Our college age daughter will be in the Dominican Republic this summer conducting research, so we have decided to go down for vacation at the end of her time there. She has to fly in and out of Santo Domingo, so we will be doing the same. I see that Bayahibe is alot closer to Santo Domingo than Punta Cana is, but it looks like Punta Cana is more popular for vacations. Should we go to Bayahibe or Punta Cana? Any recommendations on a place at either (2 rooms for 4 people with a budget of $4500 or so)? Also, how to get from Santo Domingo to either place? Thanks for any suggestions! I have read all the reviews on Trip Advisor and it seems that every place except the absolute most expensive get some terrible reviews.
Bayahibe or Punta Cana from Santo Domingo Airport
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Punta Cana is a fake "built" environment. There was nothing there before a bunch of mega-resorts got put in to attract tourists. That's why the places are mostly All-Inclusive and most people don't even leave there resorts. It's like Cancun in that way.
I'm not familiar with Bayahibe.
When I've visited the DR I stayed once in Puerto Plata and once in Sosua, which are "real" towns. We got there by taking a bus across the island from Santo Domingo the first trip and the second time we flew directly into Puerto Plata then by car/taxi out to Sosua.
For a short visit, Bayahibe is ideal. It is a small unspoiled fishing village with nothing going on. Just a place to relax.The water is calm and very clear. You can go paddle boarding there. Google bayahibe sup for info,If you stay at the Dreams resort you can walk along the beach into town in about 5 minutes. Rent a car and it is only a one and a half hour drive from Santo Domingo and it is an easy drive.There are also trips from Bayahibe to Saona Island.
It is a much more authentic Dominican experience than Punta Cana which is more focused on staying in great resorts on a great beach.