a body of water

Date of publication 08/08/2017

Destinations

Sun and relaxation in the West Indies 9 dreamy beaches in the Dominican Republic

Live a unique experience in Iberostar’s 5-star hotels

The Dominican Republic owes its name to Santo Domingo de Guzmán, founder of the Dominican Order. Did you know that its capital, Santo Domingo, founded in the 15th century, served as an architectural model for other cities in the Americas? In fact, the first American university opened its doors in Santo Domingo in 1538.

Dive into the history and culture of this wonderful country and soak up the warmth of its people. But above all, enjoy the best hotels in the Dominican Republic and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, under the eternal Caribbean sun.

a beach with palm trees

Bávaro Beach

Declared one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by UNESCO, it is the most famous beach in Punta Cana and the ideal place to disconnect from the routine. It is just steps away from JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar, a benchmark of excellence and quality in the area. This 5-star hotel in the Dominican Republic features a golf course, seaside spa, personal butler service, and a first-class gastronomic offer.

<h2><strong>Playa Sos&uacute;a</strong></h2>

<p>The tropical forests that surround it, the quality of its waters and the richness of its marine ecosystem make Playa Sos&uacute;a a <strong>paradise for nature lovers</strong>.</p>

<p>Located in Puerto Plata, it hides treasures from the ancient marine port of Tres Pilotillos. Or the lesser-known Playa Alicia and its coral reefs. Staying at <strong><a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/puerto-plata/iberostar-costa-dorada">Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada</a></strong>, a seafront hotel just 10 minutes away from Puerto Plata, is a perfect option to spend some unforgettable days. This 5-star resort with a colonial style will marvel you with its tropical gardens its <strong>three &agrave; la carte restaurants</strong> and its rooms with a sea view.</p>

Sosúa Beach

The surrounding tropical forests, the quality of its waters, and the richness of its marine ecosystem make Sosúa Beach a paradise for nature lovers.

Located in Puerto Plata, it houses treasures such as the old fishing port of Tres Pilotillos and the lesser-known Playa Alicia with its coral reefs. Staying at Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada, a beachfront hotel just 10 minutes from Puerto Plata, is the perfect option for an unforgettable stay. This 5-star colonial-style resort will amaze you with its tropical gardens, its three à la carte restaurants, and rooms with sea views.

<h2><strong>Playa de Bayah&iacute;be</strong></h2>

<p>The charming fishing village of Bayah&iacute;be gives name to this <strong>intimate and calm beach</strong>. Located in La Romana, this is the starting point to visit the nearby <strong>islands of Saona and Catalina</strong>, of great natural beauty. Through its clear waters you will be able to contemplate <strong>starfish, squids and manta rays</strong>, as well as historic shipwrecks, scattered around the area.</p>

<p>On foot from the beach we find <strong><a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/bayahibe/iberostar-hacienda-dominicus">Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus</a></strong>, a 5-star hotel designed for <strong>both couples and families</strong>. Its iconic lighthouse is the perfect place to immortalize Bayah&iacute;be&rsquo;s sunsets. Here, you will be able to relax in a <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/spa-and-relaxation">spa hotel</a> and enjoy Creole and international food in one of its four &agrave; la carte restaurants.</p>

Bayahíbe Beach

The charming fishing village of Bayahíbe gives its name to this intimate and peaceful beach. Located in La Romana, it is the starting point to visit the nearby Saona and Catalina islands, renowned for their natural beauty. In its clear waters, you can observe starfish, cuttlefish, and manta rays, as well as historic shipwrecks, which are common in the area.

Right on the beach is the Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, a 5-star hotel designed for both couples and families with children. Its iconic lighthouse is the perfect spot to capture Bayahíbe’s sunsets. Here, you can relax in a hotel with a spa and enjoy Creole and international cuisine in one of its four à la carte restaurants.

