Take A Dip In Hoyo Azul Lagoon A Beautiful And Incredible Activity You Can Do When Visiting The Dominican Republic
If you are looking for a famous destination, Hoyo Azul lagoon is your pick. This stunning place will offer you crystal clear water and memorable moments. The lagoon is situated in Punta Cana, more specifically in the south where you can stay in luxurious resorts and villas. To access the lagoon you will need to go to Scape Park Cap Cana and after passing through a beautiful trail with plenty of fauna and flora you will reach the lagoon in less than 10 minutes walk. A couple of things worth noting is that the deepest point of these blue waters is 37 meters.
Best Places To Stay In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country reputable for its glowing beaches, popular nightlife attractions, and lively events. While everyone should visit the Dominican Republic at least once in their lifetime, it does take a little bit of planning ahead of time to ensure your travel plans are successful, and you gain the most out of your visit as possible. The first step in the planning process is to find a place to stay during your trip.
High End/Luxury Stays
Tortuga Bay Hotel
Tortuga Bay Hotel is an intimate and small resort, which contains around just 30 rooms. A nature reserve, world-class golf course, and five star restaurants also call Tortuga Bay Hotel home, which guests can enjoy to their leisure. Each of the rooms are classically designed, and are built with balconies and ocean views. The average price to find for a night at Tortuga Bay averages around $750. Popular amenities include a spa, fitness area, 3 restaurants and 2 bars, as well as some good coffee spots. If your idea of a vacation includes lavishly sipping a mimosa before your scheduled facial, Tortuga Bay Hotel is the place to go.
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
The Level at Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort
Cost-Friendly Hotels
Grand Paradise Samana
Todo Blanco, Las Galeras, Samana
Ecovilla Coral Garden
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa has one of the largest pools among resorts in the Dominican Republic.
The resort is also known for the incredible and all-inclusive child care it offers, making it the perfect choice for parents who are also looking for some free time away from the demands of their kids.
The resort also boasts of the Explorers Club and the Dreams Kids Club which will not only take your older kids off your hands for a few hours but will also ensure that they have a ball of a time on their holiday as well.
For the teenage kids, there is also a teen disco so they can also enjoy some grown-up fun under supervision.
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Best Apartment In Punta Cana: Luxury Residences W/ Private Pool
If you want your very own private oasis, this is where to stay in Punta Cana! It is located only 50 meters from the Marina and is part of the ever so popular Fishing Luxury Residences. While the community has three large communal swimming pools, this home also has its very own private pool. The apartment itself only has one bedroom, but thanks to a large sofa and an additional air mattress it can easily accommodate four people.
Things To See And Do In Punta Cana:
- Join a snorkeling and catamaran tour and explore the crystal blue seas.
- Relax and catch some sun at one of the many picturesque beaches. Bavaro Beach and Macao Beach are two of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana.
- Spend a day at Scape Park, a massive 247 acre adventure park where you can discover hidden pools, go spelunking, zip-lining, and more!
- Visit Los Haitises National Park and search for exotic wildlife.
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Santo Domingo The Best Area For Sightseeing
Santa Domingo is located on the southern coast and is 2 hours drive from Punta Cana. It is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and also the oldest European city in the Americas.
Santo Domingos beautiful buildings with impressive architecture in the colonial zone are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site so if you are into history and Caribbean culture and want to combine your beach holiday with sightseeing you will love Santa Domingo!
Start your day by discovering the historic streets of the colonial zone and check out the beautiful shops and seafood restaurants at the Old Quarter. If you are into nightlife you will find plenty of bars in the city center too and how could I forget the beautiful beaches, you will also find them here as well!
Santa Domingo offers a great selection of hotels for all budgets but I just want to remind you to make your reservation in advance as I dont want you to miss the chance of staying in one of the best. For those who are already dreaming about their next Caribbean destination, you might also want to check out the top 16 Airbnbs in Puerto Rico as its right next door and you might even be able to squeeze two holidays into one!
Santo Domingo Where To Stay In Dominican Republic On A Budget
Santo Domingo is the nations capital, and chances are youll spend at least a little time here before continuing elsewhere on the island. For budget travellers, Santo Domingo offers fantastic prices on accommodation and dining compared to the touristy beach resorts. You certainly wont be missing out on any beaches though, as the city has a few of its own.
The large city is not just the most populous in the country, its also the oldest! In fact, its the oldest European city in the Americas. The Zona Colonial was the first Spanish settlement in the New World. These days, its a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for fascinating architecture and world-defining attractions.
