We love Punta Cana for its beaches and all inclusive is the "way to go" because this area was developed for tourists - there is no quaint colonial town or small fishing village to spend your days shopping or evenings exploring. Arrival in Punta Cana…Read More

We love Punta Cana for its beaches and all inclusive is the "way to go" because this area was developed for tourists - there is no quaint colonial town or small fishing village to spend your days shopping or evenings exploring.

Arrival in Punta Cana is great... lovely small airport with thatched huts; very Caribbean feeling, music playing, pay your $10 per person for the tourist card, quickly go through customs and immigration and your vacation has begun!

Apple Vacations is very efficient both at the airport and at the resort. Representatives speak English and are very friendly, knowledgeable, and also have 7 hours a day of presence in the lobby to help with tours, questions, or problems.

I've seen RIU Palaces and this one is typical, brand new, clean lines, large, and ornate as a "palace" should be. Check-in was pleasant - seated in a cocktail lounge, beverages available. Even with an early arrival - 10am - our rooms were ready and luggage promptly delivered.

Rooms... A king size bed, step down living area with pull out sofa - good sized bathroom - balcony with two padded chairs - a minibar area with very tiny glasses, fully stocked and replenished even with liquor dispensers - rum, vodka, brandy, and gin.

Onto the pools and beach... lots of fountains, a very large Jacuzzi, and a pool with swim-up bar. The water is too warm, so on to the beach... Oh my gosh - as beautiful as I remembered Punta Cana, but this one is "picture perfect" with a half sunken wreck in the distance, framed by the palm trees on the beach... just gorgeous! Sand is tan and soft as talcum. I love this "unstructured" beach - no line up of chairs and umbrellas and no palapas. Natural shade is provided by lots of palm trees of all sizes. Water... 84F - 88F degrees. There are a few waves, and at times strong enough that we both lost our sunglasses! But fun.

Lunch time at the beachside restaurant was our first disappointment. Dried out overcooked food on steam tables. We took a few mussels that seemed plump since they were soaking in broth. Two bites and we left - there must be an alternative. The buffet dining room was a bit better - roast chicken, salad bar, and air-conditioning.

Dinnertime - the five à la carte restaurants require reservations. We attempted to arrive at 8:30 for our 9pm reservation - no success. They clear everyone from the early seating - reset all the table and start a new at 9pm. Food again was only fair - service quite good - lights too bright. We liked the Italian best - Asian sounded good but the tempura was soggy (frialator probably not hot enough).

Entertainment - Bingo on the plaza at 8pm - a piano player in the lounge that was quite good and later a show with dancers from the resort - OK, if you care to walk to one of the other RIU (all adjoining) there is a casino but it was very quiet all week - no excitement.

The resort is brand new and quite European in style, that is large metal key for the door - deep step-in tub, hard bedding, stiff sheets. We were told it was built to cater to Americans, but I don't think they hired any Americans as consultants. Most of the guests were German or Spanish. All in all, a great location, beautiful beach, and friendly staff make for an enjoyable vacation, but we won't gain weight on the food.

Dining at Riu Palace does not fit into the 5* category. The food is not bad or inedible, it's just that the preparation and presentation are not appealing especially to Americans. Food is plentiful but repetitious. Cuts of meat are not as in the US…Read More

Dining at Riu Palace does not fit into the 5* category. The food is not bad or inedible, it's just that the preparation and presentation are not appealing especially to Americans. Food is plentiful but repetitious. Cuts of meat are not as in the US - steaks are thin, chops are fatty, no large shrimp or lobster were served in any restaurant all week. Small shrimp are presented with shells and heads still on - fruit and salads are delicious and so is the soup. Desserts are kept on a refrigerated table - good in the hot temperatures - but they soon appear "sweaty" and buffet food sits on the steam table too long. Hot dogs and hamburgers are all cooked ahead and left to sit although it is a "grill station". If you get to the station at the time the meat or fish is being grilled, you will find it moist and flavorful - a few minutes later it is cold and dry. Fresh made pasta is great, but it soon get cold sitting under a warming lamp.

RIU Palace serves breakfast and lunch buffet style and has five specialty - à la carte - restaurants that require reservations. Two sittings - 6:30pm and 9pm. These are made on a daily basis between 10am and 1pm. There is no room service but we did see morning coffee being delivered to a few rooms by waiters. Restaurants are extremely well staffed and waiters are eager to please, but a request for cappuccino, ice water, or a cocktail necessitates a trip to other kitchen or a bar in another building - so it does take time.

