The 11 Most-Loved Hotels on Oyster

One of four Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana, the upscale, 554-room Palma Real takes the number one spot. It has a gorgeous Caribbean setting and a romantic vibe that appeals to lots of honeymooners. It feels bigger than its sister properties, particularly when walking around its jaw-dropping courtyard and peaceful pool and beach area. Food and beverage options are a highlight here -- from impressive international buffets to a la carte restaurants run by a Michelin-starred chef. Spacious suites have a classic elegance, in addition to whirlpool bathtubs, furnished balconies, and coffeemakers. All the expected facilities, such as a lovely spa, are found here or are free to use at sister properties.

One of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic, the 174-room Sanctuary Cap Cana is an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort. Situated in the Cap Cana development area (about a 15-minute drive south of the airport), it's designed to resemble a Spanish castle -- with crenellated structures and a multi-level fortress -- perched on a cliff by the ocean. Its beautifully decorated pools, spa, and delicious restaurants (including a steakhouse and seafood highlights) are all top-notch, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Big, stylish rooms are split into three buildings, and the resort feels like a small charming village.

The Zoetry Agua is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The 96-room property offers an uncrowded white-sand beach with free-to-use non-motorized water sports, spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine pool, and one of the area's best spas (it has a free hydrotherapy circuit). The resort prides itself on offering Endless Privileges, which includes no formal check-in/check-out times, limitless top-shelf liquor, and excellent dining at four gourmet a la carte restaurants (no buffets), a cafe, and three bars (one swim-up). High-end perks include a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach.

Opened in November 2013, the Breathless is one of the newest and most luxurious all-inclusive options in resort-packed Punta Cana. The adults-only property has a whopping 750 suites, but the resort is massive, allowing guests to spread out and rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds. Nearly a dozen restaurants offer options such as Italian, French, and Asian, and pools house lazy rivers, whirlpools, and swim-up bars. The gorgeous white-sand beach is wide and packed with loungers, and rates include water sports and themed pool parties. Rooms are colorful and fun, and all have whirlpools on the balconies.

Another adults-only resort, the Royal Hideaway is a member of exclusive hospitality consortium Leading Hotels of the World, and as such is one of the most luxurious properties in the area. It has a beautiful beachfront location at the southern end of Playacar, a resort community just south of Playa del Carmen. There are 200 rooms with upscale colonial decor, jetted tubs, and walk-in showers, as well as a full-service spa, several pools -- including an ocean-view infinity one -- and outstanding food at restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. The beautiful grounds, overall sophisticated vibe, and adults-only policy make it one of the most attractive options for couples in Playacar.

The adults-only Excellence Playa Mujeres is a 450-room luxury all-inclusive set in the heart of a private resort community to the north of Cancun. The secluded location is part of the appeal for many couples, but it may be too isolated for some. Additionally, while the white-sand beach is pretty and tranquil, it isn't quite as impressive as those in the Hotel Zone. Modern, swish rooms are huge and have big whirlpool tubs, plus some have ocean views. Certain categories have swim-up access or private plunge pools. Several on-site features, including seven pools, nine restaurants, 11 bars, and a high-end spa, ensure guests don't have to leave if they don't want to.

Just next door is the Beloved Playa Mujeres, a 109-room sexy boutique hotel situated along a beautiful, long white-sand beach. The luxurious, adults-only all-inclusive stands out as the only true boutique in the area. Rooms are huge (starting at a massive 960 square feet), all white, and have big whirlpool tubs, as well as private terraces -- many with ocean views and some with plunge pools. All the expected amenities are found here, from the three chic outdoor pools with food and drink service to the 35,000-square-foot spa with an impressive hydrotherapy circuit. Food at the four restaurants is excellent and a la carte, and reservations are not required.

The best of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay, the 295-room Grand Hotel Rose Hall is an all-suite hotel that's light-years beyond its neighbors in terms of decor, food, and features. While some elements remain shared with sister hotels -- for instance, the spa, casino, nightclub, and shops -- guests here get free access to all three resorts' approximately 20 restaurants and bars with top-shelf liquor, array of pools -- including the huge on-site infinity pool with a swim-up bar -- and sunbed-equipped beaches. Rooms are unsurprisingly upmarket, with jetted tubs and separate showers, hanging chairs on the terraces, and sitting areas.

Located south of Cancun on the Riviera Maya, the 412-room Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a romantic, adults-only all-inclusive resort, set on a private white-sand beach. Spacious rooms have elegant four-poster canopy beds, swish marble bathrooms, and private balconies; ground-floor rooms are swim-up suites. Thirteen swimming pools dot the property and a stunning destination-style spa offers couples' treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach. In addition to the buffet, a wide range of high-quality dining options are available, including Japanese teppanyaki, French cuisine, and a wine cellar with over 200 different vintages. Expect lots of romancing honeymooners and destination weddings.

The 307-room Hyatt Zilara Cancun is a hacienda-style resort on a pristine stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone. It's one of the area's top all-inclusive luxury options for adults only. The stylish, colonial-style rooms all have two-person whirlpools and balconies with phenomenal ocean views. Food is excellent at the six restaurants, especially for an all-inclusive resort; the Mexican food at Maria Marie and Asian food at Asiana are particular favorites, and no reservations are required (except for the teppanyaki show and Chef's Plate). The sprawling, beachfront infinity pool is stunning, with a giant swim-up bar at its center. The spa and huge gym (complete with an outdoor lap pool) also impress, and there are plenty of fun activities, from weekly foam parties to tequila tastings.

With 1,790 rooms, 13 pools and restaurants, 23 bars, an 18-hole golf course, a massive spa and fitness center, 65,000 square feet of meeting space, and the Dominican Republic’s largest casino, the word "huge" doesn't even seem big enough to describe the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. But the Hard Rock doesn't sacrifice quality for quantity, and it happens to be one of the nicest all-inclusives in Punta Cana. It's equally suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends -- with plenty of space for travelers to find a spot that suits their tastes. Rooms are modern and understated, and all have whirlpool tubs somewhere in the bedrooms (which are more appropriate for couples).


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