What makes the Dominican Republic a popular destination for a beach holiday? The answer is easy – stunning beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and impressive golf courses. But there’s more to this tropical paradise than that! Nature, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and delicious local cuisine are all part of the package.
*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure
Keep reading for our guide on picking the best resort in the Dominican Republic for a couple, especially if you want to make a better choice and travel more sustainably.
Traveling Soon? Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip!
But let’s start with a few essentials!
Essential Travel Info for the Dominican Republic
How to Get There
There are many ways to get to the Dominican Republic, depending on your itinerary or your romantic resort of choice:
International Airports
- Santo Domingo: Las Americas International Airport, La Isabela International Airport
- Punta Cana: Punta Cana International Airport
- Puerto Plata: Gregorio Luperón International Airport
- La Romana: La Romana International Airport
- Samaná: El Catey International Airport/Juan Bosch International. Airport
- Santiago: Cibao International Airport
Domestic Airports
- La Isabela International Airport/Aeropuerto Higüero
- Arroyo Barril International Airport
- María Montez International Airport
- Punta Cana International Airport
Cruise Destinations
- Santo Domingo
- La Romana
- Samaná
- Puerto Plata
- Punta Cana
Travel Requirements
To enter any of the Dominican Republic regions, tourists must have the following:
- Passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months
- Roundtrip tickets for entrance and exit (whether air, sea, or land)
- An address in the Dominican Republic (where you will be staying during the trip)
- Proof of financial capacity to fund your stay in the Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic e-Ticket. An e-Ticket is a combination of an entry and exit card, a travel health affidavit, and a customs declaration. All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or arriving in the Dominican Republic via commercial flights must fill out this e-ticket online.
- Visa Some countries may require a tourist visa when visiting the Dominican Republic. But if you are a legal resident of or have a valid visa for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or Schengen, you do not need to apply for one. Japan, Israel, and many countries in South America and Central America do not need a visa to enter either. Check if your country requires a visa here.
Travel tip: For a hassle-free e-Ticket application, check out DR Easy Ticket. This online application form is handled by professionals who make sure you submit the correct mandatory requirements, and process its approval ASAP! If you’re in a pinch, you can even have it in an hour (for a fee, of course).
Getting Around
Public transportation in the Dominican Republic is modern and reliable. Renting a car is the most convenient option if you want to explore the island (and we recommend that you do) but there are also taxis, and apps like Uber and Cabify.
For long-distance travels, Interurban Coach Bus services connect major regions. A cheaper alternative are guaguas (small privately-owned minivans).
In the city, there are guaguas (white vans that stop to pick up and drop off passengers along designated routes), motoconchos (motorbike taxis) or conchos (shared 4-door sedans or taxis) which are significantly cheaper than private taxis.
Best Dominican Republic Resorts: Our Picks
The Dominican Republic has plenty of beautiful romantic resorts in the Caribbean. However, as sustainable travellers, our goal is to help our readers travel better, so our picks list of romantic resort accommodations also ticks the boxes for sustainability.
Dominican Republic has long been known as a great destination for a romantic getaway, with plenty of romantic Dominican Republic resorts to choose from.
Luxury Romantic Dominican Republic Resorts
Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort & Club
Tortuga Bay is the only all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic that’s an AAA Five Diamond property. This rating is similar to a five-star classification for hotels in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Luxury is in every corner of this private paradise, with a dedicated personal Embajador to cater to you and your significant other’s every whim. There are 13 beachfront villas designed by Oscar de la Renta, all lined up along a fine-sand beach.
As for recreation, you can go for a round of golf or tennis, a pamper session at the spa, or explore the property’s 1,500-acre ecological reserve.
Tortuga Bay is part of the Grupo Puntacana Foundation. For 26 years, they have helped preserve the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty and promote innovative solutions to keep them protected in the long term.
