Isolated, romantic, upscale, and resembling a cliffside Spanish castle, the adults-only, all-inclusive Sanctuary Cap Cana is one of the best resorts for couples in the Dominican Republic, especially for those looking to relax. While it has quality white sand, the beach here is a little on the small side (especially for Punta Cana); it’s quiet and private, but this factor has a slight negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating, just barely taking it out of the Aaa range. The resort mostly makes up for it in other areas, though, and still manages to attain a rating of Aa1. On-site activities are somewhat limited (especially water sports) and there isn’t much in the surrounding area in terms of shopping and dining; but the property offers top-notch service, luxurious swimming pools with zero-entry access and other unique features, excellent food for an all-inclusive with outstanding variety (and memorable ocean views at Blue Marlin, the al fresco seafood restaurant), an impressive 20,000-square-foot spa with a juice bar and hydrotherapy, and free transportation to the renowned Punta Espada Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus nearby. Added in 2017, Sanctuary Town is an on-site village with a coffee bar, an Irish pub with over 40 beers from around the world, a taco truck, and other foodie delights. The resort’s alluring suites and villas emanate high-end luxury with a touch of rustic Caribbean charm; they come equipped with furnished patios, flat-screen TVs, silk bathrobes, wood accents, coral double-vanity bathrooms, pillow menus, re-stocked minibars, and tropical rattan furnishings. Activities include beach volleyball, wine tastings, Spanish lessons, and cooking classes.
Complimentary COVID-19 antigen tests are available for guests returning to the United States (there is no minimum stay requirement). In the event of a positive test, the resort offers up to a 50% discount for guests needing to quarantine until recovery, for up to 14 days (extended stays for up to 14 days are complimentary for guests that enroll in the resort’s Extended Stay protection program for $29 per person upon check-in).