Reviewers Rating: 
Great
I just returned from a week all inclusive at Casa Marina Reef. The resort was great and my friend and I had a fantastic time. But the real reason I am leaving a review is to warn any young woman who plans to venture to the Dominican Republic that the men there are Dawgs. Other than the cat-calls and constant "ola - you fine" if you are not careful, the harrassment may get much worse. be sure to never be in a situation where you are alone with a Dominican man. We had been warned, but as two tough women who have already travelled extensively, we felt fairly confident in our skills of assessing situations and protecting ourselves. but on two occasions, both of which occured during tour excursions off the compound we were each sexually assaulted by our tour guides. One incident occured while snorkeling in the atlantic off Paradise Island (which we both highly recommend as an outing - it was beautiful.) Feeling safe at the hands of the snorkeling guide, my friend ventured out around the reef to see some beautiful fish when his hands got a little busy. I in turned had the same experience the next day on an excursion to these fantastic waterfalls that you climb and then slide down. My inability to swim was not strong enough to keep me from this amazing experience and thus, i too was very dependant upon my waterfall guide who would help me swim to the next waterfall. he seemed to like my utter dependance (i refused to let my friend help me swim because I know a drowning person can take a man twice their size down) and kept calling me "his baby" holding me a little too tight against him even when we were standing. By that I mean I could clearly feel certain parts of his body against me. He finally got a good feel while hoisting me up to the next waterfall, and i don't mean my bootie.
So please be careful if you are to go, especially if you are women planning to travel alone, but don't let that deter you either. We are not foolish women and I don't believe either one of us acted foolishly (we were always surrounded by a billion other tourists and the lack of skill sets should not mean you don't try something new.) Any time you travel, you put your trust in your tour guide, if we didn't, the tour guide industry would be moot, but these were just a few precautionary notes. Stay close to your friends, and help each other out to alleviate your dependance upon your tour guide. We would have perhaps felt safer if we had been travelling with a man, but that doesn't mean its a necessity, after all isn't that the unfortunate case even when you are at home in your own city?
We still thoroughly enjoyed our vacation and already have plans to go back. If you have concerns or questions don't hesitate to email me.
Bao
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