mystar9452

We're planning a trip to Iberostar's Bavara Resort at Punta Cana and were wondering how safe this island is and if anyone has stayed at this all-inclusive resort.

schmerl

You will be fine at the resort. I wouldn't recommend wandering off the resort alone though.

ParrotMom

We are off to Punta Cana for the third time and because in Punta Cana there really isn't anything major in the area except Manati Park and whatever ever excursions you might take...The only thing in the area are all-inclusive resorts, far away from the main road and miles and miles of beaches....Enjoy!!

slocum

My wife and I stayed at Barvaro Beach during Christmas week of 2003. It was the worst vacation we have ever taken. The food and drinks were the worst. The resort(s) are fine but I will never go back

sharkdiver49

If you choose to go after Slocum's slam of the place, I would agree with Schmerl, DO NOT LEAVE THE RESORT!!!!! I have heard awful stories of people being robbed.

schmerl

I know several people who really enjoyed their vacations at Bavara Resort in Punta Cana. Copy and paste the following link and get all the info you'll ever need about the Dominican Republic. http://debsdrtravels.proboards35.com...?action=login2

tivertonhouse

I agree 100% with 'Slocum's Slam' and would rate the DR as my least favorite island ever visited.

miggs

We have been to this part of the dom rep twice and to the Iberostar Punta Cana last year. It is a fabulous hotel and you won't want to leave the complex for anything at all. It is so big with the 3 hotels all next to each other and you will have the use of the punta cana and the dominicana as well as your own so there is plenty to do. Personaly we liked the punta cana but thats our choice. There is nothing outside the complex and so you will be perfectly safe at all times. The beach is lit up at night and the grounds are beautiful. The star friends really made our holiday special and we are in our 60s but the always came to talk with us and are so nice and friendly.The food is excellent and the drinks are top brand. I was drinking bombay saphire gin and my husband smirnof vodka . Absolutely no complaints at all. I must just add that the public toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen. absolutely spotless. Go for it .I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. Say hello to Mac Cassandra Mr Ding Dong and Noel for us.

ParrotMom

Having been to Santo Domingo three times, Puerta Platta (hated it) Punta Cana twice (going in a month again), La Romana three times.....The best advice I can give you is to GO..DO NOT RENT A CAR-that is dangerous...day or night.. We have been to Suncape hotels are our favorite resorts...There is no reason to go off the resort unless your going by taxi or on an excursion. BTW we are not youngsters and the Dominicans are gracious and wonderful people....and will tell you the same thing..

cdt

These huge resorts are really set up so you don't need to leave the grounds, but in my opinion it's safe to go on escorted excursions, but not to rent a car and wander around on your own.

diann

What is with the recommendation of a malaria medication before traveling to DR? I have seen it recently on the us health page for traveling info to other destinations outside the U.S.

wtggirl

My husband and I stayed at the IB Bavaro just this past August for our 20th anniversary. Loved it! But, thank goodness we are well traveled. This is not Cancun. It is much more international and depending on when you go, you may feel the minority. The food is very good, but again aimed at European tastes. The drinks were not watered down. Again, this is not Cancun. The resort is a prime example of the consistancy of the Iberostar chain. It was a wonderful experience and I would return. I loved the night club to watch the dance contests. Sit in the back during the nightly shows and don't make eye contact with the MC or YOU will become the night's entertainment! This is a great destination if you are not looking to leave the property often (except for escorted excursions) and want something with a real international flavor!

wtggirl

I should have been more to the point in my last post. You can walk off the resort during the day with company. But, don't during the evening, even on the beach!
The people of DR are very friendly, but the desperation of a few means you must be very cautious.