Pick the best hotel for your family so you can explore the luscious history and tropical sunny weather of one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
The Dominican Republic offers a top value Caribbean beach getaway marked by rich cultural influences that create a distinctive and fascinating history. Not only do guests have the opportunity to embrace the astounding scenery on eco-vacations, but also get to know the culture at world-class hotels and resorts offering an intriguing variety of cuisines, artistic and entertaining attractions and, as Christopher Columbus put it, “a beautiful island paradise” simply like no other.
The Dominican Republic is divided into six major regions within the soaring mountains and deep river valleys of the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the west coast). With geographic and scenic diversity, the DR, as locals call it, provides a variety of unforgettable experiences for any type of traveler. Here’s FTF’s guide to a few of the most popular family beach getaway destinations around Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.
Northcoast DR: Puerto Plata & Cabarete
With stretches of flawless beaches and azure waters, this region, considered the DR’s most “versatile playground,” features the popular towns of Puerto Plata, the wind-surfing and kiteboarding center at Cabarete. If you’re staying at a beach hotel in this region, consider a full day’s outing to the popular Jasmine Spa and Wellness Holistic Health Center (located at Tubagua, near Puerto Plata; phone 829/252-5272) for a mother-daughter, father-son or friend-friend spa day. For outdoor relaxation, try the beach treatments at the Canrejo Beach complete with a sand scrub, seaweed wrap and ocean dip before a shower and coconut oil massage. Facials, massages, shiatsu, hot stone massage and more round out the spa menu. Rates start at $149 during the low season on up to $249.
ClubHotel Riu Mambo
Bahia de Maimon
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
888/748-4990
$ – $$
The Riu Mambo offers 463 guestrooms and suites decorated with mahogany-colored furniture, tile floors and granite bathroom vanities. No matter the weather, you can regulate your room with wood-paddle ceiling fans and supplemental air conditioning. This family-friendly hotel also provides each room with a balcony or ground floor terrace furnished with chairs and cocktail tables, so parents can relax while watching kids play on the grounds. Some of the all-inclusive hotel’s complimentary features are buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner and unlimited domestic-brand cocktails at the hotel’s tavern.
Once you and your family fill your bellies, you can work off those homemade waffles with water sport activities and recreational equipment such as kayaks, wind-surfers and an introductory scuba diving lesson. On land, the hotel has tennis courts, beach soccer and volleyball, and a fitness center to satisfy your exercise needs. For kids, the Riu Mambo provides a variety of supervised activities and entertainment at the RiuLand’s Kids’ Club for children ages 4 to 12. The fun takes place over sports, games, arts and crafts and group dancing (evenings on a theater stage). If you and your spouse care to explore the nightlife within the area there is a childcare center for an additional cost. Some of the hotel’s late night entertainment includes Spanish style dancing lessons, an onsite casino and an air-conditioned disco where you can relive the 70s.
Sam’s Bar & Grill(809/586-7267), located in the Castilla Hotel at Calle Jose del Carmen Ariza 34, Puerto Plata is a family favorite. The All-American style restaurant is perfect for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner. You and your family can begin your day by forking a hearty helping of fluffy pancakes, or digging into a plateful of bacon and eggs. This laid-back establishment accommodates to American tastes and offers entrees such as mama’s meatloaf and steak and eggs. Sam’s is ideal for the conservative eater and spender. If you come back for lunch or dinner the chef usually prepares more extravagant dishes such as chicken cordon bleu and a filet of beefsteak.
Over the past few years Cabarete has grown to achieve international fame, especially with a younger audience. The reason may be found on the town’s beach, ranked as one of the world’s top five kiteboarding and windsurfing destinations. So good are the conditions here, in fact, that Cabarete is regularly a stop in International competitions.
Casa del Pescador (809/571/0760) is another popular place for a dress up evening. Since 1988, it has served sophisticated entrees in an interactive and trendy environment located right on the beach! A few of the chef’s signature dishes are the fish consommé and creative variety of shrimp concoctions. On a hot day, the seafood salads drizzled with spicy Creole sauce and fresh lobster sauce are refreshingly savory.
Read more for an in-depth look at Puerto Plata attractions and the kite-boarding scene in Cabarete.
DR around Santo Domingo
While the Dominican Republic’s luscious coast provides relaxing seaside enjoyment, Santo Domingo and the South Central region serve as a more contemporary, energetic getaway for island residents and budget visitors. A a mix of the old and the new, it’s not uncommon to witness modern hotels resting on ancient cobblestone roads or to walk by a street vendor selling empanadas (a fried snack made of flour filled with cheese, chicken, or beef) outside a gourmet, expense-account restaurant.
Barcelo Capella
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
1/809/526-1080
$ – $$
One of the Spanish-owned Barcelo all-inclusives, this is one of the Dominican Republic’s most prominent hotels known for its waterfront view, economical offers and quality of service. Visitors of all ages can take advantage of the hotel’s nightly entertainment, extensive lineup of watersports, fitness and recreation programs, massage services, kids club and other amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay. For picky eaters and restless kids, the resort offers two restauants, three bars, three swimming pools, children’s park, sports tracks, and nightclub.
Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto Santo Domingo
Avenida Tiradentes, esquina Presidente Gonzalez
NACO, Santo Domingo
809/541-6226
$
A branch of the Clarion chain, this budget-conscious choice is located on the cusp of the commercial and financial districts of Santo Domingo and is centrally situated close to many local attractions. located across from Las Americas Duty Free Business Park and next to the Institute of Technology of Santo Domingo. Hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast and outdoor pool. Rooms with two queen beds can accommodate a family of four. Ask for a room with a view of the Caribbean.
From a base in Santo. Domingo, many families like to use a rental car to visit other island beaches. Conveniently located near Santo Domingo’s airport, Boca Chica is a resort town whose beach is most popular among residents because of its soft fine sand and crystal blue waters. Scattered around the beach are a variety of vendors offering genuine Dominican cuisine, tropical fruity beverages, personal tours, and souvenirs such as homespun jewelry and artwork. Also, this beach is known for its calm, shallow water which makes it extremely kid-friendly for young children to play on their own.
Located halfway between Santo Domingo and La Romana, Juan Dolio is a relaxing getaway for both couples and families. As elsewhere in the DR, this town has its own unique culture, shopping, nightlife and, of course, flawless beaches. On Juan Dolio’s main boulevard, visitors can safely walk, jog or cycle, then head to San Pedro, hometown of the famous baseball player Sammy Sosa. While you’re in the area, you and your family can check out Kart Bahn, a racetrack on the highway to San Pedro where go karts can be rented for a fast spin around the track.
La Caleta is a green space with a popular beach and the Museo de la Caleta, a small building containing the remains of Taino tombs discovered during construction of the airport. Offshore, La Caleta National Underwater Park is the Dominican Republic’s best area for reef and wreck diving and presents scuba divers with an array of options. Small islands off the coast, along with a coral reef, make the beach’s waters less rough than in some areas, so underwater sightseeing is especially safe. Plus, two shipwrecks and the myriad of colorful fish draw divers from around the world.
Dining around Santo Domingo
With Sto. Domingo being a commercial center for the Caribbean and Latin America, fine restaurants are in demand. La Residence, located in the Hostal Nicolas De Ovando, is a historic restaurant that was once a mansion dating from 1502. It’s one of the few upscale restaurants within the area that offer a continental menu; sample the spit roasted lamb rubbed with authentic spices and served with bacon, garlic and vinegar sauce, or rabbit stuffed with bacon and mushrooms. A few Dominican dishes like roast lobster with wok-fried vegetables, pork chops with local spices and braised “Dominican-style” red snapper will please fussy kids.
Pat’e Palo’s charming location is reason enough to try this eclectic eatery. The restaurant, located at the Zona Colonial, overlooks the elegant cloisters of the Alcazar de Colon, where affable Dominicans flock together every night at dusk. The tables, topped with heavy wood, are either situated outside on the patio or within the historic walls of the dim interior. Aside from the splendid structure, the food is some of the best in the capital. Popular dishes include sauteed shrimp in coconut-curry sauce, or a brochette of meats that have been marinated in fresh spices and herbs, skillfully set ablaze at your table. At this sociable and appealing bistro, guitarists and musicians performs weekend evenings.
Vesuvio I (1/809/221-3333), located along the seafront Malecon promenade, is considered the most famous Italian restaurant in DR. The Bonarelli family have worked since 1954 to master and expand their menu. Specialties include Dominican crayfish a la Vesuvio (topped with garlic and bacon), pappardelle al Bosque (noodles with porcini mushrooms, rosemary, and garlic), and black tallarini a la crema.
DR’s East Coast – Punta Cana Resorts
Bavaro Palace Hotel
Punta Cana/Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
809/686-5797
The five-star, all-inclusive Bavaro Palace Palace welcomes families to the clear, calm waters and pristine beaches of Playa Bavaro on the eastern coast of DR. A more upscale choice than the Capella in Juan Dolio, this one’s about 12 miles from Punta Cana International Airport in the purpose-built Bavara hotel zone. Let your kids roam free as you lounge in the embracing sunshine on two miles of soft, white sand beach. Punta Cana’s water is an exquisite cerulean color.
Whether you are or are not a a guest of the Bavaro Palace Palace, try their excellent Chez Palace a la carte restaurant, where reservations are a must. The contemporary Spanish style decor is classy yet trendy, and the formally dressed staff serves fabulous dishes, dinner only.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
800/635-1836
The Caribbean’s first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, features the largest casino in the Dominican Republic with a 45,000-square-feet gaming space. The huge, beachfront vacation complex has 1,790 well appointed rooms done in a contemporary style, with double rooms with two double beds that most families choose. Enjoy 12 expansive pools, 4 swim-up bars, and 3 kids pool with flume waterslides. There’s also a Rock Spa and Hard Rock Golf to keep parents and older kids busy beyond the pool and casino.
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
Hi,
I am Paul from Cheapfaremart. I like your Article. If you always travel in Group then you can book cheap flights for Group travel like Family group, Students or business Group.
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.