All-inclusive resorts are booming in tropical places around the world, and nowhere does them better than Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This large area is lined with white, sandy beaches dotted by palm trees. While Jamaica and the Cancun area also have some large all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is the king and they offer the widest selection of places so everyone can find something to fit their tastes and budget.
Below we have compiled our top recommendations in the most popular categories including cheap resorts, family resorts, romantic resorts, golf resorts, and more. You could spend dozens of hours reading about amenities and reviews and you’d end up with some of the places on the list below. We spent the time so you can find what you want without all the hassles.
What to expect at Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts
With well over 100 all-inclusive resorts to choose from, Punta Cana is the best choice in the Caribbean for value and quality. The resorts can range from 100 rooms up to 2,000 rooms at the larger properties where there are several hotels adjacent to one another. In those places you’ll find a luxury beach hotel and a family-oriented hotel and an adults-only hotel along with a more budget-friendly version, usually sharing the same beach and many amenities.
Most resorts are run by European hotel chains and they are very clean and professional as a result. The food service is usually vast buffet breakfasts and lunches along with a snack bar or burger place for food by the pool. Dinner buffets tend to be amazing, and many places also offer one or more a la carte options, although sometimes at an extra cost.
Drink service is unlimited and typically it’s only specialty wines and top-shelf liquors that cost extra. Unlike some other islands, nearly all beers, wines, mixed drinks, and spirits are included for all guests. If you have expensive tastes it’s worth checking because obviously the cheaper resorts aren’t going to include premium wines and spirits at no extra cost.
>>>Check current Punta Cana all-inclusive deals on Expedia
Best of the cheaper Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts
Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine – Adults Only
High season rates from US$219 per night for two including tax
Resort highlights
- All-suite resort
- 13 restaurants
- Outdoor pool with a waterslide, sun loungers, and pool umbrellas
- Casino
- Jetted bathtubs
As part of a very large complex on a gorgeous Punta Cana beach, the Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine is usually the cheapest of the professionally run chain all-inclusives in the area. This is an adults-only hotel so it can be an ideal choice for those who prefer a calm pool area and restaurant experience. I’ve stayed at one of the other hotels in this complex myself and I’d happily go back. The family-friendly hotel here is listed below, so that is a great choice for those with kids.
Considering that this is one of the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, it’s far nicer than you would expect. The food is good and the drink service is also far better than you’d expect at these room rates. Again, it’s a very large complex and you can get between the different areas by a free shuttle service. The size is the reason they can offer these rates and make money, while still getting very good reviews. If you can afford US$100 per night more per night, you can find a place that is at least a bit nicer, but if you are on a budget then this place will exceed your expectations.
Best Punta Cana all-inclusive resort for families with kids
Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana
High season rates from US$256 per night for two including tax
Resort highlights
- All-suite family-oriented resort
- 5 restaurants, 6 bars
- 3 pools and children’s water park
- Kids club
- Disco and karaoke
Part of the same large complex as the similar adults-only resort listed just above, the Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana is all about families and kids. There is a full-blown kids water park at the heart of the resort, so your kids will be happy all day and tired in the evenings.
The hotel has 512 suites, 5 restaurants, and 6 bars along with adult-oriented evening entertainment including concerts and a dance club. Again, this place is excellent value for the price. As part of a huge complex and run by a respected Spanish resort chain, the Bahia Principe group can offer outstanding rates with their economies of scale. There are other similar large Punta Cana resorts with Kids Clubs and water parks that usually charge about US$100 per night more per room.
Best affordable Punta Cana all-inclusive resort for romantic couples
Barceló Bávaro Beach – Adults Only – All Inclusive
High season rates from US$338 per night per couple, including all taxes
Resort highlights
- Seafront rooms
- 5 restaurants including beachfront dining
- Outdoor pool and 3 tennis courts
- Beach massages and full spa
- Fitness facilities and dancing
- 18 holes of golf
Another of the larger resorts that offers surprisingly affordable rates, the Barceló Bávaro Beach is a great choice for romantic couples on anniversary trips or even honeymoons. Every guest room has either a side or full beach view, which isn’t true of most resorts in this price category. They offer beachfront dining and beachfront massages as well as a full-service spa and a nightclub.
The reviews of the Barceló Bávaro Beach are phenomenal considering the price range and you could easily spend twice as much to get something a bit nicer. They have an 18-hole golf course and sailing, so if you like to stay active on your romantic trip you have options. If you can afford a more luxurious place or more of a boutique all-inclusive resort you’ll see some options below at higher rates.
Best all-inclusive luxury Punta Cana resort
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
High season rates from US$655 per night for two including tax
Resort highlights
- All-suite 5-star resort
- 6 restaurants including beachfront dining
- 4 swimming pools with a lazy river, a waterslide, and cabanas
- Beach massages and full spa
- Free water park access
If many hundreds of guest reviews many anything (and they usually do), it’s easy to see why the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is considered the best and most luxurious all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. The rooms in this all-suite hotel start at 600 square feet and come with bathrobes, slippers, and all of the usually amenities of a 5-star resort on the beach. The place has 375 guest rooms so it’s large enough to offer 6 restaurants and a full spa, but not so large that you’ll feel like you are lost in the crowd.
Guest reviews rave about the food and the service, which is comforting for a place in this price category. The golf course nearby was ranked the number one golf course in Mexico and the Caribbean, but the resort itself offers beach volleyball, beach yoga, and a full spa. Read the reviews and if you can afford this place, it’s definitely the one to choose.
Best small all-inclusive Punta Cana resort
TRS Cap Cana Hotel – Adults Only
High season rates from US$520 per night for two including tax
Resort highlights
- 5-star resort with 115 rooms
- 4 restaurants, beach bar
- 2 swimming pools with free cabanas, sun loungers, and pool umbrellas
- Beach massages and full spa
- 18 holes of golf nearby
Most of the cheaper Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts have at least 400 rooms and many of them actually are huge complexes with up to 5 adjacent hotels with 500 rooms each. Those resorts can be fun because they have so many things to offer, but if you prefer a smaller resort you are not alone. With only 115 guest rooms, the 5-star TRS Cap Cana Hotel feels almost like a boutique property.
The reviews are outstanding and they mostly focus on the great service here. With so few rooms the staff get to know you within the first day or so, which turns into a more intimate and friendly stay. The TRS Cap Cana has several restaurants in spite of its size, including an Argentine-themed a la carte restaurant. There are cheaper all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, but none on this smaller scale.
Best all-inclusive Punta Cana resort for golfers
Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive
High season rates from US$699 per night for two including tax
Resort highlights
- 4.5-star all-suite resort refurbished in 2022
- 8 restaurants, 2 swim-up bars
- 11 swimming pools with free cabanas and sun loungers
- Health club and spa
- 27 holes of golf
Having just reopened after an extensive 2022 refurbishment, the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort should be great value for golfers in the coming year or two. The room rates include one free round of golf for every guest 18 and over, but they have 27 holes so you can play multiple times without repeating the same 18 each day.
Even the smallest suites here are 527 square feet and include amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, and deep soaking bathtubs. Being completely honest, the reviews for the middle of 2022 have not been great because they stayed open during much of the refurbishment, but now that it’s complete the place should be back to its luxurious self.
>>>Check rates at the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort
>>>Check current Punta Cana all-inclusive deals on Expedia