Janet checks out Punta Cana
Janet has finally decided to check out Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to see what her clients have been loving and hating about the area.
One week at the Grand Paradise Bavaro in the all-new Sunquest Select section? should allow her time to enjoy the facilities and take some excursions while verifying the quality of the beach too. After all, Janet’s job is to make sure YOUR vacation destinations measure up to your standards!!
The verdict: I loved it. Magnificent white powdery sand beaches stretched for miles? so I could walk? until my? feet hurt.? A great way to combine exercise and sun! Lots of huge rolling surf to enjoy too. ? All of the travellers I met enjoyed their resorts and experience, including the majority for whom this was not the first trip to Punta Cana. The only critical comments came from (no surprise) a couple? of travel agents, finding something to complain about while staying at a 5.5* resort. ? Everywhere, the people were friendly, and at my resort the food was excellent and well presented? . The waiters were singing most mornings as they went about their jobs! Rooms and all facilities were spacious, clean and the resort exceeded my expectations.? It was a 4* and was WAAAY better than expected. Staying a the Sunquest Select section added a bit more walking which was a bonus after enjoying the food and beverages…. This section is actually in the middle of the complex and had its own pool , one of 3 on the property. The little golf-cart trainbus made its complete circuit through the grounds every 5 min or so and thus it was easy to get around. Overall I would not recommnend the hotel or the country for folks with serious mobility issues, but that is the only negative comment I have.
Twice I had the pleasure of sharing a table with a resort employee.? One was happy to discuss life in the D.R.? while the other was more interested in Canada. A terrific opportunity to practice my Spanish while learning first-hand about another culture.?
Tips for Travellers:
Don’t call home. I used the public phone to call using my credit card, 3 times for max 3 minutes each. Charge on my Visa card? $40 EACH!
Tip the maids.? Unfortunately it seems that in order to receive more than just the basic “spit and polish” swipe of the room, the maids want money. As I did not learn this till the end of the week, I am not sure how it affected the following. I talked to 1 couple whose maid had not made the bed one day, and another day she did not replace the towels – just took the dirty ones.? I? know this can happen if laundry cycles are off, but usually the towels show up at some point in the day. But I did not get a chance to inquire if the couple had been leaving a tip or not. I suspect not.?
Excursion report:
The trip to Isla Saona was a bit misrepresented but enjoyable. It included a 2 hr bus ride to the departure bay, a thrilling speedboat ride to a quiet lagoon (wish I could post photos of the starfish!), a couple of hours on a beach which was not as nice as the beach at the hotel, a passable lunch and a catamaran trip (under power) back to the departure bay. My summary was that if you like to spend the time at the beach at the hotel, there is no need to spend the money (advertised in USD paid in Euros) on this trip. Escpecially when I discovered during the return busride that there is a local bus available to the neary town of Higuey, approx 45 min ad a few dollars, which would allow a visitor to see the sights and real-life daily experience.
Santo Domingo: This is a long day so not great for kids. VERY interesting and covers lots of countryside. A good way to learn about the history and culture.
Would I go back? YOU BET.? Do I need to stay at a 5*? Not really, if the 4* experience I had was typical.
I think this excerpt sums up my thoughts:
? From the Sunquest brochure….: One of the most inviting destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a colourful tapestry of Spanish, French, Haitian, and African influences woven by a rich and storied history. Christopher Columbus described this lush land as “a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys.” This statement is still as true today as it was in 1492. In addition to the comforts of sun, sea, and sand, the Dominican Republic offers exciting and unique cultural experiences that will captivate your senses.
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This is a destination like no other, a sensual feast of dazzling landscapes, its white-sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges, and lush green valleys, lure Canadians back time and time again. Whether you’re looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer.
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