The 1,402-room, upscale Palace Deluxe is the main all-inclusive resort at the family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace, located on a lovely beach a 25-minute drive from the airport. It has tons of on-site features including an attractive spa, a 24-hour casino, four swimming pools – one for adults only and another for kids – and 11 restaurants. But aside from lines at the front desk, the guest capacity of the resort rarely shows: visitors do not have to search for spots at the pools and beach, and reservation requirements keep restaurants well-organized. Couples, families, and partiers all mingle seamlessly at the property. Though the adults-only sister property has a slightly more romantic vibe, plenty of couples opt to stay here as it’s where most of the features are located. Contemporary rooms feature free minibars, rainfall showers, and outdoor spaces – plus most have whirlpool tubs and ocean views. For a more intimate family-friendly vibe, consider The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real.

The beachfront, 96-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. The rustic ambience and zen energy are on the opposite end up the spectrum from what you'll find at the booze-fueled all-inclusives around Bavaro. Instead, Zoetry offers an uncrowded white-sand beach, 96 spacious suites with butler service, a long pristine swimming pool, and one of the area's best spas. The resort prides itself on offering Endless Privileges, which includes no formal check-in/check-out times, limitless top-shelf liquor, and free laundry service on top of four gourmet a la carte restaurants (no buffets), a cafe, and three bars (one swim-up). Guests also get a free 20-minute massage and free horseback riding on the beach. It's a 45-minute drive from the airport, about as far as you can get in Punta Cana. Couples wanting to be closer to the airport may prefer the swish Sanctuary Cap Cana, while families should consider Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a kid-friendly side and adults-only section.

The oldest of the four resorts that make up the 2,000-plus-room Palladium mega-resort in Bavaro, the upscale, 537-room Palladium Punta Cana is also the most affordable, attracting an active and party-friendly crowd of younger, mostly North American adults. Every room has a big jetted tub, and the main draws are the clean white-sand beach, access to four free-form pools, and eight reservation-free restaurants with some of the D.R.'s best all-inclusive fare -- a good value, if you don't mind the impersonal size and lines at dinner. Those who like the variety but want a place that feels less crowded and rowdy might look at the Melia Caribe Tropical.

Club Med Punta Cana is a four-pearl, oceanfront all-inclusive resort that's popular with families and 10 minutes from Punta Cana’s international airport. The resort’s 630 rooms have modern interiors with tan daybeds, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and balconies or terraces. Some rooms have mini-fridges, but none include alcohol. The resort's stunning long, sandy beach is lined with lounge chairs and a beachfront Cirque du Soleil circus school. The three restaurants are delicious and even the table wine is tasty. Other amenities include two outdoor pools, free non-motorized water sports, a full-service spa, modern gym, and huge kids' club. Upgraded Tiara packages are available with swisher rooms, a private lounge, infinity pool, and bar. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts is another family-friendly all-inclusive with more exciting water features and a pineapple-shaped villa.

This 570-room property is part of the Bahia Principe brand's Don Pablo Collection and is one of the smaller, more luxurious options in the Bahia Principe resort complex. With an airy, relaxed scene and pretty surroundings, this seaside locale seems to attract an even mix of families and couples. Guests can choose to get their Vitamin D fix at two pools or the adjacent beach (best to snag a spot early). Though dining options on-site are limited, guests get unlimited access to several restaurant, bar and nightlife areas -- as well as all the family-friendly amenities -- of the entire resort complex by walking or using the shuttle.

True to its namesake brand, the four-pearl Hotel Riu Republica is a sprawling, mega-resort designed to cater to a hard-partying and adult-only clientele. With eight pools, a water park, nine restaurants, 10 bars, and premium all-inclusive alcohol always within reach, the buzz starts at sun-up and goes until well after dark. Foam parties, circus acts, and DJs keep the party vibe going. The 1,382 rooms are bright and contemporary, but mostly functional with flat-screen TVs, balconies, free minibars, and liquor dispensers. However, the beach and pools are overcrowded, the food is mediocre, and the atmosphere is loud and brash for 12 hours every day. For a bit more money, the neighboring Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers more amenities in a slicker, more stylish package.

This 447-room property, offering basic all-inclusive surroundings and consistent low prices, is popular with families and charter groups from North America and Europe. The compact size and relaxed vibe is key: most three-story buildings are an easy walk to the lobby, restaurants, large freshwater pool, and beautiful beach. Guests get unlimited use of non-motorized water sports (make sure to take advantage of the free 30-minute catamaran ride). Renovated rooms have nice tile floors, white linens with simple Caribbean accents, updated bathrooms (some with rain shower heads), and wicker balcony furniture. There's evening entertainment in the theater, and for those brave enough, an outdated disco and an almost laughable casino -- not surprisingly this is not well-used. Reservations are not required at any of the a la carte restaurants, allowing a bit more freedom. There is no reliable Wi-Fi, anywhere -- best to leave the computer at home.

Be Live Collection Punta Cana is an 821-room mid-range all-inclusive in a run-down part of Punta Cana. The aging property isn’t well maintained, and though rooms have cheery decor, they still feel old and worn. Be Live has five pools, including one for adults only and one for VIP guests. The hotel’s beach isn’t the prettiest in Punta Cana (expect mounds of seaweed), but what it lacks in looks it helps make up for with its lively atmosphere. Other on-site amenities include a small spa, fitness center, casino, and an outdoor theater. Many guests complain about the poor food quality across the property, which we also found to be pretty bad, at both the buffet and the a la carte restaurants. An all around better pick is Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Casino & Golf Resort.

This large maze-like property is arguably the best of the four Princess properties in Punta Cana. Set on a great stretch of slightly less crowded beach in the area of Bavaro, there are 808 condo-style units spread out over seemingly never-ending grounds. The sprawling property allows for more privacy but also means a long walk to the beach and pool area for many guests. The walk can be broken up with a little exploration in the ecological park, which contains rabbits, peacocks, chickens, and parrots; otherwise, guests will have to patiently wait for the tram, which comes around every 15 minutes or so. Decent restaurant options and daily specials allow for dining variety, and the lively (but not too lively) bar scene is a highlight, especially in the lobby for pre-dinner drinks and piano music. Though the resort brings in a mix of international couples and families, honeymooners might seek a spot with a little more romance.