Punta Cana - Upscale AI Resort and Can You Leave the Resort
Nov 4th, 2010, 06:19 AM
#1
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Punta Cana - Upscale AI Resort and Can You Leave the Resort
Hi,
We are thinking about a trip to Punta Cana in May, 2011. We are looking for an upscale AI adult resort that offers alacart restaurants, day and evening activities, shows at night, casino - a place where we will have a great time. We need a resort that offers something to do when we tire of sitting on the beach or at the pool. Recommendations would be appreciated. Additionally, can you leave the property in Punta Cana? I have read mixed reports. I cannot go on vacation and feel trapped in the resort because it is not safe to leave it. We are in our late 50's. Your help is greatly appreciated.
We are thinking about a trip to Punta Cana in May, 2011. We are looking for an upscale AI adult resort that offers alacart restaurants, day and evening activities, shows at night, casino - a place where we will have a great time. We need a resort that offers something to do when we tire of sitting on the beach or at the pool. Recommendations would be appreciated. Additionally, can you leave the property in Punta Cana? I have read mixed reports. I cannot go on vacation and feel trapped in the resort because it is not safe to leave it. We are in our late 50's. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Nov 4th, 2010, 06:38 AM
#2
Look into Excellence Punta Cana and Iberostar GRAND Bavaro. Both are luxury adults only resort. The IB is part of a large complex--the other IB's on the complex are not adults only and the casino is in one of those building. Excellence has a small casino.
Both have activities throughout the day and shows and a disco in the evening.
As far as leaving the resort...I wouldn't venture out on my own, but you can certainly book excursions off the resort.
Both have activities throughout the day and shows and a disco in the evening.
As far as leaving the resort...I wouldn't venture out on my own, but you can certainly book excursions off the resort.
Nov 4th, 2010, 11:43 AM
#3
People have differing opinions on the answer to this. My friends who were there most recently did not stay on a resort and traveled around the island in a rented jeep. They are adventurous travelers so this may not be for everyone.
I've been to the DR twice (Santo Domingo, Sosua, Puerto Plata) but this was back in the 80's. We took a bus across the island and rented a car for a day of sightseeing.
I would really like to hear WHY people are so afraid of going off their resort? What exactly bad happens?
I've been to the DR twice (Santo Domingo, Sosua, Puerto Plata) but this was back in the 80's. We took a bus across the island and rented a car for a day of sightseeing.
I would really like to hear WHY people are so afraid of going off their resort? What exactly bad happens?
Nov 4th, 2010, 02:58 PM
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I'll be curious to see the answers on this too.
I've never looked seriously at Punta Cana, despite its beautiful beaches, simply because I don't think there's a town there.
Other than excursions, are there other places to go in the immediate area? Or, is just more resorts?
I've never looked seriously at Punta Cana, despite its beautiful beaches, simply because I don't think there's a town there.
Other than excursions, are there other places to go in the immediate area? Or, is just more resorts?
Nov 4th, 2010, 03:01 PM
#5
JeanH~ You're right. There is no town. There wasn't a "Punta Cana" back in the 80's. It's like Cancun, in that it is one of the artificially built resort destinations.
Yes there are many other places to go. There's a gorgeous beach in the town of Sosua. Puerta Plata is a historic town. All along that same north coast.
I do hope someone will post and tell me WHY this "don't leave your resort" attitude seems to prevalent. I have to wonder that it's not encouraged BY the resorts (lol)!!
Yes there are many other places to go. There's a gorgeous beach in the town of Sosua. Puerta Plata is a historic town. All along that same north coast.
I do hope someone will post and tell me WHY this "don't leave your resort" attitude seems to prevalent. I have to wonder that it's not encouraged BY the resorts (lol)!!
Nov 4th, 2010, 04:46 PM
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I went to Punta Cana a few years back. I thought the beaches and snorkeling were fantastic - very picturesque! The resort was very nice....Now - the rest is my opinion and mine alone....the ride from the airport - the island appears to be very 3rd world - poverty everywhere - very sad to see....and please know - I've been all around the caribbean - yearly - for 30 years....I didn't want to leave the resort. There is a great website you can check out..... hope it helps.
www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/
good luck - and please don't beat me up for my comment.....
www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/
good luck - and please don't beat me up for my comment.....
Nov 4th, 2010, 04:59 PM
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The 'don't leave the resort' is a trick the resort owners are able to impose on their guests in order to steer them to buy their guided tours. If you notice, they will tell you that you shouldn't leave the resort because its dangerous, but it's ok if you do with one of their tours; and then, you are off on the tour and notice that there are no security guards, police or anything accompanying you on your tour of the 'dangerous world outside the resort.'
Basically, its a marketing ploy to keep you spending as much money within the resort. Its not dangerous outside the resorts, except in the ghetto areas, but last time I checked, that's the story all over the world.
Since you're heading to the Punta Cana area, I suggest you print yourself a nice copy of the tourist guide, that way you know what's outside the resort and be able to enjoy the place to the fullest.
Welcome to Punta Cana 2010 edition: http://issuu.com/asonahores-pub/docs/wpc_2010
A general look into the area: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...c.php?f=6&t=27
Enjoy your stay in Punta Cana!
Basically, its a marketing ploy to keep you spending as much money within the resort. Its not dangerous outside the resorts, except in the ghetto areas, but last time I checked, that's the story all over the world.
Since you're heading to the Punta Cana area, I suggest you print yourself a nice copy of the tourist guide, that way you know what's outside the resort and be able to enjoy the place to the fullest.
Welcome to Punta Cana 2010 edition: http://issuu.com/asonahores-pub/docs/wpc_2010
A general look into the area: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...c.php?f=6&t=27
Enjoy your stay in Punta Cana!
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Nov 5th, 2010, 05:10 AM
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Thank you everyone. Great responses! Re: hotels, have you any experience of bahia principe Amber or Majestic Elegance? I love the look of the IB Grand and wonder if it has the Club level like Excellence has?
Nov 5th, 2010, 07:19 AM
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here's info from our state dept: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...103.html#crime
