Our Complete Guide to a Dominican Republic Honeymoon

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A Dominican Republic honeymoon has just about everything necessary for a tropical romantic getaway. This top honeymoon destination boasts 200 miles of beautiful beaches, pristine properties at affordable price points, quality golf courses and a copious amount of cigars. (The DR, as it's casually nicknamed, happens to be the largest producer of cigars in the world.)

After planning the biggest party of your life, you may want to bury your toes in the sand and keep them there. The all-inclusive nature of a Dominican Republic honeymoon lets that happen, along with rugged adventure options across the island. Couples can enjoy activities like horseback riding, ziplining, swimming and snorkeling. Massages and siestas are also encouraged across this island destination.

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Travel advisor Paula Prickett of Black Dog Luxury Travel LLC says the beautiful beaches and accommodations at varying price points make this trip worthwhile. "It's a great and quick getaway to start your [life together]," she adds. As a bonus, many resorts offer concierge services. Plus, it's a short nonstop flight away from major cities across the East Coast.

That being said, here are our top tips and recommendations when it comes to planning a honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic
• Dominican Republic Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Dominican Republic Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels
• Things to Do on a Dominican Republic Honeymoon
• What to Pack for a Dominican Republic Honeymoon

Photo: tifonimages | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic

For the best weather, Reco trip designer Michaela Moore tends to book Dominican Republic vacations for people looking to escape the winter up north. The temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees in the winter months. She warns the area is prone to hurricane season from mid-August through late October.

Best weather: December to April.
Festival highlights: The Merengue Festival in Santo Domingo, featuring live music, dancing and street parties; Carnaval, held in February, showcases colorful parades and costumes across various cities, with La Vega's being the most famous; the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival brings jazz enthusiasts together for performances by international artists.

Dominican Republic Honeymoon Planning Tips

Simply put, the Dominican Republic offers couples a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Newlyweds can continue to receive royal treatment post-wedding, courtesy of five-star accommodations and all-inclusive experiences. Concierges can help you customize your stay, whether you want to fish and snorkel or prefer to stake out a spot in the sand and not move for an entire week. Candlelit sunset dinners and sunrise walks on the beach are also on the table.

There's plenty of room for activities in the Dominican Republic. However, Prickett suggests saving the Dominican Republic for another time if you have more than 10 days to travel. "You'll run out of things to do, even with built-in time for relaxing," she says.

Reco Trip Designers Mike Karstens and Curtis Rapue also note that English isn't the primary language of many Dominican Republic citizens. Though most resort staff are multi-lingual, you may encounter a language barrier if you venture out. Consider brushing up on your Spanish if you haven't spoken it since high school.

Finally, there are concerns about safety in certain regions and at specific resorts. As with any travel, research and plan accordingly. Comfort, found through service or the hotel, is often a must-have for honeymooners.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for the duration of your DR honeymoon.
Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
Location: The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. It shares the island with Haiti to the west.
Currency: The Dominican Peso (DOP).
Flight time to Destination: From Miami, flight times are around 2 hours. From New York City, flights are around 3.5 hours.
Getting around: Car, shuttles, buses, walking.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. You can browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Dominican Republic honeymoon planning tips.

Best Dominican Republic Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels

From all-inclusive resorts for a Punta Cana honeymoon to boutique hotels in La Romana, there are plenty of options when it comes to honeymoon suites in the Dominican Republic.

Photo: Joel Villanueva | Getty

Eden Roc Cap Cana

Eden Rock Cap Cana is a five-star hotel that's unsurprisingly lapped in luxury. Its laundry list of amenities includes a private beach, Punta Espada Golf Course, a spa with couple's massages and a swim-up bar. Rooms have beachfront, pool or garden views, while upgraded villas come with private butler service.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort and Club

Oscar de la Renta designed this five-star luxury resort situated on a private stretch of beach in the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve. Couples will love how Tortuga Bay Resort offers waterfront vistas for days. Six restaurants, a bar, a hot tub, an outdoor pool and a spa offer something for every taste. Some rooms offer direct beach access.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Casa de Campo Resort and Villas

If it's good enough for the Kardashians, then it's good enough for your DR honeymoon. Located in La Romana, Casa de Campo is considered one of the best romance properties in the Dominican Republic. A sprawling estate, Altos de Chavon is also situated within this 7,000-acre tropical playground. Casa de Campo houses three championship golf courses, tennis courts, shops and a marina. The rooms are tricked out with verandas or balconies, and villas contain private pools and butler service.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana is a favorite all-inclusive resort of Prickett's. Located on a white-sand Atlantic Ocean beach, this Hyatt property offers the quintessential Caribbean experience right in Punta Cana. Guests have direct beach access. But there are four pools and three golf courses on-site—if, for some reason, you get tired of shaking sand out of your shoes. Refuel and stay hydrated at seven upscale restaurants, six bars and a cafe. Added amenities include daily bottles of sparkling wine, everyday fruit deliveries and a welcome bottle of rum. Wine tastings with the resort's sommelier, afternoon tea and horseback riding are on-site experiences.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Sanctuary Cap Cana

