Boutique hotels in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is best known for its all-inclusive resorts, but a quieter side exists: a UNESCO-listed colonial city, small hotels on the northern coast and eco-lodges in the mountains.

Colonial heart

Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial, the oldest European settlement in the Americas, has restored mansions turned boutique hotels beside cobbled streets and plazas.

Beaches

Punta Cana and Cap Cana on the east coast hold the large resorts and some boutique villas. The Samaná Peninsula, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and Cabarete on the north coast are smaller, with surfing, whale watching and French-influenced cafés.

Mountains

Jarabacoa and Constanza are cool highland towns with waterfalls and river rafting.

When to go

The dry season runs from December to April. Humpback whales visit Samaná Bay from January to March.