You’ve probably heard about celebrities heading in droves for luxurious getaways in the Caribbean, particularly places like St. Barts, Mustique, and Turks and Caicos, but there’s one that you probably don’t associate with the big stars: the Dominican Republic.
While travelers to the Caribbean country often stay in one of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, there’s a beach town here that’s managed to remain a best-kept secret, despite attracting quite a few celebs. As Travel + Leisure recently wrote, Rio San Juan is a highly underrated celebrity favorite with “stunning beaches, boutique hotels from some of the most upscale brands, and crystal-clear lagoons.”
Located on the less-visited northern coast, with wide stretches of golden sands and some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive properties hidden away in tropical forests, you’ll find spectacularly unspoiled beaches here. That includes Playa Grande, which National Geographic once named among the world’s 10 most beautiful.
The Ultimate Celeb Escape
The Dominican Republic has long been a celebrity hotspot for beach escapes, attracting everyone from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, and Matthew McConaughey, reading like a who’s who of stars etched in the sidewalks of Hollywood. But among celebs who want to quietly slip away from the chaos of the real world, an increasing number are heading to Rio San Juan, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Bad Bunny, and DJ Khaled.
What to Expect
While Rio San Juan may offer a wide range of luxuries, this region is still ideal for those who want to experience rich local culture and community. There is plenty of new development, yet the landscapes still seem untouched, with dramatic mountains covered in tropical forest that meet pristine beaches, feeling as if you’re the first to discover them.
Beyond the opportunity for celeb-spotting, the Gri Gri Lagoon, with its strikingly clear turquoise waters, offers a tranquil spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers with lush mangroves and a diverse range of birdlife that can be explored on boat tours. Many of these excursions include visiting idyllic beaches that hug the rugged shoreline.
There are many honeymoon-worthy accommodations and luxurious properties of all types, from the Amanera with 25 stand-alone casitas to the Playa Grand Beach Club, hosting just nine intimate bungalows.
More Top Beaches in the Dominican Republic
Of course, this Caribbean country is home to dozens of beaches you might explore while staying in Rio San Juan, or anywhere else in the Dominican Republic, so we’ve provided even more inspiration for creating the ultimate beach-hopping trip.
