Mexico vs The Dominican Republic - Where’s Best For Your Holiday?

Life is full of tough choices but here at Destination2, we want to make your holiday decisions even easier.

If you find yourself umming and ahhing about whether to book a luxury getaway to Mexico or an unforgettable escape to the Dominican Republic, we’re here to help by listing all the best bits of these destinations in our handy travel guide. Discover the liveliest beaches for non-stop good vibes, or somewhere more secluded for intimate moments with the people you love. Feel the thrills of the outdoors with some one-of-a-kind adventure activities in lush Caribbean scenery. Whether you want to explore the water or stay on land, there’s plenty to keep you active and entertained at all times. Experience the rich cultures of both these destinations while you soak up the sun in a Caribbean paradise. Keep yourself fueled by dining on delicious local fare, sampling the best authentic dishes, before making the most of your nights in the Dominican Republic or Mexico's booming nightclubs and bars.

Search our Dominican Republic and Mexico holidays.

Where’s Best For Beaches?

The Caribbean is a superb choice for a beach holiday, and you’ll be spoilt for choice on a Dominican Republic or Mexico getaway. Both destinations are renowned for powdery white sands, diverse coral reefs and inviting warm waters, but it’s the spellbinding Dominican Republic that boasts over 200 idyllic beaches. Playa Punta Cana includes a 50 kilometre-long coastline and is located next to many luxury hotels, making this the perfect spot for families to explore. With crystal-clear shores and soft sand, Playa Macao is the place to get active with some surfing and ATV rides, or you can dine in style in the nearby seafood restaurants. In Mexico, a holiday to Cancun means you can relax on the largest beach in the area, Playa Delfines. For blissful days and action-packed nights, Playa del Carmen is the best choice, and it’s the most popular resort in the Riviera Maya.

Where’s Best For Activities?

With consistent sunshine and lovely warm weather, both the Dominican Republic and Mexico are excellent destinations to enjoy outdoor activities. Many resorts are located next to glorious beaches, so you can try your hand at a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding, as well as enjoying boat trips and much more. Families, friends and couples alike will adore a day trip to a water park. El Dorado Water Park in the Dominican Republic is the largest in the Caribbean, featuring over 20 attractions, while Mexico’s Xel-Há is a natural water park that offers swimming with marine life, cliff diving, underwater caving and slides. Adrenaline-seekers will feel exhilarated by Mexico's off-road safaris and ATV rides through the picturesque villages and verdant forests, while the Dominican Republic offers ziplining at speeds up to 70kmph and free-fall jumps at La Hacienda Park in Punta Cana. For something a little slower, both holiday hotspots are famous for their pristine golf courses.

Where’s Best For Nightlife?

If you’re seeking a Caribbean holiday full of revelry and late-night memory making, you’re certainly in the right place. Mexico, and more specifically Cancun, is considered the party capital of the world, seeing night owls and party-goers travel from across the globe to experience Spring Break in unforgettable style. Expect rooftop bars, cantinas and nightclubs like the iconic Coco Bongo. This hub of entertainment is located in Cancun's hotel zone, so it’s only a stone’s throw from the resort’s most luxurious hotels and best beaches. Alternatively, escape to Playa del Carmen for dancing until dawn in Mandala, one of the chicest spots in town. Alternatively, seek out the lively Dominican Republic bars and clubs on a holiday to Punta Cana. Imagine is a one-of-a-kind experience, with the nightspot being housed inside a cave. Situated in the island’s capital, Santo Domingo, the Plaza de Espana comes to life on a Friday and Saturday night with live music and latin dancing in the street.

Where’s Best For Culture?

Culture oozes from these enthralling holiday destinations, with both boasting a deep-rooted heritage influenced by Indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans and Americans. When visiting Mexico, make sure you plan a day trip to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the ancient Mayan period. Located south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum is a Mayan walled city overlooking its own picture-perfect beach and featuring historical clifftop ruins. Holiday during early November for an insight into Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations and to join in the festivities and feasting that are held in honour of spirits returning to earth. Explore the Dominican Republic’s rich history and culture through a tour of Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, the first European settlement in the Americas. Discover architecture dating back to the 16th century as well as Columbus Park. Taking place in February, Carnival is a huge celebration in the Caribbean. Look forward to parades, folkloric characters, costumes and music across this vibrant destination.

Where’s Best For Cuisine?

For delicious dining experiences and mouthwatering flavours, the Caribbean should be at the top of your holiday bucket list. Dominican cuisine includes influences from Spain, Africa and the Middle East, as well as the indigenous Taino people, resulting in diverse and delectable recipes. The national dish of the Dominican Republic is La Bandera – enjoy rice, stewed beans and meat, fried plantains and salad that uses their colourful ingredients to represent the Dominican flag. You can also look forward to dining on other rice-based dishes, soups and stews that are all bursting with flavour. Similar culinary wonders await in Mexico, where you can dine on well-known fare like tacos, burritos, fajitas and quesadillas. If you’re brave enough, you can try spicy chilli peppers, while most dishes feature staple ingredients like corn, coriander and avocado. Both Mexico and the Dominican Republic have a history in the production of coffee and chocolate – make sure you sample them both!

