Paradise - Punta Cana

The best thing to do is to lie on the beach and relax. Everything is included and you don't have to worry about anything. Besides all you can eat and drink, also included are bikes, a 20-minute horse ride, and non-motorized water sports. We took a bike ride in the area outside our resort that was exciting. We also went kayaking one day and got to see a beautiful view of our hotel and beach from the ocean.

Quick Tips:

Go on the Outback Safari tour -- it's per person but worth every penny. You haven't really seen the Dominican Republic if you don't.

Bring some Imodium with you. A lot of people got sick from the food. Just be careful and remember it's different than what you are used to. Also, you can't drink the water there, but bottled water is plentiful.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is by using the bikes that are included, or just walking. If you want to go far I would take a taxi. I wouldn't rent a car here; the roads and the drivers are terrible!

The hotel is on a 24-mile stretch of beach. We walked about four miles one way and only saw two other hotels. It was a very scenic activity.

The resort was very well taken care of -- the employees worked very hard and took a lot of pride in their jobs. The rooms were always clean and the maid was great -- she would come two times a day.

This is an all-inclusive resort. The food was ok, not bad considering the amount of people that they have to feed every day. There is always food and drink available at all times of the day. The restaurant by the pool served pizza for lunch, which was very tasty.

The activities staff was always trying to get people involved in dance lessons or games during the day, then they performed a show every night. After the show, they would go to the disco and dance with the visitors. They were very good dancers. The beach is amazing. There are so many palm trees that it is unbelievable. You do have to get up early though to reserve a hut on the beach if you want one.

This tour was amazing! They pick you up at your hotel and put you on a safari truck. The tour takes you to a Dominican country home and you get to meet the people that live there, then you go to a school and you can talk to the children. Other stops include a local market (cheap rum and cigars at local prices, a place that makes coffee and vanilla, and the most beautiful beach I've ever seen (Macao Beach) for boogie boarding. They also visit a ranch for a typical Dominican lunch of beans, rice, and fried chicken, then to lay in hammocks for a quick nap. During the tour, the guide will tell you a lot about the Dominican people and their history. Rum and soft drinks are free flowing the entire time.

The Dominican countryside and mountains are beautiful -- I strongly recommend this tour. They also give some proceeds to help the local schools that they visit.