 spacious rooms are just as impressive. We recommend upgrading to a Club Level suite to enjoy additional perks like butler service, premium liquors and sweeping ocean views.
Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Adults who want everything at their fingertips yet don’t want to compromise on luxury amenities
All-Star Amenities: Minibar refreshed daily; soaking tub; some rooms with swim-up access
What Not To Miss: The “Sip, Savor & See” program, allowing guests to access complimentary dinner, drinks, and live entertainment at nearby resorts
Location: Cap Cana
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
Set across a sprawling estate with gorgeous views of turquoise water from the edge of an infinity pool, this AAA Five Diamond resort offers every luxury a traveler could imagine. From top-shelf spirits and seven à la carte restaurants (plus a few extra casual spots) to a romantic dinner on the beach or free dance and Spanish lessons, there’s always something to do. Learn how to dive with a free introductory scuba lesson in the pool, relax at night with a cocktail and a big screen movie on the beach, or learn how to aqua pole dance to work up a cool sweat. The adults-only resort features 457 suites, including rooms with swim-up pool access and Preferred Club suites with private plunge pools, upgraded minibars and a private club with afternoon hors d’oeuvres. While all of the rooms are gorgeous, the real gem is the Presidential Suite, featuring more than 2,000 square feet of space with a bar and kitchenette (and refrigerator refreshed daily), two oceanfront balconies and a plunge pool.
Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Majestic Elegance
Majestic Elegance
Who Will Love It: Everyone from families with young kids to adults looking for a beachfront escape
All-Star Amenities: Included minibar replenished daily; separate door for room service; in-room jacuzzi
What Not To Miss: The pickleball court with free group lessons
Location: Bávaro Beach
Distance To Airport: 17 miles
Step onto the sand and into the sun from underneath one of the grass palapas at this beachfront oasis. Majestic Elegance is situated on Playa Bávaro, one of Punta Cana’s best stretches of sand. For families, there are multiple restaurants and unlimited snacks, a children's club, and a games area for teenagers (complete with pool tables, table tennis, darts, and more). Adults looking for a quieter escape can relax at the adults-only pool or decompress with a spa day set amongst a mangrove swamp. The resort takes all-inclusive to the next level with more than a dozen bars and restaurants ranging from Italian to teppanyaki, as well as free golf green fees, tennis courts, a free in-room minibar, aromatherapy room service and more. The rooms are split into two sections: a family section, which comes with either a jacuzzi or swim-up option, and the adults-only section, which comes with butler service and a bottle of sparkling wine and premium liquor.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Travelers who want a kid-free escape on a gorgeous beach
All-Star Amenities: In-room minibar; private balconies
What Not To Miss: The 14,000-square-foot fitness center with two cardio areas, spinning, TRX training, Pilates, and more
Location: Juanillo Beach
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
A sister property to Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, the adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana has everything travelers would want or need in a kid-free escape. In addition to six different dining concepts and seven bars and lounges (with unlimited cocktails, of course), guests have access to all of the amenities and restaurants at Ziva next door. That means you can hang out at the tranquil infinity pool in the morning and splash around in the water park in the afternoon. There’s also a 14,000-square-foot fitness center and underground spa with a hydrotherapy pools that wellness lovers will appreciate. The resort’s 375 suites feature ocean views or swim-up access with in-room minibars stocked each day with water, sodas and beers. If you’re looking to splurge, book the Presidential Suite, which pampers guests with sweeping ocean views, a luxurious soaking tub, butler service, a private check-in and check-out area, private access to the Club Pool and more.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Families With Young Children: Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels And Resorts Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Families with kids of all ages
All-Star Amenities: Kids’ swim floaties; in-room toddler equipment available; 24-hour room service
What Not To Miss: Character meals with favorites from SpongeBob and the Paw Patrol pups to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (an extra charge applies to these meals)
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 24 miles
Kids will feel like they’ve stepped inside their TV and into their favorite cartoons at this over-the-top family playground. Start the day hanging with your favorite characters from Marshall, Chase, and the rest of the Paw Patrol gang or Dora the Explorer herself, or head to Club Nick for endless hours of fun complete with a ball pit and kids’ program. The fun continues outside at the resort’s water park where kids (and kids at heart) can grab orange tubes and float along a lazy river, participate in an interactive game show, or even get “slimed.” The Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana features more than 400 suites, villas, and swim-up rooms with amenities for all ages, including strollers, bottle sterilizers and toddler bathrobes for little ones, as well as kid-sized beach chairs for soaking up the beautiful Dominican Republic weather.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Families With Teens: Dreams Flora Resort & Spa
Dreams Flora Resort & Spa
Who Will Love It: Parents looking to relax while keeping older kids entertained
All-Star Amenities: Water park; four pools; teen zone with mocktail bar; Dreams Spa by Pevonia
What Not To Miss: The water slides at the water park
Location: Cabeza de Toro
Distance To Airport: 10.5 miles
Opened in 2023, Dreams Flora Resort & Spa is one of the newer all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and it’s already become a favorite among families. In addition to a kids club and spacious family suites, the property boasts a teens-only lounge complete with a mocktail bar, Xbox and PlayStation pods, an arcade machine, a foosball table and other games. The whole family will have a blast zooming down the water slides and playing beach volleyball. When you tire of that, head over to the main pool where the entertainment team regularly organizes activities or borrow some kayaks and paddle boards to explore the clear waters of Playa Cabeza de Toro. The 520 rooms are modern and sleek, with plant-inspired wallpaper, TVs with streaming capabilities and both standard and new USB charging ports for your devices. We recommend splurging on one of the swim-out suites for easy access to the pool. With eight dining options, including a seaside grill, Italian restaurant and cafe offering barista-made coffee drinks and ice cream, even the pickiest palates will be satisfied.
Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana: Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers seeking more sun than crowds
All-Star Amenities: In-suite minibar refreshed twice each day; maid service three times a day; Bulgari bath amenities
What Not To Miss: The 20-minute complimentary spa treatment
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 29 miles
Arrive in style to this 96-suite resort with a private helicopter transfer, flying over the rolling waves and pristine beaches of the Dominican Republic. Once there, travelers will enjoy the property’s location with a coral reef just off shore and 200 yards of gorgeous beach as well as endless included activities, from snorkeling and heading out on a catamaran to beach horseback riding, cigar rolling classes, cooking classes and more. As a smaller property, each suite at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana feels like an oasis in itself with cane-thatched roofs, rich teak furniture and a warm Caribbean breeze wafting through from a private terrace. The property, which is geared toward adults but allows children, doesn’t have set check-in or check-out times, so the entire vacation feels truly personalized. For those seeking an ocean view, the Junior Suite Deluxe Oceanfront is a great bet, featuring a private terrace and plunge pool overlooking the water from which travelers can enjoy complimentary bottles of sparkling wine.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Couples: Excellence Punta Cana
Excellence Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Couples who want a quiet, adults-only escape
All-Star Amenities: In-suite premium liquor and stocked minibar; free calls to the U.S. and Canada; Bulgari toiletries in some rooms
What Not To Miss: Stock up on souvenirs at the small but cute on-site shopping galleria
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 28 miles
Like many all-inclusive resorts, Excellence Punta Cana offers an endless array of activities, from snorkeling and beach volleyball to dance lessons, tennis, and just lounging around on the beach sipping from a coconut embossed with the name of the resort. But where the hotel really shines is in its celebration of honeymoons and anniversaries, with packages available to toast your partner in style. Think Champagne breakfast in bed, petit fours with turndown service, a private romantic beachfront dinner, candle-lit bubble baths and more. And for couples who really want to pamper themselves, the resort’s spa is ready with couples treatment rooms and even a couple’s spa suite. The adults-only resort features 461 suites separated into regular rooms and the elevated Excellence Club. The Excellence Club’s honeymoon suite in particular features a private pool overlooking the picture-perfect Caribbean sea.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Groups: Sanctuary Cap Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Adult groups, both large and small
All-Star Amenities: Pillow menu; furnished patios; butler service; luggage unpacking/packing service in some room categories
What Not To Miss: Nightly Dominican epicurean events featuring ingredients like cacao and rum
Location: Cap Cana
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
The adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana makes group getaways even better with an endless array of included activities. Groups will love the 12 bars and restaurants, a nightclub, six pools, yoga lessons, bike tours, access to the nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship golf course, and more. And those planning even larger getaways will love the palm tree-lined pool terrace that can hold dinners for 35 people and the resort’s private island and suite, which can host up to 120 guests for a cocktail party. The large resort features 324 spacious suites with tropical rattan furnishings, coral bathrooms, and furnished terraces. The most impressive is undoubtedly the Castle Island Suite, which clocks in at 5,500 square feet and sits on its own private island featuring two bedrooms, butler service, luggage packing services, three indoor plunge pools and unbeatable ocean views.