Best Time To Visit

Both the Dominican Republic and Mexico are sun-soaked destinations all year round, with temperatures rarely falling below the low-20s. The best time to visit both of these wondrous locations would be between December and May as the weather is consistently dry and pleasantly warm. Mexico’s average temperature during these months is approximately 24℃, while the Dominican Republic is slightly warmer with an average of 26℃. Holidaying at this time of year means you can easily explore the stunning Caribbean scenery, discovering waterfalls, forests, beaches and more in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic. June to September offers more budget-friendly deals due to this being the hottest time of year for both destinations, but the weather is much more temperamental with higher chances of rainfall than in other months. The official hurricane season in the Caribbean falls between June and November, so it’s important to pack accordingly if you wish to visit during this time.

“If you’re searching for delicious cuisines, exciting activities, a booming nightlife and blissful beaches, the Dominican Republic and Mexico will deliver these in bundles.

“Sun-soaked days await on both of these gorgeous Caribbean shores, with beaches that cater to partiers, families and couples on a romantic retreat. Top up your tan, splash in the waves, swim beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea and sip on tantalising beverages beneath a swaying palm tree.

“Embrace adventure with the array of outdoor activities on offer in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, including scuba diving, ziplining, underwater caving and ATV rides, while culture lovers can immerse themselves in ancient architecture, historical sites and diverse festivals.

“Eveningtime means sitting down to a delicious meal and exceptional entertainment in the bars, clubs and restaurants. If you’re a late-night reveller, you’ll definitely find your people in these two destinations.

“If you’re still undecided about which destination to choose, we’re always here to help and can find you a cheap deal on a host of luxury Caribbean holidays.”

Moon Palace Cancun

Nestled on the picturesque Caribbean coast of Mexico, the 5-star Moon Palace Cancun oozes luxury from every corner. All-inclusive bliss awaits, with stunning guestrooms offering unforgettable views, superb in-resort amenities to ensure you feel pampered and refreshed, and a variety of excellent dining options. Sample the incredible local fare or feast upon flavours from destinations like Japan, India, Brazil and Europe. Then it’s time to watch the sun set as you walk along the adjacent white-sand beach.

Check out the Moon Palace Cancun

Almare, A Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres

This 5-star adult-only haven offers enchanting escapes to Mexico’s spellbinding Isla Mujeres. Soak up the sun on the soft sand of the resort's private beach, relaxing poolside with an exotic cocktail in hand or head to the spa for a sumptuous afternoon of divine treatments. Looking for adventure? There’s plenty of that too, with a scuba diving centre ready to show you the beauty of the marine world.

Check out the Almare, A Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres

W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive

The ultimate adult-only holiday awaits in the Dominican Republic. Located on the scenic coast of Punta Cana, you’ll enjoy access to a golden sandy beach, turquoise waters and unrivalled fun in the sun. Make use of the all-inclusive amenities, including dining in an array of delectable venues. Comfortable rooms provide a relaxing sanctuary with private balconies and unmissable views. Delicious cocktails are served in the bars and lounges alongside music and romantic vibes.

Check out the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive

Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort

A tropical getaway beckons you to the shores of the Dominican Republic for unparalleled 5-star luxury. Cast your worries away as you soak up the luxury surroundings of this adult-only resort, melting away during a spa treatment or getting active with a fitness workout in the state-of-the-art gym. The powdery sand of the beach is only a stone’s throw away, and you can soak up the sunshine by enjoying some non-motorised water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Check out the Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort

Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

Luxury and romance awaits in this adult-only haven on the coast of Cancun. A blonde-sand beach lies adjacent to this impeccable resort, offering scintillating spots to relax and refreshing waters to explore. The swimming pools are surrounded by swaying palm trees, loungers and umbrellas, while inside the resort, the spa, gym and jacuzzi promise to revitalise your mind and body. Opt for an all-inclusive holiday to ensure you experience the best of this hotel’s dining, drinking and 5-star service.

Check out the Desire - Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

Desire Riviera Maya Resort

Jet off to Mexico for an adult-only holiday unlike any other. Soak up the sun and luxury on offer here, where you can either dress up to the nine or dress down to the nude. The sparkling swimming pool and inviting Caribbean Sea offer blissful respite from the glorious sunshine – try your hand at scuba diving to explore the marine world, or stay dry with yoga classes and spa treatments. At mealtimes, expect mouthwatering fare from the intimate restaurants.

Check out the Desire Riviera Maya Resort