Best Spa Hotels in Puerto Plata

Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic is an all-inclusive resort situated about 10 miles northwest of the Gregorio Luperón International Airport and roughly 5 miles southeast of downtown Puerto Plata. The property offers ample activities for every member of the family, including a spa, supervised clubs for kids and teens, complimentary nonmotorized water sports, an indoor theater and an 18-hole golf course, among other amenities. Accommodations are also family-friendly, with studio-style rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites available. All guest rooms and suites include coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars and private balconies or terraces. Those who opt for Sun Club-level accommodations receive extra perks like complimentary Wi-Fi access, concierge service and access to two exclusive lounges (one is adults-only). When it's time to dine, guests can pick up a snack at the coffee shop or sit for a meal at one of eight restaurants, including a buffet and multiple open-air venues. Despite the diversity, many recent guests said the cuisine left something to be desired. The property also boasts seven bars and lounges. Overall, former travelers said they experienced pleasant service and would recommend a stay here. However, some cautioned that the Sun Club bars get noisy at night, especially on weekends.

Sandwiched between the sands of Puerto Plata's coveted Playa Dorada and the greens of the Playa Dorada Golf Course, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World outpost – which participates in the brand's INVITED rewards program – wins guests over with its relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff and beautiful decor. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa's 50 suites are dressed in beige and cream hues and are outfitted with oversized Roman tubs, separate walk-in showers, minibars, free Wi-Fi access and private balconies or patios. When you're refreshed and ready to go, Casa Colonial encourages you to tee off at the nearby fairways, offering 20 percent off of green fees at the club. If you're not one for hitting the links, previous visitors recommend indulging in a treatment at Bagua Spa, strolling through the hotel gardens or simply lounging by the rooftop infinity pool. The only aspect of Casa Colonial that some past guests cited as unsatisfactory is the beach. When you've worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Lucia (the fine dining establishment) or Veranda (a casual eatery open daily for breakfast and lunch). Both eateries earn ample praise from reviewers.

Flanking Puerto Plata's prized Playa Dorada Beach, this massive 506-room resort occupies prime real estate in one of the largest tourist complexes in the Dominican Republic. Guests claim that the Gran Ventana is one of the best value hotels around, especially for families. Room rates include one scuba diving lesson, access to two pools (one of which is adults-only) and cultural pastimes like Spanish-language tutoring and Merengue lessons. Meanwhile, linksmen can test the greens (for an extra fee) at the adjacent 18-hole Playa Dorada Golf Course or practice a different kind of swing on the resort's tennis courts. All-inclusive packages also cover meals at any of the resort's four eateries, though recent guests agree that the culinary offerings available here are nothing to rave about. However, visitors say they would return for the Gran Ventana's spacious rooms — which come with a private balcony or terrace and a fully stocked minibar — and its easy beach access.

Flanking Puerto Plata's coveted Costa Dorada sands (just a little more than 2 miles southeast of the downtown area), Be Live Collection Marien provides an all-inclusive experience without isolating guests from the outside world. Rooms here are fairly standard with a muted design aesthetic (think: beige walls, wooden furnishings and brown, blue, orange or multicolored accent pillows and throws). Each comes equipped with a minibar, a clock radio, a cable TV and Wi-Fi access (for a fee). Guests say that the availability of extra beds makes this a convenient spot for families, as do amenities like the kids club, the children's pool and babysitting services. However, some visitors do note that the cuisine at the buffet and five a la carte restaurants leave a lot to be desired. If you're searching for some peace and quiet, unwind with a treatment at the spa (charges apply) or take a stroll through the resort gardens. Be Live Collection Marien also offers a host of complimentary activities, including sailing and tennis.

For clean and comfortable (albeit dated) accommodations, delectable cuisine and a variety of entertainment options, travelers recommend staying at Puerto Plata's Iberostar Costa Dorada. Adults will enjoy this IBEROSTAR outpost's spa, five bars (including one in a cigar lounge) and various boutiques, while youngsters can take advantage of amenities like a children's club, a water park and a theater with kid-friendly magic shows and performances. What's more, the all-inclusive room rates cover access to the property's pools and beach, plus land sports facilities, such as tennis courts and an archery range, and nonmotorized water sports equipment like kayaks and Hobie Cat sailboats. However, a few past guests said the main pool was dirty and outdated. After working up an appetite, visitors can choose from three specialty restaurants – which serve Mexican classics, Brazilian dishes and Japanese fare – and a buffet. All are free to enjoy. When it's time to retire for the evening, lodgers can stay in one of 516 accommodations, each of which features traditional decor, free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a balcony with garden, pool or ocean views.

Along with a killer oceanfront location, the Gansevoort Dominican Republic is teeming with so many amenities, visitors may never want to leave. The property's 48 suites, which include lofts, luxury apartments and penthouses, start at 2,050 square feet and feature Egyptian cotton linens, kitchens, fully stocked bars, walk-in closets and balconies or patios. Although considered by some to be an isolated property (about 15 miles east of Puerto Plata), this Gansevoort knows how to keep guests entertained with complimentary amenities like snorkeling gear, kayaks and paddleboard rentals, a game room with pool and foosball tables, and breakfast served beachside. There is also a spa and gym as well as the hotel's signature Baia Lounge and Aguazul eateries. Although some travelers may find only two on-site restaurants to be limiting, especially at a hotel in a far-flung part of town, guests say the quality of food was so outstanding that some ditched their initial plans of leaving the resort in favor of eating on-site. Another crowd favorite is the three-tiered oceanfront infinity pool, adjacent to the restaurant and the resort's stretch of private beach. Guests say sunsets from the hotel are something not to miss, with many guests saying they're planning their return as we speak.

Less than 3 miles southeast of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, this all-inclusive, adults-only resort is situated on Playa Dorada. Previous guests said this is a solid budget choice for an all-inclusive vacation. The resort's 245 rooms and suites feature minibars, tea and coffee service, cable TVs and minifridges. One common gripe among recent visitors, though, was that the rooms could use some updates and that Wi-Fi access and in-room safes cost extra to use. Outside the rooms, travelers have access to a bevy of amenities, such as a spa, a private beach, three pools and concierges services. Plus, plenty of activities are available for free daily, including painting classes, scuba diving, sushi-making classes, Spanish lessons, windsurfing and more. Room rates also cover meals and drinks at BlueBay Villas Doradas' four eateries, which serve Asian fusion cuisine, grilled bites, fresh seafood and international favorites buffet-style.