Accommodation - Dominican Republic is known for its all-inclusive resorts and if your vibe is eat, have fun, sleep and repeat, Punta Cana is the place to go. The country boasts the highest number of hotel rooms in the Caribbean region, totaling more than 80 thousand. However, even though the all inclusive packages are the favorite ones, there are also plenty of boutique hotels and eco lodges located in beach towns and mountainside areas.

Bavaro is considered the best zone to stay in Punta Cana because of its variety of accommodations, bars, restaurants, and overall tropical vibe. However, the selection of all-inclusive resorts in the area can be overwhelming. There are more than 80 all-inclusive resorts in this part of the Dominican Republic. In addition to choose the best hotel, there are apartments closer to the best attractions for families or private areas such as adults only for couples. Some hotels also offer a premium packages with a better selection of drinks and exclusive ocean views.

We stayed at Barceló Bavaro Palace at Junior Suite Sea Front Premium Level and we loved everything. This is not a sponsored article and you can find additional recommendation in the useful links below.

Transportation - Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the main airport for travel to the Dominican Republic. If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort the best alternative to go to your hotel is to buy the transfer with your package or taking a taxi at the airport. As soon as take your luggage, there is a kiosk inside the airport where you can book a taxi and someone drives you direct to your hotel. We paid 30 USD (fix price) from the airport to the Bavaro Beach for a couple. Some hotels offer transfer for an additional fee, but most of them will recommend a taxi for you to return to the airport too. Price is similar (~30 USD). Taxi are easily located in major cities and towns­ and tourist zones, but is always safe request to your hotel or the companies inside the airport to call the taxi for you. Regarding the tours, it's easy to book day trips other than rent a car, most resorts have agencies inside their properties. You can also book online in the popular websites because the companies will pick you up at the hotels.

San Domingo, which is the capital, is 3 hours from Punta Cana and you can book day trips to this city very easily at your resort.

UBER launched in the Dominican Republic in 2015, but is operating in the three major cities only: Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata.

Meals - Most All-Inclusive resorts offer from 5-10 different restaurants including buffets opened almost all day long for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also a-la carte options that require reservation in advance and a specific dress code. Basically, you will receive the service you paid for. Invest in a premium room is always the best alternative to
avoid disappointing experiences particularly in megaresorts where common packages can come with mediocre food and watered-down drinks. For the traditional dishes, order Sancocho, Mofongo, pasteles en hoja and parrilladas. For desert, Tres leches cake is a must-try!

Make sure to try the quality rum from the Caribbean too! The favorite is Ron Barceló rum, which is the only rum in the Dominican Republic manufactured directly from sugar cane juice.

Weather - Dominican Republic is a sunny year-round destination and it is rare not to see blue skies during the day. However, the best season to visit Punta Cana is during the winter. December through early March is the most pleasant weather and always better to visit. Although the temperature is pleasant year around (~24 -30°C), in the summertime, which is April to October is the rainiest season and rainstorms are more frequent.

The official Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30, with September considered as the most active month.