Casa de Campo Resort

This 7,000-acre resort is not set on the beach like other Dominican Republic retreats (it's about a 10- to 15-minute ride by golf cart), but Casa de Campo makes up for it with an array of on-site pursuits. Casa de Campo's campus features three Pete Dye-designed 18-hole golf courses, including the challenging, highly acclaimed Teeth of the Dog course.

If you're not much of a golfer, other daytime activities abound, including tennis, horseback riding, clay shooting and water sports like kayaking and sailing. Those interested in some R and R can book outdoor or indoor spa services or go for a dip in the pool. Meanwhile, the hotel's spacious rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, walk-in closets and bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and separate tubs. And larger groups can choose to book one of the property's villas, which boast three to seven bedrooms, full kitchens and living areas. 

When it comes to dining, the resort houses seven restaurants dishing out everything from Mediterranean cuisine to gourmet Italian meals. Most previous visitors describe their stays as relaxing and the staff members as accommodating. 

You'll find Casa De Campo about 40 miles southwest of Punta Cana in La Romana.