4 Best Hotels in Southeast Coast, Dominican Republic

One of the country's oldest and most famous resorts, which set the benchmark for luxury travel in the Caribbean when it was built in the mid-1970s, is in the top tier of the Dominican Republic's luxury properties. The striking beauty of the minimalist design and decor utilizes rich woods and open spaces set off by splashes of jewel tones. Rooms and villas are outfitted with fine European linens, large flat-screen TVs, and high-tech lighting; each comes with a golf cart, though there's also an efficient shuttle system. There are numerous restaurants and nightlife options, and there's an annual array of festivals and special events. The spa, with its private water-treatment section, is a pleasurable place to relax and revive.

This outstanding all-inclusive resort sits on an exceptional palm-fringed ribbon of white sand, protected by a coral reef that offers great snorkeling from the (Blue Flag) beach. The glorious sea-view pool and Oceana restaurant form an impressive complex and are often the site of weddings. The renovated spa is exceptional, especially the gym. The Kids' Explorers Club (open until 10 pm) raises the resort's family profile. The property also includes a fun disco, a glam casino, a Core Zone for teenagers, and 11 restaurants (plus 24-hour room service). The lobby is enhanced with tropical plantings and stylish European furnishings.

The resort's idyllic beach with its lighthouse bar is that perfect Caribbean postcard; a well-run and -equipped gym and spa help keep it competitive. Junior suites are worth the few dollars more, simply because they are larger and have a sofa for lounging. Breakfast buffets are bountiful, and the Japanese grill is one of the better specialty restaurants, as is El Colonial, the lovely gourmet room. The loyal clientele is an interesting mix, with some young adults, seniors, hip families with little kids, and enough French guests to warrant stocking Pernod in the lobby bar. Other memorable touches are the gorgeous grounds, pool complex, imaginative lobby decor, white wedding gazebo surrounded by a swan-filled lagoon, and the creative mini-club for kids.

Older Americans looking for an affordable all-inclusive vacation may prefer this classier sister to the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort, which draws a younger and more family-oriented clientele. Guest rooms are in blocks, and you will want a sea view and to upgrade to a Premium room or couples retreat (for not much more). Make certain that you request accommodations that have been remodeled with flat-screen TVs installed, as many are dated and in need of renovation. Palace guests can access the VIP Beach Club and the upscale Atlantis restaurant, which has a supplement. The main buffet and lobby have been renovated and now have a contemporary look. La Placita, modeled after the central plazas in Italy, is where guests from both resorts socialize, stroll, drink, or party, but there are no resort shuttles. The long expanse of gorgeous beach boasts a Blue Flag designation for unpolluted waters; snorkeling is good right off the beach. Nonguests sample what it has to offer by buying a day pass (10 am–2 am).