Luxury Villas in the Dominican Republic

Looking for the best things to do in the Dominican Republic? Around Cap Cana, spend the day at Scape Park, where you can swim in the brilliant blue waters of Hoyo Azul, zipline above the treetops, explore underground caves or head out on horseback. In Punta Cana, wander through the tropical forest and freshwater lagoons of the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve, or swap the pool for paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling along the coast.

For a proper Caribbean day out, sail to Saona Island, where white-sand beaches, swaying palms and shallow natural pools provide the postcard moment you came for. Golf is another major draw, with standout courses around Casa de Campo, Punta Cana and Cap Cana, many combining dramatic ocean views with championship-level layouts. Closer to Casa de Campo, explore the stone streets of Altos de Chavón, then take to the Chavón River by kayak, canoe or boat.

Fancy going a little further? Los Haitises National Park is one of the country’s most extraordinary natural landscapes, with mangrove forests, caves decorated with Taíno art and limestone formations rising dramatically from the water. From cenote swims and island-hopping to golf, caves, wildlife and water sports, the Dominican Republic has plenty to tempt you away from the sun lounger.

Food and drink in the Dominican Republic is hearty, colourful and full of Caribbean flavour. Start with local favourites such as mangú, la bandera and sancocho, then make room for fresh seafood, mofongo and plenty of tropical fruit along the coast.

The country is just as proud of what goes in the glass, with Dominican rum, locally grown coffee and cacao all worth seeking out. Around Punta Cana, Cap Cana and Casa de Campo, dining can be as relaxed or refined as you like, from barefoot seafood lunches by the beach to polished marina-side dinners and rum cocktails at sunset.

Great for Babies: Warm weather, spacious villas and easy beach days make the Dominican Republic a great choice with little ones. Around Punta Cana and Cap Cana, calm stretches of sand and plenty of private pool time mean you can keep the pace as relaxed as you like.

Great for Kids: This is where the fun really ramps up. Spend a day at Scape Park swimming in Hoyo Azul, exploring caves or trying family-friendly adventures, then head out on a catamaran trip to Saona Island for white sand and shallow natural pools.

Great for Teens: Ziplining, buggy adventures, snorkelling, paddleboarding and golf give older kids plenty to get stuck into, while places like the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve add a bit of nature and wildlife to the mix. For active families, the Dominican Republic is very good at balancing luxury with proper adventure.

The contrast. One day can mean a round of golf overlooking the Caribbean sea, the next a boat trip to Saona Island, a swim in a hidden cenote or a long lunch by the marina at Casa de Campo. It’s that mix of polished luxury, tropical adventure and easy beach time that makes a Dominican Republic villa holiday feel so varied.

Cueva de las Maravillas: Swap the beach for something completely different at this spectacular cave system near La Romana. Inside, atmospheric chambers reveal ancient Taíno rock art, stalactites and stalagmites, with well-laid-out paths making it surprisingly easy to explore. It’s a brilliant half-day detour, especially if you’re staying around Casa de Campo and fancy seeing a more unexpected side of the Dominican Republic.