Wanderlust World Wanderlust World A 2008 article in "USA Today" suggested all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic for vacationers who were seeking luxury but who were also budget-conscious. Commonly known as "the DR'" by seasoned travelers, the nation is located on the island of Hispaniola and has started to cater to vacationing travelers looking for a way to enjoy paradise inexpensively. The old image of all-inclusive resorts with their bad buffets, questionable service and cheap accommodations is in the past. Today, all-inclusive resorts have upgraded their amenities, restaurant options, service and accommodation in order to remain competitive with a la carte hotels and cruises. Resorts have also expanded to cater to family vacationers, romantic couples of all ages and even to single travelers.
The "New York Times" listed the 7,000 square feet Casa de Campo as one the best all-inclusive resorts for families in 2006. The luxurious resort offers double rooms for small families and private villas of up to six bedrooms with stunning ocean views for larger families. Families can take part in a wide variety of activities such as beach Olympics, treasure hunts, water sports and a coconut bowling tournament. Casa de Campo also provides fully-supervised, activity-packed day camps for toddlers, kids, tweens and teens. Guests have a choice of over over different restaurants, from Spanish cuisine to pizzas to grilled seafood, as part of the all-inclusive package.
Casa de Campo
P.O. Box 140
La Romana, Dominican Republic
800-877-3643
Res1@pwmonline.com
casadecampo.com.do/
The secluded Excellence Punta Cana is situated on a 30-mile stretch of powdery, white-sand beach perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The luxurious resort offers rooms and suites with stunning views of the ocean and the mountains, and there is even a swim-up suite with direct private pool access. Guests can enjoy international dining with their choice of seven restaurants including the Lobster House, which serves a la carte succulent fresh lobster dishes. Ten different bars, lounges and clubs are fantastic options to end the night. Couples can receive full-service spa treatments in the outdoor, oceanfront bungalow at the Mile Spa. Numerous outdoor activities and sports, including complimentary 30-minute horseback riding, are offered for adventurous guests.
Excellence Punta Cana
Playas Uvero Alto -- Higuey
Provincia la Altagracia
Dominican Republic
809-685-9880
puntacana@excellence-resorts.com
excellence-resorts.com/
Sivory Punta Cana has been mentioned in "Travel and Leisure" magazine "World's Best" awards list primarily for its ultra-secluded location and emphasis on small-scale luxury. This boutique hotel, which has only 55 rooms, may interest single travelers looking to avoid the colossal size of most resorts and relax in a quaint resort on a private tropical beach. Sivory offers its guests an array of activities including a fully-equipped gym, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing. There are also several 18-hole golf courses near the resort for golf enthusiasts. The resort also has three restaurants, a cigar lounge and a wine cellar with over 8,000 wines.
Playa Sivory
Uvero Alto -- Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
809-333-0500
Reservations@sivorypuntacana.com
sivorypuntacana.com/