01
All-Inclusive
Sanctuary Cap Cana
An architectural masterpiece resembling a Mediterranean seaside castle.
This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Area Guide
Cap Cana
Punta Cana's polished, gated luxury enclave
Cap Cana is a private, gated resort community south of the main Bávaro corridor, built around a marina, golf courses, and a small number of upscale resorts. It is generally the most controlled and consistently upscale of the three areas.
Best for
- •Couples and honeymooners seeking a quieter, more polished atmosphere
- •Golf travelers — Punta Espada and La Cana golf courses are both in Cap Cana
- •Travelers who want marina dining and boating access
- •Anyone who prioritizes seclusion and consistency over variety
Less suitable for
- •Travelers who want abundant casual nightlife or a wide range of independent restaurants within walking distance
- •Budget travelers — Cap Cana resorts trend toward the higher end of the price range
- •Families who want the widest possible choice of family-oriented resorts — Bávaro and Uvero Alto have more family options
Atmosphere
Quiet, controlled, and upscale. Cap Cana is a gated community, so access to many beaches, restaurants, and marina businesses is generally limited to guests, residents, or reservation holders — confirm access before planning around a specific venue.
Beach Characteristics
Cap Cana's beaches, including Juanillo Beach, are consistently rated among the calmest and clearest in the region, with fine white sand — a function of the area's lower density and controlled access.
Resort Style
A small number of upscale all-inclusive resorts, generally adults-only or adults-focused, with a more spread-out, less densely packed feel than Bávaro.
Verified resort examples
Resorts in Cap Cana
02
All-Inclusive
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Adults-only Cap Cana stay with a modern spa, hydrotherapy circuit, fitness classes, and a calmer wellness-friendly vibe.
More Cap Cana resorts we cover
Dining in Cap Cana
Cap Cana's dining is mostly resort-based, with one notable public exception. Many restaurants inside the gated community — including hotel-affiliated marina and beach-club venues — restrict access to guests, members, or reservation holders, so confirm public access before planning a meal off-resort.
La Palapa by Eden Roc
Oceanfront Mediterranean and Caribbean seafood restaurant — Cap Cana's first restaurant, open to the public with a reservation, not just Eden Roc hotel guests.
Official siteGetting There & Around
Cap Cana is close to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) — roughly 10–15 minutes for some properties — making it one of the more convenient areas for arrival and departure. Getting around inside the gated community, and to attractions outside it, typically requires a taxi, resort shuttle, or golf cart, since walkable outside options are limited.
Excursions & Other Areas
Cap Cana's marina supports its own deep-sea fishing and boat-excursion operators, and Punta Espada and La Cana golf courses are both on-site. Trips to Bávaro's excursion hub or Saona Island typically take longer from here than from Bávaro itself.
Advantages
- Quiet, polished, and consistently upscale
- Shortest airport transfer of the three areas
- On-site golf and marina experiences
Tradeoffs
- Limited independent dining and nightlife outside the resorts
- Gated-community access restrictions apply to many beaches, restaurants, and marina businesses
- Fewer resort options and generally higher price points than Bávaro
Go deeper
Related guides
Not sure Cap Cana is right for you?
The free Ultimate Punta Cana Travel Guide breaks down resort picks, packing tips, and area-by-area advice to help you decide.