A themed buffet is served each night. It would help to know ahead of time if it will be Mexican, Italian, or Asian, so that you could make reservations accordingly at other restaurants. You learn of the theme as you enter the dining room by observing the decor or the dress of the waiters. The "Gala" Buffet on Thursday night was the most elaborate - It featured dishes from each of the à la carte restaurants. Food in the buffet is of the same quality as the restaurants but it is very brightly lit, and of course very busy feeling because of the self serving.

Long pants are required for men each evening - even at the buffet. Ladies wore everything from pants to short skirts, sundresses and formal evening wear with jewels, sequins, and chiffon. The Europeans were more formally dressed than Americans.

I don't consider myself a food "snob". We consider dining an experience - not just "eating". We expect freshly prepared food, served appealingly at the proper temperature whether it be a sandwich, pizza, or a gourmet meal. Ambience, pacing of the meal and conversation are all a major part of our enjoyment. We looked forward to meals at two other high end resorts in Punta Cana in the past. The RIU Palace will not be our choice again because of the food unless we read of improvements in future reports.

The beach and pools at RIU Palace are spectacular. As you walk from the main building toward the beach - the tiled walkway lined with tall palms and manicured lawns leads you past five fountain pools - the sound from the splashing water is calming…Read More

The beach and pools at RIU Palace are spectacular. As you walk from the main building toward the beach - the tiled walkway lined with tall palms and manicured lawns leads you past five fountain pools - the sound from the splashing water is calming and the occasional mist that falls on you if caught by a breeze is refreshing.

The first circular pool is elevated and overlooks the main pool and swim up bar - everyone seems to hang over the infinity edge to watch the action. The pools are 3 feet deep throughout. In addition to the usual bar stools and in-water loungers, there are about 10 semi-circles with seats along the edge of the pool. Some have strong Jacuzzi jets for your back and feet others are designed with a cocktail table to set down your drinks - jets in these are softer and more soothing.

Lounge chairs and umbrellas are plentiful and palm trees also provide shade. Planned activities by the pool – piped in music, dance lessons, ceramic painting, hair braiding, water aerobics and friendly bartenders make it exciting – no quiet pool here. Wear flip-flops or beach shoes, the tiles get really hot and burn your feet. The water is very clear and clean, no slime or gritty sand in the bottom.

The pool bar does not have all the top shelf liquors – the lobby bar does. The pool bar closes at 6pm and the pool is off limits after 7pm.

If you prefer a quiet spot with more breeze, head on down a few hundred feet to the beach. This is what Punta Cana is all about, beach, beach, beach! Talcum powder sand and warm blue-green water!!! No thatched huts here. I love this beach, it’s unstructured – by that I mean that chairs are not lined up row upon row. Hundreds of palm trees of all sizes provide your shade, and so a few chairs here and more there and they keep moving to chase the shade. In some spots you can hear the music from the pool area and if you move closer to the spa building, you’ll hear the quiet calming music from there.

The rolling waves make this beach fun, good rides on boogie boards or beyond the breakers you can use a floaty or bounce around on a noodle (bring these from home, there are none at the hotel, they easily fit around the edge of your suitcase before you fill it with clothes).

An interesting looking half-sunken ship wreck off shore attracts everyone on hobbies, kayaks or pedal boats. All these are complimentary. Watch for special pricing on a daily basis for snorkeling tour, parasailing and 2-for-1 Banana Boat rides. A constant parade of walkers of all ages and sizes and in all modes of dress or undress make for interesting conversations.

The sand along the water’s edge is firmer making for easy walking. As with all resorts in Punta Cana – topless sunbathing at the beach is common – much less so by the pool.

All rooms at the RIU Palace Punta Cana are junior suites - the resort has 7 four-story buildings in the shape of a horseshoe overlooking pools and fountains. The architecture is "palatial" - All rooms have balconies with padded chairs, a small table and a…Read More

All rooms at the RIU Palace Punta Cana are junior suites - the resort has 7 four-story buildings in the shape of a horseshoe overlooking pools and fountains. The architecture is "palatial" - All rooms have balconies with padded chairs, a small table and a built-in clothes drying rack. The marble bathrooms have a deep Jacuzzi tub, double sinks, a powerful hair dryer and magnifying make-up mirror. The double closet houses a safe with a heavy old-fashioned lock and the key is on a rope chain. The one and only key to the room is also bulky to carry around. More storage is available in the living room dresser that also doubles as the TV stand.

