Ah, the Caribbean. A true paradise just a nine-hour flight from London, offering the kind of picture-perfect scenery you’d dream of for a beach holiday, and there’s no better island to visit than the Dominican Republic.
When searching for the best places to stay in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo or Punta Cana may be the obvious choices, but with a little more research you’ll find other areas of the island that truly qualify as “paradise” without the crowds that come with the more popular areas.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit away from the typical tourist areas, with secluded stretches of white sand beach, tropical forests and colorful countryside at every turn, then look no further. We’ve got the lowdown on where to stay and how to spend your time during your visit to the Dominican Republic (when you’re not sipping cocktails poolside, of course).
Where to stay
Just a 20-minute drive from Punta Cana Airport you’ll find the gated community resort of Cap Cana. Entering this clean, quiet and safe area of the island will give you the VIP feeling you’ve come to expect from a Caribbean vacation – and that’s before you even see the breathtaking views of Eden Roc Resort. As you pull up to the hotel reception, which naturally captures the Caribbean vistas with swaying palm trees and sparkling waters, you’ll be greeted by friendly, warm faces. You’ll instantly know this is the place you’ll want to plan your next getaway.
The resort is boutique (only 67 rooms) but huge. You can choose to stay in one of the beachfront rooms or suites with amazing views of that beautiful white sand beach you often see on Google searches, or in a larger villa away from the main reception with golf buggy rides (private of course). As we had two small guests (an almost 3 year old and a small baby), we opted for the latter and chose the Family Villa, which comes with bunk beds, a teepee for play and all the amenities you can expect when traveling with kids (sunscreen, cribs, nappies, you name it). The villas are large and come with their own private gardens and pools, perfect for adults and kids to enjoy. Besides the Family Villas, the hotel also offers standard 1 and 2 bedroom villas, perfect for couples or groups looking for privacy. All villas are decorated with the same luxurious furniture in a typical laid back Caribbean style. Larger rooms are also available if you have the budget.
The property has a beautiful pool, three fine restaurants (more on that later), a kid-friendly kids club, a spa, and of course the beach, plush loungers galore, and drinks delivered to your bed. And speaking of drinks, I couldn’t imagine leaving without trying one of their pina coladas (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). I visited a number of other bars during my stay, but none beat this one.
The rooms are fantastic and the amenities are plentiful, but what really sets Eden Roc apart is the service. It’s five-star in every sense of the word, and everywhere you walk in, every member of staff knows your name, even if it’s the first time you’ve met them. Whether it’s help getting around the island, booking a spa treatment, making dinner reservations, or simply helping to create a special moment, the concierge and personal butler team (really!) will do everything in their power to make your stay an exceptional one.
Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda
Heading north along the coast, about an hour and a half’s drive from Punta Cana, you’ll find Miches, in the Dominican Republic’s uncharted territory. This quiet coastal town is a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy nature, and it’s also famous as a filming location for famous movies such as The Godfather, Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Zendaya aside: chic has taken on new meaning. At Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda, you can choose eco-chic in every sense of the word. Whether you’re in the mood for travel, looking for a luxury couples getaway, or wanting to escape reality for two weeks as a family, this eco-friendly beachside hideaway is perfect for you.
When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from four unique Boutique Villages (as they’re called), each one guaranteeing a holiday experience tailored to your needs. The only drawback (if it’s even a drawback) is that you’ll need a day or two to get acquainted with your surroundings – the resort is so large that a golf buggy would be your best friend.
The closest village to the resort centre is “Caribbean Paradise” – its vibrant atmosphere is perfect for groups. Not far from here is “Emerald Jungle”, an adults-only zone just steps away from the Zen Pool (with a swim-up bar for those overly confident T’s), fitness and spa facilities. It’s the perfect tranquil area to relax with a pina colada or read a good book poolside (sorry for the pun).
Similar to this is Archipelago. Though it’s the smallest of all the villages, this adults-only location is arguably the most luxurious. These villa-like rooms are cocoon-like and perfect for couples looking for the ultimate in exclusivity. I mean, you’ve got your own private pool, hammocks for napping, and you’re just steps away from the romantic seaside, so who could complain?
