11 Best Hotels for Spring Break in the Dominican Republic

Mega clubs, an idyllic tropical island setting, live entertainment, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts – what else could we want from a spring break destination, right? We’re talking about the utterly gorgeous Dominican Republic, which has a stunning coastline, mountain greenery, and wild coasts to rival Hawaii. It’s also a fabulous spring break destination, with our days all about exploring the country’s natural wonders and the nights all about dancing till we drop. What helped was the wealth of choices we had for hotels for spring break in the Dominican Republic. Not only did they range across all kinds of budgets, but also we had our pick of gorgeous boutique hotels to massive, all-inclusive seaside escapes.

So, whether one is after a taste of the party scene or in search of perfect peace, this nation has something in store for you. After all, this Spanish-speaking eastern half of Hispaniola offers one of the most diverse springtime experiences in the Caribbean, and we had a wonderful time indeed. Here’s a detailed guide to the best springtime stays in this gorgeous Caribbean country.

Iberostar Costa Dorada

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We begin this list with the all-inclusive Iberostar Costa Dorada, which boasts a whopping 500+ rooms and suites, all surrounded by flourishing gardens. It’s the perfect family-friendly place on the island for spring break, especially since it has something for everyone to do.

For instance, children were kept occupied at the Mini-Club, coloring, reading, and watching movies. Meanwhile, we’d swim in or lounge by the outdoor pool or enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, followed by a soak in the sauna or the jacuzzi. Later, the entire family would gather at one of the three à la carte restaurants, which offered Mexican, Brazilian, and international cuisine, much to the kids’ delight. In fact, we even had the opportunity to enjoy a nightcap at the lobby bar, with dazzling views of a central Jacuzzi encircled by Roman pillars and a curvaceous pool.

The rooms and suites are no less impressive and have a tropical but not in-your-face look. Our two-bedroom oceanfront apartment had all the more space, especially with two bedrooms, a living space, and even a balcony with alfresco seating.

Melia Punta Cana Beach, Punta Cana

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Whoever said that “wellness” can’t be the theme of your spring break? Spanish brand Melia has gone for the full-blown beach resort vibe with the all-inclusive and adult-only Melia Punta Cana Beach. In fact, it’s also one of Punta Cana’s top gay-friendly hotels, so you can imagine the serene, laid-back vibe here. Since the focus was on wellness, the standout was the sprawling spa, which is set among looming lush trees and several pools. We loved the dedicated wellness program, especially since we were looking to go on that serious health kick. When we weren’t at the spa, we’d grab the free bikes and explore the resort and the neighborhood.

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When we weren’t at the spa, we’d be splashing down at the beachside pool, the adults-only serene pool, or the sandy beach itself. Besides the pool and the spa, the hotel also has a fitness center, a shared lounge, and as many as seven restaurants and bars – and even a casino! Our mornings began with lavish American, continental, and buffet breakfast spreads, following which we’d be fueled up for an entire day at the resort.

Most of the rooms and suites here have patios with alfresco seating, but the beachside and oceanfront ones are the best, offering excellent views of the lush gardens and the azure ocean beyond. What’s more, they all come with plush mod-cons, bespoke bath products, and the most heavenly beds.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

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Most luxurious. Imagine finding the ultimate luxury on a 7,000-acre resort in La Romana. We’re talking about the lush playground that is Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, which was perfect for us as we sought celeb-worthy sprawling luxury. That’s because former guests here include the likes of Jay-Z and Michael Jordan – and the occasional Kardashian! It’s not surprising, given that the amenities here included polo, scuba diving, and even a Mediterranean-style village with shops, the Altos de Chavón. So, you can see why it wasn’t easy for us to leave the resort. Plus, it also has the distinction of being the DR’s very first luxury resort, all the way back in 1974.

With 7,000 acres, you can only imagine the sheer range and scale of amenities here. With eight restaurants and bars and two food trucks on the property, we always had somewhere new to drink and dine. Since we’d opted for the all-inclusive package, it covered not only drinks and meals but most resort activities. This included the decadent 18,000-square-foot spa, where we unwound with some of the most glorious massages and treatments. Thanks to the free and fast Wi-Fi throughout, even down by the beach, we were able to stay connected all the time. Oh, and did we mention the 70-slip marina & yacht club and 3 championship golf courses? We were only glad that there were golf carts that helped us navigate the property!