The king size bed is comfortable but not "plush" as has been the trend for the past few years in name brand hotels throughout the US. The carved black wood furniture adds formality to the decor. A small bar area has a mini fridge stocked daily with sodas, beer and a gallon size water jug. A liquor dispenser has bottles of Stoli Vodka, Gordon's Gin, Brugal Rum and Brandy.

Plenty of towels but no face cloths - a dispenser of generic soap/shampoo in the shower and small bottles of lotion are replaced as needed during the twice daily room service - but no air conditioner. All is kept very clean - even the balcony is washed down daily - and the maids decorate your bed or bathroom with towel art and flowers daily. We did leave tips and small gifts and they were appreciative.

If you can afford to splurge, there are a few minisuites available - these are corner rooms located on each floor in the turrets. They are very spacious with an oversized living room, walk-in closet, small bar area - step up to a king size bed and a very large bathroom with separate shower - a large Jacuzzi tub - like a small pool that opens into the bedroom from the bathroom and is framed with marble pillars. The wrap around deck is very large and is accessed trough the sliding door in the living room.

For a really special occasion - reserve the minisuite on the 4th floor of the turrets and you'll find a winding staircase on your balcony leading up to a gazebo area with your own outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the lush grounds and fountains... Really, really special!

I went to a resort called "The Cocotal" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was well off the beaten path, yet had everything right there that I needed. However, this journal is not really about the Resort....I was more amazed at the island itself. I…Read More

I went to a resort called "The Cocotal" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was well off the beaten path, yet had everything right there that I needed. However, this journal is not really about the Resort....I was more amazed at the island itself. I was somewhat afraid to visit the Dominican Republic, knowing that it's right next to Haiti. However, I read a few things about the tourism there and decided to go. Boy am I glad I did. I don't see why more people don't visit the island. The water there is absolutely gorgeous. The watersports are great too. Make sure you go all inclusive, as most non-motorized water sports are included in your fees. If you still want to do the banana boat ride, or rent jet skis, the prices are very reasonable. If you don't' know how to use the equipment, there will be plenty of ready and willing people to help show you. One warning: the sun is extremely dangerous there. You won't be able to tell until it's too late. Make sure to wear tons of sunscreen, and re-apply throughout the day. Bullfrog sunscreen usually does the trick and lasts a bit longer. I found all this out the hard way. Because the beaches were so beautiful, and the sand was great to play volleyball in...I looked like a lobster after only about 3 hours. So just be careful.

The natives of the island are so accommodating. Very friendly and nice. They try very hard to speak English, so don't be afraid of miscommunication...I don't think there was an instance where I had any problems whatsoever. In fact, one nice man on the beach was trying to teach me his language. They speak a mixture of French and Spanish. I took a few Spanish courses in school, so I could catch on to what he was saying. That was definitely an experience. I felt like a native myself just after about 30 minutes! It was neat being able to ask the bartender for a drink in another language!

When you fly in to Punta Cana airport, you usually have to take a long bus ride to your resort, as they are all pretty secluded from the cities. There isn't much to see or do in the cities, as they are very poverty stricken. However, we decided to take a tour of the city and found that the children are very intelligent. This gives me hope that one day they will rise above the poverty levels. It's pretty sad, and probably a culture shock for most people to go through the towns, as most people live in shacks. Even upper class citizens live in homes the size of and average apartment. They seem happy though. It's a laid back type atmosphere. The song lyrics "Don't worry, about a thing, cause every little thing, will be alright" come to mind when I think of that place. It's one of the most memorable experiences I have yet to have had.

Once you get to your resort (most are all inclusive), you will be warmly greeted with food, drinks, and music. It's the epitome of paradise. I just wish more people knew how great it is, and would visit. I think that if the island gets more tourism, there won't be as much poverty. Enough about their finances, because once you are at your resort... all you can think about is getting in that gorgeous teal water. I am an avid snorkel/scuba diver and found that they had some of the greatest reefs I have ever encountered. I highly recommend this area if you are into scuba. As far as getting to the island, a charter flight is your best bet. They are less expensive, and easier to come by. It makes the whole vacation just that much more affordable.

