Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

DH and I leave March 6 for 5 days at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana. Anything we should know before we go??

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

I love Punta Cana! Absolutely breathtaking beaches , but I have never been to this particular resort.

FM MarcellaBella, I believe she went there for the honeymoon!

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

Hey bday twin, I knew I'd be hearing from you!

Where did you stay again? Did you stay at the resort entirely or did you venture off at all?

I'll email Marcella too.

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

In Punta Cana, while the resorts are gorgeous the countryside can be very poor. You will drive thru some eye opening communities so be prepared for that. I found it all interesting but I have friends who went who didn't expect that and were more shocked.

I didn't stay at that resort so I can't give you info on it but I did take a tour in Punta Cana which I recommend. I can't remember the name but it is a truck that takes about 8-10 people thru the country. It is a full day tour but I really saw a lot of different things. It took you to a sugarcane plantation, a farm, a school, a town, horseback riding, etc. We brought with us school supplies and candy which we gave to locals we met and to the school. Children will race towards these trucks kind of begging for treats. I just found this tour very interesting and gave me a feel for a part of the country other than the resort. not sure if that is something you would be interested in. The only thing (not to scare you) is look into what is going on in Haiti before going on this tour. I know all the workers on the sugarcane planation are typically Haitians but I believe they are far enough from Haiti but really not sure of all the logistics....

http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/

Have a great vacation!

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

Thanks! I have a feeling we'll probably be lazy and stay at the resort the whole time.

Hey, someone told me to bring crayons to leave as tips for the maids....sounded odd to me, has anyone heard of this???

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

Hi twinie!

I think we stayed at Punta Cana Ibirostar, but i am not 100% sure. we didn't do anything outside of the hotel. we are lazy!

Actually, I did a review when we came back. I will try to pull it up for you! Hold on!

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

here is the review! Like i said it has nothing to do with th eresort yoa ure oging to but may be it will help!
IbiroStar Punto Cana

As far as tips, I read about crayons and thought it was kndo f odd. I believe we just left a dollar every morning befor we would leave for breakfast and always came back to a spotless room!

I know that this coast of Dominican is famous for it's beaches! It's absolutely breathtaking! take lots of pictures in the golden sand!

Enjoy!

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

Thanks! I remember your review now. I am getting excited to go!!!

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

I tipped everyone in the hotel with the US dollar and they loved it. At the bar as soon as they saw green in your heand - they were your best friend (but the service was great even without it just better with it). (I also stayed at the Iberostar chain - but the Iberostar Bavarro). I did wish I took never used makeup or old jewelry to give to the people there because many would appreciate it. I think people do leave things like that or crayons for some services workers. I did bring crayons to give to the school on the tour and DH raided his work's supply closet and gave out pens and pencils and stuff. We also brought candy for the kids on the tour.

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

Thanks, ladies!

Couple more questions, if you are up for it...

One is whether you brought your wedding and/or engagement rings with you? If you did, did you leave it in the room while you were at the beach or did you wear it at all times? I've heard some people say not to bring it at all to places like the DR so I was wondering what you all did...

Second is what's the dress like? My hubby especially is wondering what to bring, like for dinners at night, etc. Does he need a shirt and tie? What do people wear at night?

Thanks!!

(One week and counting...!)

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

I just sent my friends there last week and they loved it!! I have also sent lots of other clients there and not one complaint!!

Have a great time!!

Re: Countdown to Punta Cana!! - Any advice from those who've been there?

1-When I went to Punta Cana I wasn't engaged. The second time I was (but went to Puerta Plata instead of Punta Cana) and I wore my e-ring at all times. I didn't ever leave the resort (only transferring to and from hotel). That time I went with 3 other married/engaged couples and we all wore our rings. I would be more concerned if you left the resort. The resorts are pretty safe.

2- Dress Code - is pretty casual. I wore casual skirts (little black skirts to denim skirts), capris or pants (even white jeans) with tanks and sandals to dinner. DH hates to get dressed up on vacation and he never really had to. He mostly wore khaki shorts with a three button shirt. Some restaurants require men to wear slacks. So then he would wear khaki pants with a three button or short sleeved button down or a Hawaiian shirt (he loves his hawaiian shirts on vacation ). (You probably know but day wear is very casual - bathing suit and shorts!)

PS HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!