2026 Higuey Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

In the first week of June 2026, we celebrated our annual anniversary vacation by returning to Secrets Royal Beach. This was our second visit to the resort, the first being before the pandemic. The resort has changed significantly since then. Here's our experience broken down into the good, the bad, and the ugly. · *The Good** Initially, we booked Secrets Huatulco in southern Mexico but canceled due to safety concerns involving cartel activity in the region. Instead, we chose the Dominican Republic, a favorite destination of ours, for our fourth trip to the Punta Cana area. This was our second stay at Royal Beach, and despite some hesitation, it turned out to be a great choice. The staff were attentive and efficient, addressing all requests promptly. Check-in at the Preferred Club lounge was smooth, and our concierge, Alberto, checked on us daily. Several staff members stood out, including Miguelina at Coco Cafe, Fresli in the UVC office, Maria who kept our room spotless, attentive servers Gabriela and Jefri, and Ruddi the barhop who added fun and charm by the pool. The resort itself is clean and well-maintained, with updated amenities and well-furnished rooms stocked with refreshments and supplies. The beach was also well-kept, with ample seating, umbrellas, and shaded areas, though beach service could be sporadic due to the crowd. The pools were equally impressive—plentiful, clean, and accommodating. The main pool hosted entertainment events and had a large bar, while the quieter pools offered shade and optional bali bed rentals. Preferred Club members had access to infinity pools, a lazy river, and a poolside bar. Dining options were vast and satisfying. Bordeaux stood out for its exceptional food and tableside dessert, Bananas Foster. Oceana offered a great Preferred Club breakfast and lunch experience, with equally good dinner options. The Blue Water Grill was another highlight, along with a variety of other restaurants, including the buffet at the cafe. Evening entertainment included skilled live performers, offering diverse acts. For those less interested, an on-site casino was available. · *The Bad** While most of the entertainment at the pool was enjoyable, the staff seemed to neglect organizing exercise events, focusing primarily on a small group of people instead, which left many guests disappointed. There was also one less-than-stellar dining experience at the Mexican restaurant. A long wait time was announced despite numerous empty tables. The greeter claimed the kitchen was backed up, but it came across as a weak excuse. This was the only restaurant where we encountered such an issue, and we brought it to the attention of the management. · *The Ugly** The sole major disappointment was an off-site excursion arranged through Amstar. We booked a Bavarro Runners tour to explore the Dominican Republic, particularly the basilica in Higuey. The tour promised "open-air" transportation, but what we got was essentially a malfunctioning, non-air-conditioned vehicle that broke down, leaving our group stranded in extreme heat for nearly two hours. The tour destinations were interesting, and the guide was knowledgeable, but the poor conditions overshadowed the experience. Eventually, Amstar sent an air-conditioned bus to take us back, but the ordeal had already soured the trip. · *Conclusion** Despite minor setbacks, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Secrets Royal Beach. The resort is spectacular, and the staff made our stay truly special. While we have many other destinations on our vacation list, we might return to Royal Beach someday to relive the wonderful memories.

