7 BEST RESORTS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - 2021

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Editor: Irina

Dominican Republic resorts - we tell about the features, weather, prices, hotels.

The Dominican Republic, of course, is not much larger than the Moscow region in scale, but there is plenty to choose from! The republic occupies most of the island of Haiti (and several tiny islets off the coast). In the north, it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south - by the Caribbean Sea.

Which resort to choose for vacation - northern or southern - depends on the preferences and hobbies of tourists, travel season, budget and other inputs. We disassemble when-where-why-how much!

Why choose the Dominican Republic?

Why fly so far - 11-12 hours in the sky? What are the bonuses for a vacation on the opposite end of the Earth?

One of the few places of mass tourism where Russian in winter and spring really warm... Note: but the season for holidays in the Dominican Republic lasts almost all year round.
Another hemisphere other culture - especially when Asia is explored far and wide.
Paradise white beaches with coconut groves from the pictures are really present in reality.
Dominican visa need not
"All inclusive" is loved, respected and practiced here in every hotel. Yes, this is winter Turkey!
Distributed hotel rest... The Dominican Republic is an ideal place for those who are tired and just want to lie on the beach.
Direction number 1 for honeymoon trip / honeymoon... Well, because that's the way it is.

Well, the photos will turn out beautiful, why hide;)

When is the best time to go? Season in the Dominican Republic

The resorts in the Dominican Republic, although they are located on 2 different "big waters" - the sea and the ocean - are similar in climate. And if in one sentence, then the period when it is better to go to the island falls on November-April.

Other weather moments:

- The rainy season in the Dominican Republic is in summer. Starts in June, ends in October. At this time, it can be cloudy and rainy (moreover, at night), but there are still a lot of tourists.

- The coast of the Atlantic Ocean (where the resort of Punta Cana is) is especially in its own way: in summer and autumn, the water is flooded with algae-sargassus (and swimming in them is unpleasant). Sometimes they "stay" longer, until the beginning of December.
* in fairness, I must say that hotels quickly clean the beaches from the invasion of Sargasso.

- The temperature at all resorts is summer year-round, + 28 ° C ... + 30 ° C outside, + 26 ° C ... + 28 ° C in the water.

- Hurricanes can be from August to September.

- The whale season is in February (there is a chance to see them by going on a sea tour).

- Fruit season all year round, except for:

Mango - April to October
Citrus - November to April

Avocado, although it does not look like a fruit, but that is what it is! Ripens at the same time as citrus fruits. So, you have to choose which camp you are in - "mango" or "avocado"! Or go in April;)

Where to look for tours?

How not to make a mistake with the price of the tour is an equally important question, how and where to rest in the Dominican Republic. It is definitely more convenient to go here on a voucher.

I like that the package tourism market is gradually moving online - just like flights and hotels did long ago. It also saves a lot of time and gives you complete independence: just you, your budget and your wishes. And prices for tours online directly from tour operators, no extra charges.

I select tours on 3 aggregators:

Travelata
Level.Travel
Onlinetours

Why aggregators? They show offers from all leading tour operators at once, compare from "cheap" to "expensive" and do not impose their opinion, but give complete and objective information upon request.

This year, by the way, you can fly to the Dominican Republic not only from Moscow, but also from St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Kazan!

✓ The minimum vacation in the Dominican Republic in the 2021 beach season costs 135,000 rubles - "all inclusive" for two for 10 nights.

✓ For a family (mom + dad + child) 10 days of vacation - from 170,000 rubles.

Popular resorts in Dominican Republic

Tours from Russia are mainly to the southern coast of the island and to Punta Cana - the most famous resort in the Dominican Republic, located in the east, on the border of the Caribbean Sea and the ocean. But if you wish, you can find a ticket to the north - to the real Atlantic Ocean.

Dominican Republic resorts on the Caribbean Sea:	Resorts on the Atlantic Ocean:
Boca Chica Santo Domingo La Romana Bayahibe Juan Dolio	Cabarete Puerto Plata Samana

In the east of the Dominican Republic - Punta Cana and Cap Cana.

