Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar

Set directly on the sand at Arena Gorda-Macao, this adults-only resort faces Punta Cana's turquoise shallows with no road or promenade between rooms and reef. The beach runs white and wide at the property's edge, and the pool sits just behind it. Suites come in several forms: some with king beds and private balconies, others with swim-up access straight from a private terrace into the shared pool, and corner suites with wider light and outdoor space reserved for guests only. All have air conditioning, a minibar and a private bathroom. It is adults only, geared to couples and groups of friends rather than families. Punta Cana's airport lies 25 km away, La Romana 90 km, and Santo Domingo 220 km. A golf course and a shopping strip sit within a kilometre of the gate. Meals and drinks run all-inclusive, and the whole layout favours short walks: room to pool, pool to beach, beach to bar.