Key Takeaways:

• While Punta Cana is a well-known destination for a great beach vacation, other parts of the Dominican Republic are worthy of exploring
• Wellness vacations and luxury resorts are on the rise in newly developing destinations like Miches and established destinations such as Samaná
• In this destination summary for wellness getaways in Dominican Republic, ALG Vacations® offers stay suggestions as well as activities across the country, including Santo Domingo, Puerta Plata, La Romana, and others

When “Dominicana Smiles at You,” it’s hard not to feel good. But more importantly, it can be a destination where visitors come to feel well.

For decades now, the Dominican Republic has been the leading Caribbean destination for accessible all-inclusive sun and sand getaways for literally every type of vacationer. From families on a budget or friend trips to multi-generational reunions and destination weddings; from affordable first trips for young couples to luxurious honeymoons and romantic anniversary escapes, it’s long been said that “Dominican Republic Has It All.”

But what’s fallen under the radar is that it’s also (fittingly) quietly become one of the best places to take a deep breath, relax, recharge, and recenter in a holistic manner. Yes, popular Punta Cana is a hot spot and always will be, but within that destination are resorts that are peaceful oases in the middle of the action. And across the island nation, there are various other regions with wellness-focused resorts engineered to be healing environments, built intentionally away from the fuss to help you reconnect your mind, body, and soul in pristine natural environments.

In places like these, you can find a mindful balance between adventure, leisure, dining, nature, and relaxation. Here’s what we recommend.

Miches

Recently top of mind for the Dominican Republic’s rest and reset regions is Miches, an emerging vacation destination that has quickly gained traction among luxury travelers. It’s a natural setting, with untouched beauty and beaches, and a naturally slower rhythm.

Visitors have found it remarkably easy to disconnect from technology, explore the outdoors, and find wellness-focused experiences, the selection of which has made the area unique.

DO: Set a morning aside for a sunrise at Montaña Redonda, where a shuttle can take you to the top for less than $2. Lookouts offer breathtaking 360° views of the ocean, lagoons, and lush greenery high above the mountains; the daring can swing over the edge for a little exhilaration.

STAY: Secrets® and Dreams® Playa Esmeralda Resorts & Spas are luxurious ways to get acquainted with the area, especially with free-flow exchange privileges between the two neighboring properties. And coming soon, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Click here to read our Hotel Confidential preview report! Other options we recommend include Marriot Miches, An All-Inclusive Beach Resort, and Viva Miches by Wyndham All-Inclusive.

Samaná

This destination on the northeastern side of the island nation is a classic off-the-beaten-path resort area for a calm pace and hidden beaches. Longer stays are the move for visits to Samaná—all the better to ensure no sense of rush to interrupt the restful nature of this eco-paradise. Click here to read 6 Reasons Why Samana, Dominican Republic Should Be on Your Vacation Wish List.

Low-rising mountains with steep slopes form the bulk of the background landscape when not taking in ocean views that feed into the Atlantic. White sand beaches outline the otherwise rocky peninsula that reaches out toward offshore island Cayo Levantado.

DO: Experience whale watching in season—approximately 2,500 majestic humpback whales love this corner of the Caribbean for their mating and birthing seasons. Make sure to work in a practice yoga on Playa Rincón, one of the Caribbean’s most pristine beaches, no matter when you visit.

STAY: Cayo Levantado Resort is a great upmarket all-inclusive contender, set on the small island and accessible by a short, relaxing boat ride that takes you to a Victorian-inspired dock for your week of seclusion. Bahia Principe Grand Samana is an excellent choice for an adults-only vacation, and is eco-certified, which means better odds of seeing native wildlife in this unspoiled habitat, while Bahia Principe Portillo is family-friendly.

Puerto Plata

Not sure if you can fully commit to detaching yourself from the bustle? This destination’s got you. In Puerto Plata, you can explore both wellness and local culture. As a trading port and tourism hub both, this destination on the northern coast lets you pace your trip as you like by offering options for both styles.

Create a vacation cadence that alternates between spa and resort days spent relaxing on golden beaches (despite silver being its namesake!) and days spent at local markets and historic sights.

DO: Stroll along the charmingly colorful streets of the historic downtown stopping at museums along the way, such as the Dominican Amber Museum. There, you can get a glimpse of suspended local history with preserved fossils, including the mosquito used in classic film “Jurassic Park.” On another day, try windsurfing in famous, nearby Carbarete, largely considered the best in the country,

STAY: Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada is a top pick for an all-inclusive stay while Casa Colonial Beach & Spa impresses with its classic tropical colonial-style luxury.

Santo Domingo

There are a lot of reasons to visit Santo Domingo, and most of them are for the city’s liveliness. Renowned for its nightlife, a spectacular Pride and Carnival season, and fantastic coffee, it’s a place where most associate with high energy and wanting to stay up.

