Dominican Republic 2014

Daryl Glean on 03 October 2014
I had mixed views about Dominican Republic before I booked this holiday, but thought I should try it myself as I book a few customers to this destination. I wanted to find out for myself the fascination on this destination. I booked me and wife on this trip. We flew with British Airways from London Gatwick via Antigua economy class outbound and pre economy home bound. Now the service is non-stop with British airways flying from London Gatwick on Thursdays and Sundays in Summer Tuesdays and Saturdays in winter. When I arrived at Punta Cana Airport there was lot of confusion as where to queue and where to pay for tourist cards on arrival. There is a charge of $10.00 per person payable on arrival for tourist cards, then you have to complete a form for immigration which is in Spanish. I would suggest getting this form beforehand may be from the cabin crew staff on board the aircraft, or check in desk at the airport, as it gives you more time to complete the form and to ask any questions. The immigration staff will happy help you fill the form in for you for a fee. Once I collected my bags I booked a shuttle bus transfer. There are lots of shuttle bus transfer companies in the airport, make sure you read the paper work in advance to make sure you get the right transfer company. Transfer time around 30-40 minutes. I stayed at Secrets Royal Beach 5* for 4 nights Junior Suite Tropical View room. I had a lovely room with an outside Jacuzzi bath. The hotel shares the grounds with Now Larimar hotel which means you can eat at all there restaurants too. Just a note that Secrets is adults only and Now Larimar is family hotel, which means only guests at Secrets are allowed to use Now Larimar facilities free of charge. They have a great spa which my wife tried out at Secrets. I have been to other Secrets hotels, this one a smaller resort. Secrets are all inclusive brand which includes water sports and premium brand drinks. The resort is big when you combine Secrets and Now together. I love the idea of combined hotel restaurants and facilities. I ate at the following restaurants Oceana for dinner speciality seafood but I had a steak which was really nice, La Riveria for buffet breakfast self-service offering bucks fizz complimentary. There is lots of choice including hot options, bakery and fruit. I had lunch at Seaside Grill which served burgers, hot dogs and ribs plus salad and fries. I also dine at Spice in Now Larimar which services Asian food for dinner together with Capers which serves Italian food. There is a Casino plus lots of entertainment in the day and the night. I then stayed at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana 5* for 3 nights junior suite. This is Am resorts top brand product, where is it ultra luxury all inclusive. All Am Resorts hotels is no wrist band policy which is really good. There is no check in and check out times for this hotel. Also included 20 minutes massage 1 per guest per stay plus 45 minute horseback 1 per guest per stay. My room overlooked the pool on 1st floor 3 minutes’ walk to the beach. It’s a small hotel with 96 suites. I would recommend going for a junior ocean view suite or penthouse suite ocean view. There are 4 restaurants and 3 bars at this hotel. My favourite restaurant was Indigo for lunch. Breakfast is waiter service set menu. Don't expect an American or English breakfast at this hotel it's more organic options for breakfast. I manage to experience the free laundry service. A few tips pre book your horseback ride. Massage and laundry service. The beach is lovely at this resort. I manage to do a bike tour ride staying at the hotel. This hotel is good for honeymooners. I suggest getting a Spanish phrase book as most of the people speak Spanish. Transfer back to the airport took around 50 minutes. I went in October and the weather was good. Airport departures has a few shops and restaurants, Before going through security you must complete immigration forms which you get a check in desk when you drop your bags off. Best buy in Dominican Republic is Rum and Coffee.