Punta Cana keeps growing: new brands are arriving, the east of the island is adding luxury projects and the travel-industry calendar already marks the dates for October.

What's making news this week

Coral Hospitality announced the arrival of DoubleTree by Hilton, the first property of the brand in Punta Cana, while Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new hotels in May with 1,035 rooms across family, adults and events concepts. Farther east, Meliá and Grupo Puntacana are developing Paradisus Miches, a luxury resort an hour and a half from the airport. And October 22–24 brings the Caribbean Travel Market (BTC 2026) to Santo Domingo, the region's biggest industry gathering.

Must-do activities

  • Ojos Indígenas Ecological Park — trails through jungle and freshwater lagoons inside the Puntacana resort complex.
  • Playa Juanillo, Cap Cana — one of the best-kept beaches in the area, with white sand and calm water.
  • Catamaran with snorkeling — departures from the Cap Cana or Bávaro marinas, with stops to swim and see fish.
  • Higüey Basilica — the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, the country's most-visited shrine, about 45 minutes away.
  • Miches — a day trip to the east coast, with nearly untouched beaches, mangroves and rivers.

Best spots to visit

To get away from the busiest areas, Miches is the one to watch: wide, quiet beaches, mangroves and nature, an hour and a half from the airport. With Paradisus Miches in development, the area is starting to draw attention from travelers seeking something quieter.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana — all-inclusive with a casino, spa and round-the-clock entertainment.
  • Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort — large oceanfront complex with multiple pools and family options.
  • Paradisus Palma Real — luxury all-inclusive on Bávaro Beach, with a Royal Service area.
  • Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana — all-inclusive with great value; already among our recent quotes.
  • Iberostar Waves Bávaro — large resort with a wide beach and programs for the whole family.

Where to eat

In Bávaro, Jellyfish serves seafood with your toes nearly in the sand; Captain Cook is a classic for lobster and grilled fish on the beach; in Cap Cana, Passion by Martín Berasategui offers signature fine dining; and Playa Blanca Restaurant, inside Puntacana Resort, has tables right on the water.