So it's not a question of which resort to choose: any one you like! Whether overlooking the ocean or the Caribbean. Consider the best resorts in the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana resort

Punta Cana is a hyper-popular resort with tourists of all nationalities. Why? It's just that the place is more developed by tour operators, the choice of hotels is wider. And it is actively advancing due to the feature "at the junction of the ocean and the sea", although in life you cannot see this with the naked eye.

+ The beaches of Punta Cana are wide, white sand and beautiful. Bavaro Beach is the most famous and spacious.
* all beaches in the Dominican Republic are free. Local laws are such that the first 60 meters of the coast are public. That is, the security, of course, chases strangers from the hotel sunbeds, but they are not forbidden to walk along the shore.

+ The season in Punta Cana is the longest in the country: you can relax here all year round, if you are not afraid of tropical humidity (the hottest months are July-August). The mountain range protects against hurricanes.

- On the negative side: there are the same algae that are sargassos. They are cleaned, but not always and not everywhere they have time.

- The strength of the ocean still prevails, and the waves are often raging, it is windy.

Who is good for rest in Punta Cana? Both families and youth.

What hotels do tourists choose?

5 * Barcelo Bavaro Palace - gorgeous beach + jacuzzi on the balcony. This hotel is very popular for families with children (there is a water park, a kids club, and an evening disco for teenagers).
Tour for 10 days: from 240,000 rubles
4 * Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa - excellent cuisine, good rooms, the territory is cozy and "meaningful" - there is where to walk, sit under a palm tree, take pictures.
Tour for 10 days: from 230,000 rubles
5 * Be Live Collection Punta Cana - yes, the hotel has a mediocre beach and a marina nearby, but for an economy vacation this is a normal option (food, water, fruit - everything is available). As the reviews of tourists conclude "for the unpretentious."
Tour for 10 days: from 170,000 rubles
5 * Riu Republica is a quality hotel in terms of food, territory, and service. Carefully and promptly remove algae from the beach. Caution, 18+ concept! That is, rest without children.
Tour for 10 days: from 190,000 rubles

Boca Chica

Where is the best place to rest in the Dominican Republic for a budget tourist? Boca Chica is the cheapest resort in the country (if the amount of 120-130 thousand for two can be called such).

+ Boca Chica is loved by Russian tourists. Perhaps, the beaches here are not the best, but they are decent and beautiful, the town itself is lively - there is a port here.

+ There are no winds and calm waters, due to the reefs surrounding the coast.

+ The entry into the sea is shallow, long, in places very shallow.

- Since Boca Chica is close to the capital and there are many cheap hotels, on weekends the resort turns into a dacha for locals - Dominicans arrive in noisy and large companies, check into hotels, chill by the pools and beach by the sea. The description is not the most rosy.

Who rests well in Boca Chica? Young people and everyone who needs it inexpensively.

Hotels marked with a plus sign:

4 * Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach - decent animation, great food, clean rooms.
Tour for 10 days: from 160,000 rubles
3 * Whala Boca Chica - tourists complain about the lack of variety in food and animation, although the quality of both is quite on the level.
Tour for 10 days: from 125,000 rubles
3 * Bellevue Dominican Bay is the most popular hotel, such a strong 3 stars.
Tour for 10 days: from 145,000 rubles

La Romana

A small town on the Caribbean Sea, quite touristy. About the resort:

+ "Hotel" place. You need to go to rest with the expectation of "refreshing" on the territory and on the beach). But there are very few of them, hotels, - literally 10. Hence the high prices for tours.

+ Nevertheless, there is at least some entertainment here - a street with shops.

+ The beaches are very clean and comfortable.

+ The resort is located in a bay, so the water is calm and without algae.

- There are fewer excursions from La Romana.

Who rests well in La Romana? Family tourists and those seeking privacy.

What about the hotels?

