There’s never a bad time for a Caribbean getaway, something I was reminded of this month when I boarded my flight to Puerto Plata to visit one of Marriott International’s Caribbean portfolio hotels.
The flight from Charlotte Douglas takes you to Miami before connecting to Puerto Plata—and with no time change to worry about, The Ocean Club is an easy-access paradise that feels worlds away from the everyday.
With no time‑zone change, you step off the plane and into vacation mode—same clock, same daylight, no jet‑lag. The entire travel day is remarkably simple: check in, board, land, collect your bags, and you’re at your resort within minutes. Because it’s a smaller airport, customs were a breeze, too.
The POP airport is just 15 minutes from the resort tucked along the Dominican Republic’s golden north coast.
The Property
The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a vision of boho calm. A sweeping private beach sets the stage for its chic, spacious suites—with many offering private plunge pools and terraces overlooking the Atlantic. I stayed in one of the well-appointed one‑bedroom king suites, with a ton of storage, a walk‑in shower, a granite‑topped kitchenette, and even a stackable washer‑dryer. One of my favorite aspects was the large windows and generously-sized porch, offering beautiful views (and sounds) of the palm trees and property.
Each suite is outfitted with luxury Egyptian‑cotton linens, smart TVs, Bluetooth docks, and high‑speed Wi‑Fi—it made for the perfect nightly retreat after our beachside excursions.
The resort’s three inviting pools—including a rock‑waterfall infinity pool perched on the beachfront—are ideal for morning dips or afternoon lounging. Each one offers space for more private lounging, such as the covered cabanas and hammocks, or classic pool chairs where you can relax in the open with a poolside cocktail in hand.
Meanwhile, ESPA at The Ocean Club offers a sanctuary for wellness, with therapeutic spa treatments, hammam and sauna facilities. After a day spent exploring downtown Puerto Plata, the cool, calming spa could not have been more welcoming.
ESPA’s rituals and treatments are led by therapists originally from Thailand and Nepal, who use a mindful approach that incorporates ancient wellness techniques.
Back outdoors, the resort also provides terraced ocean‑view spaces and lush gardens for private events or romantic evenings. For the more adventurous type, take advantage of the on-site paddleboards, kayaks, weekly sunrise yoga, or even the snorkeling gear.
The Food
Culinary offerings at The Ocean Club are robust. Expect a fusion of Dominican fare with Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cuisine. Regardless, the resort ensures that every meal is an event, and the passion behind the food programming was well beyond what many hotels offers.
Martin Witt, F&B Director for The Ocean Club, was on-site often, making recommendations for what items to try and offering the backstory behind the menus.
During my stay, I dined at Baia Lounge, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at the lively Veuve Clicquot Sun Club for brunch, and at the fine-dining driven concept, Aguají.
Ocean‑view dining at sunset is a highlight here: whether sipping bubbly at the Sun Club for brunch or sampling local flavors under the stars, the atmosphere is unbeatable.
The seafood is a highlight: Local fishermen bring their catch of the day to the hotel regularly, and the team incorporates it into casual lunch dishes, like fish tacos, as well as into a variety of raw bar offerings, like tartare and crudo, and a gourmet take on a Dominican classic, sancocho (a hearty stew).
Personalized in‑room chef service elevates the comfort of staying here even more, and “The Spot”, a beachside dining table and grille, also allows guests a chance to curate a menu, and a memorable evening, with the hotel’s chef service.
Surrounding Area: Puerto Plata
Beyond the resort lies a vibrant world—rich in culture, adventure and natural beauty.
Puerto Plata, nicknamed “La Novia del Atlántico,” is a coastal jewel steeped in both tropical beauty and history. Towering behind the city is Mount Isabel de Torres, accessible via the Caribbean’s only cable car, offering panoramic views, a botanical garden, and a Christ‑the‑Redeemer statue at the summit.
By car, it’s about 30 minutes from the hotel to reach the downtown center of Puerto Plata.
Highlights include the historic Victorian buildings and local artwork in the city center, local monuments like Fort San Felipe, craft markets like El Mercado, local rum distilleries (Macorix House of Rum), chocolate factories (Del Oro), and the vibrant Umbrella Street—an iconic photo‑spot beneath a canopy of bright umbrellas.
We toured the city by car—classic car, that is. The local tour group will take you to many of the aforementioned destinations in an array of colorful classic cars, like Cadillacs, Mustangs, and Bel Airs.
History buffs will appreciate the 16th‑century Forteza San Felipe, now a museum showcasing colonial artifacts from cannons to prison cell. Nearby, the Amber Museum offers a journey into natural history—Dominican amber is revered for preserving plant and animal life, including multi‑million‑year‑old insects.
Final Thoughts
The Ocean Club has a little bit of everything: Seamless travel access, relaxed charm and historic depth, and luxury experiences alongside Caribbean beauty. But what really made this a destination worth returning to was the staff and hospitality: This felt, at every turn, like a locally-owned, boutique hotel.
General Manager Pedro Sanchez Rivas joined us the last evening during dinner. A well-traveled man, he told us that as many times as he’s left the Dominican, he’s always found himself coming right back. Hospitality, he says, is simply ingrained in the culture, and few do it better.
