Rating8.3
Rating7.8Adults Only
Rating6.3A full daily program is included — merengue and bachata dance lessons, sushi and cocktail-making classes, rum and tequila tastings, Spanish lessons, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, tennis, and aqua aerobics. Nightly entertainment includes live music and shows. Motorized water sports, diving, and golf are extra. The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course adjacent to the property is the standout paid activity.
The main social hub — animation activities, daytime games, and a swim-up bar. Can get loud and crowded by mid-morning. Palm trees and loungers ring the perimeter. Avoid if you want quiet.
Second activity pool, similar energy to the Merengue pool. Good for guests who want pool games and a social environment.
Designated quiet pool — no animation activities. Lush landscaping around the perimeter. The right choice if you want to read or nap. Smaller than the activity pools.
Playa Dorada is genuinely one of the calmer beaches on Puerto Plata's north coast — the bay setting keeps waves mild and the water is typically clear enough for swimming and snorkeling. Fine white sand, sun loungers and umbrellas provided, beach bar with drink service. Non-motorized watersports equipment available directly from the beach. The beach is public but the resort's section is well-organized. Less affected by sargassum than Caribbean-facing beaches.
Kayaking, snorkeling gear, windsurfing, and sailing — all included at the beach. Equipment available from the water sports desk on the beach.
Three outdoor courts, included. Book through the activities desk for guaranteed court time.
On-site court, included. Walk-in pickup games.
Organized by the animation team. A good way to meet other guests.
Beach and pool volleyball, included. Active program run by the animation team.
Available throughout the day, included. Good filler activity between other events.
Included, subject to availability. Useful for exploring the resort grounds.
Well-equipped gym plus included aqua aerobics and Zumba classes. Check daily schedule at the activities desk on arrival.
Included. Morning sessions are the most attended — a good start to the day.
Evening shows and live bands at the Getaway Bar. Quality varies by week but the entertainment team is consistently praised.
Sushi-making and cocktail-mixing classes are included. Popular; check the weekly schedule and sign up at the activities desk.
Included cultural experiences. The rum tasting in particular is worth attending for the context on Dominican products.
Complimentary group lessons. Light and fun rather than rigorous — useful for picking up a few useful phrases.
Merengue, salsa, and bachata — included. The bachata lesson is a guest favorite and fills quickly. Sign up early.
Couples learn basic massage techniques from spa staff. Included, unique offering.
Banana boat, jet ski, and parasailing at extra charge. Available through the beach operator.
Diving excursions and intro scuba lessons at extra charge. The north coast of the Dominican Republic has decent reef diving.
The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones course is directly adjacent to the resort. Green fees at extra charge. A genuine draw for golfers — the course is well-maintained and the walk from your room to the first tee is under five minutes.
The resort's location in the Playa Dorada complex gives easy access to nearby nightlife and casino options at extra charge.
Catamaran tours, Ocean World Park (dolphin encounters), and historic Puerto Plata city tours available through the concierge at extra charge.