Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Courtesy of The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, Nina, and Punta Espada Golf ClubBy Claire Stern Milch, Market by Meg Donohue and Nerisha PenrosePublished: Apr 26, 2026Fantasizing about a beach vacation with great food, strong drinks, and reliable tropical weather? Consider this your sign to book Punta Cana. After a few days in the Caribbean hot spot, I can confirm that it more than lives up to the Instagram hype. Set along the eastern edge of the Dominican Republic, there’s powdery white sand, clear blue water, and picturesque views in every direction. It’s basically synonymous with total relaxation, which might explain why Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber keep coming back. For my trip, I checked into The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort in Cap Cana, an ultra-exclusive enclave known for its laid-back vibe and scenic stretch of coastline. Ahead, everything worth knowing (and booking) in this sun-filled dreamland.What to SeeApi Beach HouseCourtesy of Api Beach HouseMake a reservation at Api Beach House for a relaxing beach day, free from the crowds and pulsing DJ sets. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, go for a swim, then ease into the evening with a barefoot happy hour.Silvia TcherassiCourtesy of Cavu StudioYour one-stop shop for a covetable vacation wardrobe, Silvia Tcherassi’s boutique at Tortuga Bay has all the vibrant prints you need to make other guests do a double-take.Punta Espada Golf ClubCourtesy of Punta Espada Golf ClubWhether you golf or not, this Jack Nicklaus-designed course is worth a stroll, from the sweeping ocean views to the immaculate greens. It’s easy to see why it ranks as the best in the area.Toteme Smocked Bikini TopAsceno Zurich Silk Twill ShortsSimon Miller Riviera Thong SandalWhere to EatNinaJason DeweyPerhaps the buzziest new opening in Cap Cana, Nina, on the sixth floor of the St. Regis, has a Peruvian menu with Nikkei influences and fire-prepared dishes like the Fried Pizza with stracciatella, cherry tomatoes, and pickled gherkins, topped with a generous scoop of caviar. (Nina means “fire” in Quechua.)La PalapaCourtesy of La PalapaHead to La Palapa at the Eden Roc for Mediterranean dishes infused with local flavors. Their seafood paella, meant for sharing, is a must.BarbudoCourtesy of BarbudoA local favorite, Barbudo is known for its seafood carpaccios and live music. Plus, on Thursdays, you can bring your own wine with no corkage fee.Faithfull The Brand Axel Maxi DressNow 11% OffZara Embroidered EspadrillesMadewell Resin Sculptural Wide Cuff BraceletWhere to DrinkThe St. Regis BarDiana BalderaFor those who don’t know, New York’s King Cole Bar at the St. Regis famously invented the Bloody Mary. Here, bartenders give it a Latin twist with the Quisqueya Mary, swapping vodka for local rum and garnishing with a fried plantain. The glass is rimmed with spices commonly found in Dominican food (think chile, cinnamon, cilantro, oregano, and pepper). That’s worth a cheers.Love BarCourtesy of Sanctuary Cap CanaCome for the cocktails, stay for the piano. Located in the lobby of Sanctuary Cap Cana, Love Bar is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink after a long day, against the backdrop of a soothing Beethoven soundtrack. “Für Elise,” anyone?Coco Bongo Punta CanaCourtesy of Coco Bongo Punta CanaAn offshoot of the famous Cancun nightclub that inspired the one of the same name in 1994’s The Mask, Coco Bongo is the spot for full-on theatrics, from flying acrobats to samba dancers to celebrity impersonators. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.Cala de la Cruz Zharit Linen Backless TopCala de la Cruz Tua Linen Maxi SkirtDolce Vita Daksie HeelsWhere to StayThe St. Regis Cap Cana ResortJason DeweySince opening almost a year ago, The St. Regis Cap Cana has gotten attention for its sleek interiors and amenities that make leaving the property hard to imagine. The beauty is in the details: a wicker ceiling in the lobby pays tribute to Dominican artisans, local artwork hangs on the walls, and a manmade fountain calls to mind a cenote. The resort offers a private beach, four pools, a hot tub, 200 rooms, 70 residences, a spa, a fitness center, and eight places to eat, all surrounded by a world-class golf course.Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana ResortCourtesy of Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana ResortTortuga Bay is the only AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property in the Dominican Republic. Designed by Oscar de la Renta, the hotel features 13 beachfront villas and five-star service. Whether you want to hit the seaside golf course, take a lesson at the on-site tennis center (where de la Renta himself used to play), shop Silvia Tcherassi’s boutique for resort wear, or indulge in a spa day, there’s something for everyone. Bonus: each villa comes with its own golf cart.Eden Roc Cap CanaCourtesy of Eden Roc Cap CanaAnother oceanfront option with everything you can possibly need to keep you on the property, Eden Roc Cap Cana is slightly smaller than the St. Regis with 68 rooms (some by the pool, others with beach views), but still has that same sense of luxury seclusion.Same Los Angeles Stone Drop NecklaceSame Los Angeles Hammer Stone TopSame Los Angeles 90s BottomBeauty PicksSummer Fridays Flushed Lip StainIf you’re not keen on reapplying lipstick throughout the day, there’s an easy solution: Try a lip stain. This lip stain applies lightly yet delivers bold color payoff, making it versatile enough to use as a lip liner or for full lip coverage.Crown Affair The Smoothing Air Dry CreamWith this air-drying cream, you can return to your soft waves or sleek styles post-beach without worry of frizz or crunchy strands. The formula helps tame frizz, offers a firm hold, and protects against heat-styling damage.Cyklar Rose Bud Roll-On Perfume OilSometimes an eau de parfum can be too overwhelming under the sweltering sun. Cyklar’s perfume oil unfurls a delicate, slightly bold rose fragrance that melts into your skin, creating a skin-like scent that’s distinctly you.Additional reporting by Carine Lavache.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below