Where to stay

Just a short drive from the airport, the Bavaro area is the tourist hub of Punta Cana. This safe, welcoming area is home to a large number of all-inclusive resorts, lively nightlife, local shopping and a theme park, Manati Park. With a room here, it's easy to hit the beach, go whale watching, swim with dolphins and shop for souvenirs at the bustling artisan market. Just north of Bavaro, El Macao is another option for centrally located accommodations. This section of coastline is on the rise and boasts new resorts and less-crowded beaches. If you choose to stay in El Macao, sign up for surfing school or take a dune buggy or zip-lining tour, all of which are popular on this stretch of coastline. Work up an appetite in the waves, then pick up a snack at one of the local food stalls; the fresh fish is prepared right in front of you while you wait. International travelers and local families stay in Cabeza de Toro for its well-kept public beach and proximity to the all-inclusive resorts and casinos.

For a quieter, more remote beach vacation, reserve accommodations in Playa Uvero Alto, a secluded village north of Punta Cana. Boutique hotels are tucked between coconut groves and sugar-sand beaches. They offer all the watersports and authentic charm of the Dominican with less of the glitziness of Punta Cana proper. In Cortecito Beach, set beside a former fishing village, there's a local village vibe, with beachfront bars and restaurants serving local seafood, and plenty of watersports to keep you busy in the gentle surf. From here, it's easy to explore or stay in Los Corales Beach to the south and Playa de Arena Blanca to the north.