Punta Cana for Romantics, Golfers, Yogis, Families & More: Your Perfect Caribbean Escape
Of the 5.3 million visitors to the Dominican Republic in 2019 (note: no "the" in the official name), most chose Punta Cana. With its 30-mile stretch of powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and swaying palms, it's easy to see why this destination captivates travelers.
Recent renovations and exciting new openings are elevating Punta Cana to new heights. Whether you're a longtime fan or planning your first visit, discover why it suits these six traveler types perfectly:
Authenticity Seekers
Punta Cana blends luxury resorts with genuine local culture. At the revamped Occidental Punta Cana, indulge in an all-Dominican dessert buffet featuring majarete, arroz con dulce, and rare habichuelas con dulce. Enjoy al fresco evenings with live merengue bands and folkloric dancers. Excellence Punta Cana's The Kitchen Table spotlights local flavors, while Bohío at Barceló Bávaro Palace serves an authentic Dominican menu.
Venture beyond the resort to acclaimed local restaurants. At Capitán Cook on Bávaro Beach, savor fresh catch and tostones with ocean views and kite surfers. Playa Blanca excels in Dominican staples like chivo guisado (spicy goat stew) with coconut rice. For indulgence, visit Mundo Auténtico to taste local rum, chocolate, and watch expert cigar rollers.
Romantics
Punta Cana's baseline romance—powdery sands, crystal-clear waters, and palm-fringed beaches—is unmatched, with new options turning up the intimacy.
Adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach offers Premium Level oceanfront suites with private hot tubs and spa hydrotherapy. Newer gems include plunge pool suites with butler service at Secrets Cap Cana and swim-out suites at Be Live Collection Punta Cana. For boutique charm, the updated 55-suite Le Sivory features Bali-inspired beachfront suites with private pools and an 8,000-bottle wine cellar.
Dine magically aboard the sailboat-shaped La Yola at Punta Cana Marina, where curried lobster pairs perfectly with bachata music. Embrace the nightlife at Calle Aruba in Los Corales; Living Room delivers rum cocktails and live music for irresistible dancing.
The Serenity Seekers
Punta Cana's beaches inspire tranquility, but its world-class spas take relaxation further.
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, a spa benchmark, offers transformative treatments like the Regional Treatment (maracuyá scrub, wrap, and yogurt massage) or Seaweed Body Treatment (alga exfoliation, cocooning, and lymphatic drainage). Hyatt Zilara's Larimar Spa features a cavernous design with 14 rooms, quartz therapy, and the Dominican Republic's first Himalayan Salt Lounge. Yogis adore Chic Punta Cana's sunrise beachside yoga.
Families
Family resorts amp up the fun. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana boasts a water park with lazy river, slides, and cannons. Calm Caribbean waters invite kayaking and snorkeling. KidZ Club and Teen Club (with DJ lessons) provide age-appropriate adventures.
Explore Scape Park's 247 acres for horseback riding, zip-lining, and wildlife. For thrills, Bávaro Adventure Park offers mountain biking and zorbing.
Golfers
A premier golf destination, Punta Cana hosted the Dominican Republic's first PGA event: the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship (March 26-29, 2020). Play Golfweek's top Caribbean course, 2019's Punta Espada Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus design with clifftop fairways and ocean holes.
Nearby Casa de Campo's Golf Learning Center features a 430-yard driving range and tech for swing analysis.
Fishing Enthusiasts
With one of the Caribbean's longest coastlines, Punta Cana excels in lagoon, fly, and deep-sea fishing for mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, swordfish, and more.
Upcoming: Casa de Campo International Blue Marlin Classic (April) and Cabeza de Toro International White Marlin Tournament (May). Charters like Gone Fishing and Atlántida Punta Cana suit all levels.
With endless attractions, Punta Cana will have you planning your return.
