5. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
At the Viceroy-affiliated Sugar Beach, you don’t have to book a lavish villa to experience high-end amenities. Each room features a private walled garden, a plunge pool and personalized butler service. In addition to the plush accommodations, Sugar Beach boasts easy access to some of St. Lucia’s best dive spots, including «Superman’s Flight,» a popular drift dive around the base of Petit Piton. Travelers can arrange scuba excursions, as well as island tours through the resort. If you want to experience Petit Piton but in a more laid-back atmosphere, consider indulging in a treatment at the Rainforest Spa, located at the base of the mountain. Refuel for more island exploration and relaxation at the three on-site restaurants, including the casual beachfront Bayside Restaurant and the elegant Great Room Restaurant. A third option, the Terrace Restaurant, is also available for breakfast daily. Reviewers love the property’s clean accommodations, superb service and incredible cuisine, although some warn that a stay here isn’t cheap and is best suited for couples (especially honeymooners).
6. Tortuga Bay Hotel
Tortuga Bay boasts spacious suites designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, just one of the property’s many draws. Aside from the stylish decor, accommodations also boast balconies or patios, Jacuzzis, walk-in closets, kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs. Guests rave about the tasty (albeit expensive) food served on Oscar’s signature tables at Bamboo Restaurant (as well as at the six other eateries within the Puntacana Resort & Club complex). But Oscar de la Renta isn’t the only name guests will recognize: Avid golfers will likely jump at the chance to play one or both of Tortuga Bay’s courses, designed by Tom Fazio and P.B. Dye. Meanwhile, relaxation-seekers can take advantage of the Six Senses Spa, which features a full menu of massages and body scrubs. The resort sits along the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, about 4 miles from Punta Cana International Airport. But what travelers like most about this Leading Hotels of the World property is how different it feels from other Punta Cana resorts.\
