Eden Roc at Cap Cana

At the end of an immaculately landscaped and manicured development called Cap Cana, which is home to an all-inclusive resort, adventure center, condos and villas, sits a boutique hotel that seems to have thought of nearly everything.

• In-room iPads that control lighting, sound system and offer guests internet connectivity throughout the property
• The beautiful but contained beach is ideal for families with young kids
• The incredible breakfast including fresh juices and coconut water served in the shell

Eden Roc at Cap Cana manages to strike the balance between being an intimate, luxurious resort property without feeling precious or overly formal. The hotel's 34 suites (including a handful of Family and two-bedroom suites), are dotted amidst a cozy cul-de-sac in stand-alone buildings that are painted neon versions of Caribbean pastels. While the structures do not feel particularly spaced out, the suites—once inside—feel completely private.

With cathedral ceilings, white marble floors, simple furnishings and four-poster linen-draped beds, rooms feel cool, stylish and young. The architect designed the property to have a European flavor (the hotel is owned by a Venezuelan/Italian businessman), which is evident most particularly in the stunning Italian restaurant, Mediterraneo. Handbag stools are offered next to ladies' seats and a silver candelabra sits below two magnificent, sculptural chandeliers.

The property's drawback is the setting of its hotel rooms. Despite having beachfront property, rooms are located inland and have no views. To make up for this, each suite boasts a private pool—bigger than a plunge pool, smaller than a lap pool—and multiple outdoor seating areas. The small, protected beach is a five-minute golf cart ride from the rooms and features a beautiful beach club, pool and a mediocre restaurant, La Palapa.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, Punta Espada, is very popular with golfers and the concierge can set up tennis lessons, boat charters, watersports, horseback riding and fishing excursions. There is also a beautiful spa and an excellent Kids’ Club set amidst a charming lagoon-shaped pool.

Couples will love the romantic restaurant options, suites' private pools, the excellent spa and huge bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and outdoor relaxation areas. Families will appreciate the contained beach, casual restaurants, private pools in each of the suites and excellent Kids' Club.