|
|
|
 |
 |
Dominican Republic Hotel, Resort & Villa Reviews
Barcelo Bavaro Beach 04/25/2003
Reviewers Rating:  Great
My girlfriend and I went on the all-inclusive Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort package to Punta Cana in April 2003. We had a great time overall, this resort is very large with golf, casino, beach, garden, and convention center - so there was a lot to do. Bo enjoyed sunbathing and lounging around, I'm more active - so we found a very happy median between hanging out on the beach and doing activities. The resort needs to be pretty big and diverse because you really can't wander off by yourself. Dominican Republic is very poor, and even though they say English is well spoken - very few people understand it. You'll want to know a few phrases in spanish before you go. Here's some suggestions and comments:
- Take bug spray. Lots of bugs.
- Americans were actually in the minority when we went. There were a ton of people from Latin America and Europe. Don't expect the resort to be tailored to other Caribbean resorts.
- La Uva, the seafood grill is excellent - the lobster was okay, my favorite was the paella (rice dish).
- Dominican food at the Beach is excellent. Try it - we couldn't get enough.
- Thai food at the Casino buffet is also very good.
- You have to see Tropicalismo at least once - we saw it twice.
- The disco was lame, not worth your time, but there is live entertainment at the Beach around 10 PM. Great music.
- The hotel's snorkeling is only $10, but the reef was damaged, fish weren't that big. I heard the Contiki was very good, but didn't go on it.
- Horseback riding through the hotel is excellent. Not exactly the safest, but it was Bo's first time and she did fine. They take you through the most breathtaking landscape - definitely paradise on earth.
- Take time to go to the salon. They do a great job with the massage (masaje) and facials.
- It rained a lot. I wish I had brought an umbrella.
You don't need to exchange US dollars, they take our money in any form. There is shopping on the resort, a pavilion and on the Golf beach, they sell artwork (really good) - but seemed expensive. Drinks are weak - I prefer it weak, but you can ask for more rum. If you like pina coladas, ask for the pina bavaro (so much better), and the daiquiri banana daiquiri is excellent. We gave money and presents for tips - it's appreciated since it seemed that only the American / Canadian people tipped. For presents, we brought hair accessories, stickers for the kids, school supplies, candy, etc.
Have a good time. Let me know if how your trip was.
Annie
 Read more Caribbean Travel reviews at TripAdvisor
|
 |
|
