The Ultimate Dominican Republic Travel Guide: Hidden Beaches, Culture & Luxury Resorts

Las Terrenas & Samaná

A scenic drive from Santo Domingo brings you to Las Terrenas, a lively coastal town where European flair meets Caribbean ease. Picture palm-fringed beaches like Playa Bonita and Playa Bahía de Rincón, boutique hotels hidden among coconut groves, and small French cafés where locals and travelers mingle over chilled rosé and freshly baked croissants.

Nearby, Samaná unfolds as a lush tropical paradise, home to cascading waterfalls, pristine coves, and whale-watching between January and March—one of nature’s most moving spectacles. Hidden beaches such as Playa Frontón and Playa Ermitaño are accessible only by private boat or local yola, adding an air of discovery to your adventure. Hike the coastal cliffs or take a horseback ride through the jungle to El Limón Waterfall, where a refreshing plunge awaits beneath the falls.

• A note from Sonia: “Samaná’s landscapes feel untouched — you can still have a beach almost entirely to yourself.”

What to do

• Whale-watching in Samaná Bay (Jan–Mar): Witness the majestic humpbacks in their natural habitat.

• Cayo Levantado Island: A dreamlike escape. Stay at Cayo Levantado Beach Resort for refined tropical wellness or The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club for marina views and privacy.

• El Limón Waterfall hike: Trek through tropical forest to reach one of the island’s most spectacular natural pools.

• Explore Playa Cosón or Playa Bonita: Perfect for long swims, sunbathing, or sunset horseback rides.

• Private boat excursion: Visit Playa Ermitaño, Bahía de Rincón, and Playa Frontón—where crystal-clear water rivals the best of Bali. Don’t miss La Playita in Las Galeras for a final dip.

Cabrera & The North Coast

Cabrera remains one of the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secrets—a tranquil hideaway beloved by artists and dreamers. Think cliffside villas, hidden coves, and the warm rhythm of small-town life. Swim in Laguna Dudú, a freshwater lagoon/cenote surrounded by lush vegetation, or dive into El Saltadero de Cabrera, a spectacular waterfall where locals leap from the cliffs into shimmering blue pools.

Nearby, Playa Grande enchants with its golden sands and rolling waves. Perched above it all is Amanera Resort, a masterpiece of barefoot luxury where architecture melts into nature’s grandeur. Cabrera also boasts some of the Caribbean’s most stunning oceanfront villas—ideal for destination weddings, family reunions, or wellness retreats.

• A note from Sonia: “Cabrera is where time slows down. It’s where I send clients seeking privacy, natural beauty, and a touch of local magic.”

What to do

• Laguna Dudú: Dive into crystalline cenotes and explore hidden caves.

• Playa Grande and Playa Preciosa: Ideal for surfing or laid-back sunbathing.

• El Saltadero cliff jumping: For thrill-seekers and local adventure lovers.

• Day at Amanera: Indulge in spa treatments or lunch overlooking the endless Atlantic horizon.

Punta Cana & Cap Cana

Punta Cana is synonymous with effortless luxury—a playground of turquoise waters, palm-lined golf courses, and breezy sophistication. I love resorts like Hyatt Ziva and Zilara, but one of my favorite ways to experience the region is through a private villa in Cap Cana, complete with staff and a chef who brings local flavors to life.

Golf enthusiasts will adore Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece, while food lovers can explore the area’s evolving fine-dining scene. For an ultra-luxury stay, The St. Regis Cap Cana and Eden Roc offer boutique-style elegance—perfect for travelers who prefer non-all-inclusive experiences and enjoy dining around like a local (lucky for me, this is home!).

• A note from Sonia: “Punta Cana is my home — where luxury meets simplicity, and every beach day ends with a world-class meal.”

What to do

• Golf at Punta Espada or La Cana: Some of the Caribbean’s finest courses.

• Bike ride through Cap Cana: Scenic trails winding past beaches, lakes, and golf courses.

• Los Establos Equestrian Center: A stunning “country club for horses” with dining, a cigar lounge, and padel courts. A unique wedding venue, too.

