Image courtesy of Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa
Punta Cana sits at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, where white-sand beaches, clear waters and luxe resorts await. Below, we break down Fora travel advisors’ top picks for all-inclusive family resorts in Punta Cana, along with details on visiting the area in general.
“Punta Cana offers warm hospitality, safe beaches and endless activities that cater to all ages,” Fora X Advisor Ronit Margolis said. “Whether your family prefers thrilling water slides, kids’ clubs or simply lounging on a tranquil beach, Punta Cana has it all!”
All-inclusive resorts for families in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Image courtesy of Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Hyatt Ziva –- as well as neighboring Hyatt Zilara — are among Punta Cana’s more luxurious options. The former sets the stage for an excellent family vacation with its expansive water park, lazy river and supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs. Thoughtfully designed family suites — some of which are swim-up — and multiple gourmet restaurants ensure comfort and satisfied palates, while beachside activities like kayaking, snorkeling and live entertainment keep guests of all ages engaged.
“Hyatt Ziva offers a stunning beachfront setting with pristine, clean surroundings and a calm, relaxing atmosphere,” Fora X Advisor Nancy Vuletic said. “The variety of pools caters to different preferences, and adults can retreat to the adjacent Zilara adults-only section for quieter poolside relaxation and exclusive dining options.”
Menus take inspiration from around the world — and closer to home. There’s a Dominican distillery-inspired bar that serves locally made rum.
“I would not hesitate to take my grandchildren to Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana,” Fora Advisor Jill Kenedy said. “Although we stayed next door at the all-adult Hyatt Zilara — we had full access to Ziva — it was easy to see all of the fun the kids and families were having.”
Fora Perks at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana include complimentary air and concierge services.
Dreams Macao Punta Cana
Image courtesy of Dreams Macao Punta Cana
Dreams Macao offers a fun, mid-range escape for families, with a kid-friendly water park, Explorer’s Club for children and Core Zone for teens. Immediately beyond its pool complex, you can step on the palm-lined Macao Beach, which hosts a plethora of thatch-roof gazebos and lounge chairs under umbrellas. A barrier provides a degree of privacy for resort guests, but ocean access is only a few more steps away.
“The resort is set on one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean, offering stunning views and crystal-clear waters,” Fora Advisor Winnie Harwell said. “Even better, Macao Beach is seaweed-free year round, which is a rare and wonderful find in the Dominican Republic!”
The rooms are comfortable for small families, and most offer either partial or full ocean views. Dining consists of a mix of casual and elevated international restaurants — including an adults-only French option — as well as American and Mexican favorites. Plus, there’s a full-service spa and salon.
“Dreams Macao truly has something for everyone — relaxation for the adults and endless entertainment for the kids,” Winnie added.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include a $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Image courtesy of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Nickelodeon’s Punta Cana family all-inclusive resort immerses you in a whimsical world of beloved characters, themed suites and the iconic slime experience. From the sizable Aqua Nick water park to character breakfasts and interactive play zones, every detail is designed to delight children. Fora Advisor Jennifer DiDonna highlighted Nickelodeon character experiences — like those with SpongeBob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — and themed rooms like SpongeBob’s pineapple home as the resort’s biggest draw for families. While kids are front and center, adults can enjoy age-appropriate amenities like a swim-up bar and butler beach service.
Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa
Image courtesy of Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa
Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa upgrades the Macao Beach location with a larger focus on luxe amenities. The property still hosts a splash park, kids’ and teens’ clubs and a lazy river, but there’s also a high-end spa, more expansive suites — all balcony or terrace suites have a private hot tub, including options with swim-out access. There’s also 24-hour dining, engaging entertainment — like themed parties and live music — and plenty of beachside activities to choose from.
Punta Cana all-inclusive resort FAQs
Read on for more information on all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
Is Punta Cana a luxury destination?
Punta Cana leans more casual or mid-range. You can certainly opt for more luxurious amenities at most resorts along the shoreline, but if you’re seeking world-class amenities, consider all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia or Saint Kitts and Nevis, for example.
How do you get to Punta Cana?
You can reach Punta Cana by flying into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which offers direct flights to and from major cities worldwide, or by connecting through Santo Domingo or other Caribbean hubs. Some resorts include airfare as part of their all-inclusive package, and virtually all resorts include or offer airport transfers.
What are the best months to go to Punta Cana?
December to April is Punta Cana’s peak travel season. These months bring the best weather — warm temperatures and little rain — but the largest crowds. May to June and November still offer comfortable weather, and have the added benefits of smaller crowds and better rates (usually). July and August can be good months to visit if you don’t mind the heat, but September and October should generally be avoided, as this is peak hurricane season.
How does Punta Cana compare to Cancún, Mexico?
Punta Cana and Cancún — home to many of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico — are both great beach destinations. The former mostly has a laid-back, resort-centered experience, while Cancún offers a more dynamic mix of culture, accommodation options and entertainment. Cancún is heavily commercialized and filled with resorts of all types, but there are also nearby cultural sites like Chichén Itzá that bring variety to the mix. If you’re interested in diving deep into Dominican culture, you may wish to choose a different destination, such as Santo Domingo, over Punta Cana.
Is Punta Cana safe for families?
Generally, yes. However, Fora Advisors recommended leaving valuables at home and sticking to resort areas. If you wish to leave the resort, advisors suggested going through a reputable tour company for peace of mind (and to avoid paying excessive cab fares). Travel insurance can further ease worries.
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