5 * Be Live Collection Canoa - when you need it fun (great animation) and tasty (high-quality buffet with a variety of fruits).
Tour for 10 days: from 170,000 rubles
The 5 * Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is a quality hotel with a good beach.
Tour for 10 days: from 250,000 rubles
5 * Casa De Campo Resort & Villas is a landmark hotel. It occupies a gigantic territory - 28 sq. Km (this is the area of a small town or village. For example, the area of Mytischey is 32 sq. Km). In terms of the variety of the attached infrastructure, it has no analogues in the Dominican Republic. Designed for a relaxing holiday.
Tour for 10 days: from 400,000 rubles O_o

Santo Domingo

The capital of the state, and Santo Domingo is NOT suitable for recreation. The Dominican Republic boasts this city as the oldest in all of America, and ... that's all.

Further devastation begins, garbage, locals wandering around - and hence the close attention to the stray tourists. It's not worth going here on your own. See the city on an excursion - why not, look at the real (unsightly) life of the Dominican Republic.

What's interesting from the attractions: the Colonial zone, where the first stone house in America, the oldest cathedral, monastery, and hospital have been preserved) and the Columbus lighthouse. The beaches cannot be compared with the classic Dominican beaches - everything is very sad.

But in February, holidays are held in Santo Domingo - the Dominican Republic walks at a local carnival.

We do not provide a list of hotels in Santo Domingo, because there is nothing for a tourist to do here.

Cabarete

The surfing capital of the Atlantic Ocean. A youth resort where people go to surf, kite and hang out in the evenings. Waves are attached;)

There is only one hotel available on a tour package and several beaches:

Encuentro Beach is a surf beach with very comfortable waves, which are suitable for both beginners and those who have been "in the know" for a long time.
Kite Beach - here you can go kite, learn to kitesurf (on a board with a parachute) or sit in a coastal restaurant with a cocktail and watch the beautiful waves and beautiful kiteboarders.

The same hotel:

4 * Viva Wyndham Tangerine - according to reviews it is quite consistent with 4-ke, although nothing enchanting.
Tour for 10 days: from 160,000 rubles

Puerto Plata

This is the Atlantic coast, which means there are always big waves, and the sand is not pearly white, but grayish or yellowish.

- The waves are steeper than on the Caribbean Sea, in some places not a bathing resort (and in some places - very even).

- Overall a little cooler.

+ Party place, also thanks to sports surfers coming from all over the world.

Of the tourist towns / villages, the following stand out:

Puerto Plata
Maimon Bay (Playa de Maimon)
Sosua
Playa Dorada

The best beaches:

Long Beach in Puerto Plata is the main beach of the resort and is usually crowded on weekends.
Acapulco Beach in Puerto Plata - small, wavy, uncrowded - just right to catch the wave (whatever that means to you!).
Playa Dorada in the resort of the same name - the sand here is amber (this is not a metaphor, it is really saturated with amber), there are no waves, there are mountains in the background. Very nice (sorry for the banality, but it is).

Hotels with good reviews:

5 * Iberostar Costa Dorada (Playa Dorada) - not a very new number of rooms, but there is everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Tour for 10 days: from 175,000 rubles
5 * PlayaBachata Resort (Maimon) - good animation, good cuisine.
Tour for 10 days: from 150,000 rubles
3 * Casa Marina Beach & Reef (Sosua) - a normal hotel for its money, decent cuisine, jacuzzi pools.
Tour for 10 days: from 135,000 rubles

Juan Dolio

A small village on the Caribbean Sea, a tourist reservation for literally 3 hotels. There is absolutely nothing to do outside the territory. Close to Santa Domingo but still far enough for daily roundtrip.

The resort is surrounded by coral reefs. Therefore:

+ There are never waves here.

+ However, corals are not needed - the entry is normal, sandy.

+ Interesting underwater world, you can go snorkeling.

+ Fine.

Who rests well in Juan Dolio? For families with small children.

Recommended hotels:

4 * Emotions by Hodelpa - friendly staff, great pool, close to the beach.
Tour for 10 days: from 180,000 rubles
3 * Coral Costa Caribe - green area, swimming pools, cozy rooms.
Tour for 10 days: from 160,000 rubles

Where is the best place to relax in the Dominican Republic?

The resorts of the Dominican Republic are all good, each in its own way - especially in the Russian winter. In high season (late autumn / winter / early spring), you can choose anyone, even on the southern or even on the northern coast, based on three factors: the price of the tour, the hotel, the beach.