• Catamaran cruise: Sail through the shallow turquoise lagoons or go deep-sea fishing.

• Spa day at Hyatt Zilara: Relax in Himalayan salt rooms or enjoy rejuvenating massages.

• Scape Park: Ziplining, cenotes, and eco-adventures.

• Dorado Park: A fantastic new water park for all ages.

La Romana

Beloved by families and golf aficionados alike, La Romana is timeless. The crown jewel here is Casa de Campo, a luxurious community featuring world-class golf, a chic marina, and a vibrant social scene.

Don’t miss Altos de Chavón, a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River—a hub for art, culture, and unforgettable sunsets.

What to do

• Golf at Teeth of the Dog: The Caribbean’s most celebrated course.

• Explore Altos de Chavón: Stroll cobblestone streets and shop local art galleries.

• Boat day to Catalina Island or Palmilla: Sun, snorkeling, and crystalline waters.

Punta Rucia & The Northwest

For travelers craving a more off-the-radar escape, Punta Rucia is pure magic—the Caribbean as it once was, untouched and serene. Stay in a beachfront bungalow, listen to the soft hum of waves, and let the world slow to the rhythm of the tide.

Take a short boat ride to Cayo Arena, a tiny coral islet surrounded by impossibly clear turquoise waters—a snorkeler’s paradise. Then head to El Morro for breathtaking coastal views or kayak through mangroves in the nearby national park.

• A note from Sonia: “Punta Rucia is my secret tip for travelers who want to experience the Dominican Republic’s wild beauty—just sea, sky, and peace.”

What to do

• Boat trip to Cayo Arena: Swim among colorful reefs in crystal-clear waters.

• Visit El Morro: Panoramic coastal views and serene hikes.

• Kayak through mangroves: A tranquil immersion in nature’s calm.

Las Terrenas & Samaná

• Atlantis Hotel Restaurant: Elegant seaside dining blending French-Caribbean flavors, perfect for a romantic sunset dinner.

• Le Tre Caravelle: A local favorite offering refined Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate setting.

• Port by Mosquito: Trendy, barefoot-chic dining right on the sand.

• El Mosquito Boutique Hotel: On Playa Bonita’s pristine shore, this spot exudes a casual yet vibrant vibe—French Colonial charm meets lively beach club energy, complete with oceanfront relaxation, hip weekend DJ beats, and endless water adventures.

Cabrera & The North Coast

• El Babonuco: Traditional Dominican flavors with sweeping ocean views.

• Cappuccino Vivero & Flor Café: A garden oasis offering an exceptional breakfast surrounded by tropical tranquility.

• Catalina Tropical Lodge: Breezy hilltop dining with panoramic views and a creative Caribbean-meets-Thai fusion menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.

• Queso y Yogurt Don Bululú: A must-stop for artisanal cheeses, creamy yogurt, and genuine Dominican hospitality.

• Playa Grande Beach Shacks: Casual beachfront fare: grilled lobster, fresh oysters cracked open before your eyes, and rum cocktails at irresistible prices.

• Amanera Restaurant: Fine dining that pairs ocean views with world-class cuisine.

Punta Cana & Cap Cana

• NOAH Marina: Chic marina-front dining with creative seafood dishes and stylish ambiance.

• SBG / Bachata Rosa: Lively atmosphere and elegant Dominican flair.

• La Palapa by Eden Roc: Breathtaking oceanfront dining in a romantic setting.

• Barbudo: Mediterranean simplicity with warm, attentive service.

• Maralia / Api Beach Club: Casual seaside lunches—think paella or a private beachside BBQ cooked just for you.

La Romana

• Peperoni Marina: Authentic Italian with yachts as your backdrop.

• SBG Casa de Campo: Stylish, modern, and perfect for evenings with friends.

• Onno’s Bar: Laid-back dining and sunset cocktails at Altos de Chavón.

Punta Rucia & The Northwest

• Green Paradise Restaurant: Oceanfront seafood perfection.

• Punta Rucia Lodge Restaurant: Caribbean cuisine with sunset views from private bungalows.