The Dominican Republic is ideal for clients who are planning a wedding, a honeymoon or just a romantic break.
Traditionally known for its big all-inclusive hotels, the market is diversifying and awareness of top-end and boutique properties is increasing.
Here’s our pick of five of the best romantic hotels on offer.
Best for a beach wedding
What?The Royal Club at Occidental Grand Flamenco.
Where? Punta Cana.
Why? The palm-fringed beach – one of the longest stretches of sand in the Caribbean – is one of the main draws at Occidental Grand Flamenco.
You can upgrade clients to the Royal Club, located in the grounds. Here, special facilities for guests include private check-in and check-out and a concierge service.
The wedding package includes flowers, cava and cake, photographer and 14 photographs, decoration of the ceremony area, an à la carte dinner for the couple, and breakfast in bed.
Sample price:Jetlife offers seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation from £215 per person twin-share in a deluxe room in November. The price excludes flights, which can be quoted at the time of booking. The wedding package starts at £615.
Best for a garden wedding
What?Hotel Riu Palace Macao.
Where? Bavaro.
Why? The long-established Hotel Riu Palace Macao has lush gardens that are perfect for a wedding gazebo.
Thomson offers two wedding packages at the hotel. The Royal package (£845) includes a spa treatment, wedding cake, eight photographs in an album, a room upgrade, flowers, sparkling wine and a surprise gift.
The Caprice package (£1,375) includes all of the above, plus massages and treatments for the couple, sparkling wine, black and white photographs and cake for up to 15 guests.
Both packages include the Foreign and Commonwealth Office fee of £29 for legalising documents and the Dominican Consulate charge of £145 to legalise and translate any documents.
Sample price:Thomson offers seven nights’ all-inclusive from £775 per person with departures from Gatwick on November 22.
Best for a family wedding for all ages
What? First Choice Holiday Village Golden Beach.
Where? Playa Dorada.
Why? This child-friendly resort is perfect for families, with a wave pool and kids’ club for the little ones and an adults-only area for mum and dad.
With a choice of dining and evening entertainment, there is also a nightclub where hotel guests receive priority entry.
Weddings can take place in the garden or on the beach and the package includes photographs, a candlelit dinner for two and breakfast in bed, dinner for the wedding party at one of the à la carte restaurants and a horse and carriage to the wedding location.
Sample price: First Choice sells the wedding package from £759 per person for up to six guests. Prices for 14 nights start at £714 per person, twin-share, on an all-inclusive basis including flights.
Best intimate hotel
What?Agua Resort.
Where? Punta Cana.
Why? For boutique chic and for a luxury hideaway, sell the new Agua Resort and Spa. Give couples a superstar start to their stay with a private helicopter for the 24-mile transfer from Punta Cana Airport.
The resort has 53 suites in 18 villas, all with 24-hour butler service, luxurious Frette linens and Korres bath products.
Newlyweds can also head to the spa and relax on a bubble bed, rejuvenate in a sensations shower and cool off at the ice fountain.
Sample price: Rooms start at $590 per night for a stay in November.
Best for a honeymoon suite
What?Victoria Golf and Beach Resort.
Where? Playa Dorada.
Why? What could be more romantic than stepping out of your room and into your own private whirlpool?
The revamped honeymoon suite at the Victoria Golf and Beach Resort is perfect for newlyweds – it has a huge marble bathroom and walk-in shower.
This resort is small and decorated with cool hues and marble. The hotel offers a honeymoon package, which includes a room upgrade and a candlelit dinner for two in a sister hotel.
Sample price:Cosmos offers a seven-night stay in November for £844 per person. It includes return Gatwick flights, seven nights’ all-inclusive and transfers.
