mochomiak

My family and I were surprised at what a wonderfully relaxing vacation we had at the Iberostar Punta Cana. We have travelled extensively including several cruises, but this vacation was by far the best.

The resort grounds are beautiful with flamingos, peacocks, roosters roaming the lush tropical acreage. The pool has areas that are shallow for children and bends its way around palm trees for adults.

The beach is beautiful. The sand is soft and flecked with pink coral (Like Bermuda sand). The water is clear blue with small waves. You do have to get up early to reserve lounge chairs under a palm umbrella or poolside (despite the signs that say otherwise).Kayaks,catamarans (take a lesson) are available. Banana boat rides are $8pp

The food was a lot better than I anticipated. There is a large variety from which to choose. I also liked the casual dress for dinner rather than the dress-up necessary for cruises. You also don't run up a bar bill. The barbeque on the beach on Tuesday was the most enjoyable.

There are activities such as Spanish lessons, merengue and line dancing lessons, aqua aerobics, bocce ball, volleyball tourneys, soccer.

The staff work very hard and were always helpful.

We will definitely be going back.

BarbaraF

I am considering Punta Cana for a family vacation next winter break (two teenage girls), and trying to get a reference point for resorts. We have been to Playa del Carmen, at the Gala Resort, and loved it for our family. We have also been to Sandals Montego Bay, and didn't love it, to say the least. If you are familiar with the resorts in Playa del Carmen and the Sandals chain, where would you place the Iberostar Punta Cana in the scheme? Better, worse or about the same?

mochomiak

Sorry I haven't been back to Mexico since a very bad case of Montezuma's Revenge ruined our vacation and I have never been to Jamaica because of reports of friends who vacationed there.

I would highly recommend Punta Cana. My 13 yr. old daughter loved it and we will be returning with my 18 yr. old college student who couldn't make this trip due to schedule conflict.

Check out vacmart.com and expedia. The ride from the airport is 30 min. and $24 by cab, therefore you don't need to purchase transfers.

BarbaraF

Thanks. Were you there for spring break? We are proposing a winter break vacation, which will put us there the week between Christmas and New Years. Was the cost "reasonable" (as reasonable as one of these resorts can be" for prime vacation time?

Paulie

I definitely agree with you about the Iberostar hotels in Punta Cana. We stayed at the Iberostar Bávaro in 2001 (right next to the Iberostar Punta Cana and a bit more expensive)and had such a great time all around that we chose another Iberostar, the Hacienda Dominicus in La Romana for our honeymoon next week. If it's half as good as the Bávaro, we'll have a great time!!
Paulie