Where to stay in Dominican Republic?

[trophyhunt]

Since Italy was a bust due to China flu, looking into the Dominican Republic for a vacation.  Anyone who has been there have recommendations? Best time of year for weather, Caribbean side for better water, all inclusive, snorkeling and maybe adult only resorts?  Cousin really like punta Cana but it's on the Atlantic side, heard there is a difference??

[7mmfan]

Several years ago now, 2016 I believe, my wife and I stayed at Excellence Resort near Punta Cana. Adults only, all inclusive. It was great. We would go back in a second. The water was somewhat rough most of the time, not great snorkeling opportunities right there, but a short walk down the beach had a reef that offered better options.

[trophyhunt]

Several years ago now, 2016 I believe, my wife and I stayed at Excellence Resort near Punta Cana. Adults only, all inclusive. It was great. We would go back in a second. The water was somewhat rough most of the time, not great snorkeling opportunities right there, but a short walk down the beach had a reef that offered better options.

so on the Atlantic side but it still had good water, what time of year did you go? Was the food any good? I know it’s been a while but have to ask.

[jeffro]

I wouldn’t leave American soil during these times
Hawaii is always nice, and less travel time than the Caribbean

[Stein]

DR is great, I went down there when my brother was in the Peace Corps.  He lined up an apartment we rented for the week from a Canadian couple.  All the inclusives are nice, Punta Cana is great.  There is some pretty good diving around but they don't take care of the reef very well so it's pounded compared to other places.

Great rum, great food, nice people.  When I was there they had armed police around town, no safety issues as they penalize the locals huge if they mess with anyone on vacation.

[trophyhunt]

I wouldn’t leave American soil during these times
Hawaii is always nice, and less travel time than the Caribbean

Never been to Hawaii, I just can't stomach the cost.

[trophyhunt]

DR is great, I went down there when my brother was in the Peace Corps.  He lined up an apartment we rented for the week from a Canadian couple.  All the inclusives are nice, Punta Cana is great.  There is some pretty good diving around but they don't take care of the reef very well so it's pounded compared to other places.

Great rum, great food, nice people.  When I was there they had armed police around town, no safety issues as they penalize the locals huge if they mess with anyone on vacation.

Well shoot, you make it sound so good I'm almost ready to book!!!   Just need to know what time of year is best.  Some areas have jelly fish season, rainy seasons, storm season.  It looks like feb-april might be the best??

[Stein]

I'll ask my bro and get back to you here.  I don't remember what time of year we went, but he lived there for 2 years.

[jeffro]

I wouldn’t leave American soil during these times
Hawaii is always nice, and less travel time than the Caribbean

Never been to Hawaii, I just can't stomach the cost.

Look into rental condos
I usually stay at Valley isle in Kahana on Maui
$100 per night
And you can cook for yourself to save $

[Stein]

The thing to remember is that it is a third world country, very different from Hawaii.  Not bad at all, just very different.  If you have been to Mexico, not to dissimilar in many ways.

[Stein]

Bro said to maybe avoid winter although it doesn't rain on the beach much, more on the interior (higher in the mountains).  You might also want to check on COVID there if that's something you are concerned about.  They don't have the best medical system for locals.

[trophyhunt]

Thanks, non vax here, so I’ll have to see what they require.  Been to Mexico a bunch, looking for something new.  We are taking the mother in law (she needs her own room 😁).  $100 a day is pretty good, but to be honest, we hate cooking and doing dishes when on big vacations. All inclusive is a must.

[7mmfan]

Several years ago now, 2016 I believe, my wife and I stayed at Excellence Resort near Punta Cana. Adults only, all inclusive. It was great. We would go back in a second. The water was somewhat rough most of the time, not great snorkeling opportunities right there, but a short walk down the beach had a reef that offered better options.

so on the Atlantic side but it still had good water, what time of year did you go? Was the food any good? I know it’s been a while but have to ask.

We were there in May. The weather was very nice, showery just a couple times during the week that we were there. By good water what do you mean exactly? It was clear and warm, but their particular beach at that time was fairly shallow and had a strong rip current out where it was deep enough to swim. Their lifeguards were pretty strict on keeping people from getting out too far.

The food was fine, some of the restaurants onsite were better than others. My wife just mentioned the other day that they have since done a resort wide remodel and the reviews on food seem to be better now. Who knows for sure though. Big pools, nice beach with lots of shade trees.

[trophyhunt]

Thanks, yeah just curious how clear the water was. Snorkeling is my fav when on vacation. Did the diving but not interested.

[Stein]

On one of our dives I could clearly see the anchor on the bottom in 80'.  Worst conditions all week were probably 30-40' of vis.

Snorkeling is ok, you'll see some small fish and stuff but the beaches are pretty hammered.  If you get a charter they can get you away from the beach and then it's much better.  We had some amazing dives.