When it comes to the culture in the Dominican, in my opinion, it's a mix between, Hawaiian and Spanish culture. Their shows and performances are very interesting. If you get a chance to see one, you will see what I mean. They take different cultures, combine them together and make their own. I have been to many Caribbean islands, Hawaii, Spain, and Venezuela....and nothing seemed to be up to par with the Dominican Republic. To wrap this up. I am pro Dominican Republic, and hope to see their tourism increase much more in the near future. It's such a beautiful island. They have such beautiful people. I call it the "hidden gem of the Caribbean"

I am writing to attempt to put into words something that has so far, since our return, been nearly impossible to convey to all the people I have spoken with. My wife and I returned last week from our first visit to the Dominican Republic…Read More

I am writing to attempt to put into words something that has so far, since our return, been nearly impossible to convey to all the people I have spoken with. My wife and I returned last week from our first visit to the Dominican Republic and our first stay at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana.

To say that we both had the most wonderful time of our lives is such an understatement that it almost sounds trite. We found ourselves catching our breath and in wonderment every day when we were continually impressed by something new that we saw, something that the resort did or how we were treated. From the moment of arrival to a chilled champagne mimosa through walking into our room on our final night to an entryway lined with lighted candles and decorated with kissing swans made from towels, dusted with rose petals and a bucket containing chilled champagne, we found ourselves shaking our heads and repeatedly saying that this place is beyond our most hopeful expectations.

Touching down in Punta Cana to a charming and almost idyllic palm-roofed open-air airport set the stage for us that we were in store for something different and special. A comfortable air-conditioned bus ride took us an hour through mostly empty countryside where we found ourselves wondering what we were going to fine at the end of the trip. When we pulled up to the resort, my jaw dropped and we looked at each other, grinned, and squeezed one another in excited acknowledgement that we had made the right choice.

I could go on and on about the sheer beauty of the resort; about the cleanliness around every corner and how even the landscape and bushes catch your eye because of the care and attention that is put into shaping, raking and cleaning everything every single day. But, these are things that you can see in the pictures posted on the website. What I would like to convey more, is what we experienced every day; how we were treated and the flavor and atmosphere that pervades the resort.

Our trip was scheduled so that my wife and I could celebrate our honeymoon which we had put off when we married a year prior. I am sure that others who have written about this place have mentioned it, but to experience having the staff respond to a request or a "thank you" with the phrase "It’s a pleasure" is not only something that takes you by surprise the first time to hear it, but amazes you even more when you witness that indeed, they mean it. As staffs go, finding the right combination and instilling an attitude are probably one of the hardest things to get across to them. In this case, this is one of the most fun, friendly, and service oriented groups that I have ever come across. Within a couple of days we would find ourselves greeted like old friends with handshakes and smiles and special stops by where we were just to say hello and make sure everything was going well.

Our travel agent neglected to inform the resort that we were there on our honeymoon and when I brought it to the attention of the management that some of the things we had hoped for had not happened, they didn’t just respond, they made us feel as though we were the most important guests that were in the resort. We spoke directly to the General Manager, Emilio Huhn, who immediately involved the Rooms Division Manager, Marco Soria, and they bent over backwards to insure that we had a special and memorable time. My wife and I were each treated to a complimentary and wonderful massage on the day of our choice and then were blown away when a private dinner on the beach was arranged with our own private waiter and a meal that was prepared especially for us and rivaled anything found in a five star restaurant. It appeared that many of the staff members, from Isabel in Guest Services, to Lilianna the Wedding Services Coordinator, to staff in the restaurant that we ate in the next day all knew of our evening and came up to ask us how it was and smile.

Multiple times during our stay both Emilio and Marco would suddenly walk up and shake my hand like a friend would and ask how everything was going. This is the kind of personal caring that separates Excellence from any other resort both my wife or have ever been to.

Everyday there is something new going on. Whether it was playing water polo like a kid in the massive (but thankfully shallow) pool, swimming up to the bar to order a Coco Loco (made with fresh coconut juice and served in the same coconut), learning about and tasting Mamajauana (a.k.a. Dominican Viagra), dancing in the disco, watching the nightly shows, eating in every one of the seven fantastic restaurants, taking long walks on mostly deserted beaches, swimming, lounging, playing games under shaded cabana "beds", or participating in the many afternoon festivals and organized events where everybody wins something, we were constantly impressed with and enjoyed each and every one of them.

