Caribbean film guide: discover films made at your next destination

Have you ever dreamed of walking through the same landscape you saw in a film? More and more travellers are seeking not just to relax, but also to experience adventures inspired by cinema.

If there’s one place on earth where reality surpasses fiction, it’s the Caribbean. With its idyllic beaches, lush jungles, and tropical skies, this region has been the setting for major film productions that have marked an era.

In this film lover’s guide, we invite you to visit three magical destinations, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica, as seen through the lenses of Hollywood.

Punta Cana in the movies

While Punta Cana is synonymous with sun, sea and relaxation, it’s just two hours from Santo Domingo, a city with a historic soul and a little-known but fascinating cinematic past.

Thanks to its Colonial Quarter, the first founded by Europeans in America, and its versatile architecture, the Dominican capital has served as the setting for international productions that sought to evoke the Caribbean of decades past.

From your Princess hotel in Punta Cana you can plan a full-day excursion to walk in the footsteps of legendary films, from arthouse to blockbusters.

Here are two films that put Santo Domingo in the spotlight: one of cinema’s most iconic sagas, and an internationally recognised source of pride for Dominican cinema.

1. The Godfather II (1974)

One of the most acclaimed films in cinema history, and winner of six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, used Santo Domingo as the main location representing Havana, Cuba, in the 1950s.

At the time filming in Cuba was impossible, so the production team looked for a city with similar architecture, a tropical ambience, and well-preserved colonial buildings. Santo Domingo was chosen.

The scenes depicting the decadent splendour of Havana before the revolution (with casinos, elegant suits, Cuban music and vintage cars) were filmed in the heart of the Colonial Quarter, especially on streets such as Calle El Conde, Plaza de la Independencia and the area around the National Theatre.

The Hotel Embajador, one of the most emblematic hotels in the city at that time, was also used as a location for interior scenes.

As a curiosity, during filming, the crew brought dozens of classic cars from the United States to recreate the Cuban aesthetic.

Today, many Dominicans still remember with pride participating as extras, or seeing Al Pacino strolling through the streets of their city.

Click here to see the trailer.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The successful first instalment of the adventure saga starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley was also set in the Dominican Republic.

Part of the filming took place on the stunning Samaná Peninsula, a seemingly enchanted location where lush vegetation, pristine beaches and turquoise seas frame every shot.

More specifically, the scenes were filmed in an area known as Cayo de los Pájaros, a natural paradise of astonishing beauty.

With the help of these settings the film managed to convey the wild, mysterious essence of the Caribbean and would soon become a cultural icon that would help promote tourism on several islands in the region.

Fiction aside, visiting Samaná is an unforgettable experience, with boat trips, humpback whale watching (between January and March), pristine beaches, and locations that really do look like they were designed for the big screen.

If you’re staying at any of our hotels in Punta Cana, we recommend this excursion, one of the top 5 in the area.

Given the distances, it’s probably best to book a full-day tour, that way you’ll have time to make the most of every aspect of this unique environment.

From Punta Cana to the history of cinema: an excursion with a cinematic soul

Imagine waking up by the sea in your Princess hotel in Punta Cana and. just a few hours later, walking down Calle El Conde, where Al Pacino lived the glory days of Michael Corleone, or visiting schools and cultural centres in Santo Domingo that today promote inclusion, thanks to the inspiration of stories like that of Rainbow.

With a guided tour of Santo Domingo you can enjoy a unique cinematic experience that combines the luxury of your hotel with a cultural immersion in the history, architecture and cinema of a city that has been the protagonist, albeit off screen, of great moments in the seventh art.

In Princess Hotels, you’re not just visiting the Caribbean… you’re connecting with its memory, its art, and its deepest histories.

Jamaica, a movie paradise

With its lush mountains, turquoise waters, and vibrant energy, Jamaica has long been a muse for filmmakers seeking breathtaking backdrops and authentic Caribbean soul.

This island isn’t just a destination, it’s a movie set brought to life, where you can walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends while basking in five-star comfort.

3. Dr. No (1962)

One of the most celebrated films to capture Jamaica’s magic is Dr. No (1962), the first installment of the James Bond franchise.

From the golden sands of Laughing Waters Beach in Ocho Rios to the iconic Dunn’s River Falls and the sun-drenched Palisadoes strip in Kingston, the island’s beauty takes center stage.

Movie lovers will instantly recognize the unforgettable moment Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) emerges from the sea a scene that etched Jamaica’s name into cinematic history.

During filming, local Jamaicans were hired as extras and crew, bringing a genuine island charm to the production.

This landmark film not only launched James Bond’s cinematic journey but also introduced millions to the allure of Jamaica’s landscape.

4. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)

Fast forward to How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), where romance, renewal, and the rhythms of island life take the spotlight.

Filmed in Montego Bay and the serene Blue Mountains, the movie’s sweeping visuals reflect the dual nature of Jamaica: the lively pulse of the coast and the serene embrace of the hills.

The cast immersed themselves in Jamaican culture, with star Angela Bassett enchanted by the warmth and hospitality that define the island. The film inspired countless travelers to seek their own “Stella” moments: a soulful escape where love, joy, and self-discovery await under the Caribbean sun.

For cinephiles ready to turn the screen into reality, Princess Hotels Jamaica offers the ultimate stage for your own cinematic adventure.

Whether at Princess Grand Jamaica or the adults-only Princess Senses The Mangrove, you’ll find elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and personalized service that make every moment feel like a scene worth remembering.

Here, you’re not just watching the movie. You’re living it.

Riviera Maya on the big screen

With its endless beaches, lush jungles and the mysticism of Mayan culture, the Riviera Maya has become a favourite among filmmakers seeking stunning landscapes and the unique essence of the Mexican Caribbean.

This destination is not just a holiday paradise; it’s a film set where every visitor can feel like a star as they enjoy luxury and first-class hospitality.

5. The Cave (2005)

This action-thriller revolves around a group of explorers who venture into an underground cave system inhabited by deadly creatures.

Several scenes were filmed in the cenotes of the Riviera Maya, especially in Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the most spectacular underwater cave systems in the world.

The film takes advantage of the mysterious and majestic atmosphere of these natural formations to create an unsettling environment.

During filming, strict protocols were implemented so as not to disturb the fragile ecosystem of the cenotes.

Click here to see the trailer.

6. Against All Odds (1984)

This classic romantic drama uses Tulum and Cozumel as its main settings.

Their secluded beaches and Mayan ruins lent a mystical air to the story.

It was one of the first films to show the Riviera Maya to the world, long before the tourism boom, making it a true visual treasure of the era.

For film enthusiasts seeking to experience films first-hand, Princess Hotels Riviera Maya offer the ideal setting for your own cinematic adventure.

Punta Cana, Riviera Maya and Jamaica have been the settings for stories that have won the hearts of millions.

Now it’s your turn to be the star.

Whether it’s exploring mysterious jungles, diving in colourful reefs, or just raising a glass to the sunset, this paradise offers everything you need to write your own movie.

Choose your destination… and start writing your own story.

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya