Most first searches for a group trip to the Dominican Republic land on Punta Cana. It is the country’s best known beach area, but it is not the only one, and for some groups it is not the best fit.
The short answer
| Punta Cana | North Coast (Las Canas) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical stay | Large all inclusive resort | Small hotels, villas and private venues |
| Your group’s space | Shared with other resort guests | The whole property is yours |
| Nearby | Resort restaurants and shows | Surf and kite towns, waterfalls, ranches |
| Airport | Punta Cana (PUJ) | Puerto Plata (POP), about 55 minutes |
When Punta Cana is the right call
- Your group wants many restaurants and bars within walking distance.
- You need a ballroom or space for hundreds of guests.
- Everyone wants to book and pay for their own room separately.
When the North Coast is the right call
- You want privacy. At Las Canas the gate closes behind your group. No strangers at the pool, in the wedding photos or in the yoga class.
- You want the group together. Everyone sleeps on one property, eats together and meets on the same beach.
- You want more than the beach. Surf at Playa Encuentro, kite at Cabarete, hike to a waterfall or ride horses through the rivers. See the area guide.
- You want one simple price. $3,250 to $3,750 a night for the whole retreat, for 48 to 60 guests.
Getting there
Puerto Plata (POP) is about 55 minutes from Las Canas, Santiago (STI) about 1 hour 45 minutes and Santo Domingo (SDQ) about 3 hours 30 minutes. We arrange transfers from any airport. More in getting to Las Canas.
Compare the cost yourself
See what a buyout costs per person and how a buyout compares with a resort room block.
Questions guests ask
Is the North Coast far from Punta Cana?
Yes, they are at opposite ends of the country. Fly into Puerto Plata (POP) or Santiago (STI) for the North Coast.
Is a private venue more expensive than a resort?
It depends on group size. Las Canas is from $3,250 a night for the whole retreat, which is from $67.71 per person per night with 48 guests, before meals.
Are there restaurants and nightlife near Las Canas?
Yes. Cabarete, about 30 minutes away, has beach bars, restaurants and two major clubs. We arrange transport there and back.
