The First City in America, Santo Domingo is home to the first cathedral, university, monastery, castle and fortress in the New World. However, when it comes destinations for beach resorts, Santo Domingo is often passed over by visitors looking for an all-inclusive beach vacation. However, if you’re interested in walking the streets of the New World’s oldest city as well as sipping cocktails with your toes in the sand, then Santo Domingo is the only place for you. Nightly rates for all-inclusive beach resorts can be pretty pricey, but we’ve managed to include a few options that won’t break the bank. We chose the best based on factors such as services and amenities, aesthetics and design, location and price. Here’s what we found:
Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa
From $250/night
Surrounded by tropical gardens and just a short walk from the white-sand beaches of Juan Dolio, Coral Costa Caribe features a luxury spa and three outdoor pools. The all inclusive option covers unlimited dining at the resort’s four onsite restaurants serving local Dominican favorites and Caribbean delicacies. Guests can enjoy windsurfing, snorkeling, tennis, volleyball, miniature golf and a kid’s play area.
Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach
From $173/night
The all inclusive option promises a unique gastronomic adventure from hotel’s six onsite restaurants serving a range of cuisine from Mexican and Brazilian to Italian and international. Activities include miniature golf, table tennis, billiards, tennis, volleyball, as well as an onsite casino, water park and theater. Keep in mind that Be Live is a family-friendly beach resort with plenty of activities and play areas to keep the kids entertained.
Emotions Juan Dolio
From $105/night
Smaller and less crowded than many other beach resorts in the area, Emotions offers a laidback but luxurious experience. Located between Playa Juan Dolio and Playa Real, the beach is just steps away from the white sands of the Dominican Republic’s southern coast. The all inclusive option includes unlimited wining and dining at Emotions’ six onsite restaurants serving international and local cuisine buffet and á la carte. Activities include tennis, billards, dances classes, darts, ping-pong and frisbee competitions and a show every evening.
BelleVue Dominican Bay
From $107/night
Located in Boca Chica and just a short walk from the beach, BelleVue Dominican Bay offers an all inclusive option that covers unlimited dining at its three onsite restaurants serving international, Caribbean and Italian cuisine and unlimited beverages at its four onsite bars. Complimentary activities include horseback riding, surfing, sailing, fishing, dancing and tennis.
Whala!boca Chica – All Inclusive
From $69/night
Located on a private stretch of Boca Chica beach just a short drive from Aeropuerto Las Americas, whala!boca chica offers all inclusive vacation packages at very affordable rates. All inclusive guests receive unlimited alcoholic beverages and meals at the resort’s four gourmet restaurants which serve local favorites as well as international cuisine. Onsite activities include tennis, windsurfing, bike tours and scuba diving. The suites feature ocean and garden views.
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa
From $286/night
Not an all inclusive but still worth a mention is Casa Colonial Beach & Spa. Located in the historic center of Santo Domingo and just a short walk from Playa Montesinos, Casa Colonial is a lovingly renovated mansion with four ultra-modern suites, including two with rooftop jacuzzis that offer great views of Santo Domingo. If you’re interested in exploring the history and architecture of the Dominican Republic’s captial, Casa Colonial is your best bet.
Luca Hotel
From $215/night
A charming chic-boutique in Santo Domingo’s historical district, Luca Hotel features a courtyard gardern, skylounge, rooftop jacuzzi and restaurant with great views of the city. The luxuriously appointed suites feature high ceilings and spacious marble bathrooms and the onsite restaurant serves a mouthwatering mix of international and Caribbean cuisine. Located with walking distance from the Malecon, Luca offers bike rentals for exploring the Zona Colonial.