All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana With The Best Entertainment: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Who Will Love It: Vacation revelers craving poolside fun with flowing cocktails
All-Star Amenities: Balconies with hammocks, Adirondack chairs, or daybeds; customizable in-room refreshment center
What Not To Miss: A dip in the “polar pool” at the St. Somewhere Spa, which is kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation
Location: Cap Cana
Distance To Airport: 8 miles
It’s always 5 o’clock at this beachfront all-inclusive resort, which lives up to its name with free-flowing tropical cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana has several pools (complete with DJ pool parties), offers pickleball, volleyball and cornhole tournaments, puts on flip-flop Olympics, and keeps the little ones entertained with the Parakeets Kids’ Club. The resort welcomes travelers with 519 rooms and suites, including 40 villas, and features an adults-only area—named Hammock—for those seeking extra serenity. Each guest room amplifies the surrounding Caribbean atmosphere with blue ocean-inspired tiles, turquoise-colored walls and private balconies to welcome sea breezes. The Island Reserve Villas, which come with private pools and swim-up suites that boast direct access to the resort’s pools, are a major highlight.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities In Punta Cana: Breathless Punta Cana Resort And Spa
Breathless Punta Cana Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Vacationers who value access to sports equipment; travelers with pets
All-Star Amenities: Minibar refreshed daily; small dogs welcome
What Not To Miss: The many fitness classes from paddle yoga to beach zumba
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 25 miles
Breathless Punta Cana Resort and Spa takes care of it all, offering travelers anything and everything they need so they can truly relax. Each of the resort’s 750 suites welcomes guests with private terrace hot tubs and minibars refreshed each day. There are 10 restaurants and an endless parade of nightly themed entertainment, from a masquerade party to black light pool parties. The resort also provides many included activities like sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing lessons, tennis and beach yoga, and features an on-site casino so travelers can make their vacation a little more interesting. Guests who want to really pamper themselves should book an xhale club suite, which comes with higher-end amenities like afternoon hors d’oeuvres, an upgraded minibar, a pillow menu and access to two exclusive pools. Beyond human travelers, the resort welcomes small dogs with adorable amenities like dog beds, food and water bowls, a rope toy, small plastic bones and more.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Spa And Wellness In Punta Cana: Finest Punta Cana
Finest Punta Cana
Who Will Love It: Travelers whose idea of relaxing includes spending hours at the spa
All-Star Amenities: Stocked minibar and in-suite premium liquor; pillow menu; service box for 24-hour room service
What Not To Miss: Hanging with the resident flamingos who roam the property; hurtling down the giant flamingo-shaped slide
Location: Uvero Alto
Distance To Airport: 26 miles
Relaxation is the goal of any all-inclusive vacation, and Finest Punta Cana does it right by offering one aqua hydrotherapy session per person included in all Finest Club and Excellence rooms. Stepping into the ONE spa is a study in serenity thanks to its airy, double-height ceilings, natural greenery and minimalistic design. Head to the holistic bar to pick out your own essential oils, salts, and other natural ingredients, or work your way through the hydrotherapy circuit complete with Swedish saunas, an ice fountain, hot and cold plunge pools, a steam bath and more. The 455-key resort, which has areas for both adults-only and families, doesn’t leave kids out of the spa experience either with a kid-friendly salon and treatments for younger guests like the “I love fruits” manicure using scrubs and masks with scents like strawberry or mango and topped off with fun glittery polish.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools In Punta Cana: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort And Spa
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa And Casino
Who Will Love It: Travelers whose idea of a good time is beach views from the pool
All-Star Amenities: Swim-up suites available; room service included
What Not To Miss: The Boulevard shopping complex with a casino, bowling alley, arcade, restaurants, and more
Location: Bávaro Beach
Distance To Airport: 10 miles
This large resort has something for everyone with more than 1,000 feet of beachfront offering top-notch Caribbean views, a bowling alley, an arcade and more than a dozen bars and restaurants. But it’s the resort’s pools where the property really shines. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort and Spa has seven different freshwater pools on offer, including a 30,000-square-foot two-level infinity pool that leads right onto the beach. Kids can also splash around in the 16,000-square-foot on-site water park complete with multiple slides, a giant water bucket and a shallow splash pad. The hotel is one of the largest in the area with 1,042 rooms featuring sea glass-colored walls, airy terraces and touches of rattan. The overwhelming majority of rooms are considered junior suites, which offer either queen or king beds or swim-up access. But it’s the “Unique” rooms that truly offer the best amenities, including waiter service on the beach and a private pool complete with hammocks for the ultimate relaxation.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Golfers: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort
Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort
Who Will Love It: Golfers and active families
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary green fees; access to three nine-hole golf courses, a driving range and a putting green; kids club; fitness and yoga classes; tennis court