Many visitors have some safety concerns about Santo Domingo, but during the day you can get around fairly easily. Many of the suburban areas are great in the evenings too, you just need to do a little research in advance. As the capital, its a major transport hub meaning youll never be too far from some of the biggest destinations in the Dominican Republic.
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Santiago: The Second Biggest City In The Dominican Republic
Welcome to the beautiful and vibrant city of Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest in the Dominican Republic. Famously nicknamed La Ciudad Corazón and historically known as the first Santiago of the Western Hemisphere .
Today, Santiago is a major cultural, political, industrial, and financial hub, located in the center of the Cibao Valley an area known for its agricultural development and exportation of Dominican cigars, rum, and textiles. As such, Santiagos rich background offers an array of things to do and places to see.
Where To Stay In Saman: Is It Better To Stay In Saman Or Las Terrenas
Its likely that you prefer a more central location on the peninsula, to be able to tour and hike. So, your decision would be between sleeping in Samaná or Las Terrenas.
Personally, I lean towards Las Terrenas. Why? There are more accommodation alternatives, beautiful beaches, and great nightlife. Besides, almost all excursions can start from there.
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Visit Puerto Plata & Playa Dorada
Along the north coast, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, the resort destination of Puerto Plata and the beautiful stretch of beach known as Playa Dorada is one of the Dominican Republic’s biggest tourist draws. This golden-sand beach is lined with luxury resorts, although much less densely packed than what you’ll find in Punta Cana.
This area is also much more subdued and has more of a tranquil feel. The beaches are not busy with boats and water sports, although it’s a beautiful area for swimming or snorkeling. You can walk beyond the resorts to undeveloped beaches backed by palm trees and forest.
Juan Dolio Affordable Family
Before Punta Cana became a primary center for family-friendly tourism, Juan Dolio had already been transformed from a fishing village into a coastal resort.
If a family with younger children stays in Santo Domingo, for example, a good idea is to take the 40-minute drive to Juan Dolio, where you can find amusement parks, fishing trips, and agricultural tourism.
If you are a rum connoisseur, you will want to visit the Barcelo Center on a distillery tasting tour we are talking about premium rums made from special sugar cane strains.
Juan Dolio offers more affordable accommodations compared to Punta Cana. The range of lodging options starts with all-inclusive resorts all the way to small beach hotels complete with swimming pools and tiki bars that can be booked at very affordable rates.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IN JUAN DOLIO
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Bayahibe Best For Scuba Diving
Situated on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe is a former fishing village turned quiet resort town with access to some of the islands most lively beaches.
Just a few miles from town, youll find Bayahibe Beach, Dominicus Beach and boat launches that ferry you to Isla Saona, a national park thats more booze-cruise layover than uninhabited sanctuary. Your best bet: staying in Bayahibe and taking advantage of one of some 20 different dive sites in the area its one of the most active areas for scuba divers in the country. If scuba diving isnt in the cards, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or snorkeling the reefs instead.
Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only
At Eden Roc at Cap Cana, youll find 30,000 acres filled with beaches, a marina, a golf course, and tropical forests. And when youre looking to let loose? Well, you can watch live music or join a themed dinner night. Theres also a nightclub on site and a bar to unwind in. When you feel like enjoying some of the other amenities on offer, you can swim in one of two pools, get a massage at the spa, or enjoy a water-based activity like kayaking or fishing.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay Inthe Dominican Republic
While it doesnt have the name recognition of other Caribbean islands like the Bahamas or Jamaica, you should definitely consider the Dominican Republic for your next vacation!
It has a much more authentic feel than those other countries and its also overflowing with things to do! Better book your trip soon though, with more and more people visiting every year it, unfortunately, wont stay that way forever.
As you have seen,the Dominican Republic has accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be. I hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip tothe Dominican Republic. Did you find what you were looking for? Let us know in the comments!
Unfortunately, the Dominican Republic is not considered safe, so it is a good idea to consider some travel insurance. You never know when you might need it!
Las Terrenas The Best Area To Stay In Saman
Las Terrenas is one of the best areas to stay in Samaná and one of the most beautiful.
The beaches are extensive, with golden sand in a flatter environment, and the accommodations are distributed between the areas of Playa Bonita beach, El Portillo beach and Playa Cosón beach.