<h2><strong>Playa Arena Gorda</strong></h2>

<p>Its tide, with wilder waves than in Playa B&aacute;varo, makes this place ideal for surfers. However, its main claim is to wander around it on a <strong>horseback excursion</strong>, contemplation the beauty of the water&rsquo;s color and tropical surroundings. It is located in Punta Cana, very close to Playa B&aacute;varo and <u>Iberostar&rsquo;s hotels in the Dominican Republic</u>.</p>

Arena Gorda Beach

Its waves, somewhat stronger than those of Playa Bávaro, make it an ideal spot for surfers. However, its main attraction is to explore it on a horseback excursion, admiring the beauty of its water and the tropical surroundings. It is located in Punta Cana, very close to Playa Bávaro and the Iberostar hotels in the Dominican Republic.

<h2><strong>Playa Macao</strong></h2>

<p>Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana, Playa Macao maintains a virgin status that makes it unique. In some eateries by the beach you will be able to try seasonal lobster, freshly caught with traditional methods. Or enjoy a Delicious combination of freshly-picked tropical fruit.</p>

Macao Beach

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana, Macao Beach retains a pristine appearance that makes it unique. At some beachfront eateries, you can enjoy freshly caught seasonal lobster prepared with traditional methods, or savor a delicious mix of tropical fruits freshly picked from the tree.

<h2><strong>Bah&iacute;a de Las &Aacute;guilas</strong></h2>

<p>It is one of the secret jewels of the Dominican Republic, in the <strong>Jaragua National Park</strong>, where you can commonly spot manatees, Hawksbill turtles and green iguanas, among other species.</p>

<p>The spectacular hues of its water and the sand contrast with the karstic scenery that surrounds it, with rocky areas and <strong>mineral formations</strong>.</p>

<p>You can only get to Bah&iacute;a de Las &Aacute;guilas on a four-wheel-drive or on board a boat that sets off at Cabo Rojo. An adventure that will undoubtedly make the visit to this beach even more special.</p>

Eagle Bay

It is one of the best-kept gems of the Dominican Republic, located in the Jaragua National Park, where it is common to spot manatees, hawksbill turtles, and green iguanas, among other species.

The spectacular colors of the water and sand contrast with the karst landscape surrounding it, featuring rocky areas and mineral formations.

Access to Eagle Bay is only possible by an off-road vehicle or aboard a boat departing from Cabo Rojo. An adventure that undoubtedly makes the visit to this beach even more special.

<h2><strong>Playa Cayo Levantado</strong></h2>

<p>Located on a small island surrounded by rainforests, known as <strong>Bacardi island</strong>, this beach is like a real-life movie set. It is also a unique place to <strong>spot hunchback whales</strong> from January to March.</p>

Cayo Levantado Beach

Located on a small island surrounded by humid forests, known as Bacardí Island, this beach is a true movie-like setting. It is also a unique spot for humpback whale watching between January and March.

<h2><strong>Playa Rinc&oacute;n </strong></h2>

<p>Away from the crowded urban centers, it is an ideal place to feel secluded for a couple of hours, in which silence will only be interrupted by the wave&rsquo;s murmurs.</p>

<p>This 2-kilometer stretch of sand is considered one of the most charming in the Dominican Republic. The beach is <strong>close to Las Galeras, a picturesque fishing village</strong> in the Saman&aacute; peninsula.</p>

Rincón Beach

Far from crowded urban centers, this is an ideal place to isolate yourself for a few hours, where the silence is only broken by the sound of the waves.

These 2 kilometers of sand are considered some of the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic. The beach is located near Las Galeras, a picturesque fishing village on the Samaná Peninsula

<h2><strong>Isla Saona</strong></h2>

<p>This long-shaped island with more than 110 square meters is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is in the province on La Romana and is part of the Este National Park.</p>

<p>Here, you will discover unspoiled beaches and observe different marine and aviary wildlife, such as Hawksbill sea turtles, manatees or green parrots among others.</p>

<p>Isla Saona is officially protected, which is why its coast is not built upon. There is the exception of <strong>Mano Juan</strong>, a small village where 500 fishermen and craftsmen live in their small wooden homes.</p>

Saona Island

This elongated island, covering 110 square kilometers, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is located in the province of La Romana and is part of the East National Park.

Here you can discover long pristine beaches, and observe different marine and bird species, such as hawksbill turtles, manatees, green parrots, or jutías, among others.

Saona Island has official protection, so there are no buildings along its coastline, except for Mano Juan, a small village where 500 fishermen and artisans live in wooden houses.