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The Dominican Republic has long been one of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations thanks to its vibrant culture, rich history, jaw-dropping scenery, and world-renowned beaches. There really is a lot of diversity in the appeal of this dynamic country, and luxury villas in the Dominican Republic reflect that. With everything from modernist mansions overlooking dramatic cliffs to neo-classical estates on private beaches in 5-star resorts, the Dominican has become a top destination for families or groups that want to enjoy a true luxury villa experience.
That said, the Dominican Republic is a big country by Caribbean standards – in fact, it's second only to Haiti, its neighbor on Hispaniola Island, in terms of population. Most of the top luxury villas in the Dominican, though, are concentrated on the island's east and south-east coasts, especially by Punta Cana and La Romana. Punta Cana is where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean meet, while La Romana is on the Caribbean Sea, and as a result both have some of the best beaches in the country.
The northern region near Cabrera is also popular, especially for surfing, sport fishing, sailing, and water sports thanks to the stronger currents of the Atlantic and its unspoiled landscapes. It is also home to some world-renowned beaches and some of the Dominican's most distinct natural landmarks
The capital of Santo Domingo, lastly, is considered one of the loveliest in the Caribbean, due in large part to its stunning colonial architecture in its amazingly well-preserved Colonial Zone.
Simply put, luxury villa rentals in the Dominican Republic let you experience the very best of the country. They often feature luxurious amenities like private pools, full staff, and ocean views, and can even be beachfront in some cases. Villas also have the size and unique features that you just can't get at a hotel and are often also a better value when you consider how many people they fit.
If you're on the east and south-east coast, then you'll also usually get access to the amenities of resorts like Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, and the Puntacana Resort. If you're on the north coast, meanwhile, then there's a good chance your villa is right on the beach in a sprawling estate surrounded by nature. Both make for a unique luxury villa experience.
Luxury villas in the Dominican Republic tend to be modern affairs for the most part. They are often recent constructions and so they feature plenty of modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. They are also often geared towards outdoor living. Large terraces, infinity pools, and elaborate palapas ensure that you and your travel group make the most memories possible in the warm Dominican sun. Speaking of which, the villas are also often staffed, with a private chef cooking up delicious meals that are then served to you either al-fresco or in a brightly lit dining room, making for a true luxury experience. Below are some of the most requested categories of luxury villas in the Dominican.
The Dominican Republic is blessed by having access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This gives it great variety in terms of its beaches, views, and landscapes. Oceanfront villas in Dominican Republic make effective use of all three with sea-focussed designs that emphasize outdoor living, breezy open spaces, and large windows to better appreciate those stunning ocean views. Here are a few of our guests' favorites.
Juanillo 2 | Las Hamacas: One of the premiere properties in Cap Cana, a luxury resort in the city of Punta Cana, Juanillo 2 (Las Hamacas) is one of the few properties to offer unobstructed, direct beach access from the villa. It's also architecturally gorgeous, with an interior and exterior design that celebrates Dominican culture while also elevating it with an avant-garde sense of style. It's no wonder it has been celebrated by magazines like Elle Décor and Architectural Digest, as well as by our guests.
Punta Minitas 34: Located in the renowned Cap Cana resort by the beautiful town of La Romana, Punta Minitas 34 is one of the largest and most coveted properties in the resort. It features breathtaking views of Minitas Bay, as well as its own private beach. A wrap-around infinity pool and in-pool bar help further set the mood, while the interior features high vaulted ceilings and rich woodwork. With 12 bedrooms, it's an ideal way for a larger group to enjoy this beautiful part of the Dominican Republic.
Arrecife 15: One of the newest villas to grace the Puntacana Resort and Club in Punta Cana, Arrecife 15 features modernist architecture and cubist art that perfectly complements the natural beautify of its surroundings. With a privileged oceanfront location in the resort, Arrecife 15 harnesses the power and beauty of the ocean and makes it the centrepiece of the villa's living room, pool area, master bedroom and more. Stepping into this villa is a truly artful experience.
A destination wedding in the Dominican is the perfect way to elevate your special day into a true luxury experience for both the couple and their guests. Wedding villas in Dominican Republic are big enough to accommodate a high number of guests and feature grand outdoor areas and beautiful dining rooms with which to celebrate. Here are a few top options:
Villa Anaconda: Located near Cabarete on the north coast, Villa Anaconda is truly one of the most exclusive and spectacular luxury villas in the Dominican. It's set on a private, pristine beachline, and with 20-bedrooms, it makes the perfect venue for a celeb-worthy event or wedding. The interior is richly luxurious and opulent, while the exterior features a 100,000-gallon private pool, an amazing private beach, and even an indoor fitness and sports centre. This villa truly needs to be seen to be believed.
Yarari Royale: Modern and distinct, the 9-bedroom Yarari Royale makes a perfect base for a wedding party taking place in Cap Cana. Its minimalist design is a perfect contrast with its lush surroundings and features lovely architectural finishes like high ceilings and a dramatic foyer. A very tasteful choice.
Arrecife 24 | 25: This set of two neighboring villas is perfect for two families coming together for a wedding party. Each villa offers large bedrooms and its own private swimming pool, which allows for plenty of flexibility, and they are located in a prime location in the Puntacana Resort and Club.
For many, vacation means a chance to kick back, relax, and not worry about chores. Dominican Republic villas with staff let you do just that with private chefs, cooks, housekeepers, butlers, and more. Indeed, most of our villas include staff (or, alternatively, can have staff added by the concierge). Here are a few examples:
Casa Kimball: Nestled within pristine and verdant land near Cabrera, Casa Kimball has long been heralded as one of the most celebrated villas in the Dominican. This amazing contemporary villa includes not only a full professional staff, but also 180-degree ocean views, a stunning infinity pool, an on-site concierge, a cliff-edge hot tub, and an impeccable sense of style throughout. Just see for yourself.