All 250+ rooms and villas had white furnishings and dark natural woods, but the highlight was the luxe indoor-outdoor vibe. Even entry-level rooms were spacious and had all amenities, but the real prize here is the 50 privately-owned villas, all of which can be rented.

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

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Best for parties. If you’re a huge social butterfly like us, then the all-inclusive Royalton CHIC Punta Cana is the only place you should be. Themed pool and beach parties ruled the roost at this adults-only Autograph Collection resort, which was a spring break paradise for us. In fact, the social scene here was as sparkling as the waters of the Caribbean itself. Take a look at the photographs below and decide for yourself!

The outdoor swimming pool is the heart of the resort, where we’d party while holidaying in paradise. As we enjoyed swimming, we’d sip handcrafted cocktails from the rowdy swim-up bar, lying down in a private cabana later on. What’s more, there’d be signature events, with DJs spinning tunes by the pool to keep us entertained. Moreover, the resort staff was most helpful, wearing “Vibe Team” polos and getting us whatever we wanted. A pool session was followed by some much-needed pampering at The Royal Spa. All this made us very hungry, which we enjoyed quelling at one of the seven restaurants and bars. We’d spend our evenings by the lively main bar, with disco parties and nightly entertainment.

When we did crash back in our room after all the partying, every comfort, from the coffeemaker and the luxe bathroom to the minibar and the terrace with views, helped us recover and relax. A favorite package with honeymooners and couples is the upgraded Diamond Club package, which includes a dedicated beach area and a butler.

Sanctuary Cap Cana

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Romantic sophistication is the motto at Sanctuary Cap Cana, which is perched on a cliff in Punta Cana and boasts some of the best ocean views on the island. This is Marriott International and Luxury Collection’s first all-inclusive resort, and might we say that we were inherently impressed by the chicness of it all. For one, it’s an all-suite, adults-only property. In fact, our choices included oceanfront suites and villas, including one with swim-out pools, where we stayed! What’s more, all of them had either partial or complete views of the ocean, minibars, silk bathrobes, espresso machines, and furnished balconies with panoramic ocean views. Sigh.

That said, we enjoyed our time outside the room, too, especially since we had the choice of as many as six outdoor pools to swim at. In fact, one pool is a saltwater one, which felt like swimming in the sea, which we also did. Playing beach volleyball and dancing at themed parties was an everyday affair, and the Sanctuary Spa was the perfect respite for a much-needed massage or a body treatment. Finally, when hunger and thirst would strike, the six bars and restaurants were more than enough to satiate all sorts of pangs at all sorts of hours. From nightclubs to guided meditation, this resort really has it all.

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa

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We were looking for a quiet Puerto Plata escape for spring break rather than a noisy one, which is why we chose Casa Colonial Beach & Spa. This elegant North Shore contemporary beach retreat sits on golden-colored sands and boasts not just a resort but also an 18-hole golf course, a casino, a shopping complex, nightclubs, and restaurants. Phew!

We loved the accommodating and friendly service here, which extended not just to the rooms (8 am-10 pm) but even to the beach. Most mornings and evenings would be spent at the beach, which even has massage cabanas courtesy of the spa! The extensive spa Bagua has the most fabulous indoors, too, with not just treatment rooms but also a steam room, a sauna, and a relaxation room. Besides the gym, boutique, and tennis courts, the star amenity here is the outdoor swimming pool, complete with four whirlpool tubs and a pool bar set in a stunning rooftop area. Fronting it was a comfy beachfront reading gazebo where we’d spend many an afternoon curled up with a book. Two dining rooms, a formal and a casual split-level one serving Mediterranean fare, complete the place. 

With just 50 suites, staying here was as intimate and exclusive as it got, especially since we’d come here to get away from it all. Updated colonial trim aside, all suites have all the modern trimmings imaginable, but the best feature is the outside space in all of them. Most of them, including our abode, looked through twisted sea grape trees right out to the sea. 

