Dominican Republic or Jamaica
 

We are going on our honeymoon, in late August-early September and we are trying to decide between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Two totally different destinations. We have our hearts set on an all-inclusive resort beachside. I must say, we are leaning towards the DR, Punta Cana. Which destination has the best white sand beaches? The most calm water? Have you been to both and have a preference? Please share! Thank you!

Knowing both very well, would recommend you look instead at a smaller boutique-size upscale resort south of Cancun (easy cheap flights) like Maroma and others totally outside the glitz/mass tourism axis of Cancun itself. Late August-early September is the start of prime hurricane season but you'll generally luck out and find HOT sunny weather with afternoon sudden half-hour downpours. The snow-white beaches/calm water quality on this stretch completely trump both Punta Cana and Jamaica. You'll also find better, more private honeymoon territory with all the amenities/comfort factors being far more personalized and intimate than the huge resort feel of the DR's or Jamaica's AIs.

I have never been to the DR but a friend of mine got back last week after traveling with her family. They stayed in an excellent all-inclusive hotel that they said was beautiful. However, she said that they were greeted at the entrance gate by 5 security guards holding guns and had to go thru a lengthy inspection process. She also said that she did not feel comfortable at all to leave the resort. I don't know what part they went to, but I have heard other stories like this. Are you leaning towards DR and Jamaica because they are cheaper or because you have had recommendations?

I have been to both Jamaica and Punta Cana (as well as Maroma)- and Punta Cana has the beaches and water you are looking for. The Bavaro Beach area is gorgeous - you can walk forever. Research, research, research!! Take negative reviews with a grain of salt and know that the choice you make is right for what YOU want out of your honeymoon. It will also make a difference if you are looking for an AI - it is certainly an easy way to travel, and if you are not seasoned travellers it is certainly recommended. You can find several All Inclusive resorts that ARE smaller - again you need to do your homework!! Non-AI's do allow you more opportunity to see the "real" side of the islands you are staying on, but you should be prepared for taxi fees and high meal costs. It truly depends on what you want!

Maroma and other resorts like that, are also beautiful - but it certainly depends on your budget. We stayed at Maroma for our 25th anniversary - it was a wonderful experience, but it was not something we could have afforded earler in our young marriage.

When did Americans start using the word 'issue' instead of 'problem' or 'negativity' for 'an informed viewpoint' that may not always coincide with mass market tourism? I agree with the previous poster about the shock of armed guards in the DR -- but it's par for the course there and a good sign that the area is cordoned off from the real island which can indeed have security problems. The Bavaro Beach properties area, btw, is one I would SPECIFICALLY avoid as touristic to the max and totally resortcentric. If you compare a Sandals at US$595/night and Maroma at about the same if not a tad more, your honeymoon would be far better enjoyed at Maroma or a less expensive but similar resort in the same area.

The reference to negative reviews in my post was not aimed at you, tivertonhouse. As a matter of fact, I have obtained some extremely helpful information from you in the past. I am referring to some of the travel boards (trip advisor for instance) where everybody and their brother feels for obliged to ramble on about bad experiences. Though some of them probably have merit and should be considered, once you become a regular reader, you can tell which people have legitimate gripes and which people have proably created most of their own problems.

Seattlehoneymooner - once you decide what type of experience you want for your honeymoon, go for it. I have stayed at larger all-incusives, smaller all-inclusives, and boutique hotels. We also spent our last two vacations in private villas....we were very happy with all of our choices. But I wouldn't have done any of them without carefully researching them first - and that, quite often is half the fun!

Thanks, Paula. The observation wasn't directed at you at all -- just a reference to a 'language trend' I've noticed more and more/euphemisms and 'Oprah-speak approach/avoidance' in place of telling-it-like-it=is. And having to go to the DR on business too many times, kicking and screaming all the way...If you liked Maroma, btw, check out the Horned Dorset on Puerto Rico's West Coast for even a luxe weekend as well as Puerto Escondido on Mexico's Pacific coast in far south Chiapas...

Thank you for all your help and opinions! I do need to continue doing some research. We are leaning towards the all-inclusive because we don't want to have to worry about food or drinks while we are at the hotel. We are not very experienced travelers, so we want our first trip to the Caribbean to be as easy as possible. With that said, when we go back for another vacation we can explore outside of our resort and check out the boutique hotels. For this trip, it's about seeing the Caribbean, walking along the beach, soaking in the ocean and totally relaxing. :)

I appreciate your help paulalou and tivertonhouse, thank you so much!!

I have been to both and I think both destinations would be good for you IF you pick the right area and resort. In Jamaica, Negril has the beach you are looking for and many wonderful honeymoon resorts. For a large one check out couples swept away negril. There are many small resorts as well. In PUnta Cana you can't beat the beach. A+ perfect. But, be careful. For example, the Secrets resort has a rough ocean front to their resort. Stay south in PUnta Cana. The Paradisus is nice. But, in my opinion the best value is the Iberostar resorts. Three next door to one another with full exchange privileges. If you want a small intimate resort, I recommend Negril over Punta Cana. Also, if you want to leave the resort more, Negril is better. But, for a real international flare and the best beach Punta Cana is the winner. I agree with the poster above about the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun, but I don't know why she counted out your destinations. If I knew more about what you wanted maybe I would recommend Mayan Riviera first, but each destination has it's strong points.

Check out Secrets in Punta Cana...for adults only...lovely beach and great restaurants..

Parrotmom, you may have gotten lucky on your trip, but usually the secrets resort has the roughest surf of all resorts in the PUnta Cana area. If you want calm water stay south.

Thanks everyone! I would love to go to the DR, I'm just worried about the Malaria outbreak. Being lathered in DEET bug spray all day and night doesn't sound appealing. From what I hear, Couples Swept Away sounds like a great place to go. I still haven't decided on a place yet...

I don't think you can go wrong with Swept Away - I have very fond memories.