What Not To Miss: The Mexican restaurant Blue Agave
Location: Bávaro Beach
Distance To Airport: 11 miles
One of the biggest perks of staying at Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort is the access to the neighboring Cocotal Golf and Country Club, home to 27 holes, a driving range and a putting green. Green fees are included for resort guests—you’ll just have to pay for your cart and club rentals. Even if you’re not a golfer, you’ll find plenty of other ways to have fun at this Punta Cana all-inclusive. The property offers a full schedule of activities, from yoga classes on the beach to mixology workshops to salsa dancing lessons. For the sports-inclined, there are also tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. While the resort is family-oriented, it also has an adults-only section, The Reserve, for those looking for a tranquil kid-free escape. Guests who stay at there can enjoy concierge service and access to exclusive areas including an adults-only restaurant, in addition to the 13 other on-site eateries and bars.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Punta Cana For Foodies: JOIA Bávaro By Iberostar
JOIA Bávaro By Iberostar
Who Will Love It: Travelers whose ideal vacation includes great food and cool bars
All-Star Amenities: Pillow menu; daily minibar service; no single-use plastic
What Not To Miss: The coral laboratory, where guests can learn how to maintain the diversity of local coral
Location: Bávaro Beach
Distance To Airport: 15 miles
Order up a refreshing mojito or a crushed cocktail from the Cala Esmeralda Bar, which is built into a replica of a Spanish galleon ship and sits anchored in the lagoon at this unique Playa Bávaro resort. It’s just one of the many bars and restaurants at JOIA Bávaro By Iberostar, which offers everything from Japanese teppanyaki to Dominican cuisine. Two of the resort’s restaurants even feature sustainable fishing certificates for those craving dishes like crab tartar and shellfish bouillabaisse. Guests can also access restaurants at three of the resort’s sister properties where they can taste Cajun flavors, Mexican dishes and more. The adults-only hotel features three pools, a golf course and its own coral nursery, where guests can learn how to protect the local coral. The hotel continues its commitment to sustainability in its suites, which are completely free of single-use plastic and offer unlimited purified water. Each suite comes with access to the spa’s hydrotherapy area and whirlpool baths, while some offer in-room butler service and semi-private pools.
All-Inclusive Resorts In Punta Cana To Watch
New all-inclusive resorts are constantly popping up in Punta Cana. The following properties have opened in 2024 and are already making a splash. While we haven’t visited these resorts yet, they’re worth considering if you’re seeking more options.
- Secrets Tides Punta Cana: Opened in January 2024, this adults-only resort in Uvero Alto caters to couples. The property boasts two infinity pools, two outdoor hot tubs and romantic suites with private balconies and soaking tubs.
- Sunrise Miches Beach Resort: This all-inclusive Marriott resort opened its doors in September 2024 in the up-and-coming Miches area. The property, formerly Temptations Resort, underwent a complete renovation and now boasts refreshed rooms and new dining concepts.
- Riu Palace Bavaro - This beachfront Riu resort reopened in August 2024 following an extensive refurbishment and expansion. The refresh includes 32 food and beverage venues, new kids’ areas and an Elite Club zone.
Openings We’re Looking Forward To
We update this story regularly to monitor the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, including new properties that will be opening in 2025. Here are the resort openings we’re most excited for.
- W Punta Cana - The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean will debut in 2025. The Uvero Alto resort will have many of the brand’s signature experiences, including a “Wet Deck” restaurant and a “Fit” gym.
- Zemi Miches - Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, this all-inclusive resort is slated to open on Esmeralda Beach in Miches in 2025. The property will have roughly 502 guest rooms spread across six four-story buildings and 18 free-standing beach bungalows. Guests can look forward to swim-up rooms, a water park, a kids club and over 10 dining concepts.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities worldwide. These guides include the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and more.
- The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries.
- Each of our hotel writers is handpicked based on their area of expertise, whether they are area locals or avid travelers who have visited the destination frequently. Our travel writers all have bylines in other reputable travel publications, too. This guide was written by freelance writer Alison Fox, who has visited Punta Cana multiple times and stayed at many of the resorts on this list.
- This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in October 2024 by Forbes Vetted contributor Julia Eskins, who reevaluated all superlatives, added sections for “All-Inclusive Resorts In Punta Cana To Watch” and “Openings We’re Looking Forward To,” and added in three new properties she highly recommends: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Dreams Flora Resort & Spa and Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort.
About Alison Fox, Your Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resorts Guide
I am a journalist who focuses on travel news and features and has visited over 50 countries. Born in Brooklyn and a lifelong traveler, I developed a love for exploring at an early age, and one day hope to visit every country in the world. For me, Punta Cana represents the ultimate relaxing vacation, and my time in the Dominican Republic taught me the value of slowing down and living in the moment—a valuable lesson to bring to everyday life. Aside from Forbes Vetted, you can find my work in Travel + Leisure, Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and more.