We just returned from our weeklong stay at Dreams Cap Cana (June 27th - July 3rd), where we had booked three Preferred Club Oceanfront rooms for six family members. From the moment we were greeted with cool towels upon arrival to the time we left after checkout, any minor issues were promptly resolved—though there were very few to begin with. The "Welcome Home" greeting truly reflected the welcoming atmosphere. The reviews about the beach are accurate; it is very rocky directly in front of the resort, and we visited during an intense seaweed season. Although the staff worked hard to clean the beach, the sheer volume of seaweed was overwhelming. However, there is a usable beach north of the resort within a 5-10 minute walk, available when the seaweed is less of a problem. Despite this issue, the beach view and ambiance remained enjoyable. The resort itself is stunning, and the pools are incredible. We spent most of our time at the Preferred Club member pool and the Kaiman swim-up bar. The cabanas and pool chairs—available on a first-come, first-served basis—were plentiful, and Preferred Club guests could use the cabanas free of charge with room number confirmation. The staff were consistently attentive to guest needs, and the resort was impeccably clean with no signs of trash or neglected areas. The dining experience was generally good, offering a variety of options. During our six-night stay, we sampled different cuisines each night. The steakhouse and Italian restaurant stood out as particularly enjoyable. Additionally, my wife and I booked a romantic beach dinner one evening, which proved to be an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding food and exceptional service—well worth the extra $200. We also booked two excursions through Amstar at the resort: Bavaro Adventure Park and Bavaro Runners Safari Culture tour. Both full-day excursions included convenient transportation to and from the resort. At the Adventure Park, we enjoyed zip-lining, horseback riding, a buggy course, the lazy river, a waterfall pool, a blue lagoon cenote, and a delicious Dominican lunch, with alternative foods available for purchase. Be prepared to get quite dirty during the buggy ride—it was likely the highlight of the experience. The staff were excellent, with Carlos standing out for his exceptional hospitality. He personalized our horseback ride by leading my wife and me on a separate trail, where we enjoyed trotting, cantering, and galloping—an extraordinary memory! The Safari Culture tour provided a deep dive into the Dominican countryside in La Altagracia, with stops in Higuey City to visit the beautiful Basilica cathedral. This excursion offered a fascinating contrast between bustling city life and quaint small towns. Highlights included a horseback ride, an educational sugar cane processing presentation, a cigar rolling demonstration, and visits to cacao bean and coffee plantations—complete with tastings of freshly roasted cocoa and coffee. A Dominican-style lunch and a brief visit to Macao Beach rounded out the trip. Our guide Ruddy and driver Ramon were remarkable, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. The staff at Dreams Cap Cana consistently exceeded expectations, and a few individuals stood out for their top-notch service: · **Seneida (our butler)**: She was attentive, arranging laundry pickup and drop-off, checking on us before and after excursions, and addressing any concerns immediately. One day, she surprised us by preparing a bubble bath complete with rose petals, wine, and a beautifully decorated room—a delightful and unexpected gesture. · **Elian (Activity Director)**: His energy and engaging personality made our poolside moments fun. He warmly addressed our group by name and bestowed playful nicknames, ensuring everyone felt welcomed. · **Santos (romantic dinner waiter)**: He delivered extraordinary service during our beach dinner, akin to dining at a high-end restaurant, ensuring every detail was perfect. · **Hector (Palm Bar evening bartender)**: Outgoing and personable, Hector created standout drinks for my wife and provided an enjoyable end to each day with his great energy. · **Housekeeping and minibar staff (Building 1)**: They worked tirelessly to clean and stock our rooms every day, deserving recognition for their unseen but outstanding efforts. One crucial tip for anyone visiting the resort: **Tip generously**! Although the staff's attitude doesn't shift based on gratuity, their gratitude for even small gestures like a dollar or kind words is evident. A little appreciation can go a long way in making someone’s day.

In the Dominican city of Higüey, time seems to have stopped at the intersection of sky and concrete. The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, built in the 1970s, is not just a church but a giant prayer frozen in the form of an 80-meter arch. It is said that its architecture represents the Virgin Mary leaning over the cradle of Christ, but locals whisper another legend: in the 16th century, two brothers brought a small icon to Higüey, and it mysteriously disappeared from their home, only to reappear on the branches of an orange tree—precisely at the spot where this monumental cathedral of concrete and glass now stands. Inside, beneath the vast arches, the miraculous icon is preserved in a golden frame adorned with diamonds and emeralds. Every year on January 21st, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to touch the sacred relic, and the bronze doors, covered in 24-karat gold, open wide to welcome the faithful, accompanied by the melodic chime of 45 bells. This is a place where austere modernism meets living faith, and the sound of tropical rain outside blends with the echo of centuries-old prayers.

🇩🇴La Altagracia Cathedral 　 Basilica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia 📍Higüey, Dominican Republic Igüey, located in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, is the sixth-largest city in the country, with a population of 140,000. Located in the center of Igüey, La Altagracia Cathedral is known as its symbol. This Roman Catholic cathedral in the Dominican Republic is dedicated to Altagracia, the country's patron. Constructed in 1970, it features Modernist architecture. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese. Non-Christians are welcome to enter, and you can also learn about its history and donated artifacts at the nearby La Altagracia Cathedral Memorial Museum. This cathedral is featured on the Dominican Republic's 50 peso banknote. If you're looking for more than just a resort, consider taking a bus tour from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. #TravelDiary #DominicanRepublic #Cathedral