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Punta Cana Dominican Republic - rootswoman - 09-24-2013
<P>Well This won't be much of a trip report as we are in the middle of moving and I simply don't have a lot of time - but since I promised I thought I would share a fews pictures and thoughts about Punta Cana. Dreadneck took lots of pictures and at some point we will share some of those - for now we will have to make do with mine.<P>The best way I can describe Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is it is like Seven Mile Beach in Spanish. At times it was disorientating and confusing - it looked so much like Negril.<P>We went for 8 days - the first four nights we spent at a smallish "all inclusive" resort - the last 4 nights we spent at a HUGE place - The Hard Rock Resort.<P>It all started with Dread's company holding a grand all expenses paid "retreat" at the Hard Rock resort for all employees and their significant other's.<P>It occurred to me that since we were flying all the way to the DR we should try to stay a few extra days on our own. I wanted to stay at a place that was more our speed (and budget) so we could get a feel for the island in the manner we would vacation.<P>My research brought us to Bavaro Beach which was the number one tourist attraction in Punta Cana. There is nothing I like more than a beautiful beach. I found the Whala! Bavaro <a href="http://www.alisiosbavaro.com/?idcat=86594&idsubcat=86607&idprod=86611&lang=en" target="_blank">http://www.alisiosbavaro.com/?idcat=86594&idsubcat=86607&idprod=86611&lang=en</A> "on Sale"and after reading reviews decided it would be a good spot. I chose "the all inclusive" option because it was only something like 35 dollars more per night for two.<BR>With only four nights we figured "what the heck." It was all in all a good deal - less then $500.00 for four days all inclusive.<P>Bavaro Beach - this is the section of the beach that The Whala uses - there is a nice tree which the guard set loungers up for us under. This is looking north from our loungers.<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1220.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>This was looking south<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1221.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>and straight ahead. There were lots of water sports but NO JETSKIS!!!<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1222.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>Bavaro beach is 6.8 miles long!
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - rootswoman - 09-24-2013
<P>In and around Whala Bavaro - it was off season and just two out of the three pools were open.<P>path to our room<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1224.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>turn around and this is the way out of our room<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1225.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>This is the hot tub pool - it was so lovely and warm. We were on the ground floor of this building in a room like you see with verandah like the rooms you can see in the left corner<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1226.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>Our Verandah<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1227.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1228.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1229.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1231.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>another pool<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1233.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>Ok i better go do some work - ill post some more soon.
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - Pineapple - 09-24-2013
<P>RW, thanks for taking a break and sharing. Looks like a great place. My old boss was sold on Punta Cana.<BR>
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - rootswoman - 09-24-2013
<P>Thank's Piney<P>I forgot to mention that the Airport is really beautiful - it is open with a thatched roof and huge ceiling fans. It was hot and a bit of a culture shock as suddenly people were all speaking Spanish. We found a taxi and I believe it cost $35.00. You can use dollars or pesos most places (it seemed) We changed some money at the airport but we learned it was not a good rate. I think it was about 25 - 30 minutes to our Hotel.<P>The Hotel was clean and comfortable. It was very hot, as we went the beginning of August - but the AC worked well and there was also a Ceiling fan. The beds and pillows were comfortable and there were plenty of towels. You can leave a deposit of ten dollars at the front desk for a beach towel and you can swap it for a clean one every other day or so. They had plenty of little soaps and shampoo. (I mention these things in case anyone wants to travel with carry on only)<P>The Hotel did not have a large crowd. We met a few nice people. One couple came from Peru - where it was winter - The woman was from Peru and her boyfriend was from Colorado - but lives in Peru. There were some French people and people from various South American countries. We spent time talking with a nice woman from Russia who was spending one month at the resort. She was doing the all inclusive. It made me think that they must have a good rate for singles.<P>The food was OK. It was nothing to rave about but there was always nice fresh fruit and plenty of things to choose from. I dont eat meat and there was always things for me to eat. I do eat some fish and they wpould have veggies and fish every night.<P>The drinks were pretty bad - the liquor was really cheap - and I never could get enough ice - the beer and wine were about as cheap as it gets - but the bartenders were all pleasant and they would make whatever you wanted. If I went back, I would buy a nice bottle at the airport and use their mixers. I would also bring large insulated cups. The bartenders suggested that and we couldn't find any to buy nearby. They use small thin little plastic cups.<P>Not to get boring but Ill post a couple more of the Hotel -<P>This is looking through to the hotel Lobby. To the left there is an outdoor shower. The beach is one block away.<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1234.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>These aren't great pictures, I was feeling a little shy taking them, but this was the breakfast buffet - they had cereal, bread, rolls, pastries and a coffee machine as well. They had this sort of breadfruit pudding thing that was pretty good. Oh yes, there was an omelet station as well.<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1235.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1236.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1237.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - rootswoman - 09-24-2013
<P>Bavaro beach is incredible - the water was warm, clear and shallow. The waves were gentle. It was a lot like 7 Mile at it's best.<BR>The sand was very soft and white.<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1238.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1239.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>I will tell you more about the beach scene tomorrow.
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - rootswoman - 09-25-2013
<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1240.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1241.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1242.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - kylake - 09-25-2013
<P>Thanks for the report and pictures. I have thought about going to Dominican Republic but haven't ever made it yet. Sometime Travelzoo has some pretty good package deals.
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - Sophie - 09-25-2013
<P>OMG!!! Thanks a ZILLION!! rootwoman! I am following your report VERY closely. I, like you, am way busy in the middle of projects but I CAN'T WAIT to hear about the "vibe" of the beach---- in other words, the bullshit level as compared to Negril. Write on, I am right here reading!! Did I say THANKS??
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - rootswoman - 09-26-2013
<P>Thanks Ky, Sophie and J&D.<P>As I mentioned - the beach was very much like 7 mile.<P>As far as the beach "scene" goes - it was a lot like Negril but a lot easier.<P>The beach that the Whala uses is in front of a basically abandoned resort. Apparently the owners let a few family members live there but it is pretty much empty. You walk between buildings past a little gift shop to get out to the beach. There were several guys who worked in the gift shop and they were ready when we walked through to show us the shop and show us where the bathroom is in case we needed it. They sold souvenirs and for anyone who is interested - they did offer smoke to Dread. It supposedly came from Jamaica. We were told to be very quiet about this subject matter.<P>When I first stepped out to the beach, I immediately approached by a woman selling jewelry, wraps and paintings. It sure did feel like Jamaica. She insisted on giving me a small beaded necklace as a gift. I took it and planned to buy something before we left. She was not there the last day so it did not happen. After I told her "not that day" she did not bother me again - she would just say hello and smile. It was similar but easier than dealing with Jamaicans.<P>There was a small beach bar where you could get drinks only. The bartender was always helpful and pleasant.<P>There were plenty of people "working" the beach however less than in Negril and they are much less aggressive. I did not feel that "hard drug" element that I so often feel in Negril. People were easy going, polite and willing to take NO for an answer.<P>With the exception of this guy - Dread was a little too nice to this guy and he was a little hard to shake. He seemed to be a bit of a joke among his peers as he did not seem to know when to back down. He was totally harmless just a little too overzealous trying to get us to come to the gift shop he works in.<P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1243.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1245.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>This was rather sad, this guy appeared to live in this pile of driftwood. He was there each day.<BR><img class="refimg" src="/webbbs/images/main/picrootswoman1246.jpg" border="0" alt=""><P>Dread is going to send me some of his pics to post so I'm going to stop with mine for now.
Re: Punta Cana Dominican Republic - Raine - 09-28-2013
<P>beautiful, the beach is to die for that sand looks just like powder.