There are many hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, especially in a popular destination like the Dominican Republic. Many of those may look the same, but when you start to laser-focus your search, you start to spot the differences… and the perfect example is Iberostar hotels and resorts, a brand famous for great food, massive pools, and stunning beach locations.
The chain has several properties throughout the island, inf act there are more than 5 Iberostar hotels just in the Dominican Republic. This sometimes makes picking the right one feel a bit like guessing, but in this guide, I will walk you through the top choices.
JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar
If you want top-tier luxury without any kids around, then the JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar is your best option . This spot sits at the very top of the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts collection, not only in the Dominican Republic but in general. People used to call it the Grand Bávaro, and it still lives up to that reputation.
Here you get a massive palace-like property that sits right on the front of Bávaro Beach. When you check in, you get a personal butler. This person unpacks your bags, draws a warm bath, and books your dinner reservations while you relax by the ocean.
The food is way better than a standard buffet. You can eat prime steak, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta without leaving the property. The pool area is huge, and the service is fast and friendly.
Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites
Now, if you’re traveling with your family, many Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts may fit your needs, but nothing will do it like Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites. The thing is that for most family trips, you need space, fun activities, and food that kids will actually eat without too much hassle, and this hotel manages to deliver that.
I mean, if you try to put four people into a regular hotel room, it will just start a fight, but this resort has a Family Junior Suite with two separate connecting rooms and two bathrooms. Nothing gets better when it comes to room for families; here you get a big king bed, your kids get two double beds, and everyone gets room to get ready in the morning.
Not only that, but having two bathrooms reduces the amount of time waiting to get in the shower.
But the biggest draw happens outside… every single family trip needs something to get the kids battery down and this resort does a good job with that. It’s packed with activities, and amenities that are tailored for kids and families.
A good example is how the Star Camp kids club has activities for the whole day. They take the kids on treasure hunts, to play beach sports, and even do science experiments!
The best part is that while your kids are busy, you can head to the spa or grab lunch alone. The restaurants serve kid-friendly food next to nicer options for adults, so everyone goes home happy.
Looking at Other Options
On the other hand, if the top two options are booked or if you want to explore more options, don’t worry because Iberostar has around seven hotels and resorts just in the Dominican Republic.
Right next to the Bávaro Suites, you will find the Iberostar Waves Dominicana and the Iberostar Waves Punta Cana. These two share many of the same features.
They belong to the Waves tier, which means they cost less while still giving you plenty of fun. You get huge pools, direct access to the same white sand, and a lively atmosphere. If you want to play volleyball in the water or join a dance class on the beach, these places work well for an active trip.
If you want to leave the Punta Cana area completely, check out the Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata. The sand there is more golden, and the mountains around give you a totally different view. This spot works best if you want to leave the resort to explore local towns or go on hikes.
Finally, you can look at the Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe. People love this location because the Caribbean Sea is very calm and clear there. It makes a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Final Thoughts
There’s not a single doubt about the Dominican Republic being the ultimate Caribbean destination for all types of trips. Thanks to its many resorts and hotels, you can easily find the right one for your trip, whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or alone. Iberostar knows exactly how to take the most out of the country and give you a top-notch service that’s not only friendly but also professional.