On the first point: to relax directly cheaply in the Dominican Republic is unlikely to work. The flight, whatever one may say, is very long and budgetary, by definition. However, inexpensively "catching" a ticket to a good hotel is quite possible - do not get tied to a specific place and search all over the country. If you have time, periodically monitor tour aggregators:

Travelata
Onlinetours
Level.Travel

They show who has what is cheaper and when (pay attention to the price charts).

The most popular resorts from those for which there are tours from Russia:

✓ Punta Cana

✓ Boca Chica

✓ La Romana

✓ Puerto Plata

About the hotel: you have to choose the best one in your budget. And rely more on the reviews of tourists than on "stardom". The hotels here have a very peculiar service - if something breaks in the room, the chances that it will be repaired and there will be no more problems are small. At the reception, they will accept the application, they will smile and nod sympathetically, but the air conditioner will drip / drain in the shower, it is bad to drain the water, as before. Moreover, there are such reviews about fives, and fours, and threes.

About the beach: everything is simple, you need to choose according to your "Wishlist". Otherwise, you will dream of white sand, palm trees on the shore, a gentle entrance and turquoise water. Arrive, and there are waves and surfers! Okay, this is unlikely, nevertheless, in any resort there are landscapes around, as from photos on Instagram :)

No waves, good with children:	Youth and party:	Inexpensive:
La Romana (Bayahibe) Juan Dolio Punta Cana	Boca Chica Puerto Plata Cabarete	Boca Chica

* next to La Romana is the Bayahibe sub-resort. Tourists with kids love it, because there are no waves and algae, and entry into the water is gradual. The beaches are beautiful, but narrower than in Punta Cana. Plus, there is no reef here and you can snorkel.

* Cap Cana (Atlantic) is a super luxury near Punta Cana. Positioned as for very rich people who need not all inclusive, but a la carte and haute cuisine.

* by the way, for complete relaxation and solitude, you can also consider the Samana Peninsula, there will be the least number of people.

What to see in the Dominican Republic? sights

Sights in the Dominican Republic are mainly natural - islands, waterfalls, jungle forests.

The most popular excursions:

to the capital of Santo Domingo - cultural and educational
to the "paradise" island of Saona

Judging by the reviews of tourists, all excursions can be bought from locals at prices that are almost 2 times lower than from tour operators. But how are things going with the safety of such trips - the question

What you need to see (even with local guides, even with hotel guides, even yourself)?

- Santo Domingo - how can you not see the oldest (!) American city when you are so close? There is also the incredible Los Tres Ojos cave, which is also included in the program.

Tour operator price ≈ $ 100 per person; on site ≈ $ 70.

- Saona Island is the one from the bounty ad. What other arguments are needed? The excursion includes transportation by bus and boat.

Tour operator price ≈ $ 100 per person; on site ≈ $ 50.

- Eco-park - in the Dominican Republic, such entertainment is popular for tourists. On the territory there are almost always zip lines, animals, rum, cigars and natural attractions in the area (waterfalls, caves, etc.).

Tour operator price ≈ $ 150 per person; on site ≈ $ 80.

About car rental.

Yes, you can move around on your own. You can save money with the international car rental service RentalCars. On the website, the minimum prices for a car are from $ 25 per day, while on-site at the hotel the cost is already from $ 60.

Prices for holidays in the Dominican Republic - travel budget

Prices for holidays in the Dominican Republic are more expensive than Turkey or Asia for a Russian tourist. But white beaches attract, despite the long flight and non-budget trips.How much does a tour to the Dominican Republic cost? On average, without looking for transcendental stars, for 150,000-200,000 rubles, you can buy yourself quite a decent vacation for 10 days.

What's in the Dominican Republic? How much money should I take with me?

It is clear that the budget will be different. But, as a rule, everyone needs money for excursions, souvenirs and a sudden impulse to eat outside the hotel.

The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). The exchange rate with the ruble is almost 1: 1 (1 ruble ≈ 1.15 DOP). But in high esteem - American dollars (all excursions are paid in them, and in stores they will accept). The euro to peso rate is bad, it is better not to take them with you at all.

The prices in the institutions of the Dominican Republic are very similar to those in Moscow: