CARIBBEAN JOURNAL RANKS SECRETS CAP CANA WITHIN TOP 10 HOTELS IN PUNTA CANA

Article repost from Caribbean Journal

Punta Cana: it’s the beating heart of the most popular destination in the Caribbean, home to thousands of rooms, spectacular beaches and an unmatched collection of all-inclusive resorts.

But navigating the sea of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana isn’t easy. That’s why we’re here to help, bringing you the best places to go all-inclusive in greater Punta Cana, from tony Cap Cana to the edge of Uvero Alto and everywhere in between.

What do they all have in common? Some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the region, warm service and true all-inclusive excellence, from high-level luxury resorts to budget-friendly alternatives.

Here are our 10 favorite Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts right now.

Secrets Cap Cana AMResorts’ newest retreat in greater Punta Cana is a stunner. It’s set on Juanillo Beach, a shoreline that just might be the most beautiful in all of Punta Cana, and set in the ultra-luxurious enclave of Cap Cana. The new flagship for the Secrets brand, it’s got 457 suites, seven a la carte eateries (along with a buffet, a cafe and a grill), a Pevonia spa, and welcome in-room amenities like espresso machines, marble bathrooms, room service, and terrific Wi-Fi. In short, it’s the new standard-bearer among Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts.

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana This is a very different kind of all-inclusive, one focused on wellness, one with a palpable sense of Zen across the resort. With just 96 suites, it’s a full-fledged all-inclusive with a boutique ambience, with inspiring thatched-roof design and large rooms with wonderful little details like a welcome bottle of rum, Bulgari amenities and thrice-daily maid service. It all adds up to an experience that’s rather difficult to beat anywhere in the Dominican Republic.

Excellence El Carmen One of the newest additions to Excellence’s growing regional portfolio is this adults-only outpost in the Uvero Alto area of Punta Cana, about 25 minutes from the airport. It’s an impressive campus, with 23 pools, 12 international restaurants, pool service and beach waiter service, free daily activities, among other amenities. The best part? The 492 rooms, all of which boast either views of the ocean, private plunge pools or swim-up options.

Riu Republica Not every Punta Cana all-inclusive is an ultra-luxury enclave. There are great budget options to be found — none better than the relatively new Riu Republica, a 1,300-room adults-only resort on Punta Cana’s Arena Gorda beach. The modern, sleekly designed property has all of the Riu inclusions you’re used to, from the in-room beverage dispensers to eight energetic pools — for what is one of the best-value per-night prices in all of Punta Cana.

Sanctuary Cap Cana This 323-suite, grand all-inclusive is managed by regional travel giant Playa Hotels and Resorts. It’s a regal property designed in the style of an old Spanish castle, with a collection of diverse international eateries (including the terrific Blue Marlin seafood spot). But the standout here is what you get in the rooms, from large soaking tubs to espresso makers to massive flat-screen televisions. Our pick? Go for the swim-out suites.

The Level at Melia Caribe Tropical Long a favorite of CJ readers, this hotel-within-a-hotel is set at the sprawling Melia Caribe Tropical on Bavaro Beach. Forget the megaresort — this is all about gourmet food, private beach access, a world-class spa and golf — both for adults and for family vacations.

CHIC by Royalton Punta Cana Royalton is one of the fastest-growing hotel brands in the Caribbean — and its Chic by Royalton outpost in Punta Cana just might be the best of its portfolio. This 320-room adults-only destination has the company’s signature crisp, breezy design, a large offering of swim-up suites and some seriously cool added perks, from an on-site “Detox Oxygen Bar” to a premium culinary experience that’s worth the upcharge.

Riu Palace Punta Cana The recently-expanded (and renovated) Riu Palace has 676 units on Punta Cana’s Arena Gorda Beach, with bright decor, a completely new look, a new spa and some Riu’s new brand-wide concepts like the Capuchino cafe and pastry bar and a new Spanish eatery. It all adds up to a welcome new identity for one of Punta Cana’s landmark all-inclusive stays.