Some say the Dominican Republic is the ultimate destination for the explorer and that may be true. A short stroll can take you from a grand 16th-century fortress to a picturesque fishing village. A little further on and you're standing on pure white sand with a cocktail in hand. There's something for the eco tourist, the epicure, the adventurer and the artiste. But what if all you really want out of a vacation is to be pampered?
This much-visited island nation is the ultimate destination for that, too. If what you crave is indulgences aplenty, you'll find what you're looking for at these all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic.
Bávaro Beach
With two miles of soft white sand kissing the ultramarine waters of the Caribbean, Bavaro Beach is picture perfect. For a vacation of unparalleled rest and relaxation, the Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe and the Barceló Bávaro Beach - Adults Only hotel are the places to go. The former offers luxe dining, including tapas and the freshest sushi, a gorgeous spa with its own private outdoor pool, the Las Vegas–inspired Club House, and rooms featuring lavish beds and rain-effect showers. The latter offers access to the Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe's amenities plus an exclusive romantic atmosphere to reconnect with someone you love.
Punta Cana
Luxury meets leisure here at one of the best golf destinations in the world – which also happens to boast beautiful beaches, culture and the delightful lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park. After a day out on the green or exploring Mother Nature's handiwork from a zip line, treat yourself at the Barceló Dominican Beach's spa. Locatedon El Cortecito beach, this resort has three pools, two hot tubs and a full menu of body-pampering spa services to keep you looking and feeling refreshed. At night, take in one of the resort's live shows or nibble your way through national and international cuisine at one of the nine restaurants on site.
Puerto Plata
History buffs will love this destination, which offers easy access to the cable cars that climb to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres and the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress. As for where to stay, the concierge-driven Barceló Puerto Plata resort is located on the exclusive coast of Playa Dorada but is only 10 minutes out of the city (which was designed by Christopher Columbus). After seeing the sights, indulge at one of the resort's restaurants or bars, take in one of the daily entertainment experiences or play a round of 18 holes.
Juan Dolio
This is this destination for anyone who is torn between relaxing at the beach and experiencing everything the Dominican Republic has to offer. Three and a half miles of white sand beaches compete for your attention with the capital Santo Domingo, the magnificent beach town La Romana and the heart of Dominican baseball, San Pedro de Macoris. Do something different every day but between outings enjoy the amenities offered by the Barceló Capella Beach resort – kayaking or snorkeling, a fully equipped games room, shows, dining and nightclubs, too.
There really is something for everyone at these all-inclusive Barcelo resorts in the Dominican Republic. And there's nothing quite like not having to think about the check to make you feel truly relaxed and perfectly pampered.
