Ever go to Punta Cana?

[kpgclark]

We're thinking about going to one of the all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Have you ever stayed there? If so, which resort and did you like it? What time of the year did you go? Did you book through a company like Apple Vacations?

 

[Kallison]

My neighbor did -- all she said was that it was a big shocker when they saw everyone topless on the beaches. They have 3 teenaged daughters.

 

[kpgclark]

bump

 

[CRB#33]

Bumping for Ranatra!!!!

She has some nice pics, too! I'm not sure if they're still in her signature.

She's been pretty busy, but maybe she'll be around soon and see this thread

 

[momof2inPA]

Is it safe to go to Punta Cana now with all that's going on in Haiti? My sister usually goes there over spring break and is skipping it this year, but maybe there are lots of bargains out there.

 

[Tony-NJ]

and we almost went again this year - but my partner got a promotion and can't get time off. Ranatra does have awesome pictures. We booked through our travel agent but through Apple. Stayed at a 5 star resord - the Dominicana. Yes there are topless women on the beach and by the pools. There are a lot of Europeans there and that is very common. No big deal. We thought it was a very good bargain! You could go for a week for under $1K! I wouldn't recommend staying in a 3 or 4 star resort though. the only part of the trip we were not crazy about was the food. But that's because we are spoiled with American Standards.

 

[kpgclark]

I did a search and found Ranata's photos. Nice! We're thinking of staying at Iberostar's Bavaro resort. Any info on that?

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi kpg! Have you tried www.debbiesdominicantravel.com ? It's supposed to tell you everything you want to know aout the DR. Have fun planning and enjoy your trip!

 

[Ranatra]

We stayed at Sunscape,(loved it) and friends of ours stayed at Iberostar! They Loved It!!! We went in January. The weather was like 82 and sunny every day.
We both booked thru Apple Vacations thru our own travel agents.
I would go again in a heartbeat!!
There were only a handful of topless Europeans. The beach we were on had maybe 5 topless women in all. Certainly not everyone.
Definately check out debbiesdomicantravel .com She has some great message boards! You'll find out everything you need to know!!

 

[Christine]

My husband's company sponsored their annual trip their last September (he went, I didn't). They all enjoyed it but did not like it as much as when they went to their Bahama's trips. Also, about 80 percent of the employees came down with some type of "diarrhea" illness which they all presumed to get from the resort food. The worst part was that it was a very short trip and a lot of them were having "symptoms" on the plane. I think they all voted that they would rather not go back there even though it was nice.

 

[kpgclark]

What resort did they stay at?

 

[Ranatra]

Originally posted by Christine
. Also, about 80 percent of the employees came down with some type of "diarrhea" illness which they all presumed to get from the resort food.

More than likely from the water. They tell you on the buses on the way to the resort, "Don't drink the water"
They provide bottled water in your rooms. Don't even rinse your mouth after brushing with tap water. USE your bottled water.
DH and I were fine, so were my friends that stayed at the Iberostar.
When we were planning our trip, I got all my questions answered on those message boards. They were a great source of info.

 

[kpgclark]

Wow, I didn't realize water was an issue there. We're going with the children and I'd hate for them to come down with something. That is definitely a concern (as is its proximity to Haiti!)

 

[DaisyDebbie]

MHO is that you don't drink the water ANYWHERE you travel to.

I've been to Puerto Plata and didn't get sick and had a great trip.

 

[Christine]

Originally posted by kpgclark
What resort did they stay at?

He's at work right now so I'll check when he gets home. I just can't remember, although, I think that touted it as being "5 Star". Also, they were all warned about the water, as they are when they go to the Bahamas. So, I think they are all real careful about that. They really thought it was the food. By the way, my DH was not one to get sick.

 

[JuJuJasmine]

I'm strongly considering doing the DR in September, either Punta Cana or Puerto Plata - strictly because of the deals. My concern is more about safety with the unrest in Haiti (and yes, i know they're different countries and yes i know it's one big island and yes, it's hurricane season on top of it all).

This was a great thread though because it turned me on to debbie's site.

I LOVE these boards!

Ju

 

[kpgclark]

Punta Cana is on the far eastern end of the island and Haiti is on the west side. I'm going to hope for the best! Where are you seeing the good deals? Is it Apple Vacations?

 

[NHAnn]

I think NurseKim has stayed at one of the all-inclusives there too. She is busy with a new baby and I haven't seen her on the CB lately, but you might try a search...she had nice pics too.

My DD's best friend (18) is due home today from a week in the DR with her mom....I will check with her tonight as to where they stayed and how it went!!

 

[JuJuJasmine]

Received my weekly email from TravelZoo....
that's where the deals came up - they are specific to Fall travel, however.
Ju