Tiffany

I am planning my second caribbean vacation for next year. Our first trip was to Antigua on our honeymoon and we LOVED it. We stayed at an all-inclusive which we like - no worries. We are big beach goers and don't care for night life or anything like that - just want to veg out for a week!

My question is how is the Dominican Republic? We can't afford to spend much (trying to buy a house!) and I have read you can get vacation packages to Dominican fairly cheaper than anywhere else in the caribbean. Any in sight on this matter would be great - thanks!

nina

Tiffany, I've been to both Antigua and Punta Cana and Punta Cana was far and away better. In fact, Antigua was a big disappontment and my least favorite caribbean island. The DR has much nicer beaches and better prices. You won't be disappointed.

Tiffany

thanks Nina - any all-inclusive resort suggestions?? All we need is a great beach!! And somewhere that includes watersports, we love to sail

Anna

My husband and I went to the Riu Melao this past March. We had a great week relaxing on the beach and never got sick. We weren't really looking for nightlife either, but did go to the casino a few times. We went to Sandal's Halcyon St Lucia a few years ago and paid more than double what we paid at the Riu; it was definitely not worth the extra money. The Dominican Republic is a great value for the money and I would not hesitate to go back. Be sure to check out the Riu Melao, it may fit your needs and is one of the cheaper resorts. The beach is really nice around the Punta Cana resorts.

Tobey

Tiffany -
I went to the DR with 3 girlfriends two years ago. We stayed at the Paradisus in Punta Cana. There is not much to do in the way of excursions in Punta Cana, and because of that there was no expectation of doing anything but veg. It was the most relaxing vacation I have ever taken. We loved the Paradisus and the beaches were the nicest I have ever seen ( and I have been to many different islands.) I think you will have a great time in Punta Cana and I strongly recommend the Paradisus. e-mail me if you have any further questions.

Joan

I can highly recommend either the Iberostar Dominicana or the new SuperClubs Breezes (was recently sold and was called Lti Sol de Plata Punta Cana Beach resort before). Go to this website for all resort reviews:
www.debbiesdominicantravel.com
You will love Punta Cana and it's definitely inexpensive compared to other caribbean destinations!!

Karen

Hi Tiffany, we just got back from Punta Cana, we were there Oct 19-26/02. It is a WONDERFUL Beach vacation spot! We stayed at the Occidental FLAMENCO in Punta Cana, it is on the most fabulous stretch of Bavaro Beach. We stayed at Sandals in Jamaica last year and this was by far a better value. The meals in the gourmet restaurants were better at Sandals but everything else was better at the Flemenco. Never a problem getting watersports equipment, they can arrange snorkling tours at the resort also. The beachfront is amazing, lots going on like dancing lessons aerobics, beach volleyball. There is a fantastic beach buffet restaurant and bar just steps from the beach. There are a string of great resorts in this area in different prices ours was in the lower price range and it was a 4 1/2 star. Lots of Canadians and Europeans. Our hotel was very big 870 rooms so at capacity could be busy, it was only 70% full while we were there. This would be an excellent veg out place , my husband is a beach goer to and loved it. I like activities and there were some although one more excursion during the week may have been better for me. The Fiesta and Princess are also on the same stretch of beach as is the Iberostar which is a 5 star resort and the Paridisus but sounds like you may not need all the things that you pay for in a 5star if you are really looking for a beach vacation. These hotels are pretty much on the same beach loction. Go to the site Debbies Dominincan it is really helpful.

xxx

My husband and I stayed several years ago at Natura. Since that time they have built many others hotels and resorts but for the money it was a great place. Very well kept lawns, very tropical setting. It had a nice stretch of beach in front of it. Our room was very large, cathedral celings with a fan, a nice bathroom, balcony. All and all a very relaxing vacation. There is a tour to the city which would take up an entire day. It was interesting. We also rented mopeds for a few hours. For the money it is a good spot in comparison to other resorts in other locations. Have fun!

nina

We stayed at the Fiesta Bavaro, and it had the BEST beach of all of them along that strip of beach. I know, I walked the entire beach several times. Ours had lots of vegetation and palm trees on the beach plus a wide stretch of sand, which I love, plus lots of grass and greenery on the property.

The second nicest beaches were indeed the Paradisus and the Princess, which were nearby. The Occidental was next door, but IMO, wasn't quite as nice as the Fiesta because they cut all the foliage on the beach down.

Karen

Hi: Just got back from the Occidental Flamenco, was there Oct 19-26/02. I thought the last comments were kind of funny as when we walked Bavaro beach we thought we had the nicest beach front, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. At the Fiesta it seemed over run and there were very few people on the beach, there expanse of beach was huge but there are three resorts in the complex. Did not seem to be much going on though. The stretch from the Fiesta to the Iberostar is beautiful and the beach is pretty much the same right through. We went to the Paridisus for the casino and it seemed very quiet. You will not go wrong with any of those resorts if you take in to regards your personal needs and preferences as regards to cost and service. The Paridisus was 600.oo each more for the same week and it is on the same beach front. Since we were going for a beach vacation and that was the most important prerequisite for us there was no need to spend extra for the Paradisus. I am sure that the Paridisus is a great resort and probably has more services ect. but I would have been paying for services that were not important or necessary for this vacation. Punta Cana is a great beach vacation spot. We were able to do snorkling tours, para sailing ect from the sports desk of the resort. We also booked a trip to Saona Island and the Bavaro Runners jeep safari that were both top notch. Considering the cost of our trip this was EXCELLENT value for the money. Last year we went to Sandals in Jamaica and this was by far a more beautiful location and better value for the money. Karen