Explorer Cove is a popular spot for families and is just a short walk from the kids’ club and sports facilities, although water polo and family yoga are still a smattering of activity options (sorry).
With treetop/aerial yoga, salsa classes, cooking classes, kayaking, horseback riding and best of all (in my opinion) the Coco Plum Beach Lounge, it’s easy to spend your days safely around the resort, and of course, exploring the island is encouraged!
What to do
The hidden treasures of Los Haitises
Continuing north along the coast, Los Haitises National Park is a protected natural area covered in dense vegetation, perfect for those wanting to explore – so put on your walking shoes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is made up of canyons and caves that tell a deep part of Dominican history and indigenous people, and once you’ve set foot on land you can hop on a speedboat to explore the aquatic life – the tiny cobalt crabs were a personal favorite.
Side note: if you get my vibe, expect a fun rum drink that will help ease your motion sickness!
Paraiso Cano Hondo
Paraíso Caño Hondo is a unique eco-lodge located on the edge of Los Haitises National Park. Although it is a hotel itself, you can spend the day relaxing in the natural pool and enjoying the lush scenery. If you climb through the pool to the top of the building, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. However, it is easy to get lost in these views, so be sure to let a friend or family know where you are before you go.
Laguna Redonda
For foodies and agriculture lovers, Laguna Redonda is the place to experience a true taste of Dominica: hop aboard a safari truck and discover nature’s playful side while sipping coconut water on the beach, or visit nearby rice plantations and sample local specialties like the El Ceibo cocoa plantation, and of course, chocolate tasting.
Not far from Laguna is Montaña Redonda, where you can get your adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating side swing atop the famous mountains.
Where to eat
Eden Rock, Cap Cana
Eden Roc’s three restaurants offer a variety of cuisines to suit any mood: Blue Grill + Bar for breakfast overlooking the pool, or for a more relaxed lunch or dinner with burgers and sushi you’ll want to eat again and again (as we did). La Palapa, perched on the rocks overlooking the bay, serves the best paella we’ve ever had (seriously!). And finally, Mediterraneo, a fine-dining restaurant that attracts diners from all over the island for its innovative flavors and outstanding service.
Club Med, Michels
At Club Med, you can choose between four restaurants. The Cayuco restaurant is the main buffet, where you can enjoy everything from pasta to pizza and of course the traditional Dominican sea flavors. The Coco Plum Lounge is also our favorite restaurant, with its calm atmosphere and sea views. If you want to sleep in, this lounge is the place to have a late breakfast. Coal & Copper is perfect for those who want to enjoy a sumptuous meal. However, the steakhouse requires reservations, so make sure you book early. By the way, there are also some menus for vegetarians and vegans. Finally, there is the Secret Chocolate Room. The treasure room full of sweets is more for children, but we go there every night for dessert.
Punta Cana is a popular destination for tourists thanks to its international airport and is also a great place for foodies, with its own Yacht Club where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and seafood before or after a sea tour in La Yola. Modeled after a fishing boat, the restaurant is located waterfront at the Puntacana Resort & Club Marina and offers stunning views of the sparkling turquoise waters.
Warning: if you have a picky eater, you may want to review the menu before visiting. The offerings are sumptuous…and we mean that in the best way possible! The “Red Ahi Tuna Carpaccio with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette, Avocado and Grated Fried Coconut” is a prime example of how sumptuous it is.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is the perfect combination of activity and luxury, and it does exactly what the name suggests: fasten your seatbelts (literally) and feel like your head is in the clouds (again, literally) as you sit around a floating table.
Sure, it’s on the pricey side (ranging from $150 to $1,180 depending on the experience), but if you’re on a budget, this is a great option: From a three- or four-course meal to an open bar, you won’t go hungry.
Oh, and just for your reference…
UK and European plugs are different so an American charging adapter is essential. This is a Spanish speaking island so practice your pronunciation of “hola”. The island is unintentionally a no cell phone zone due to its beautiful scenery, but we recommend bringing a portable charger to capture some Instagram-worthy panoramic content.
Paradise awaits!
Find the perfect package holiday to the Dominican Republic with Club Med.
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Jess Edwards is editor of Cosmopolitan.com/UK and oversees all things digital.
