Best Hotels

Punta Cana is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Everyone has been talking about this corner of the Caribbean located in the Dominican Republic. But, as in any paradise, choosing the best beach and the best hotel is just as important as it is difficult.

That’s why we want to help you with the search to make your vacation wonderful. If you keep reading this post you will know where the best beaches in Punta Cana are and which resort/what hotel to choose in Punta Cana.

Where’s Punta Cana?

If you want to spend your vacation in Punta Cana the first thing we will explain is where it is and how to get to Punta Cana Dominican Republic. These are the quick coordinates to locate it. This tourist area of the Dominican Republic is located in the east of the country, two hours from the capital.

In this region are also Bavaro, the famous Saona Island or the spectacular beaches of the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean in Punta Cana. The best way to get to Punta Cana is to land at its international airport, one of the few in the world built and managed by one hundred percent private companies.

In that case, you can be attentive to the offers of cheap flights because out of season we have come to see flights for 100 euros. Promised.

The normal thing is that your hotel has a transfer service. In case that is not so, for your days here, the most advisable thing is to rent a car. Driving in this part of the Dominican Republic is simple, quiet and safe. We didn’t have any problems. That’s for sure. Although the insurance is expensive, do not hesitate to take it to avoid any setback.

What to see in Punta Cana?

Punta Cana are paradisiacal beaches, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters… But, so that you enjoy your vacations in Punta Cana, we propose you some super cool plans beyond your resort or hotel. One day, without fail, you have to reserve it to make the Saona Island excursion.

This island that belongs to the Parque Nacional del Este is exactly the one of the spectacular beaches of the photos. We did this Saona Island excursion and had a great time. We went by boat from the beach of our hotel, we got tired of taking pictures, we bathed in crystal clear waters and had lunch with seafood and fresh fish.

If you have more days off, another activity worth a visit is the Isla Catalina excursion. And, if you’re going to be there for more days, don’t miss the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve. It’s a simple hiking plan with crystal clear pools for bathing.

If you’re going whale watching, one of the water activities you can’t miss is whale watching off the coast of Punta Cana. If you do this whale watching excursion in Samaná we can assure you that you will flip out. Seeing these animals up close is very impressive. The season runs from December to April.

What are the best beaches in Punta Cana?

A good part of the success of our vacations in the Dominican Republic will depend on the beach where we will spend many hours sunbathing, bathing or doing some activity.

That’s why, many times, before choosing a hotel, you have to know where they are and which are the best beaches in Punta Cana. Here is a good list (from north to south) according to our experience.

Uvero Alto Beach

It is the northernmost beach in the whole area of Punta Cana, about 30 minutes from the airport. Access is more complicated but it is worth it because it is one of the most unspoilt beaches in the area. Those looking for calm and tranquility here have a haven of peace in Punta Cana.

Arena Gorda Beach

This beach is a little further north of Playa Bávaro and is another of the most famous in Punta Cana. Walking you can get there from Playa Bávaro. It’s a lively beach with good resorts behind it and some of the most recognized clubs in the area.

El Cortecito Beach

A little further south, next to Bávaro Beach and Bávaro Lagoon, is El Cortecito Beach. We like it very much because it is close to several hotels but it also has a local touch that made us feel very good. It has many services and restaurants at the end of the beach.

You will have no problem trying some of the water activities in the area such as a beautiful catamaran ride or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Punta Cana.

Bavaro Beach

This beach, surrounded by hotels and resorts, is one of the best known. UNESCO declared it one of the best beaches in the world. We liked it but not to go crazy because there is too much tourism.

So if you’re looking for calm, maybe this isn’t your beach. If you want activity, fine sand and crystal clear waters, you’ll be happy here. You can snorkel at the reefs of Punta Cana or take a catamaran ride through Punta Cana.

White Beach

Further south, very close to the airport, is Playa Blanca. It is really a beach on private land, inside the Punta Cana Resort & Club complex but it can be accessed if in the access control it is said that it only goes to the beach to spend the day. It is a beautiful beach with little waves, ideal for children, but it is also true that it usually has algae in several months of the year despite the enormous effort of maintenance staff.

Juanillo Beach

This beach is located in one of the most exclusive areas, Cap Cana. For us one of the most beautiful. It serves some of the most luxurious hotels and its care is consistent with the 5-star category of accommodation. To access, you will have to ask permission in the security access.

La Romana (Dominicus and Bayahibe)

Very close to Punta Cana is the area of La Romana (less than an hour by car). Here, a little further away from the tourist hub, there are beaches and hotels highly recommended. If you want to have good accommodations and dream beaches, Dominicus can be a good choice.

If you want a more local experience, your beach and base of operations is Bayahibe. From there, the essential excursion to Isla Saona also departs. Here is a link for you to do it without thinking about it.

The best resorts and hotels in Punta Cana

Hotel Occidental Punta Cana (Bávaro Beach)
Hotel Occidental Punta Cana is one of the preferred resorts for travelers in Punta Cana. This hotel is located on Cortecito Beach, in Bavaro, one of our favorites.

The accommodation, which belongs to the prestigious Spanish hotel chain Barceló, does not lack a detail. It has 11 restaurants for all tastes, 3 swimming pools, a super animation team…

You can choose the all-inclusive option, the most recommended, and the room overlooking the beach, garden or swimming pool, depending on the budget. It is one of the best value hotels in the area.