Punta Cana

Punta Cana, at the country's easternmost tip, is the Dominican Republic's tourism powerhouse and one of the Caribbean's most popular beach destinations, a long, glorious coastline of powder-white sand, coconut palms and warm turquoise water. Lined with sprawling all-inclusive resorts, it is built for sun, sea and relaxation, with calm swimming, water sports, golf and excursions to offshore islands, natural pools and lagoons. Bavaro Beach is its glittering centrepiece, an idyllic tropical strand that draws visitors from around the world.

What you actually see

• Bavaro Beach - the idyllic white-sand centrepiece.
• The natural pools - the sandbars and lagoons offshore.
• Saona and Catalina islands - the boat trips to nearby isles.
• The water sports and golf - the resort activities and courses.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the sunniest weather and calmest seas; the summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk from June to November. The beaches and warm sea are enjoyable year-round, and prices dip outside the winter peak.

Honest expectations

Punta Cana is all about all-inclusive resort relaxation rather than culture or authentic local life, so it can feel like a self-contained tourist bubble sealed off from the real Dominican Republic; seaweed sargassum can also affect the beaches seasonally. For a reliable, gorgeous, easy Caribbean beach holiday with warm seas and endless sand, though, it is hard to beat and deservedly popular.

Nearby

Saona Island, the Hoyo Azul cenote and the eastern coast are within reach.