Cayo Levantado Resort
Cayo Levantado Resort is an all-inclusive that takes romantic getaways to the next level. It’s one of the most exclusive romantic resorts, given that it’s located on a private island off the coast of Samaná. And the first wellness resort in the country with 4 unique paths to wellness, 3 beaches, 2 private pools, 6 restaurants, and 8 bars on site.
At Cayo Levantado, local culture and lifestyle, sustainability and the care of mind, body and soul serve as the main inspiration for your stay.
The beachfront villa is ideal for couples, with amazing ocean views and a private plunge pool. Inside, there’s a king-sized bed, a sleek living room, a double shower, a separate towel, and an outdoor shower.
Cayo Levantado combines luxury and sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout the resort. They also plant endangered species throughout the resort and serve as a Research Center for the National Botanic Garden.
Mid-Range Romantic Dominican Republic Resorts
Meliá Punta Cana Beach
Meliá Punta Cana Beach in Punta Cana is an adults-only wellness resort for couples who love self-care. At the property, there are 4 swimming pools, a swim-up bar, 8 restaurants, a fitness centre, a spa, a garden, a terrace, and a casino. Punta Cana provides a great tropical backdrop for a number of wellness activities.
Their Wellness-Inclusive rooms are thoughtfully designed to enhance rest and relaxation. The Wellness Suite comes with a king-sized bed, separate living and work areas, a vitamin-C infused shower, and stunning views of tropical gardens.
Plus, all Meliá brands are part of a Sustainable Tourism Program that contributes to the well-being of neighbouring communities.
Natura Cabana
Natura Cabana is a serene forest getaway 3 miles from Cabarete. The property was designed with eco-conscious architecture inspired by Feng Shui principles, creating a balanced environment.
The cozy and intimate one-bedroom bungalow is a great couple’s choice. Interiors made with bamboo, coconut, and palm leaves add up to a cool open-air design that draws in the Caribbean breeze. Inside, there’s a king-sized bed with a mosquito net, a bathroom made from natural materials, plus your own deck or balcony.
Guests have access to a private beach, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a yoga temple, plus a wide range of wellness services. There are also two on-site restaurants that use fresh ingredients sourced from their very own sustainable organic garden.
Budget Romantic Dominican Republic Resorts
Catalonia Punta Cana
Not all sustainable and romantic hotels come with a hefty price tag, and eco-certified Catalonia Punta Cana proves it. It’s an all-inclusive beachfront resort with suites and junior suites made specifically for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Romantic add-ons include a welcome package with fruit, chocolate, and wine, a massage for two, a romantic dinner on the beach, and more.
The resort has a swimming pool, a swim-up bar, a gym, paddle tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, plus bicycles, water sports, and golf. There’s also a spa that offers relaxing treatments and 10 dining options that offer cuisines from all around the world.
Travel Tips & Advice
Explore Beyond the Resort. There’s more to the Dominican Republic than amenities that only all-inclusive resorts have. Take some time to go off and explore the city!
- Travel back in time at the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo
- Visit Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral built in the Americas
- Experience authentic nightly entertainment in the form of traditional merengue and bachata music
Try local food:
- Bandera Dominicana – a combination of white rice, beans, and stewed meat
- Sancocho – one of the most iconic dishes in the area, a stew made with 7 different types of meat
- Mofongo – the Dominican version of an African dish with fried green plantain, with chicken, seafood or shrimp, and topped with cheese or cream of mushroom
Support local tour operators and communities by adding these activities to your itinerary:
- Hike Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean
- Visit the awesome Los Haitises National Park
- Check out the organic Coffee Plantations in Jarabacoa
- Try canyoneering at the 27 Carcos or Damajagua Waterfalls
Book a table at some of the best restaurants in town
- El Meson De La Cava – A unique romantic dinner inside an actual Dominican cave!
- La Palapa – Open-air restaurant that serves delicious seafood, Italian, sushi, and Asian fusion
- La Yola – An elegant restaurant in Punta Cana that serves delicious and fresh fresh Mediterranean cuisine and seafood
