By Dave & Deb Bouskill, on December 4, 2013

Great Dominican Republic beaches

We have a soft spot for the Dominican Republic. It’s a popular holiday destination for Canadians and it was the place that we spent our honeymoon! Living in the Great White North, we take every opportunity to escape the winter cold to places like the Dominican Republic. It’s also a great excuse every year to take off once the cold hits to celebrate our anniversary. We love letting all that cold and snow melt away from our minds for seven glorious days on the beaches of the Dominican Republic.

Here are some of our suggestions on where to stay when you book your next beach vacation to the beautiful Dominican Republic. 

Punta Cana and Bavaro

If it is turquoise waters and luxurious accommodations you are looking for, then you have found it. Twenty miles of white sandy beaches stretch all the way from Bavaro to Punta Cana. This area of the Dominican Republic is paradise. When we look for an all-inclusive resort, we like to look for something that has a little bit for everyone, since we never know what our mood will be until we get there. We may want to take naps and work on our tans or we may be looking for adventure. It’s good to have options and you find that here.

The Paradisus Punta Cana is a great choice for an all-inclusive resort. With 10 restaurants, unlimited golf, an action park, and a casino, all set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful strips of beach in the Dominican, you may never want to leave!

Playa Grande Río San Juan and Cabrera

Located just east of Puerto Plata, this area of the Dominican Republic is constantly named one of the best beaches in the world. The coastline along here has a mix of both sea cliffs and sandy beaches. It’s also where we spent our honeymoon; so you know we like it! This is an area where on any given day, you can have one of the many strips of beach to yourself. 

If you want peace and quiet, The Palace at Playa Grande is really the place to get away from it all. You can disconnect from the outside world yet still enjoy luxury. While there are no televisions or phones in the rooms, the grounds put you into a Zen-like state. Designed with Hindu statues and waterfalls, The Palace at Playa Grande exudes relaxation. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, you will not find it here. This is a place to get off-the-beaten-path to enjoy delicious food and remarkable service.

Dorada Beach

Lying just east of Puerto Plata, Dorada Beach offers some of the clearest water in the area and lots of activities for kids (and kids at heart). It is also home to some of the most family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean. If you are traveling with your family, don’t miss this perfect blend of beautiful beaches with child-friendly atmosphere.

Viewfinder Tip: Take advantage of Iberostar’s Kids Club if traveling with the entire family.

The Iberostar Costa Dorada Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the Dorada Beach area. This is your classic all-inclusive. A great kid-friendly area, nightly entertainment, and plenty of activities keep you going all day and night. There is something for everyone here, from building sandcastles with the kids to kayaking for the more adventurous. It has four restaurants on the property, as well as a health club and a golf course. You can drop the kids off at the Kids Club so that dad can play a round of golf while mom takes in a yoga class, making for a full-service family vacation.

As you can see, the Dominican Republic offers something for everybody. Luxury for those honeymooners, seclusion for those who want to get away from it all, and family-friendly resorts that allow mom and dad to get away with the kids. No matter what you choose, the Dominican Republic will be a beach vacation you likely remember for a lifetime.

What’s your favorite Caribbean beach?