Michele

We are looking for an all inclusive similar to Sandals, but are not looking to spend as much money as Sandals resorts are asking. For any of you who have traveled to Punta Cana, how do those resorts compare to Sandals resorts? We like the convenience of having all the watersports right there at the resort. Do the resorts in Punta Cana include snorkeling, windsurfing, etc and are they easily accessible from the resort? Thanks.

michelle

Hi Michelle we stayed at Sandals in Montego Bay and used the facilities ,restaurants of the Royal Caribbean, May 2001. We went to Punta Cana and stayed at the Occidental Grand Flamenco Punta Cana this past Oct/02. The beach in Punta Cana was far superior and so were the staff as far as friendliness. We found the watersport equipment in better shape and easier to get in Punta Cana. We felt the entertainment was equal. The pools, bars and daily entertainment better in Punta Cana. The a la carte meals at the Royal Caribbean were far superior however the buffets were about even. We paid less than half for Punta Cana! It was a far better vacation bargain and far better vacation period. Horseback riding, watersports ect were included. Dives are included at most Sandals. Karen

Gary

You can drink the water at the Sandals Resorts and not get sick!

Anna

We stayed at Sandal's Halcyon and at the Riu Melao in Punta Cana. The beach was much better at Punta Cana; kayaks, sailing, snorkle gear, and windsurfing were included. Banana boat rides and parasailing was available on the beach for a fee. You could also arrange snorkle trips for a fee. For the difference in price we felt the Riu was a much better value. We paid around $900 for the Riu Melao vs $2000 for Sandal's. I'd return to the Riu Melao before I'd go back to Sandal's.

Michele

Thanks for the advice. By the sound of it, Punta Cana looks like it is a far better deal and equal to or better as far as beach and activities. Anyone else have an opinion? Thanks.

Jamie in Niagara

Punta Cana is AWESOME, and a great value as well. The beach that we stayed at (RIU Bambu Resort) was beautiful.....white powder sand, beautiful shades of blue and turquoise water with no sea-weed (not at our resort anyway). Staff we're incredibly friendly and resort was as clean as Disney world (not a thing out of place or a piece of garbage to be found lying around. Riu resorts are all 5 star and there are three of them in a row on this stretch of beach. All non-motorized water sports are included in price and there are right at the beach with no walking.a 1/2 mile to get to them. There is also plenty of boats, paddle boats, snorkelling, glass bottom boat/ snorkelling trips to be had....no lining up for the eqipment either. They seemed to have plenty. Beach volleyball, beach soccer going on all the time, but the beach was never crowded and there was tons of lounge chairs to choose from. We would have one each at the pool and the beach and no one ever took them over...there were that many. As for drinking the water and not getting sick (as [email protected] is so worried about) ALL 5 star hotels have bottled water and purified water in their ice machines....don't believe all the hype!

If you have any more concerns, give me a shout. I'll be happy to answer any questions for a fellow Canuck!

Jamie in Niagara

Beefeater

If you are used to drinking a specific brand of alcohol, make sure the resort selection includes premium liquors. Not all do. At one AI in Jamaica, the best gin I could get was Gordons.

michelle

We have stayed at Sandals and Beaches in Jamacia- even though we loved both resorts and had great vacations!! With that said, we went to the Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana this past May and Loved it as much if not more! Everything is included as well including most watersports. It was about half of the cost of a sandals resort and everybit as good ( if not better) . If you want any more info just email
michelle