Toscana: With a beautiful neo-Classical style, Villa Toscana stands out among Cap Cana villas thanks to its Mediterranean influence and unhurried elegance. With 9-bedrooms, it's a perfect size for large groups, and the interior maintains the same grand scale seen in its exterior. It also includes a full staff, including a housekeeper, cook, and butler, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the villa and the resort.
Villa Miramar: Featuring a private beach, a heated infinity pool, and a large outdoor gazebo, Villa Miramar in Casa de Campo is all about appreciating the beautifully lush landscape that surrounds you. The staff, including cooks, housekeepers, and butlers, also work to that end, with carefully created meals served outside on the large terrace, or alternatively, in the bright and airy dining and living rooms.
Visitors from the US, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Russia, Japan and more do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic. All that is needed is a passport that is valid throughout the stay. Upon purchase of airfare, or upon entry if traveling by ship, you are granted a tourist card which allows you to enter the Dominican Republic. If you're staying for more than 30 days, an additional fee may be charged upon exit.
The Dominican Republic has 7 international airports and is a major hub for the Caribbean, so it should not be too difficult to find a flight. The three largest airports are Punta Cana International, Las American International, and Puerto Plata International.
Punta Cana International is the busiest airport and the most convenient if you're visiting the Puntacana Resort, Cap Cana, or even Casa de Campo (though Casa de Campo is best served by the nearby La Romana International Airport, though it has fewer flights). Many airlines, including Delta, British Airways, and American Airways have direct flights to Punta Cana International.
Las Americas International Airport is in Santo Domingo and is the best option if you want to explore the Dominican's beautiful capital and its charming Zona Colonial.
Puerto Plata International, lastly, is a smaller airport located near Puerto Plata in the north, making it a good choice if you plan on visiting Cabarete or the northern coast in general.
Deciding the best time to visit the Dominican Republic really depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip. If you want to visit during peak season, when everything is operating at full capacity and the weather is mildest, then December-March is the way to go.
If, on the other hand, you prefer having to deal with less crowds and want to get a better deal on your airfare, food, and villa, then visiting during shoulder season from November-December and April-June is ideal. The weather is still mild and beautiful, with only a slightly higher chance of rainfall.
Many travelers also enjoy visiting during the wet season from July-August and even during the so-called hurricane seasons from September-November, since that's really when you'll get the best deals. While your chance of encountering a hurricane during this time is low, do bear in mind that rainfall is much more common during this time, especially during the afternoon, and that travel insurance may also be a good idea.
Visit Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial: The site of Christopher Columbus's arrival to the Americas, the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo is now home to a celebrated old town that features colonial architecture dating back centuries. It is one of the best-preserved remnants of the time, and includes not only amazing ruins and colonial architecture, but also a vital atmosphere, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and more for tourists and locals alike to enjoy.
Visit the beaches of the east: The beaches around Punta Cana and La Romana are some of the best in the Caribbean, with even UNESCO recognizing them as among the world's ten best. The mix of Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates a beautiful azure glow in the water, and the sand is powdery soft. And with plenty of beach services available in Puntacana, Cap Cana, and Casa de Campo, it'll be easy to enjoy the very best that these beaches have to offer.
Explore the Northern Coast: The Northern coast near Cabarete and Puerto Plata is one of the most untouched regions of the country. Here you'll find not only great watersports thanks to the stronger Atlantic waters, but also plenty of adventure – whether that means surfing in Cabarete, four wheeling by Playa Dorada, zip lining or hiking by the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, swimming in the Dudu Lagoon and Cave, or snorkeling in Sosua.
The food in the Dominican Republic is excellent, especially in the major resorts like Puntacana, Cap Cana, and Casa de Campo. You can find most types of international cuisine and plenty of fusion cooking, and private chefs at villas can work with you to develop a meal plan that is suited to your diet and tastes.
Traditional Dominican cuisine, meanwhile, has a whole host of influences, including Spanish, African, Mediterranean, and more. Some typical dishes include pollo guisado (braised chicken), sancocho (7-meat stew), pescado frito (fried fish), and chicharron (fried pork belly). There's also plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy, including its famous spiny lobster (though be aware there is a ban on fishing these lobsters from March 1- June 30).
The Dominican Republic benefits from a tropical climate, and really only has two seasons – a dry season and a wet season.
Dry season runs from December to June and sees average temperatures of 29°C (84°F) in January, and 27°C (81°F) in April. This balmy time of year sees low precipitation, lots of sunshine, and warm water temperatures near 27°C (81°F).
The wet season, meanwhile, sees a much higher chance of precipitation, especially in the afternoon, as well as somewhat higher temperatures. Average highs go up to about 32°C (90°F) in August, while water temperatures also rise to 29°C (84°F). The highest likelihood of a tropical storm is in September, though the odds of a tropical storm hitting remain quite low.
If you're looking to enjoy the best of this tropical paradise, then Rental Escapes can elevate your Dominican Republic villa rental into a true luxury experience. Our portfolio includes the finest properties in the country, including staffed, oceanfront, and beachfront Dominican Republic villas, as well as villas that are perfect for families, events, and weddings. Your reservation expert can find the best villa for your group, and from there your concierge personalizes the trip to create the ultimate Dominican Republic luxury villa experience. Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!