We just got back 11/18/03 from the Dominican Republic where we stayed at the bavaro beach resort . We had a blast. We were only there for 5days/4 nights, which seemed like more. My husband and I were celebrating out 10th yr. anniversary and couldn't have wished for a better place to have gone. I read some reviews before we went and was a little weary. The beach is the most beautiful beach I've been to, the sand is white w/ specks of pink, the water is very clear. The last day we were there, we were actually swimming with fish. they were all around us. it was beautiful. the service is very good. the staff really work hard and appreciated the tips. they very much deserved it. our glasses were never half way emptied, they were refilled faster than we could drink. our rooms were beach front , breathtaking view, very clean, and always cool. the facilities and entertainment were great.
(always find out the time and facilities where the shows are) the food was different but quite tastey. i really didn't expect philly cheese steaks however they do have great pizza. we loved that we had run of the whole grounds that was great, the little train rides were fun. Now, they offer many different excursions at an extra cost ($75-$90) depending on which one you choose to do. "Maximo" sold us an excursion to the"OUtback Safari" and told us what we were going to do the whole day, but added a few things of his own to make the deal more appealing.
when we got there some things were not so true, it didn't ruin our trip but we were kind of dissappointed. please ask they they give you something in writing that explains in detail what you are paying for.
Definately get a message, they're right out on the beach and are wonderful. If you'd like to shop for souvenirs you have to go to "el mercado". It's about 10/15 minute ride via taxi and you can really get great deals. be prepared to hustle and bargain, they'll try to take you under for your money. don't ooh and ahh too much, you must have a poker face to talk them down. and If i didn't stress enough how beautiful the beach was, again it's breath taking!!!!!!!! GO AND HAVE A BLAST!!!!!

We just got back from Barcelo Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, this past Monday. All 28 of us had the best time. We said it was our best vacation yet. I've been to several different islands and vacation spots and this trip was the greatest. Our flight out of Newark was on time and smooth. Our arrival in Punta Cana and our process through customs was uneventful and quick. Our transfer to the hotel was a nice ride (only 1/2 hour). Upon arrival at the hotel, the majority of our rooms were ready for occupancy and those that weren't, received their bands and were told to eat, drink, and enjoy the facilities until they were.
Our rooms were clean, the AC was pumping strong, the refrigerator was filled with water, soda, and beer. Then for the next 8 days/7 nights we had nothing but fun, fun, fun. Yes, we did bring dollar bills and did tip even though we didn't have to and many other people at the resort didn't. But we found that tipping got us better than excellent service and shown to the front of long lines on the weekend when Bavaro Beach became very crowded. We tried several restaurants and everyone had favorites. From the Steak House to the Beach Buffet to the Casino Buffet to the Italian and Mexican and Seafood Restaurants. I enjoyed them all! The only problem we had was trying to find a place for all 28 of us to have dinner together our last night--which we weren't able to do. So we broke up into several little groups. 15 of us went to the Casino Buffet and was accommodated very nicely. The little train ride around the complex was cute. Access to my email and banking at the internet Computer Cafe was priceless. Yes, the mosquitos will eat you alive, but spray with the Off and they leave you alone. We felt very safe with the armed guards and many of us females would walk alone to our rooms late at night. My son and the other young men in our group wouldn't come back to their rooms until 5:00 AM from the disco when it closed. No problems. My husband had a newspaper delivered to the room every morning and he visited the casino every night, which made him happy. I was on the beach with great weather everyday, which made me very happy. Many of the activities were for free and those that weren't were in the $7 & $8 range. I've been to islands where a banana boat ride cost $25. Horseback riding here cost $20 for an hour and in Jamaica it cost $50. Two of my girlfriends and I were celebrating turning 50 this year and we thought this was a perfect way to celebrate with all our family and friends. We can't wait to go back and would recommend it to any one. Trust me I had a few ladies over 60+ who complain about everything and they had the best time and can't wait to go back!!

I have just returned from this wonderful slice of Heaven and will never forget my experience there! The sand was the whitest and smoothest I have ever step foot on or seen. It is amazing! Where my mother and I stayed in the Paradise Hotel, was just a stone's throw away from the beach which had the ambiance of nothing less than total relaxation and peace. No hagglers. No one bothering you. We got up and meandered down to the beach every morning and got our favorite spot. This beach is lined with coconut trees and Dominicans climbing those trees to get them out! It was a site to see and watching them take their machtte's and hack them open for a drink of the cool juice was fascinating. As my mother and I watched one of them, they stopped and held a pose for a picture then politely shimmied down the tree and offered it to us! They are the most unbelievable people. the beach was very clean and kept up nicely as well as guarded, which made you feel safe. The night strolls that my mother and I took, were done without any fear. It's a safe haven and we felt comfortable walking alone at night. Punta Cana will forever be in our hearts and souls. My mother, who is 72, was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer right before we went there and what a wonderful gift to give her! A little piece of Heaven! And that is exactly what it is! A must see place and relax, have fun and remember, you aren't in America, so take in as much of the culture as you can because that just adds to the experience. Get to know some of the workers, guards or squatters. They may not speak much English, but they smile alot and welcome you to their country! I will return one day to the same place, same hotel and same spot! I have traveled to many places but this was by far the greatest! If you have any questions, or just want to share and reminice about your experience there, you can e-mail me! As my mother is going through chemo now, she will have this wonderful memory to help get her through the tough times. I pray that when I do return, she will be strong enough to go with me!

Punta Cana!!! What can i say?? It was the best trip i have taken in a long time. Mind you that i have been to other islands in the caribbean as well, but Punta Cana has it all!! As soon as we landed in Punta Cana Airport we were greeted with the sounds of a live merengue band playing merengue music. The food was good and the drinks were too the only thing is the beer the hotel we stayed in only had the national beer which was presidente. but all other alkholoic drinks were included in the price. The beach was great miles and miles of white sand and palm trees. Where you can relax and not have peddlers harrass you. It was sunny everyday over there and the ocean was a warm as bath water. There is a town out side the hotel we stayed where you can get good deals on souvenirs but you have to haggle with them most likely they will give you a good deal since most of the town has like 200 souvenir shops competing for your patronage so you have the upper hand!!! lol But all in all you will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere there in Punta Cana. I'm planning to go their again soon hope to see you there!!!!