Hip Apartments in the Dominican Republic You'll Want to Call Home

Rub shoulders with a hip surfer crowd at the Ultravioleta Boutique Residences, right on Kite Beach, a hot spot for (yes) “high-fliers”. The 21 bright and contemporary apartments are in high demand, thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass walls, art on the walls, airy kitchens and large bedrooms with massive stand-alone mirrors, enormous beds and classy furnishing. Don’t forget the designer pool and sun loungers, subject of many Instagram feeds. In town, 15 minutes away on foot, you’re spoilt for restaurants, bars and shopping.

Comprised of units with up to four bedrooms, these 77 spacious, eco-friendly apartments on the Samaná Peninsula are ideal for couples and families and set in lush tropical grounds. They’re perfect for the carbon-footprint-conscious, thanks to a rainwater recovery system. The main water supply uses solar energy that covers all electricity consumption. There are two outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi and a spa, as well as an onsite restaurant-bar, guarded parking and 24-hour security, which is the icing on the cake for a luxury break.

This 57-apartment favourite gets many thumbs up for its proximity to Gregorio Lupéron International airport: 10km (6.2mi) in a taxi or hire car, and you’ll be jumping into the inviting shallows. Cabarete is very close to Kite Beach, and there’s never a dull moment – even for onlookers. But many guests rarely leave their modern apartments. Along with the sun deck and free wifi, the pretty whitewashed buildings have private balconies overlooking the pool, and kitchenettes – plus a bar and local grocery store – make it super-easy to stay in and laze.

Thatched eco bungalows with free parking are the attractive proposition at this family-run, pet-friendly concern, a 15-minute walk from Playa Punta Popy in Las Terrenás. The vibe is tropical, with the residences cloaked in local flora, each with a private terrace. Spacious kitchenettes seal the deal, and there’s an outdoor grill for BYOing meat and fish fresh from the market or burgers from the local supermarket. If you need to burn calories, bikes and quad bikes can be rented. Saddle up and check out El Limón Waterfall, which is only 10 minutes away.

Perfect for couples or singles, this place, just steps from popular Playa Bonita, earns its name with fully renovated bungalows arranged around a swimming pool that is immersed in a tropical garden. The accommodations are designed to maintain cool and shade inside, with a delightful private sun terrace for tanning bursts. There are also an outdoor pool and terrace, as well as a shaded dining area for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a bar onsite, you can swap tips on diving and snorkelling spots with other guests over cocktails.

On Bozo Beach, this recently renovated apartment-hotel has a trendy vibe. Popular, too, among kite surfers, the fully serviced vacation apartments are a quick skip from the most versatile kite spot in Cabarete. You have private access to the beach and a private green area to relax in. After surfing, hit the outdoor pool, sun terrace and spa before exploring central Cabarete (10 minutes away) or the nightlife at Kite Beach (5 minutes).

In downtown Santo Domingo, 4km (2.5mi) from the centre, the Lincoln Suite Apartments will make your city break, with distant views of the twinkling Caribbean thrown in. If you’re a shopper, you’ll be down at the Blue Mall in no time – but don’t miss the 12km (7.5mi) Malecón, which buzzes from dawn until dusk with street entertainers, bars and souvenir sellers. On a more rarefied note, there’s the Museo del Jamon, an easy 20-minute amble away. Many guests spend the day exploring Santo Domingo before slipping into the onsite spa and sauna to switch off.

Don’t expect hordes of stags or hens at the Escondido Bay Laguna Beach Front Condos – they’re not allowed, guaranteeing you a stress-free self-catering condo stay here on the north coast. You’re within walking distance of Playa Laguna: miles of beach, plenty of sun loungers and watersports huts with equipment to hire. You’ve also got access to a semi-private beach, a pool, onsite tennis and a basketball court. Families will be in heaven, given the adjoining water park, rock climbing wall and animal ranch.