Set against a backdrop of diverse natural beauty, Dominican Republic is an idyllic destination for travelers seeking world-class luxury and spa offerings to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.
Luxury takes many forms in the country, providing rest and relaxation in unique settings that include bustling cities, all-inclusive resorts and eco lodges tucked away in the tropical jungle.
“We are a country known for spectacular nature, but also for our warm people and hospitality,” said Magaly Toribio, marketing advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “When you bring the two together, it’s easy to see why Dominican Republic is home to some of the best destination spas and luxury tourism in the Caribbean and the world.”
In easy-to-access Punta Cana on Dominican Republic’s east coast, spa aficionados don’t have to look far for pampering. All-inclusive hotels—perfect for families or budget-conscious travelers—are dotted along the coast and throughout the region, many offering on-site spas. Most spas come fully equipped with amenities such as whirlpools and saunas, with menus of familiar services including facials, full-body treatments, massages and beauty services—perfect for brides or for guests visiting for a special occasion. Punta Cana is also home to luxury boutique accommodations that offer unique wraps and body scrubs that revitalize the skin using natural ingredients such as coffee or hot lava stones. Boutique properties also may offer yoga lessons and healthy cooking classes to provide a well-rounded wellness experience. For visitors that love to shop, nearby Bávaro is home to familiar designer brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Swarovski and others.
La Romana, a favorite getaway among celebrities, is a chic coastal area replete with spa offerings across the region. This ultimate luxury destination is an ideal spot for seaside pampering, with an array of boutique and all-inclusive resorts offering spa services that run the gamut from facials to intimate couples’ massages. Need to stock up on your favorite top-of-the-line skin care products? Book a stay with a resort that has its own spa boutique. For entertainment outside of the spa, visit the nearby Casa de Campo marina to partake in world-class sport fishing and polo or tour a cigar factory to learn about one of Dominican Republic’s oldest traditions and finest exports.
Away from the bustling hubs of Punta Cana and La Romana, Barahona is an unspoiled tropical Eden on the southwest coast of Dominican Republic. Nature-lovers will be in spa heaven after booking a stay at one of the area’s luxury eco hotels, offering organic and natural treatments for guests in the tranquil setting of Barahona’s coastal and wooded areas. From exfoliation to healing, it’s easy to find peace in both body and mind in Barahona.
Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic, offers relaxation from the comfort of a cosmopolitan hotspot. Several hotels offer on-site spas and an assortment of amenities and treatments, from massages to manicures and pedicures. After a relaxing spa day, take advantage of your close proximity to everything the capital has to offer, from high-end shopping featuring brands such as Armani Exchange, Massimo Dutti and Carolina Herrera, to the historic charm of the Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax in a local cigar club to experience one of Dominican Republic’s fine cigars with a rum drink in-hand.
In the northeast Samaná peninsula, visitors can rejuvenate by booking a massage or spa treatment or connecting with their spiritual side in yoga and meditation classes, offered at many resorts. Just west of Samaná, tourists will find Puerto Plata—an area that routinely attracts adventure seekers for kite surfing,
ATVing and more. After a day of adventure, a trip to the spa is the perfect way to unwind. Area spas and on- site spa facilities at resorts offer facials, massages and other treatments for a restorative experience that addresses needs ranging from stress relief to anti-aging. For yogis, some companies offer dedicated yoga retreats to refresh the mind—the perfect complement to a relaxing day at the spa.
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