Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata

Playa Dorada is Puerto Plata's main resort beach on the Amber Coast. This golden sand stretch stretches along the shore east of the city. Tourists flock to this resort because of the gorgeous mountain landscape, palm-lined beach, and clean, clear turquoise waters.

The resorts along this stretch aren't high-rises. Building restrictions limit them to three floors, and each resort is separated from the others by a reasonable distance. Playa Dorada has done a good job of retaining a natural vibe in a resort region with more than a dozen establishments.

The majority of the resorts along this stretch are mid-range or premium all-inclusives with one or more pools and on-site eateries. The enormous Iberostar Costa Dorada and the more charming VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort are two of the top resorts on Playa Dorada. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is a sophisticated boutique hotel with only fifty luxurious accommodations and outstanding service.

Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic