New Offerings in the Dominican Republic

Some Caribbean destinations may have struggled over the past few years, but nothing can keep the Dominican Republic down. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The past three years have seen hotel brands from Dreams to Palace Resorts to Barcelo opening new properties and renovating existing ones. Here’s the skinny on the most exciting changes afoot in DR development.

For families, all-inclusive hotels are the way to go. Until recently, the all-inclusive offerings in the DR couldn’t match up to the Riviera Maya or Jamaica. That's all changing in a big way. Exhibit A: In the winter of 2010 the Barcelo Bávaro Beach Resort opened. One of the frontrunners in Dominican Republic development, this self-contained all-inclusive paradise encompasses several properties, all neighboring each other on a 1.2-mile stretch of prime beachfront property. Recent renovations poured tens of millions of dollars into the various hotels, updating everything, transforming some of the older buildings, and rolling out new brands to appeal to a changing demographic. The newest is Barcelo Bávaro Palace Deluxe, billed as the ultimate family destination in the DR for various reasons, including a centralized entertainment complex with a theater, and a designated “Family Suites” area with its very own water park.

Punta Cana—All-Inclusive, Romantic, Esplendido

Everyone knows that the first part of casting a spell is finding the right words...and Amresorts in Punta Cana is working some special magic when it comes to their all-inclusive hotels. You know that their properties—Secrets, Dreams, and now Zoëtry—are beautiful, even before you see them. How can you not, when you're talking about a tropical Dream? Or a place full of romantic Secrets by the sea? Or a luxury spa resort whose name rhymes with "poetry?"

Though Dreams has been a familiar name in Mexico for some time, Secrets and Zoëtry are newer brands, and all three are relatively new to Punta Cana. Some of the policies are consistent across brands—for example, the "no reservations" policy at the restaurants, the full-sized liquor bottles in rooms, and the tipping-included policy. However, aesthetically and in terms of ambience, they vary greatly.
Dreams used to be another property, but was renovated and then reflagged, reopening in December 2008. It's now got the signature look that you never forget after your first daylight look: Open spaces, gleaming white-on-white exteriors, deep blue accents that recall Crete in the Mediterranean. The suites are big and breezy, with cool white tile floors and flowy tropical curtains hiding sliding glass doors. Dreams can provide a romantic experience, but it's also kid- and teen-friendly—so, no wonder their special events forte is destination weddings.

Top 3 Money-Saving All-Inclusive Trips to the Tropics

When food, drinks, and activities are included in the price, a tropical resort vacation can feel like a downright bargain. Here's a guide to three Caribbean island resorts where the price is right.

Nassau, Bahamas
Accommodations at the Paradise Island Harbour Resort include three meals daily, unlimited house drinks, snacks throughout the day, snorkeling, bike rentals, use of the swimming pool, activities for kids ages 4 to 12, and more.

Top 5 Tropical All-Inclusive Resorts

At these balmy all-inclusive getaways, you won’t have to keep reaching for your wallet. Just be sure to check each resort’s policies carefully to make sure you know what’s included in your base price.

Coconut Bay Resort, Saint Lucia
This super family-friendly resort offers a wing intended just for guests with kids, featuring colorful rooms, Cocoland, St. Lucia’s largest water park, and a paintball facility as well as a supervised Kidz Klub.

Allegro Resort Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Watch the blue-green waves lapping against the white sand shores from a thatch-roofed villa in this charming Caribbean resort.