The fishermans village has a nice atmosphere, with restaurants and places to go out for a drink at sunset. We could say that here is Samanás entertainment center. Dont imagine Ibiza either, were always talking about a relaxed environment. You´ll find places to eat of different ranges, in case you arent staying in an All Inclusive.
Besides, youll be very close to Salto el Limón, which is one of the tours to do in Samaná.
As I was saying, in Las Terrenas there are several lodging alternatives, from all-inclusive hotels to hostels and apartments. Here are some of the ones we recommend considering quality-price relation, while having the plus of being located in the best area to stay in Samaná.
All the ones that we recommend are near the sea. But bear in mind there are other really good accommodations, though several kilometers from the coast, meaning you will have to walk a lot to get to the sea or rent a car if you choose them.
Best hotels in Las Terrenas for Any Budget
- Apartments: Sublime Samana | Aligio| Playa Colibri | Albachiara
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Finding Beautiful Places To Stay In The Dominican Republic
Using Expedia, Booking, or home rental platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb, are excellent ways to really enjoy a new city or town. And we highly recommend staying in accommodation like this, especially as an alternative to the resort scene. No shade to resorts, but sometimes they can often feel more industrial and disconnected. Boutique hotels, eco-lodging, and home rentals can offer:
- More space than just a bedroom because you usually get extra amenities such as a kitchen, living room, pool, etc. all to yourself, among other forms of extra personalized attention.
- Better value for your money.
- Your business to the local community.
- Access to places across the Dominican Republic that are more unique such as mountain towns, coastal communities, hidden gems and, natural wonders.
- And lastly, you can connect to the local culture/locals in a more meaningful way while hearing local advice on what to do in the area.
Best Budget Hotels In Saman
As for cheap accommodationin Samaná, all those $ that I mention in each area, are cheap.
Among them, one of the cheapest is the Casa Delfín, in Las Terrenas. If you could spend a little more, theres the Mahona that has a great quality-price relation.
In the Galeras area, 21 Palms is one of the cheapest and with excellent opinions, as are the two apartments I mentioned before, which will also allow you to cook or prepare your breakfast, and thus save money.
Anyway, I dare say that any of the ones I referred to, are very well priced, with a good location near the sea, and opinions of the best. But if you doubt which of them is best for you, leave us a comment at the end of the article and we will help you decide with pleasure.
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Bavaro Beach Punta Cana
Those pursuing the best beaches in the Dominican Republic quickly make a beeline for Punta Cana. On the eastern coast, the sun rises early in spectacular fashion, painting the local beaches. Its here youll find the powdery white sand of Bavaro Beach. The iconic beach stretches for a vast distance, coated by towering palm trees and turquoise waters. Bavaro is teeming with natural beauty.
The calm water invites you with open arms before water sports take over beyond the swim zone. Travelers will find no shortage of luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts along the vast wide beach. Stick around for the famed local nightlife.
What Is The Most Romantic Resort In The Dominican Republic
If youre asking whats the absolute dreamiest, bucket-list, most mind-boggingly luxurious romantic getaway is wed have to go with Amanera on the Dominican Republics gorgeous north coast.
Oh, you meant the most romantic Dominican resort where you can afford to stay more than one night? Thatd be Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, one of favourite resorts for couples escapes. Keep reading to find out why!
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Puerto Plata Best Place To Stay In The Dominican Republic For Families
Puerto Plata is a charming destination on the North Coast of the island. Though definitely a city, the population is small enough to give it a laid-back vibe. This makes it an excellent location for families heading to the Dominican Republic. Its also known for its stunning beaches, many of which come with smaller crowds than those on the southern coast.
The city centre is a great spot for connecting with Dominican locals. Puerto Plata is a major shopping hub for island residents, and is home to both international chains and local boutiques. Theres also a major airport nearby, perfect if you want to reduce travel time.
The Southwest: Best Area To Visit In The Dominican Republic For Desert Sand Dunes Swimming Holes & Beaches
The southwestern Dominican Republic is arid, sunny, and full of interesting landscapes wouldnt expect on a tropical island.
Tall sand dunes, luxury vineyards, world-class beaches, salty lakes, natural pools, stunning caves, lush hikes, Taino pre-colonial history and so much more.. all in one single area to visit in the Dominican Republic!
While this is one of our most prized gems on the island , it is also one of the hardest places to visit in the Dominican Republic. There is only one major road that loops around the region. But if you have the time, it is WORTH THE VISIT, especially as a Southwest Dominican road trip!
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