Situated along the Caribbean Sea, Sanctuary Cap Cana (a Marriott property for Bonvoy fanatics) is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with private beach access. Five outdoor pools, too many restaurants to count (including Japanese and steakhouse options), and a spa give guests a chance to spend their entire honeymoon on-site. Moore recommends honeymooners book the King and Queen Villa Suite. "It's a private villa with all of the amenities," she says.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa

A spa, an infinity pool and built-in nightlife opportunities make Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa a destination all its own. Bonus points for its exclusive gated community, 24-hour room setting and access to Juanillo Beach's sparkling blue waters.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Club Med Punta Cana

If you love an all-inclusive, one of the top-rated resorts in the Dominican Republic is Club Med Punta Cana. "I love the garden suites in the 18-plus section at Club Med," Moore says. "They have great escapes with a beautiful room and private outdoor space including Bali beds to relax or take a nap on."

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for DR honeymoon accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Things to Do on a Dominican Republic Honeymoon

If you're at the stage of planning things to do on your honeymoon, here are a few activities you'll enjoy during your romantic getaway.

Photo: Christophe Boisvieux | Getty

Hop on a Catamaran

Though there are plenty of opportunities to take in water views throughout a Dominican Republic honeymoon, Prickett suggests taking to the high seas. "I recommend a private or small group catamaran for the day," she says. Another option is to join a small group for a Saona island day trip. Included in this excursion is lunch on the beach.

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

For something different in terms of your island getaway, book a horseback ride. Novice riders may find the experience of trying something new with their loved ones to be exciting. Many horseback riding tours are open to all levels, with guides matching each horse to a person's ability.

Reel in a Fish

For couples who need more bonding activities, specific tour companies in the Dominican Republic offer private and small-group fishing charters. Try your luck at catching a blue marlin, Atlantic sailfish or yellowfin tuna. Many charters will supply snorkeling gear so that you can see the fish without the trouble of reeling them in (if that's your preference).

Zipline Through the Jungle

Adrenaline lovers should book a rainforest ziplining excursion at Monkeyland. "It gets your blood pumping, and the tree-top views are amazing," Prickett says. Some tours include hotel pick-up and ATV adventures. (A pro tip is to book these outdoor excursions on-site or closer to the date. That way, you'll know which day to go for the best weather and clearest views.)

Get a History Lesson in Santo Domingo

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Prickett says it's worth taking a break from the beach and taking a day trip here. It's home to Ciudad Colonial, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO that remains a hidden gem in the beach-filled country despite its rich history. Las Damas Street is full of 16th-century architecture and historical sites, like the first American fortress, Ozama Fortress. Peruse an eclectic mix of shops along El Conde.

Hit the Golf Course

Golf lovers, rejoice. It's possible to dust some wedding-induced cobwebs off your golf game during a Dominican Republic honeymoon. The country is home to numerous touted courses, including the Hard Rock Golf Club. A golf-cart ride away from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, the course features a practice area with a driving range and putting green. Punta Espada Golf Course boasts eight holes along and over the sea for a truly Caribbean experience.

Enjoy a Mediterranean-Style Experience

The Mediterranean meets the Caribbean at Altos de Chavon, a 16th-century replica village. The village has a museum, an amphitheater, and plenty of spots for photos along the Chavón River. A day trip to the village offers a unique activity.

Take a Cooking Class

Moore loves setting couples up with cooking classes in the Dominican Republic. They allow newlyweds to go home with something more long-lasting than most souvenirs: a lifetime of fun recipes to test. In the Dominican Republic, cooking classes take a Caribbean twist full of flavor, spice and everything nice.

Pro tip: Consider adding Dominican Republic honeymoon experiences to your gift registry. This way, your friends and family can give you a fun couple's activity to enjoy together!

What to Pack for a Dominican Republic Honeymoon

Photo: Marco Bottigelli | Getty

Let's start by stating the obvious: pack a swimsuit or three, and plenty of sunscreen, suggests Prickett. You'll need these for days by the pool and beach (and generally, for most romantic getaways). Since the Dominican Republic offers a diverse itinerary, activewear and comfortable shoes are ideal for ATV rides and ziplining adventures.

Though it's warm, couples should consider lightweight long pants and sleeved shirts to keep bug bites at bay. Of course, bug spray will also help and should be used whether you opt for shorts or sweats. As the DR is tropical, include an umbrella and raincoat on your packing checklist—it never hurts to be prepared.

Keep in mind, many upscale resort restaurants will have a dress code. Fun or classic evening attire should also be stowed in your honeymoon luggage.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.