If you’ve been reading a while you may know one of my go-to moves for our Carribean trips is research resorts thoroughly and let the resort drive the destination. During our recent trip, AI was really helpful! I searched for luxury resorts that had direct flights from Charlotte and a quick transition from plane to property. I also looked for resorts that were new and well-rated for both design and overall experience. The research delivered, and we found the St. Regis Cap Cana.
One of the newer additions to the Caribbean luxury scene, St. Regis Cap Cana opened in May 2025. In a land of all-inclusives, it brings a more design-forward, non–all-inclusive option to Punta Cana. It feels like a departure from the typical Punta Cana narrative in a good way, and here, thoughtful design and service lead the experience.
Getting There
Cap Cana is located just south of Punta Cana, along the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It’s one of the easier Caribbean destinations to access. Punta Cana International Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the resort, with plenty of direct flights from major U.S. cities. From the airport, transfers are straightforward and seamless. Most guests arrange a private car through the resort. It’s a quick transition to the hotel and you’re settled in almost right away.
The Resort
The St. Regis Cap Cana has 200 guestrooms, including 36 suites with direct plunge pool access. This is larger than what we typically select, but this resort feels expansive without ever feeling overwhelming. While we’re not sure what occupancy was during our stay, it consistently felt wide open. There’s a real sense of scale, but not density as they’ve designed it in a way that creates multiple pockets of privacy, so it doesn’t feel crowded.
There’s very little distinction between indoors and out here, which ends up defining the entire experience. Spaces don’t feel enclosed so much as they feel extended, with open sightlines and materials that echo the coastline. Even inside the hallways, you’re still partially outdoors with the light, air, and landscaping carrying through everything.
The Amenities
The Pools
The pool setup is one of the best parts of the property. There are multiple pools including a large central pool, a quiet adults-only pool, and small family-oriented area. The pools have a few thoughtful design touches that make them feel more intentional than typical resort setups — for example, clusters of palm trees are built directly into the water, creating natural pockets of shade that feel like private enclaves. There are also a couple of sunken seating areas woven into the pool itself, so you can settle in for lunch or a drink without ever fully leaving the water, which was such a fun touch!
The Beach
The beach is expansive, with turquoise water, white sand and enough space between loungers and cabanas that it did not feel crowded (also, not many people were out there). The water stays calm and swimmable. It was high seaweed season when we were there, so that was one detractor from the beach.
The Spa
The spa was amazing! There are 14 spacious treatment rooms. You also have access to a full hydrotherapy circuit — sauna, steam, cold plunge, and vitality pools — along with well-designed relaxation areas, both indoor and outdoor options. It was a really lovely experience overall.
The Golf
The resort sits alongside the Punta Espada Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus–designed course that runs along the coastline, with several holes playing directly against the sea. It’s considered one of the best in the Caribbean, with ocean views and cliffside fairways. We are not golfers, so unfortunately did not get to take advantage of this, but I think it would be a real draw for anyone into the sport.
The Rooms
We stayed in the Caroline Astor Suite, which was a treat in itself. The layout is expansive—separate living and sleeping areas, a kitchen, half bath, master with double vanities, a deep soaking tub, a walk-in shower , and an absolutely huge terrace with a few different places to relax. Here’s a quick video we took — this wasn’t taken with the intention of posting so it doesn’t cover everything, but you get the idea.
Design-wise, the rooms follow the same restrained palette seen across the property: warm neutrals, soft textures, and clean lines. I also really appreciate good lighting, and the lighting throughout is particularly well done. It’s subtle, layered, and really shapes the mood from morning through evening.
In classic St. Regis fashion, butler service comes with any suite and adds an extra layer of ease. They handle the small things like unpacking, morning coffee setups, and pressing clothes.
We noticed that many of the rooms on the property had ocean views, although a view of anywhere on the property seems like it would be lovely.
Restaurants & Bars
The St. Regis Cap Cana has eight food and drink venues and we tried almost all of them!
Nina
Nina is the anchor and the nicest of the dining options. It’s the most design-forward space on property and easily the most memorable. The menu, led by chef Diego Muñoz, pulls from Latin America with a strong focus on fire-driven cooking and seafood-forward dishes.
Cassava
Cassava is where mornings and more relaxed evenings land. It draws on Dominican and broader Caribbean influences, but in an elevated way. Breakfast is an expansive buffet with multiple omelet stations and about every food option you could ever desire.
Marola
Marola Mediterranean Grill sits closer to the water and has an open, coastal feel. It’s lighter, breezier—wood-fired elements, Mediterranean flavors, works well for a long lunch or an easy dinner.
From there, the rest of the options round out the experience depending on mood:
- Carey Bay (beach bar) is the most casual. Caribbean-inspired dishes sit alongside things like burgers and quesadillas. Plus, plenty of cocktails.
- Cielo Mio (rooftop) has amazing views and one of the better vantage points on property. It’s on the rooftop with an open-air setting and a menu of tacos and lighter Latin/Mexican-inspired dishes alongside cocktails, making it an easy late lunch or sunset stop.
- The St. Regis Bar and The Amber Room skew more evening—think cocktails, rum, cigars, and lounge-driven vibes. The St. Regis bar carries the brand’s signature Bloody Mary tradition where each property creates its own version, and here it’s tailored to the Dominican Republic with local ingredients and a spiced profile.
- Kawa Coffee Shop is a lobby café focused on Dominican coffee, cacao-driven pastries, and well-executed espresso drinks. The coffee in the Dominican really is next level!
We absolutely loved St. Regis Cap Cana. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, design-forward Caribbean stay with great service, this is exactly that.
For a similar kind of escape—beautiful, and set on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean—Belmond Cap Juluca is another resort we’ve loved just as much.
Cheers!
xx—BB
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