Best Boutique Hotels in Punta Cana

Sitting between Cap Cana Marina and Punta Cana International Airport along the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Tortuga Bay appeases travelers with luxurious amenities. Not many resorts can advertise spacious suites designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta. Aside from the stylish decor, accommodations also boast balconies or patios, Jacuzzis, walk-in closets, kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs. Guests rave about the tasty (albeit expensive) food served on Oscar's signature tables at Bamboo Restaurant (as well as at the five other eateries visitors have access to on-site and within the larger Puntacana Resort & Club complex). But that's not the only name you'll recognize. Avid golfers will likely jump at the chance to play one or both of Tortuga Bay's courses, designed by Tom Fazio and P.B. Dye. Meanwhile, relaxation-seekers can take advantage of the Six Senses Spa, which features a full menu of massages and body scrubs. But what travelers like most about this Leading Hotels of the World property is how different it feels from other Punta Cana resorts. Many vacationers say that the 1,500-acre reserve – maintained by the resort's ecological foundation – is a refreshing break from the overcrowded Bávaro beach hotel scene. And Leaders Club members you're in luck – this property grants perks like suite upgrades to rewards program participants.

Eden Roc at Cap Cana prides itself on offering secluded luxury. Tucked inside Cap Cana, one of Punta Cana's most exclusive communities, this Relais & Châteaux outpost offers a long list of sumptuous amenities. Each of the resort's 62 suites features a private pool or ocean views from a private balcony or terrace, high ceilings, complimentary Wi-Fi access and a Nespresso machine. Although past vacationers appreciated the accommodations' spacious layouts, some encountered malfunctioning suite amenities or broken fixtures. Outside the suites, travelers can unwind with a treatment at Solaya Spa or enjoy the Eden Roc Beach Club, a private facility that touts a palm-shaded pool, a barbecue area and a beach bar. For more action, families can visit the children's pool or drop their little ones off at the Koko Kid's Club for games, crafts and more. When it's time to eat, vacationers can head to one of three restaurants. Suite rates cover daily breakfast at Mediterraneo restaurant or BLUE Grill + Bar, and a third eatery, La Palapa, is also available for fresh seafood by the Caribbean Sea.

If you're looking to escape the sprawling brand-name resorts of Bávaro Beach, continue roughly 20 miles northwest to Portblue Le Sivory Punta Cana. Though some past guests were fans of Sivory Punta Cana's isolated locale, others said it was a bit removed from all of the action. But there's no real reason to leave the property between check-in and checkout. The boutique, adults-only hotel's 55 suites are elegant – with Asian- and Caribbean-inspired decor – and come equipped with balconies, flat-screen TVs, separate showers and tubs, coffee makers and free Wi-Fi access. Some suites even boast private plunge pools that overlook the ocean. To keep you from getting cabin fever, Portblue Le Sivory offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, an outdoor pool and a beach. Cap off your day with a cocktail at one of two bars or a bite to eat at one of four restaurants. All suite rates are all-inclusive, meaning you won't have to pay extra for any meal or drink. However, some previous diners were underwhelmed with the on-site cuisine.