When most people think of Punta Cana, beautiful beaches and fancy all-inclusive resorts come to mind – and rightfully so. It’s one of the Dominican Republic’s top tourist destinations for a reason. But in my opinion, as beautiful as it is, Punta Cana proper is becoming increasingly developed—more like Miami-in-the-Caribbean than a quiet tropical escape. The youngest tourists will continue to love it, but many of us midlife mafiosos are looking for a more authentic, laid-back Caribbean experience.
For our recent trip, my husband and I opted to stay in Cap Cana, a quieter, more upscale area along the southeastern coast. We wanted a slower pace, a bit of luxury, and the space to just be. No overstuffed itineraries, no constant stimulation, just a few well-curated experiences and plenty of time to relax.
We spent 4 days and 3 nights exploring the region and experiencing the culture and natural beauty beyond the resort zone. If you’re looking for an elevated Punta Cana experience that’s more about enjoying the moment than downing shots at a bar in Bavaro, keep reading. Cap Cana might be your new favorite escape.
Where We Stayed
Hotel Casa Don Luis Cap Cana by Faranda Boutique
Hotel Casa Don Luis is a boutique beauty that opened in December 2024. We were among the first to stay there during our February 2025 trip, and I loved its Mediterranean-meets-modern Caribbean vibe. The decor was warm and inviting – and the views from the rooftop were top tier.
I can’t say enough about the staff. They were warm and attentive. The room was spotless and more spacious than I anticipated. Overall, our hotel experience was intimate, elevated – and middle-aged mafia-approved.
If you’re looking for something smaller and more authentic than a mega-resort, this is your spot. Just note: it’s boutique, so amenities like a full-service restaurant or spa are limited—but you’re steps away from everything you need.
Where We Ate
We tried a variety of street food and enjoyed some tasty lunches during our tour excursions, but ate several of our formal meals right inside the Cap Cana Marina. Every meal was a hit!
Dolce Italia – After a day of exploring, we enjoyed dinner and a good selection of wine out on their patio. We lingered for quite a bit under the fresh, night air and had no regrets.
Drago is an Argentinian grill offering a tasty selection of meat and seafood dishes. From the first bite of my empanada appetizer, I knew my entire diet was out the window. Delicious.
The Scene is a New York-style bar and brasserie serving savory food and classic cocktails. We had a lazy breakfast and some strong Dominican coffee out on their patio the morning we departed.
Honorable Mention: Hotel Casa Don Luis: Our wonderful concierge invited us to try Mangu – the Dominican Republic’s national breakfast for the first time, prepared by the staff.
What We Did
Though we usually pack our itineraries full, this time we were intentional about slowing down. We chose a few standout excursions that I thought my husband would enjoy as a first-time visitor to the island, and spent the rest of our time soaking in the atmosphere and each other. That said, the experiences we did choose were well worth it.
Half-Day Cultural Tour
We took a small-group cultural tour that offered a really nice mix scenic beauty and authentic Dominican culture. Highlights included:
- A coffee-tasting experience at a traditional Dominican home
- A visit to Basilica Higuey
- Lunch on the Anamuya River
- Visit to an open-air market
- Horseback riding at a local ranch
- Visit to a cigar factory
I was pleasantly surprised by the value for the price. We were able to easily interact with the local culture and enjoy an escape from some of the heavy tourist crowds.
Montaña Redonda
If you’ve never swung on a giant swing overlooking 1,000 feet of panoramic views, what are you doing with your life? This half-day excursion to Montaña Redonda was a treat. Between the stunning views and the hilariously bumpy ride to the top, a time was had!
There are several tours to the mountain and some are paired with other activities – it just depends on what you’re looking for and how much time you want to spend. We were only in the DR for a few days, so we opted to spend a half day there with a short pitstop at a local craft market on the way back -and that was more than enough time for us to enjoy the mountain.
Where We Beached
I was a little bummed out by the intermittent rain throughout our trip, but we still managed to sneak in a little beach time when the sun allowed. We stopped by:
Playa Esmeralda
If you’re looking for a secluded, untouched stretch of coastline, Playa Esmeralda is it. Located about an hour from Cap Cana, it’s known for its white sand, gentle waves, and beautiful, natural surroundings. There are no beach clubs or high-rise hotels here, just raw beauty and the kind of peace that makes you want to stay a while. It’s perfect for a quiet beach day off the beaten path.
Playa Macao
For a more active beach experience, Playa Macao is a popular choice amongst both locals and tourists. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Cap Cana and great for people-watching, wave-chasing, or grabbing a fresh coconut from a local vendor.
Api Beach House
Back in Cap Cana, Api Beach House offers a man-made beachfront experience that still hits the mark. If you want to relax near the water without straying too far from the marina, this is the place. While the beach itself isn’t natural, the atmosphere, views, and convenience more than make up for it, especially if you’re in the mood for a low-key beach day with food and drinks just steps away from your hotel.
Summary
We didn’t travel to turn up (this time). Our getaway was equal parts tranquility, culture, and exploration. While Punta Cana proper has its appeal, for me, it’s the surrounding areas and the Dominican countryside that truly make the trip worthwhile.
I should note that the Cap Cana Marina was undergoing some construction when we were there. They were adding condos and working on a few of the newer restaurants. We didn’t really hear much noise, as we were very close to the water and farther out from the construction – but it’s something to be aware of.
Overall, if you’re looking for a Punta Cana, DR experience that’s more “sip and savor” than “shots and sandals,” Cap Cana is calling. Want help booking a similar experience? Head over to Why Not Roam to make it happen. Want the video recap? Head over to my YouTube channel. Until next time…Happy Travels!
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