Riu Republica, Adults Only, All-Inclusive

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How would you feel about a Punta Cana adults-only resort that has an actual party roster? Welcome to the wild yet tranquil all-inclusive Riu Republica, where the Riu Party is the only thing on everyone’s mind. They have everything from jungle- and white-themed parties to neon- and pink-themed ones. Of course, there are get-togethers and pool parties constantly going on every week, and what better way to spend spring break, right? What made the parties even better was that the crowd was fabulous, whether it was at the actual parties or at quiet spots, like at the beach.

Furthermore, there’s a lot more to do, see, and indulge in at this party resort. There were nine restaurants and bars to choose from when we were hungry – or thirsty, for that matter. When we wanted some downtime, we could still find our quiet spots, especially at the beach and the beach bar. Free Wi-Fi everywhere and a nightclub wrap up the amenities bit here. The rooms and suites came with the usual resort trappings like minibars, coffeemakers, flatscreen TVs, and even terraces. However, the best bit was our oceanfront room, which offered sweeping views of the ocean.

Sublime Samana, Samana

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Best value-for-money. Affordable luxury is something, isn’t it? In the Dominican Republic, it was the Sublime Samana, which offered us a real value-for-money taste of luxury. The design of the resort is such; contemporary beach casitas symmetrically sit on a stunning white sand beach, around a unique and stylish pool corridor. The minute we set our eyes on the resort, it felt like a remote getaway. Plus, the resort was a mere 10-minute hotel shuttle from Las Terrenas, one of the DR’s most loved beach towns.

“Staying at Sublime allowed us to experience a very different side of the country, as well as its spring break scene.”

WOW Travel

Undoubtedly, the jaw-dropping private beach with loungers is the standout here, complete with a cocktail café bar and restaurant. Back at the resort, we had two pool options, one of which was also adults-only, complete with poolside loungers. It was followed by a pampering session at the Coconut Whispers Spa, while the more energetic ones have an aquatic sports center, a gym, and tennis courts to explore. But what impressed us was that the staff provided all sorts of services, right from arranging excursions to nightly turndown. Of the two restaurants, the open-air beach was our favorite, primarily because it also served seafood.

With just 20 spacious suites, which are actually casitas, staying here felt very exclusive. The entry-level one-bedroom suites, including a fully equipped kitchen, feature all the bells and whistles. However, the two/three-bedroom oceanview casitas are the pinnacle of luxury, complete with private whirlpools.

Bahia Principe Punta Cana

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All-inclusive family-friendly beach fun doesn’t get any better than at Bahia Principe Punta Cana. This beachfront resort has all the makings of a memorable family getaway.

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Don’t believe us? Imagine this: not only does it have not one but two lake-style swimming pools, but it also has a kids’ club and a sprawling water park. How’s that for water fun? But that’s not all. Down at the beach, the children indulged in everything from windsurfing to parasailing, while off-property activities included the likes of catamaran rides to mangroves and countryside Jeep safari tours. A whopping 13 restaurants and bars ensured that the kids were never bored of the food, and we heaved a sigh of relief! Free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a tennis court, shops, and free bikes round up the amenities here.

A balcony and terrace are standard in every room at Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana – All Inclusive. A seating area with a sofa, satellite TV, and an en suite are also included. Some suites have a spa bath.

Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana

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It’s hard to not include Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana in a list of excellent Dominican Republic spring break resorts, right? We thought so too. After all, it’s the brand’s very first all-inclusive property and, thus, has its own unique identity that’s very different from any other DR resort. Since the resort is all about music and entertainment, it was a fantastic choice for nightlife and indulging in a busy, fun atmosphere. In fact, the nightly entertainment in its 14 (yes, 14!) restaurants and lounges is levels above Punta Cana’s usual offerings. Plus, there’s a whole bevy of big-name entertainers, including everyone from Snoop Dogg to Ringo Starr, thus drawing thousands of fans here.

