Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Punta Cana is one of the most glamorous resorts on the Dominican Republic’s Coconut Coast, if not the whole of the Caribbean. That's because the giddy mix of hot days on the beach and VIP nightlife makes the resort feel a little like paradise, with its bright green scenery set against the gold of the coast. The jungle is ideal for would-be explorers, while the rather more leisurely golf courses complete a very pretty picture. During your Punta Cana holidays, you may even rub shoulders with some of the world's most famous celebrities, too, as many of Hollywood’s A-listers are big fans of this part of the island.

Things to do

Go shopping at the Palma Real Shopping Village in the Bávaro area on your holidays to Punta Cana, where you can see some beautiful arts and crafts items. Visit the Marinarium and learn all about sharks and stingrays, or head to the Aromas Museum if you're interested in finding out about the Dominican Republic's history and culture. In La Romana, just under an hour's drive from Punta Cana, you can explore the Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village, featuring an amphitheatre and archaeological museum.

Excellent beaches

The inviting resort has some of the best beaches in the whole of the Dominican Republic. Enjoy the pristine shores of Punta Cana’s 35 kilometre stretch of continuous white sand lined with palm trees. The tropical setting is the ideal location for a long day in the warm sunshine. Relax on the powdery white sand of the resort’s main beach, Playa Bavaro. Take a dip in the warm, crystal clear waters and snorkel in the shallow coral reefs. For something a little quieter, take a trip to Macao Beach where the shores are virtually untouched. Lounge along the sand and take in the spectacular views of the impeccable coast and shimmering waters. This is a popular surfing spot where you can take surfing lessons or rent a board if you are more experienced.

History and culture

It was the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, who discovered the area on his first voyage in 1492. The popular holiday resort can be found along the exquisite shores of the Dominican Republic. It shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with neighbouring Haiti. Before the Spanish inhabited the island, it was populated by the Taino Indians for hundreds of years but won its independence from Spain in the early 19th century by Haiti. The growth in tourism into Punta Cana was due to the area’s first airport opening in 1984. The Dominican Republic is now well known not only as a hugely popular holiday paradise, but also for their major league baseball players.

Vibrant nightlife

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the laid back island life throughout the day and in the evening. Punta Cana is the best place in the Dominican Republic for nightlife. It comes alive at night with an array of bars and huge dance clubs open until the early hours and regular beach parties on the sandy shores. Dance the night away to a mix of Caribbean beats and the latest summer hits and sip on fruity cocktails. If you want a more peaceful evening, enjoy a cold drink in one of the coastal bars and watch as the sun sets on the glistening horizon.

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While Cancun might be famous for its heady nightlife and kicking club scene, holidays to Playa Mujeres offer a stunning, exclusive, and tranquil retreat from the banging beats. Cancun might only be a bay away, but our Playa Mujeres holidays offer beautiful beaches, superb restaurants, plenty of space, and lots of peace and quiet. Unlike many of the resorts in Cancun, this one wasn’t purpose-built. 

Originally, it was a small fishing village, which has since grown and developed to meet the demands of tourism while still retaining much of its unique charm and quirks. Golfers will be able to keep swinging their five-irons at the excellent Playa Mujeres Golf Club, while those who fancy something a little more connected to nature, there’s the opportunity to explore the stunning undersea world of the nearby coral reefs. 

Just north of Cancun, this seaside resort community lets travellers kick back, relax and enjoy luxury accommodation. With breathtaking views across the Mexican Caribbean, you’ll discover spectacular seas filled with beautiful marine wildlife. Easily accessible from Cancun airport, it’s a great base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond.

Beaches and sports

With stunning bleached white sand dominating the nearby coastlines, every view’s a photo opportunity. With its remote location, Playa Mujeres beach is an oasis of calm, with a private members club vibe. You’ll find a 170-slip inland marina just a short walk away, while the Greg Norman designed golf course boasts lagoon and ocean-front holes for a relaxing few games. Snorkelling, diving and swimming with whale sharks are all popular activities off the shores nearby.

History and culture

Playa Mujeres is close to an important Mayan archaeological site, with an iconic stepped pyramid, columns, temples and sculptures so impressive, you could easily spend a whole day exploring. Fascinating and engaging, you’ll be blown away by evidence of a culture that inhabited these lands some 1,000 years ago. Also close by are the ruins of the ancient walled city of Tulum, in a spectacular location right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean. Here you’ll see some important buildings from a time when Tulum was a significant sea port, including the 7.5m tall El Castillo also known as ‘the lighthouse’.

For adventurous families

Playa Mujeres is a tranquil spot, much loved by couples and now becoming increasingly popular with families too. Kids and adults will love the beach, water sports and boat trips across the bay to Isla Mujeres. And with Cancun nearby, city life Mexican-style can be explored with ease. Take a day trip out to catch a film or a showor get those essential souvenirs in one of the many malls and markets. It’s a great location for trips out to historically significant sites and family-friendly theme parks, where mixing and mingling with wildlife is the order of the day.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya

Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast has it all: history, culture, incredible beaches and a vibrant nightlife that is particularly popular with LGBT travellers.
Puerto Vallarta has dozens of nightclubs, hundreds of restaurants and some of Mexico's best beaches. There are also plenty of amazing shopping opportunities, art galleries and activities on both land and water. The El Malecon boardwalk is the hub of the city with street performers and food stalls; you can even hire a bike and take a tour of the area. 

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Playa Mujeres | Riviera Maya