British holidaymakers have described scenes of panic after a devastating fire tore through a tourist-filled Dominican Republic resort, leaving one woman dead and nearly 1,700 guests displaced.

'Shocking morning. Not much of Viva Dominicus Beach Resort left,' one Brit wrote after the blaze ripped through the complex.

'A fire started in reception, spread rapidly to the bungalows near the infinity pool, then both buffet restaurants, the main pool, the square and a few of the bungalows towards the Palace,' they wrote online.

'Still burning six hours later.' 

The huge fire erupted on Friday at the $350-a-night resort in Bayahibe, a popular destination for Western tourists, forcing hundreds of guests to flee as thick black smoke engulfed parts of the complex.

Shocking footage showed enormous plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as flames ripped through what appeared to be at least a dozen buildings on the resort grounds.

Italian reality TV personality Francesca Valentino, 46, died in the blaze, Dominican emergency officials confirmed.

Three people were taken to medical facilities while six others, including guests, visitors and emergency responders, were treated at the scene. 

Many other holidaymakers escaped unharmed but lost their passports, money and personal belongings in the inferno. 

One social media user wrote: 'So very sad! 1,700 guests without luggage, passports, money, etc.' 

Another added: 'It's so sad seeing people dragging their luggage down the beach, at least they got out and no one has been hurt.' 

A further comment read: 'Pretty scary that fire can spread that quickly on a hotel property.'

Another tourist remarked: 'Every time I look up at the roofs that are made out of leaves, I wonder, how long would I have to get out of here if a fire started.'

Officials said the resort was operating at 84 per cent capacity when the fire broke out.

According to the Dominican Republic's Emergency Operations Center, the blaze spread quickly because of the flammable nature of sections of the palm-thatched roofs, combined with windy conditions.

Hotel executive Amanda Santana said some tourists had lost their identity documents, including passports, and officials were coordinating with embassies to help affected visitors return home.

Many guests have since been moved to other hotels in Bayahibe and Punta Cana.

The fire has since been brought under control, but investigators are still working to determine what caused the blaze and the exact circumstances surrounding Valentino's death.

The Dominican Republic's Emergency Operations Center said tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area continue as normal.

A FCDO spokesperson said: 'We are in contact with the local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance to any British nationals affected.'