Last Minute Holidays to the Dominican Republic

Expect beaches, cities and splendours for your last minute break

The Dominican Republic is among the most visited of Caribbean destinations, at only nine hours’ direct flight from the UK.

Step onto its golden sand or the cobbled streets amid colonial architecture, and the popularity enjoyed by this destination makes lots of sense. Serene days of snorkelling and horseriding can be yours at Uvero Alto, for instance, and it’s a similar story at La Romana, which is abundant in natural beauty but also features plenty of medieval charm.

If you like your beaches with a sense of scale and peppered with colourful snack shacks, Bavaro has 10 kilometres of sunny coast to savour. Of course, the traditional seaside village experience can be had at Bayahibe, whose sleepy community is balanced by the bustling Blue Flag beach.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday

Like much of the Caribbean, the high season of the Dominican Republic actually matches what would be winter back home. Between November and May, prices and crowds are at their highest, but then again, so are the temperatures. It’s the driest time of the year for Caribbean countries, but it also means the rest of the year, when – tropical rain is only slightly more common – offers all the sun at far lower a price.

Whenever you choose to visit though, keep in mind that a last minute holiday means booking eight weeks or less ahead of the departure date for the best deals.

Other popular last minute Caribbean holidays

The Dominican Republic shares the warm Caribbean temperatures and clear waters with a host of equally sublime locations. Get stuck into the ‘don’t worry, be happy’ holiday spirit in Jamaica, stroll among Cadillacs in lively Cuba, or lose yourself in the volcanic heartlands and golden coastlines of sun-drenched St Lucia. Of course, the Dominican Republic is popular for a reason, as our Dominican Republic travel guide makes clear, and if you’re contemplating a last minute holiday, check out our hotel recommendations below.

Alsol Tiara Collection Cap Cana

The Cap Cana marina is less than two minutes’ walk from this waterfront resort, where stunning views of the Caribbean Sea come as standard. Live it up at the sports bar or relax over drinks at the lounge bar. Work up a sweat at the on-site gym before taking a dip at the nearby beach, just five minutes’ walk away. Mealtimes offer not only the Caribbean seafood classics, but also Mexican and Asian cuisine at its finest.

Now Onyx Punta Cana

Opened in 2016, this hotel on the shores of Uvero Alto is as cutting edges as they come. Its architecture alone could fill your photo album with its futuristic geometry, and the interior is bedecked with elegant restaurants. The premises house five pools in total, while the activities roster is packed with everything from sailing and snorkelling to fishing and dancing.

Luxury Bahia Principe Bouganville

The bright red roofs and creamy white walls of this adults-only resort lead into colonial-style interiors, while the pool outside is immense and inviting. You’re right on the beach of La Romana, so feel free to lay down your towel as soon as you step outside, and rest assured that the disco, amphitheatre pool tables and casino will keep your evenings upbeat.

Riu Bambu

There’s something palatial about this Bavaro beach speciality, tucked away among tropical trees. Its distinctive black, red and pink restaurant makes mealtimes a real feast for the senses, with views that only a beachfront hotel can provide. A bar-come-games room is packed with old arcade video games and some slick pool tables, while the luxurious pool awaits with its swim-up bar. Kids get their own pool too, including slides, big shark playsets and colourful mushrooms.