Kayla: <BR>The beach at the Paradisus was beautiful. Soft sand, plenty of palm trees and lots of palapas if you want to be totally in the shade. We were there the first week of February which is high season and although people staked out the palapas in the morning, the beach never seemed crowded. We would usually grab chairs right after breakfast and we were generally the first ones out there at 9-9:30 (I'm a diehard beach fan). The beach itself was sometimes seaweedy in the morning but there was always hotel staff picking up any debris that washed up during the night and day. And the water was gorgeous too. It looked like a paint strip card you get at a paint store with the various shades of blues as you looked further out! We had no problem with insects on the beach although I think that might be a problem during another time of the year. Hope this helps and write back if you have any other questions!

bKaren--one last question. Am trying to decide between Punta Cana and going back to Mexico (same ol'--it's close and cheap). Anyway, is the water off the beach in Punta Cana warm, or did you find it chilly? Also, do you happen to remember what other resorts are beside the Paradisus? Thanks!!

Kayla: Try Punta Cana. It's different from Mexico and not much more expensive. The water was nice - not too cold but refreshing. The Bavaro Princess is right next to the Paradisus. It used to be a Melia (which the paradisus is)property. It still shares casino priveleges with the Paradisus. It's also very similar in the way it's set up although it doesn't seem to have as many restaurants. My parents actually stayed here when it was still a Melia and had priveleges at the Paradisus restaurants. I don't believe that is the case any more. Still a lovely property apparently. I can't remember what's on the other sides but there are so many resorts along the strip of Bavaro beach. Too many to mention. HOpe this is helpful.

angela-my husband and i spent a glorious week at the bavaro beach resort in punta cana, dominican republic. went through liberty travel. $900 each last may. it was the best. you certainly wouldn't have to go anywhere else. people great. beach great. we had a blast. check it out. you won't be dissappointed.

Try looking into the Bushiri all inclusive... in Aruba..in your price range...only one restaurant but a week there and the menu was different every meal....some entertainment at nite....tho i think in Aruba ..it is so easy to get around and alot to do if you did want to leave...

DO NOT go to the Bushiri... I was in Aruba for my honeymoon and thanked the Lord I had not picked the Bushiri

My husband &amp; I stayed at the Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana last month. Can't wait to go back. The Melia owns the Paradisus which is their luxury resort, but I can't imagine how it could be any better than the Melia Caribe Tropical. We only paid about 1100.00pp. The Paradisus isn't much more than that either. It's a very laid back place but we met lots of people and loved the beach which is what we always look for in a vacation. If you have any questions about Punta Cana, please e-mail me. Good luck with your choice.

We stayed at the 'ROBINSON CLUB' in TULUM, MEXICO. You fly into Cancun (cheaper than other places) and Tulum is about 1 hour away and they can drive you there. The Robinson Club is a German Owned AI Resort (There wer very few ENglish speaking people) topless at the pool etc...but the food was EXCELLENT! Anyway, definitely at least check out their website or get a brochure. the pool was one of the most beautiful Ive ever seen!

Angela, <BR> <BR>We just returned from Punta Cana and to say the least, we loved it! We stayed at the Barcelo Palace on Barvero Beach. It was absolutely incredible. It's an all-inclusive resort and believe me...it's all-inclusive. There are 4 other hotels right on the property all connected by a trolley. If you stay at The Palace, you can you all the facilities. Food, room and service were all wonderful and I'm picky! We went with another couple. We've been traveling with them for 3 years now. Range in age for 32(that's me) to 40. I'd definately go back. Not that expensive. $1399 from Boston. We're planning our wedding in St.Thomas at the Frenchman's Reef. I hope we're not disappointed! Have a blast on your vacation.