Dominating the Hispaniola Island it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is world-renowned for its eastern tip of Punta Cana where you will find a number of golf courses and countless resorts offering all-inclusive packages. Lying in the heart of the Caribbean, Dominican Republic resorts commonly offer a variety of activities, from the typical water fun such as kayaking and snorkeling to unique excursions via city and plantation tours, as well as indoor fun including yoga classes, casinos, and spas. Although blessed with a tropically warm climate all year long, the country normally experiences its rainy season between June and November, making December through February its peak tourist season. To help you pick the vacation package that best suits you, read the following brief highlights and tips for each of the top 5 all-inclusive Dominican Republic resorts.

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (Bavaro)

Aside from providing you with a refreshing view of the Caribbean, the Hard Rock Hotel provides that extra wow factor thanks to its spectacular facilities, including 11 pools of which 2 are exclusively for VIPs, 9 standalone restaurants, a mini-golf course, a tennis court, billiard tables, and a karaoke bar. Younger guests would also have fun with its arcade-stuffed kid's club. Perfectly merging its classic "Rock and Roll" theme with the resort lifestyle, Hard Rock Hotel is an amazing place for those who want the best of both the relaxation and entertainment worlds.

Highlights:

• Highly recommended as a wedding venue.
• Excellent quality and variety of food and beverages.
• Classic rock entertainment by the pools day and night.

Tips:

• Book a room in building A if you want to be closer to the ocean but choose building B if you want proximity to the lobby.
• Dialing out using the phone in your room would add $4/call to your bill.
• Casino is a smoking zone.

2. Majestic Elegance Punta Cana (Bavaro)

Along the 35-kilometer stretch of Punta Cana's white sand beach lies one of the most unique all-inclusive resorts the Dominican Republic has to offer, featuring interesting activities like Zumba, water aerobics, Spanish classes, and out-of-this-world contests held every day, after which you can chill by any of the three elegant private pools that are free of noise pollution, satisfying your need for tranquility.

Highlights:

• Cooked-to-order fresh meals available by the pool and beach.
• Worry-free from bug and mosquito bites.
• The world-class theater shows at 9:30 each night.
• Close to a market where jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs are available.

Tips:

• If you are health-conscious, request for your food to be prepared separately.
• Pay attention to the posts on the bulletin boards so you don't miss special activities.
• If with kids, stay away from the noisy Majestic Colonial area.

3. Excellence Punta Cana (Uvero Alto)

Around 45 minutes from the airport lies the adults-only, all-inclusive resort of Excellence Punta Cana, further north than most other Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts. Eight restaurants with an excellent selection of Mexican, Spanish, Italian, French and Asian cuisines are available to all guests, along with a casino, disco and ecological garden to entertain you in addition to the activities available outside of the resort, such as water sports, horseback riding, and tours.

Highlights:

• Recommended for couples.
• Reservations are not needed at any of the restaurants - a usual complaint among other Dominican Republic resorts.
• The Grill is the place-to-be if you seek fun and satisfying dinner.
• Room service is available 24 hours.

Tips:

• Mosquitoes are present in non-windy areas of the resort so bring mosquito repellent.
• Pay an additional $50 per night for the Excellence Club Suites if you prefer a private beach, among other benefits.
• You can opt to have a tiny bit of an ocean view with a $500 upgrade.

4. Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort (Bavaro)

One of the the nearest adults-only resorts from the airport, Palma Real's oceanfront property overlooks the transparent turquoise waters of Bavaro beach, offering clean grounds, entertaining evening shows, a disco, a casino and several restaurants serving a variety of fresh food options, all in addition to the 5 large swimming pools and 7 hydro-massage areas. By the pools and at the beachfront, the resort generously provides cushioned lounge chairs, offering comfort and shade.

Highlights:

• Be treated like kings and queens by taking advantage of the well-praised royal service.
• Noise is not an issue due to soundproof rooms.
• Staff provides excellent service to every type of guest.

Tips:

• Without royal service, you have to book dinner by yourself between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on the same day.
• Open your English-to-Spanish translation app as there could be a language barrier when communicating your requests to the staff.
• The Resorts Credits provide benefits of discounts on spa treatments, wine selection outside the all-inclusive menu, and the company-owned mall across the resort.

5. Iberostar Grand Hotel (Bavaro)

A paradise for adults is the Iberostar Grand Hotel with its expansive white sand beach and a generous supply of sunbeds and cabanas. An exceptional range of suites with ocean views is provided, setting Iberostar apart from other all-inclusive resorts the Dominican Republic has to offer. International gourmet fare is free to sample at the Grand Hotel Bavaro's dining hall, La Tentazione, Le Tourbillon, the Italian as well as Surf and Turf restaurants.

Highlights:

• Ocean views from all hotel rooms.
• The absence of mosquitoes by the pool and beach.
• Exceptional customer service.

Tips:

• Restaurants close for dinner at 10:00 pm.
• You might need a lot of patience to communicate specific requests through room service due to the language barrier.
• Cigarette smoke can be sensed in outdoor areas, so if you hate second-hand smoke, book a suite in a non-smoking area.

The Final Word

You will never go wrong booking a stay at one of these Dominican Republic resorts, especially if the all-inclusive package is something that you are trying for the first time. Although some weather-dependent factors like rain and rough waves could be challenging, keeping you from swimming in the ocean, your experience will be well taken care of by these resorts'excellent range of all-inclusive activities.