The Dominican Republic has long been one of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations thanks to its vibrant culture, rich history, jaw-dropping scenery, lush green golf courses, and world-renowned beaches. There really is a lot of diversity in the appeal of this dynamic country, and all the luxury Dominican Republic villa rentals reflect that. With everything from modernist mansions overlooking dramatic cliffs to neo-classical estates on private beaches in 5-star resorts, the Dominican has become a top destination for families or groups that want to enjoy a true luxury villa getaway.

That said, the Dominican Republic is a big country by Caribbean standards – in fact, it’s second only to Haiti, its neighbour on Hispaniola Island, in terms of population. Most of the top luxury villas in the Dominican, though, are concentrated on the island’s east and southeast coastline, especially by Punta Cana and La Romana. Punta Cana is where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean meet, while La Romana is on the Caribbean Sea, and as a result, both have some of the best beaches in the country.

The northern region near Cabrera is also popular, especially for surfing, sport fishing, sailing, and water sports, thanks to the stronger currents of the Atlantic and its unspoiled landscapes. It is also home to some world-renowned beaches and some of the Dominican’s most distinct natural landmarks.

The capital of Santo Domingo, lastly, is considered one of the loveliest in the Caribbean, due in large part to its stunning colonial architecture in its amazingly well-preserved Colonial Zone.

The Dominican Republic is blessed by having access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This gives it great variety in terms of its beaches, views, and landscapes. Oceanfront luxury vacation rentals in Dominican Republic make effective use of all three with sea-focussed designs that emphasize outdoor living, breezy open spaces, and large windows to better appreciate those stunning ocean views. Here are a few of our guests’ favourites.

Juanillo 2 | Las Hamacas: One of the premiere properties in Cap Cana, a luxury resort in the city of Punta Cana, Juanillo 2 (Las Hamacas) is one of the few properties to offer unobstructed, direct beach access from the villa. It’s also architecturally gorgeous, with an interior and exterior design that celebrates Dominican culture while also elevating it with an avant-garde sense of style. It’s no wonder it has been celebrated by magazines like Elle Décor and Architectural Digest, as well as by our guests.

Punta Minitas 34: Located in the renowned Cap Cana resort by the beautiful town of La Romana, Punta Minitas 34 is one of the largest and most coveted properties in the resort. It features breathtaking views of Minitas Bay, as well as its own private beach. A wrap-around infinity pool and in-pool bar help further set the mood, while the interior features high vaulted ceilings and rich woodwork. With 12 bedrooms, it’s an ideal way for a larger group to enjoy this beautiful part of the Dominican Republic.

Arrecife 15: One of the newest villas to grace the Puntacana Resort and Club in Punta Cana, Arrecife 15 features modernist architecture and cubist art that perfectly complements the natural beauty of its surroundings. With a privileged oceanfront location in the resort, Arrecife 15 harnesses the power and beauty of the ocean and makes it the centrepiece of the villa’s living room, pool area, master bedroom and more. Stepping into this villa is a truly artful experience.

Visit Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial: The site of Christopher Columbus’s arrival to the Americas, the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo, is now home to a celebrated old town that features colonial architecture dating back centuries. It is one of the best-preserved remnants of the time and includes not only amazing ruins and colonial architecture but also a vital atmosphere, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and more for tourists and locals alike to enjoy.

Visit the beaches of the east: The beaches around Punta Cana and La Romana are some of the best in the Caribbean, with even UNESCO recognizing them as among the world’s ten best.  The mix of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea creates a beautiful azure glow in the water, and the sand is powdery and soft. And with plenty of beach services available in Puntacana, Cap Cana, and Casa de Campo, it’ll be easy to enjoy the very best that these beaches have to offer.

Explore the Northern Coast: The Northern coast near Cabarete and Puerto Plata is one of the most untouched regions of the country. Here you’ll find not only great watersports thanks to the stronger Atlantic waters, but also plenty of adventure – whether that means surfing in Cabarete, four wheeling by Playa Dorada, zip lining or hiking by the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, swimming in the Dudu Lagoon and Cave, or snorkelling in Sosua.