Top 5 Hotels and Resorts in the Dominican Republic

1. Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro

Part of the Iberostar chain, the Dominican Republic's Grand Hotel Bavaro is a premium adults-only all-inclusive resort in a class unto itself. The interior and rooms are sumptuous, the beach is gorgeous, the service attentive, and the pool gigantic. What more could you ask for? Well, there's the food. The Grand Hotel Bavaro has four a la carte restaurants and two buffet-style dining establishments, but if that's not enough to vary your palate, you can also go to any of the Iberostar resorts in Punta Cana and sample their offerings. Prices vary from the low $200s to the low $500s depending on the room and time of year.

2. Velero Beach Resort

The Velero Beach Resort in Cabarete hits the sweet spot between luxury and affordability. The rooms are clean and functional, if not remarkable, but its landscaping, beach and ocean views are outstanding and the service a Dominican Republic nonpareil – especially at as low as $100 per night. It's one of those locally-owned hotels that does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it right.

3. Jasmine Spa and Wellness

Jasmine Spa and Wellness resort wins plaudits not just for its exceptional massages but its all-encompassing approach to relaxation and holistic health. Located in Puerto Plata's Cordillera region, the Spa sits on 40 acres of rainforest, offers a variety of classes from yoga, to meditation, to merengue dancing, and has a staff that prides themselves on catering to your every need. Wellness is the name of the game here, and Jasmine does not disappoint.

4. Casa Colonial Beach and Spa

The all-suite Casa Colonial Beach and Spa is the high-class destination of choice in Puerto Plata. You'll feel like Old World nobility amid dazzling Caribbean climes: whether it's relaxing with drinks in their signature rooftop infinity pool or getting a treatment at their Bagua Spa, Casa Colonial is synonymous with boutique Dominican Republic excellence.

5. Coco Boutique Hotel

The Coco Boutique Hotel, in the republic's colonial Santo Domingo province is affordable (their most expensive room, the "Luxury Double" costs just $100) and with just five rooms they can also afford to be meticulous; the staff here is known for their attention to detail and willingness to meet a guest's every need. Unlike the Dominican Republic's other bustling beach resorts, Coco Boutique is for travelers who want a little quiet intimacy just a couple blocks from the heart of the colonial city. A morning patio breakfast of fresh fruit, juice, eggs, and toast is complimentary.

Photo by Jill via Flickr