However, there are also plenty of ways to relax and detox in the midst of it all. History lives on at the Catedral Primada de America and the Colonial Zone around the first Catholic cathedral in the Americas, and if you’re lucky and have a keen eye, you might be able to take home a piece of it from its many antique stores and flea markets. And of course, there are several gorgeous beaches to relax on when you’re not re-energizing your mind with cultural enrichment.

DO: Enjoy a mindful sunrise stroll before the city wakes up to soak in the atmosphere and history. Visit the Choco Museum and take part in a workshop and have a coffee at Mamey’s Libreria Book Café, where you can relax in the library, art gallery, and Spanish courtyard. Extend your Meatless Monday to a produce-based full-week escape by choosing restaurants like Raices, Bambu, Co-Organico Jugueria, Ama Luna Vegan Restaurant & Lab, Fresh Fresh Café, or signing up for a vegan food tour for an overview. Make sure to pair these activities with a nature escape just outside the capital. Amstar DMC offers several.

STAY: For a central location, Catalonia Santo Domingo right on the boardwalk and JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo in the Piantini District of downtown are excellent choices. In the older quarter, Kimpton Las Mercedes by IHG offers a lovely boutique stay and nearby Barceló Santo Domingo is a great pick for value. But if you’re looking for something iconic, El Embajador a Royal Hideaway Hotel, is the one for you. The first luxury hotel in the entire country, this hotel is marked by over 60 years of history as the preeminent hotel for state visits to the Dominican Republic. Another option: try nearby Juan Dolio Beach by staying at Coral Costa Carib Resort & Spa, just outside the city area.

La Romana

Well-established as a coveted resort destination, its reputation for leisure and luxury precedes it. La Romana is a popular cruise stop for its duty-free shops and day trip options to Saona Island beaches. It’s also beloved for the excellent snorkeling and scuba diving in nearby Bayahibe, beautiful golf courses, two nature reserves, and of course, the famous Altos de Chavon, a Mediterranean-style village attraction affiliated with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

All of these have made it a prime spot for upscale development, which means spas aplenty for the resorts that pepper its shores.

DO: Book a cattle ranch trail ride at the Casa de Campo equestrian center or go spa-hopping at the various resorts. Each hotel’s spa has their own catalog of treatments and amenities, so decide if you’d like to spend the day in a private garden, participate in meditative yoga first, or do your own thing on the first beach in the Caribbean to receive Blue Flag certification, Dominicus Beach.  Make sure to combine relaxation with exploration—visit Saona Island for a day trip, unwind on the pristine beaches of Bayahibe, and never miss an opportunity to take a mindful beach walk.

STAY: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is an obvious choice for its full campus of relaxation, sport, and leisure activities. This comprehensive complex is a posh legend with a celebrity following, since guests are still able to find privacy within its 7,000 oceanfront acres. Other upscale choices nearby include adults-only Secrets® La Romana and Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville. For families, take a look at Bahia Principe Grand La Romana and Dreams® Dominicus La Romana.

Punta Cana

The most famous vacation destination in the Dominican Republic, there’s no shortage of choice here. Relax and find wellness in whatever form you desire—there’s a property for literally every type of traveler. Accessible luxury, fantasy opulence, family-friendly value, secluded retreats, and environmental immersion are all categories that are easy to find in Punta Cana.

DO: Balance your time between luxury resort relaxation (beachfront spa treatment with local cacao or coconut, anyone?) with eco-adventures, such as cenote swimming or catamaran sailing for full rejuvenation.

STAY: Secrets® Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dreams® Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Secrets® Tides Punta Cana, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana are modern, fan-favorite choices in the upscale enclave of Cap Cana. Other Unlimited-Luxury® properties in the Dominican Republic’s resort central include Dreams® Royal Beach, Secrets® Royal Beach, Dreams® Macao Beach Punta Cana, and the newly built Dreams® Flora Resort & Spa. 

A timeless classic remains the crowd-pleasing, super-sized Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, and nearby Riu Palace Bavaro and Riu Palace Macao. Other recommendations include those in the Bahia Principe Bavaro Complex such as newly renovated Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar Adults-Only. Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is another great choice for upscale travelers.

Also consider W Punta Cana, Royalton Bavaro, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, Grand Palladium Select Bavaro, TRS Turquesa Hotel, Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort, and Paradisus Palma Real Resort for your different audiences. Plus, coming soon, there’s Zel Punta Cana, a lifestyle resort that’s soon to be home to the country’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in 2026.

Looking for more spa stay inspo? Read on for Stays that Put the “Ahh” in Spa for ALGV top picks. Plus, did you know you can earn rewards by booking travel to Dominican Republic? Click here to learn more!