Having spent the week previous with our family in the Grand Cayman, going to a resort designed for adults (18 and over) was the perfect getaway for us as a couple. The mixture of guests ranged from early 20s through their 60s and was very evenly distributed across the spectrum. Everyone interacted with everyone and while groups of people seemed to find each other throughout the week, we found that as you saw the same faces over and over, you felt like you knew them all and the smiles and hellos flowed easily.

Before we left, we found ourselves exchanging names and e-mail addresses with a number of people and my wife and I already are making plans to return again. Our next trip will be for two weeks and we will definitely request either a walk-out poolside suite or a honeymoon suite which has its’ own private patio with an outdoor Jacuzzi spa and overlooks the ocean. When we were there, the resort was at 100% capacity and the reason is easy to understand. This place is a hidden jewel that we were fortunate enough to have stumbled upon.

If you have a desire to treat yourself and your significant other to a vacation that will leave you feeling refreshed and spoiled, leave you with the knowledge that you have found a truly magical place where just by your presence, you are valued and appreciated, Secrets Excellence is it. None of this would be possible without the direction values and expectations instilled from the management down. It is not just a surface show, you can feel that it is very real and truly their pleasure to see that all guests leave with the same feeling that we did. If you want to see the grounds or find out more information you can go to their website at secretsresorts.com. The website is a little confusing at first, but put your cursor over the pictures and you will see which one is the link to the Dominican Republic resort we were guests at.

The flight to Punta Cana from Baltimore took about 3.5 hours. We departed BWI early, a little before 8:30am and had a very nice flight. This trip package, booked through Apple Vacations, included a round-trip charter flight on USA 3000 airlines. The A320 aircraft was…Read More

The flight to Punta Cana from Baltimore took about 3.5 hours. We departed BWI early, a little before 8:30am and had a very nice flight. This trip package, booked through Apple Vacations, included a round-trip charter flight on USA 3000 airlines. The A320 aircraft was comfortable and we had plenty of room to spread out as the flight was not full. The airline offers a movie during the flight, but you will need to purchase headsets at a cost of $3.00 per set to hear the audio. Before beginning the standard beverage service, the flight attendants distributed mimosas (a cocktail of orange juice and champange) so that we could all toast our vacation. Mmm. Next came beverage service and breakfast. The breakfast far surpassed the usual airline munchies. We were given a choice of a cheese omelette or apple cinnamon pancakes. We both opted for the omelette and found it quite tasty. The meal was served with home fries, a full-size apple cinnamon muffin, orange juice, and grapefruit and pineapple salad. The portion was plenty to satisfy us, and tasty as well.

Landing in Punta Cana is a different experience than you will have in a major U.S. airport. The runway is rather short and they really put on the brakes. We deplaned right onto the tarmack and were more or less on our own to filter into the terminal. We found that no one really gives any direction once you get off the plane -- you just have to wander in the right direction. The terminal is straight out of Gilligan's Island and I kept expecting to turn a corner and bump right into The Professor or Mary Ann. It's all open-air with a pretty thatched roof, a wonderful way to take advantage of the island breeze. Be sure that you can peel down to a light layer of clothing because you will be warm as soon as you get off the plane. We wandered into the airport, stood with the other lost souls in the baggage claim area, and waited for familiar bags to appear on one of the two carousels. Once we had collected our things, we stood in a moment of "Now what?" before deciding that we were meant to just keep going into the next area, Customs.

The Customs desk is where you purchase your tourist card, necessary to enter the country. My advice is to have a US$10 ready before leaving home so that it's handy while carrying all of your luggage. You don't have to fill the card out right away. We tried, but were hurried along by the man at the desk. We filled ours out on the bus to the resort to pass the time, but I have heard that you don't have to fill it out at all. Be sure to put the card someplace safe, as you will need to surrender it upon your departure.

Once through with Customs, we went out to the other side of the terminal and found our Apple rep. We filed onto the appropriate resort bus and were on our way.

Personally, I love the Punta Cana airport. The thatched roof and open-air atmosphere really put me in the vacation mode. I had an instant feeling of being "elsewhere". I also have a wonderful memory of the lady who cleaned the ladies' restroom. She was so cheerful and she had a pleasant smile on her face. I said "hola" to her and she gave me a big smile back -- it really started my vacation off right.

1. Don't bother to fill out the immigration forms at the airport -- they don't care about them, so just go to the head of the line. 2. Don't forget sunscreen and bug repellent with at least 20% DEET -- Off Deep Woods is good (you…Read More

1. Don't bother to fill out the immigration forms at the airport -- they don't care about them, so just go to the head of the line.

