We are researching possibility of staying in the Dominican Republic at Melia Caribe Tropicale, but have heard mixed feelings about the island. ANy thoughts, or comments.

Check out reviews at
http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com./
We have been going to the D.R. for many, many years.

Wasn't there a health warning of some kind this spring for the d.r. ?

A big no to the Santo Domingo/Boca Chica area where we stayed. However I have heard some good things about Punta Cana and La Romana, enough that I would give it a go.

There was and a particular chain had a major problem from what I have heard from reliable sources, but there is NO health problem.. I did not take shots or medication.. I would go back to the D.R. in a heartbeat.. As for Boca Chica I haven't been there for probably 20 years... the only positive about Boca is that it is close to Santo Domingo, a great swinging town....

The DR is a great place for a resort vacation - it is a developing country therefore expect that there will be a disparity between NA's vacaitoning and the real people. You will not likely be renting a car and touring the island.

But isn't DR one of the few Caribbean islands where you can't drink the water? And aren't reports of food poisoning higher there?
I do remember reading that there was an outbreak of malaria, which seems to have ended.
Actually, it's the food and water worries that keep me from going. I enjoy ice in my drinks and a fresh salad.

You are right about not drinking the water, but the resorts have water filtering systems for ice and drinks. Most of the resorts are all inclusives, so there is plenty of bottled water everywhere. We ate all day long and had NO problem with the food. We ate fruits, fresh vegeatables, meat, seafood...you name it, we ate it. Everything was yummy and no one got sick.