Finding Luxury in the Dominican Republic – Eden Roc Cap Cana – Hotel Review

I had no idea what to expect when I booked my trip to Eden Roc Cap Cana. We’ve always categorized the Dominican Republic as a value destination offering a wide range of all-inclusive resorts. It was not on our radar for higher-end accommodations (except for the Aman property on the north coast because Aman Hotels are always a solid choice) and not a destination we ever considered when creating luxury Caribbean travel itineraries. To summarize how this property (and Casa de Campo) changed my mind, I now include Eden Roc on almost all of my proposals for clients wanting a small luxury hotel within a few hours flying time from the US. This resort checks all those boxes and more.

Eden Roc Cap Cana sits on a small bay, and while this isn’t an ideal location for long beach strolls, there is plenty of room for all guests to have their own roost close to the sea. If your beach wishlist consists of crystal clear turquoise water, gentle surf, and soft powdery white sand, you might find it hard to commit to spending time anywhere else on the property.

There are two distinct areas of the hotel, and this can be confusing when you are trying to decide what room to book. The original part of the hotel, and all of the boutique pool suites, sit on a little hill set back from the coastline. This is also where you’ll find Mediterraneo Restaurant + La Cava and the Riva Bar.

The more recent development that hugs the shore includes the modern, chic beachfront suites, oceanfront bungalows, and the restaurants Blue, La Palapa, and the Beach Club + Uva Bar.

sleep //  The 64 rooms at Eden Roc Cap Cana are divided into four different room categories. The boutique pool suites are a 2-3 minute golf cart ride up the hill. They include a golf cart in the room rate, making it effortless to get around. These rooms are best for families wanting a private pool suite, guests wanting an outdoor garden shower, and those who prefer a quieter area. The main kid’s club is located in this area, but as you’ll see in a minute, it is designed to blend in with the tropical atmosphere and is not a distraction from the serenity. 

The multi-room villas are also located in this area. These villas are best for multi-generational families or groups of friends traveling together. 

Steps from the sand, you’ll find the beachfront suites. These units are very new, with a modern + fresh approach to beachside living. Swaying palms surround the two-story buildings, and the floor-to-ceiling windows beg you to come outdoors and make your way to the beach. 

The moment I set foot in the oceanfront bungalows at Eden Roc Cap Cana, I was awestruck by how perfect this room category is. Authentic Caribbean soul combined with luxurious amenities is my absolute favorite accommodation style. These private bungalows have a chic coastal vibe and a neutral palette that allows the shimmering blue sea to take center stage.

The oceanfront bungalows are perfect for honeymooners + families. Rare to find a category that would work for both! There are only four of these units and only one two-bedroom option. The single-room bungalows are the perfect honeymoon hideaway, and the two-bedroom unit provides a private space for families to spend quality time together without distractions.

what to do //  For a hotel with less than 100 rooms, Eden Roc has an impressive list of activities, starting with two knock-out pools. The photo below is of the main pool, located on the beach. There is another one located up on the hill, closer to the other section of the hotel. What else is there to do? Cap Cana is a 30,000 acre complex with a neverending list of activity options. Tee off on a famous golf course, explore a world-class equestrian facility, or indulge in an impressive wellness program. 

The Dominican Republic has many renowned championship golf courses. Cap Cana is home to the stunning Jack Nicklaus Signature Punta Espada Golf Course, and it is only 5 minutes from Eden Roc. This is one of those courses that is so visually stunning it might convince you to learn the skill if you’ve never considered it before.

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dining //Every hotel I’ve visited lately has blown me away in the culinary department. While I initially assumed this feeling stemmed from all the foodie deprivation we experienced during the pandemic, Eden Roc proved me wrong. I should have known Eden Roc would blow me away; the hotel is a Relais & Chateaux property. Relais & Chateaux hotels put a strong emphasis on fresh, innovative food + beverage programs. Eden Roc was in line with every other R & C property I’ve experienced, which says a lot since running a five-star culinary department on an island is no small feat. From perfectly balanced breakfasts to sushi masterpieces for dinner, and let’s not forget my many indulgent meals on the beach, every bite was superb. (The proof is on Instagram. Almost every photo of my Eden Roc highlight reel is food.)

I will always opt for dining al fresco in the Caribbean, over an air-conditioned dining room. Eden Roc has outdoor options for every meal. I particularly enjoyed lazing around on the gorgeous beach and taking advantage of the beach service. You’d be surprised how many beach resorts in the Caribbean don’t actually have beach service. The ability to raise a flag and let someone know when you are hungry or thirsty is one of the best perks of this hotel.

wellness // My day of wellness at Eden Roc started with a quick workout in their state-of-the-art fitness center. The fitness center is light and airy. I was too distracted by the gorgeous blues out the window to pay attention to my latest audible find. Next up was a private aerial yoga class. Even though I’ve done aerial yoga many times, this was a very intense class! I opted for fresh air instead of AC so we opened the windows before starting. Maybe that was what made it so challenging. As tough as it was, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute in the beautiful studio and the patient attentiveness of the yoga instructor. Highly recommended.

After all that hard work, it was time to check-in to the spa for the rest of the afternoon. In their own words…

“Eden Roc Wellness & Spa is an exclusive oceanfront tropical

haven of relaxation and calm where native healing

philosophies and contemporary technologies blend

seamlessly to deliver extraordinary experiences.

equestrian // In case you missed it, the Cap Cana development encompasses over 30,000 acres. It includes multiple hotels, multiple golf courses, and one of the top equestrian centers in the world. You might be interested to know that the Dominican Republic has a very strong equestrian culture. The professionals at Los Establos Cap Cana provide lessons to all members of the family, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to attend a polo match during your stay. 

The equestrian center is awe-inspiring! Not only are the stables gorgeous and incredibly well-kept, but at every turn, there is another dramatic landscape that would be perfect for a private event. The high design style of public spaces on the property would be perfect for destination weddings, private parties for corporate incentive trips, anniversary dinners, and any other type of celebration.

After a few hot + dusty hours at the stables, the expansive oceanfront pool of Eden Roc Cap Cana was a welcome sight. What’s more relaxing than floating in a gorgeous pool while watching the waves and swaying palms?

kids club // Last but not least, is Koko Kid’s Club. My kids weren’t along for this trip so I didn’t explore beyond the path and only snapped this one photo – but it was such a neat location! Much more exciting than the usual square box, cookie-cutter kids clubs found at some hotels.

For an island dotted with all-inclusive resorts, each competing to offer everything under the sun, Eden Roc is a brilliant exception to the norm. Eden Roc Cap Cana offers more authenticity, more attention to detail, and a higher quality of culinary arts and service than any other hotel on the island. Even though the hotel is split between two areas, nowhere on property is more than a 2-3 minute golf ride away. I loved how compact the beachfront area was. Multiple restaurants, the spa cabana, main pool, and fitness center are only steps away.

I can honestly say that Eden Roc is a fantastic choice for any type of vacation. I’d love to share more with you about this property; reach out anytime!

PS. Order room service. Not all room service is created equal – and this one is a winner, hands down.

Cheers,

Laura Sangster

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