Playa del Carmen, Punta Cana or somewhere else

Hi, I am a British white 28M solo traveller and have a week of holiday planned for later this month. I was hoping to go to the Caribbean as I've never been before but I will be travelling solo.

I'm not sure what place would be best for me, as I've heard recommendations for the DR and Playa del Carmen, but my Spanish isn't great so I don't know if my enjoyment will be affected by this. I want to go somewhere that I can meet new people with a mix of tourists and locals, mix relaxing on the beach with excursions and nightlife. Any recommendations would be appreciated, it doesn't have to be either of these options but these were the ones I was being drawn towards.