Five Things to Like About the Hotel Riu Republica

by Brian Major
Last updated: 1:30 PM ET, Fri July 15, 2016

The newest generation of all-inclusive Dominican Republic resorts is quite different from what came before. Upscale, activity focused, adults-only properties are replacing the insular family friendly properties that once characterized the category. Stodgy colonial furnishings have given way to bright and innovative interiors that meld contemporary, classical and mid-century modern elements. Routine cuisine has ceded to gourmet fare that stresses diversity.

All of these elements are present at the $140 million Hotel Riu Republica resort which opened in Punta Cana on June 4. Positioned along one of the innumerable beautiful white-sand Dominican beaches, the 1,007-room property brings a hint of Miami Beach flavor and Las Vegas-style flair to the Caribbean.

[READMORE] READ MORE: RIU Mexico Trio Receives Four Diamond Status [/READMORE]

Here are five things to like about the Hotel Riu Republica resort:

It looks fantastic: The property makes a great impression right from the start, with a spacious and clean-lined, open-air lobby that looks out onto the resort grounds. A contemporary lounge, a sports bar and a retail shop are located nearby. The resort's accommodations feature elegant, clean-lined modern furnishings and smooth tile floors combined with richly colored decor. The restaurants and other public areas are alive with tastefully styled, innovative interiors and furnishings.

It's adults-only: Kids are great, but sometimes it's better to vacation without them. The adults-only atmosphere at this resort isn't as much about excluding families as it is creating a harmonious, uniform air across the property. Guests here spend days among shaded chairs at the magnificent beach, where attendants provide fruit, drinks and other snacks, or around one of the resort's three large pools, each equipped with solarium terraces, with one featuring a large swim-up bar and snack stand.

It's terrific for couples: Couples in search of a stress-free, romantic vacation where the focus is on relaxation and enjoyment will likely find what they're looking for here. Premium-branded drinks are served throughout the property, and complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in all resort areas including rooms, which also feature mini-fridges that are replenished daily and mini-bars with branded liquors.

The Renova Spa and wellness center features a beauty salon, hairdresser and massage services. Concierge services are also provided, allowing guests to pursue a variety of on- and off-resort activities including romantic dinners on the beach.

The resort offers multiple dining and entertainment options: As the first adults-only resort in Riu's mainstream properties, the Hotel Riu Republica is designed to provide upscale guests the amenities and facilities found at Riu's higher-priced Palace-branded U.S. properties. Dining options include La Altagracia, which offers buffet-style international cuisine, and three a la carte restaurants: Kaori, which serves Asian fare, Tagliatella, an Italian eatery and Quisqueya, a steak house. The resort also features five bars, one of which is open 24 hours a day. Shows and live music and provided each week, and the resort's nightclub features music and dancing throughout the evening.

Off-property activities are highly accessible: From the resort's Arena Gorda Beach, guests can partake in a variety of water sports and activities including windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling.

For guests seeking adventure beyond the property, ScubaCaribe is Riu's exclusive provider of water sports and scuba-diving activities in the Dominican Republic and provides guests with excursion opportunities ranging from catamaran-and-snorkeling trips to protected areas including Catalina Island and the Punta Cana Ecological Park and Reserve to deep-sea fishing and scuba diving adventures.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.