Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Resorts for When the Caribbean Calls

On the Costa Dorada along the island’s northern shores, Iberostar Costa Dorada has 5-star accommodation for the whole family. Choose from 516 rooms set in tropical gardens, some with direct access to the beach so you can be the first to get your toes in the sand every morning. If your brood is on the larger side, book the Family Double room to rest on the balcony while the kids battle it out on the in-room Playstation. There’s also a seafront Junior Sea View Suite if you want no barriers between you and the Caribbean’s crystal-blue waters.

As for activities, little ones can spend the day dancing, snorkelling and cooking at Star Camp, leaving parents free to sink into a hydromassage tub or book a reflexology massage at Sensations Spa.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas lies on a dramatic shoreline of rocks and crashing waves. Known as one of the best golf resorts in the country, its three Pete Dye courses include the number one-ranked golf course in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with keys to a 4-passenger golf cart that is yours to use throughout your stay. Zip around the manicured grounds, stopping by the equestrian centre or heading straight to the beach club.

It’s your choice whether to while away the days on horseback, jet through the surf or work up a sweat on the tennis court. At sunset, sip on a piña colada made with fresh Dominican pineapple at Coco Mar while the sky turns pastel shades over Minitas Beach.

With its signature Family Concierge service, The Reserve At Paradisus By Meliá Palma Real aims to cater to the needs of everyone in your troop. From planning family activities to chaperoning children in the Kids Zone, your concierge makes sure your only job is to bliss out in paradise.

Stay in a two-bedroom suite with whirlpool bathtubs, including one on the terrace for a romantic evening once the kids have gone to bed. You can organise a babysitting service while you enjoy fine dining at Passion by Martín Berasategui, or feast as a family on burgers by the pool at Hydrogrill. Get up early for a sunrise yoga session, or take a bachata or merengue dance class so you can show off your moves in the Red Lounge.

At Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, you can choose from 500 smoke-free rooms and suites surrounded by tropical gardens and the Caribbean Sea. Here on your honeymoon? Check into the Preferred Club Honeymoon Suite with Jacuzzi Tropical View to watch palm trees rustle while you swing in a hammock on your own private balcony.

Families can opt for a Preferred Club Deluxe Ocean View with two double beds and a terrace just steps from the sand. Before you know it, you’ll be windsurfing across the waves or slicing through crystalline waters in a kayak. Come dinner, eight dining options let you tour the world without leaving the resort – your culinary journey will make stops in Bordeaux, Mexico and Portofino.

Iberostar Grand Bávaro is an exclusive getaway designed for couples, with luxury accommodation sprinkled with custom-made artworks. Run a decadent bubble bath in your Jacuzzi built for two, and you’ll soon be ready for a blissful night’s sleep with luxurious linens, a pillow menu and nightly aromatherapy turn down service.

When you wake refreshed, you can join a morning tai-chi or dance class before heading to the beach for a massage overlooking the sea. You’ll also find three pools surrounded by four-poster cabanas and sunbeds when you want a low-key hour or two, and the pool bar lets you swim up for afternoon cocktails. As evening approaches, sample flavours from Japan, Mexico and Italy at four on-site restaurants before finishing the day with a romantic walk on the sand.

Let yourself to be whisked away to tranquil Cayo Levantado with a stay at Hotel Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado. The only resort on the island, it specializes in intimate experiences from the moment you step off the ferry. Reserve a spa gazebo for a couple’s massage complete with mimosas, or stretch out on a Bali Bed overlooking the sea. The peaceful waters are perfect for non-motorized water sports, as you’ll see from the paddleboarders, kayakers and snorkelers out on the surface.

You can also choose from three pools to swim in, including one with a swim-up bar stocked with cold beers and cocktails. Grab a deck chair or breezy hammock and dive into your beach book while you wait for your mojito order. Back in your stylish suite or villa, your canopy bed and hydromassage tub will be waiting to create a relaxing evening.

Located on the Arena Gorda beachfront, Riu Palace Macao Hotel is the spot to go to when you need a vacation sans children. As evening falls, gear up for a night on the dance floor at the on-site club or splash into regular Riu pool parties. There are four tennis courts to help you work on your serve, or you could join a game of volleyball with your fellow guests. Out on the water, you’ll have access to windsurfs, kayaks and body boards as well as snorkelling equipment.

If you’re after a more chilled out holiday, choose a Jacuzzi Suite to enjoy the jetted tub outside on your sun-drenched terrace, or just soak up the rays around the freshwater pool. After a Hawaiian-style Lomi Lomi massage at Renova Spa, perk up at Capuchino pâtisserie and ice cream parlour – make sure you save room for specialty cuisines from around the world at one of the resort’s five restaurants.

With direct access to the golden sands of Bayahibe Beach and a short walk to Playa Dominicus, Hotel Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa is a tropical vision surrounded by rainforest. When you’re not taking in the view from the sparkling infinity pool, you might cocoon yourself in a chocolate body wrap made with white chocolate, mint and cocoa at the garden spa.

Breathe in the fresh ocean air from your private balcony or terrace, or head down to the beach to spend an idle hour in the shade of a grass-roofed umbrella. More energetic options include kayaking or cruising on a catamaran by day, while evening brings beachfront movie screenings under the stars. For a night to remember, book an intimate table for two at the end of the pier and dine over the ocean waves.