Resort community with hotels and private homes
Puntacana Resort
A private resort community with championship golf, minutes from the airport
Best for: Golfers, families, and travelers who want an easy arrival
Bridget's review coming soon
Dominican Republic · Photo coming soon
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, seen firsthand.
Illumia Travel has traveled to the Dominican Republic four times this year alone, from the beaches of Cap Cana to the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo. Here's our guide to four very different corners of the island, and the resorts our advisors have experienced firsthand.
Certified, Verified, and Trusted
Four Destinations, One Island
Which Dominican Republic is right for you?
Punta Cana and Cap Cana
Punta Cana and Cap Cana
Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic's beach capital, with powder-soft sand, turquoise water, championship golf, and the easiest arrival on the island through Punta Cana International Airport. Just south, the private enclave of Cap Cana brings a quieter, more exclusive feel with a marina, golf, and some of the Caribbean's most exciting new luxury resorts.
W Punta CanaPhoto coming soon
Adults-only all-inclusive
W Punta Cana
W Hotels' first adult all-inclusive resort
Best for: Couples and friends who love design and energy
Bridget's review coming soon
The St. Regis Cap Cana ResortPhoto coming soon
Luxury resort with butler service
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort
The first St. Regis in the Dominican Republic
Best for: Families and couples seeking refined luxury
Bridget's review coming soon
Sanctuary Cap CanaPhoto coming soon
Adults-only all-inclusive
Sanctuary Cap Cana
An all-inclusive from Marriott's Luxury Collection
Best for: Romantic getaways
Bridget's review coming soon
Eden Roc at Cap CanaPhoto coming soon
Boutique luxury
Eden Roc at Cap Cana
An intimate boutique resort with a beach club
Best for: Couples who prefer a small, private setting
Bridget's review coming soon
Hyatt Ziva Cap CanaPhoto coming soon
Family all-inclusive
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
All-inclusive fun for every generation
Best for: Families and multigenerational groups
Bridget's review coming soon
Hyatt Zilara Cap CanaPhoto coming soon
Adults-only all-inclusive
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Ziva's adults-only sister resort
Best for: Couples, or grown-ups traveling alongside family at Ziva
Bridget's review coming soon
MichesPhoto coming soon
Miches
Miches
On the island's northeastern coast, Miches feels like the Dominican Republic before the crowds arrived, with wide, quiet beaches along Playa Esmeralda, lush green hills, and a growing collection of beautiful new resorts. It's a scenic drive from Punta Cana and worth every mile for travelers who want space to breathe.
Zemi Miches All-Inclusive ResortPhoto coming soon
All-inclusive
Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort
Curio Collection by Hilton on Playa Esmeralda
Best for: Travelers seeking a tranquil, nature-focused escape
Bridget's review coming soon
La Romana
La Romana
On the southeastern coast, La Romana is home to one of the Caribbean's most storied resorts, with world-class golf, a lively marina, and the hilltop artists' village of Altos de Chavón. It's a favorite for families and groups who want room to spread out and plenty to do.
Resort and villas
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
Legendary golf, a marina, and private villas
Best for: Golfers, multigenerational families, and groups
Bridget's review coming soon
Santo DomingoPhoto coming soon
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic's capital is where history comes alive. Its Ciudad Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the first cathedral in the Americas, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old mansions turned into beautiful boutique hotels. Add two nights here before or after the beach for a trip with real depth.
Hotel Nicolas de OvandoPhoto coming soon
Historic boutique hotel
Hotel Nicolas de Ovando
A 16th-century mansion in the Colonial Zone
Best for: History lovers and couples
Bridget's review coming soon
Kimpton Las MercedesPhoto coming soon
Boutique hotel
Kimpton Las Mercedes
Boutique style in the heart of the Colonial Zone
Best for: Couples and culture seekers
Bridget's review coming soon
Las Casas del XVIPhoto coming soon
Intimate boutique hotel
Las Casas del XVI
Restored colonial houses with a private, residential feel
Best for: Families or friends who want a home-like stay
Bridget's review coming soon
JW Marriott Santo DomingoPhoto coming soon
City luxury hotel
JW Marriott Santo Domingo
Modern luxury in the city's upscale Piantini district
Best for: Shopping, dining, and business travelers
Bridget's review coming soon
Traveler Stories
Their escape, thoughtfully planned.
“Finally the all inclusive Hyatt Ziva Punta Cana got booked and it proved to be all she promised and more as she thought through every detail that we would have missed. Truly stress free from the time we arrived as they were waiting for us at the airport.”
K. Butler · Connecticut
Dominican Republic, 2026
“Bridget was amazing. She was patient and worked with us to find out the best options for our trip. I will definitely be using and referring Bridget to all my friends and family.”
Missy · North Carolina
Dominican Republic, 2024
Dominican Republic Questions
A little local knowledge.
Which part of the Dominican Republic is best for families?
Punta Cana and Cap Cana offer the widest choice of family-friendly stays, including Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort with its kids and teens clubs, and Puntacana Resort, just minutes from the airport. Casa de Campo in La Romana is wonderful for multigenerational groups who want villas and space to spread out.
Which Dominican Republic resorts are adults-only?
In Punta Cana and Cap Cana, W Punta Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana, and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana are all adults-only all-inclusive resorts.
Where is the best golf in the Dominican Republic?
Puntacana Resort is home to Corales Golf Course, which hosts the PGA TOUR's Corales Puntacana Championship, and Casa de Campo in La Romana is famous for its legendary courses. Cap Cana also offers championship golf.
What is Miches like?
Miches is a quieter, more natural side of the island on the northeastern coast, with wide beaches along Playa Esmeralda and a smaller collection of newer resorts. It's ideal for travelers who want a peaceful escape.
Is Santo Domingo worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Ciudad Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history, dining, and boutique hotels. Many of our clients add two nights in Santo Domingo before or after a beach stay.
Can we combine more than one area in one trip?
Yes, and it's one of our favorite ways to experience the island. We'll plan the transfers, timing, and hotels so the whole trip flows.
Which airport should we fly into?
It depends on where you're staying. Punta Cana International Airport serves Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and Miches, while Santo Domingo has its own international airport. We'll help you choose the best routing for your trip.
Last updated: October 2026
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