2. Don't forget sunscreen and bug repellent with at least 20% DEET -- Off Deep Woods is good (you may need it after a rain shower) -- but basically they've taken care of their "bug problem".

3. Be prepared to wait for your room. Pack a bathing suit and cover up in your carry-on. Change and head for an open-air restaurant for shrimp or steak rather than the buffet that you'll be directed to.

4. All rooms are basically similar. If you're on a budget, the garden rooms are fine -- water fountains, beautiful plants, and flowers.

5. Buildings 1-5 are near the waterfall pool (quiet). Building 14 is the last one facing the long pool and beach -- also quiet.

6. Bring a drain seal for the jacuzzi tub because many don't hold water well. Seals available at hardware stores for a dollar or so -- it's a round rubber disc.

7. If you want one of the "beds" by the pool, you need to get up early (6-7am) to place down your towels. There are plenty of palapas and loung chairs if you don't make it.

8. There is more breeze on the beach than around the pool.

9. The ocean is choppy. A noodle packs easily in your suitcase for buoyancy and boogie boards are available free at the resort.

10. There is calmer water by the beach hut.

11. Massages are offered at the beach, but the ambience, aroma, and temperature in the spa is more relaxing.

12. Gourmet restaurant reservations can only be made from 3-5pm. Use a house phone by the pool or wherever you may be. Have a pen handy -- you are given a reservation number. If the time is not acceptable to you, ask for a better time for the following day.

13. Guest Services can arrange a cake for special occasions.

14. If lobster is not on the menu at the Mediterranean restaurant, ask for it -- they may find some.

15. For late night cravings, pizza is available until 11pm in the Italian restaurant.

16. Premium liquor brands are more plentiful at the pool bar near building 14 and the long bar in the show room, rather than at the swim-up bar or the lobby bar.

17. A small tip if you particularly like a bartender goes a long way -- they remember you and how they made your last drink.

18. Entertainment in the lobby by the bar starts early and ends by 8pm, so get ready early and linger before dinner.

19. Don't miss the specialty coffees in the square after dinner. You can still enjoy the evening entertainment from there.

20. Avoid Super Keno at the casino -- read my other entry.

Who are they? They are children, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. They live in the country and they live in the city. We visited a "typical" Dominican house on our Jungle tour, and saw how the people live. Of course, we don't know how authentic these…Read More

Who are they? They are children, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. They live in the country and they live in the city.

We visited a "typical" Dominican house on our Jungle tour, and saw how the people live. Of course, we don't know how authentic these living conditions were, as the house is invaded daily by hundreds of visitors. I assume they receive some monetary compensation for the inconvenience which may mean they live better than the average family--if so, normal conditions are very poor.
The house consisted of a living room, about 10 feet by 14 feet, with some sofas and easy chairs; a dining room, about 8 feet by 9 feet with a wooden table and 6 chairs; two bedrooms with a double bed in one and 3 single beds in the other. The "kitchen" is about 25 yards from the house and is really just an open air structure with a barbecue pit/open fire. The 'bathroom' is in the back yard too--about 10 yards from the "kitchen'. It is an outhouse without running water, so there's no flushing or washing of hands. The facilities consist of one broken toilet bowl (no tank) set over a hole in the floor. Very 3rd world. Not very sanitary. You wash your hands in a rain barrel outside the door (no soap). I brought hand sanitizer, thankfully.

The children were at home because it was a school holiday. There were 14 people living in that house--everyone from the grandparents to grandchildren. Who knows were they all slept as there weren't enough beds for everyone! They must eat in shifts because there were only enough chairs for 6 people at the table. How very sad; it really makes you thankful for the riches we enjoy in Canada and the US.

Despite all that, the children really seem very happy with their big smiles. They were well dressed and clean and appeared healthy. That's the good news!

THE UNITS: The resort consists of 29 bungalow style buildings containing over 400 rooms, of which only 4 bungalows were timeshare the rest is hotel. The units are very nice. Our unit #2013 Ocean front 2nd floor (top floor) was a junior suite which is like…Read More

THE UNITS:

The resort consists of 29 bungalow style buildings containing over 400 rooms, of which only 4 bungalows were timeshare the rest is hotel. The units are very nice.

Our unit #2013 Ocean front 2nd floor (top floor) was a junior suite which is like a studio. Good for a couple. The air-conditioned unit consisted of a sunken living area, the king bed was two steps above, enhanced by huge columns, and big terra cotta urns, very tropical looking. Red clay tile floors throughout the unit, the bedspread, curtains, fabric on the chairs and pullout sofa were all the same, creating an atmosphere of designer custom made, which further enhanced the already lovely unit.