Beyond its party and entertainment scene, the resort is known for its amazing pool system, which includes as many as 13 pools! This includes pools three kids’ pools, a lazy pool, and even an iconic adult’s only one. Since the resort is so sprawling, there are shuttles from and to everywhere. Finally, it has one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean and is home to the 68,000-sq-ft, bi-level Rock Spa. Sigh.

The resort, especially its sensual suites, can be very romantic despite its size. In fact, all the oversized rooms and suites are deluxe, and we could choose where we wanted to be – near the restaurants, the casino, or the beach.

Breathless Punta Cana

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Best overall. All-suite resort? Check. Adults-only? Check. A year-round party calendar? Sign us up! Behold Breathless Punta Cana, where curtained lounge beds on the beach, a casino, and a year-round party calendar are just a few extra perks. This edgy resort boasts a sexy yet whimsical vibe with retro decor bursting with an explosion of vibrant colors; think flamingo pink, orange, orchid, and whatnot. The Plaza is the social hub, which streams video concerts and has a bar serving amazing cocktails. Parties and events are especially popular and big celebrations here, with some of the world’s top DJs making appearances during spring break at the nighttime venues and poolside parties.

That being said, the resort had as many as 9 bars and 13 restaurants for us to choose from! What’s more, there were six swimming pools, two outdoor hot tubs, and even a nightclub, and everywhere, the vibe was expansive without huge crowds. 24-hour room service, a bevy of treatments at the Breathe Deep spa, and free Wi-Fi throughout wrap up the offerings here.

The suites here follow suit – no pun intended – and are as comfortable as they’re gorgeous and glamorous. We upgraded to the club-level Xhale suites, where we were catered to as we chilled, no matter where we were. Oh, and did we mention the swim-up rooms? Yep.

Our Verdict!

The Dominican Republic is indeed a fantastic place to celebrate spring and enjoy a great spring break. While all the accommodations we mentioned are fabulous, here’s a specialized list to help you choose:

• Most luxurious: Casa De Campo Resort & Villas
• Best for parties: Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
• Best value-for-money: Sublime Samana, Samana
• Best overall: Breathless Punta Cana

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic?

Before we tell you about where to stay in the country, you might also want to read up on the top places to visit in the Dominican Republic.

The northernmost Puerto Plata, which is often considered the island’s tourism birthplace, is one of the best places for springtime travelers to stay. It brims with all-inclusive resorts that appeal to everyone, whether they’re solo travelers, families, or honeymooners. In fact, this is where Columbus anchored in his travel from Spain! Next, there’s easternmost Punta Cana, which is nestled between the Atlantic and the Caribbean oceans. We loved it for its white sand shores, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and affordable resorts.

The 16th-century former artist village of La Romana in the south has a beach and many all-inclusive accommodations. Finally, there’s the capital, Santo Domingo, which is known as the first city of the New World. Not only does it have the richest nightlife in all of the Republic, but there’s a lot to see for history lovers too.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in the Dominican Republic:

• La Posta: If you can’t decide if you want to dance, drink, or eat, then the lively La Posta is the place for you. You can do a bit of all three at this place, which serves delicious tapas and pizzas, which we’d wolf down before heading straight to the dance floor with live music. Adding to the vibe are the great-priced happy hours, but locals prefer coming here on Thursdays usually.
• Sabina Bar Zona Colonial: Sabina, right in the very heart of Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, is all about getting into the mood. Think amazing loud music, regular happy hours, head-clearing cocktails, and gorgeous locals dancing the night away. You’ll never be short of conversation either: the walls are lined with hand-written notes from previous drinkers and old records, so there’s always something to keep the chat flowing as smoothly as the drinks.

Recommended Activities in the Dominican Republic:

• Punta Cana Boat Party with Snorkel and Natural Pool Stop: What’s better than partying at night? Partying during the day too! This half-day catamaran boat tour took us to the waters around Punta Cana, where we enjoyed drinks, dug into snacks, snorkeled at a local reef, and even jumped in a natural pool.
• Bay of Samana Whale Watching Experience: There’s nothing more thrilling than a whale-watching experience, is there? This Samana Bay boat tour took us to catch a glimpse of the giants of the sea, the Humpback Whales, in their natural habitat.