Cynthia Sauvage

Most people do not think of the Dominican Republic as a high-end destination, but it definitely can be. I lived and worked there for 18 years planning corporate incentives and meetings, so I came to know it intimately.

I honeymooned at Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club, a AAA 5 Diamond resort designed by Oscar de la Renta. It is just ten minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport, and the hotel’s VIP service can whisk you through customs and off to the resort. Its villas come with golf carts so you can easily take advantage of all the resort has to offer. And there is a lot. The resort has three golf courses, a small private beach with lounge chairs and a waiter on hand to serve you a mojito or ceviche at any time. Plus, there are miles of beachfront where you can walk and rarely see another person. The property also has a Six Senses Spa, a marina with fishing boats, horseback riding and cenotes to swim in plus a choice of restaurants.

The resort is part of an upscale community with a number of celebrity-owned homes, and additional dining and shopping options. 

Also on this side of the island is Eden Roc Cap Cana, a Relais and Chateau hotel with just 60 villas. Set amid coral reefs, it has a beautiful cove beach, and service that is beyond belief. Its cliff-top restaurant’s breathtaking views complement its fine cuisine. The resort is part of an exclusive residential community with a golf course, high-end equestrian center, zip-lining, and other activities. It is perfect for honeymooners looking for a secluded, romantic setting.

For families and multi-generational groups, the five-star Barceló Bávaro Palace Family Club offers an upscale all-inclusive experience. It is one of five resorts in a huge complex that has something for everyone.

A train goes around the resort, transporting guests to golf, tennis, racquetball, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other sports. There is also a casino and a number of clubs and bars. Its four pools include one for children with a castle, pirate ship, waterfall, and slides. My kids had one of their favorite vacations ever there.

And there is Miches, a new area being developed north of Punta Cana that will include a Four Seasons resort. And that’s just a sampling of the five-star hideaways in the Dominican Republic.

For a cultural experience, I recommend a stay at the Hotel Frances Santa Domingo (formerly the Sofitel) located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. The hotel itself is a historic building, and it is within a two-minute walk of the Alcazar de Colon, a palace built for the Columbus family. Now a museum, it tells the story of the nation’s colonial past with period furnishings, artwork, and artifacts. The museum is on a huge plaza lined by restaurants with outdoor seating. In addition to other colonial museums, the colonial zone has a crafts market that is definitely worth checking out.    

Please contact me if you would like to know more about luxury vacations in the Dominican Republic.