The small kitchenette area was housed in a mahogany colored wood cabinetry with long countertop, which included a wet bar, mini fridge, coffeemaker, and microwave, which we used for heating up the midnight snack grabbed on the way back from the disco!

Glassware and utensils were furnished, along with some microwaveable bowls. The marble bathroom had a bath and shower combination. The balcony was "L" shaped affording beautiful ocean views.

THE AMENITIES:

An immense lagoon shaped swimming pool with beach type sloping entrance, huge boulders, and coconut palm studded islands located throughout, thus creating welcomed shaded areas. A swim up bar, palapa huts, and many chaise lounge areas surrounded the pool. The resort has a small fitness center, sauna and therapeutic hydro jet tub, 4 tennis courts, a children's mini club, etc.

RESTAURANTS & BARS:

Numerous restaurants and bars. You must reserve for most of the a la carte restaurants, so do this upon arrival for your entire week, many get booked up quickly!

RESTAURANTS:

"El Romantico" serves a la carte French gourmet food. Dress code required for this restaurant. Jackets and long pants for men. But we noticed many men simply wore a long sleeve shirt and dressy pants. Reservations needed.

"Albufera" serves a la carte Spanish cuisine. Reservations needed.

"El Chino" serves a la carte Chinese cuisine. Reservations needed.

"Dolce Vita" serves a la carte Italian cuisine. Reservations needed.

"Antojitos" serves a la carte Mexican cuisine. Reservations needed.

"El Chopin" (in the Melia Bavaro resort next door, allowed to dine here 1 per week) serves a buffet. Guests come here for the unique entertainment provided by a quartet playing classical music from a boat that sways its way thru the canal that surrounds the restaurant. Very romantic! Reservations needed.

"Hibiscus buffet" serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is the biggest buffet I have ever seen! Just to wet your whistle in the morning, there are over 12 different kinds of juices! Egg station, pastry station, deli & cheese station, etc.. Now imagine lunch and dinner! No reservations needed here. We went to dinner here on our arrival night since we didn't have reservations for the a la carte restaurants.

"Palapa Grill" serves lunch buffet style, and dinner was a la carte with BBQ grilled meats. No reservations were needed for this restaurant.

Besides the above mentioned restaurants, there are 3 snack bars with light meals, and junk food fixes! And a room service menu is also included on the all inclusive plan!

BARS:

There are 5 bars, that range from a billiard game room lounge, piano bar, lobby bar, beach bar, and a disco (called the fun pub). The pool has a swim up bar and other bar areas nearby, along with strolling waiters.

The bars serve up domestic and international top quality brands. Whether you desire a grand Marnier, baileys, chambord, frangelico, or a Johnny Walker scotch, absolute vodka, etc. -- you name it they have it and with no measuring! You want some bubbly? Go to the bar and ask for a bottle and you can take it to your room! Basically you can eat and drink 24 hrs a day at this resort. They even stock your mini fridge in the room, free of charge its replenished daily with soda's and beer. Oh! And for smokers, cigarettes are free.

ACTIVITIES/WATERSPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

Now about activities and entertainment? Woah! You have top quality Vegas style revues at night, a different show that rotates over 14 days, so if your staying 2 weeks you won't see the same show twice!! And they are very good! They sure can dance!

Water sports galore! Escorted catamaran tours, water bikes (big wheels), pedal boats, kayaks, banana boat rides, windsurf, sunfish sailing, scuba diving excursions & lessons, snorkeling excursions & lessons, body surf, etc.

Land lubber activities! Horse back riding excursions, shopping tour, meringue classes, aerobics, bow and arrow practice, pistol and gun practice, darts, petanque, volleyball (beach), water volleyball (pool), billiard, ping pong, board games, etc. Here again you name it they have it! There is also a small onsite casino for gambling needs.

MY 2 CENTS:

This is a luxurious resort! You cannot go wrong here! The quality of food, cocktails, and activities are top notch. The staff at this resort is very friendly and professional.

Tipping is "said" to be included, but they work so hard to please, that a tip is welcomed, but certainly not expected! They were actually surprised when we gave them tips after eating dinner, or at the bars, or our maid.

Anyone who stays at this resort will truly enjoy their vacation.