Riu Bachata
Hi Laser2368,
Greetings from Atlantic Canada.
Spent a week at Riu Bachata in Sept. 2002 and two weeks at Riu Mambo in April 2001 when Riu Bachata was being constructed. The Riu complex is a great place for an AI vacation. You will enjoy yourself. Having said that you might not like the makeup of guests; depending on what your expectations are, as it consists mostly of couples and families, not a lot of singles. There are lots of young people but usually as couples. Also the majority of guests are Europeans but the Bachata has proven very popular with Canadians and some Americans.
There is lots to do in the POP area outside the resort and I urge you to get outside the gates to see what the DR is really like. AI's are nice, but not real.
Just to name a few:
- Tourist excursions like Outback Jungle Safari and Freestyle Catamarans (both have websites)
- Take the teleferico up Mount Isabel de Torres to the Botanical gardens.
- Visit the Amber Museum and Fort San Philipe
- Visit the Damagua Falls near Imbert and try your luck at climbing, cascading, etc. through some of the (I think) 23 falls - most people only see 6 or 7.
- Visit Sosua - a great little town with touristy side (El Batey) and a Dominican side (Los Charimicos), separated by a nice beach with lots of vendors.
- Visit Cabarete - another great little town; the centre of DR North Coast wind and wave sports such as windsurfing, kite boarding, surfing and boogie boarding. A younger crowd in this town and an active nightlife.
You can take a taxi (expensive), or hire a driver for the day (expensive for one but very reasonable if the charge is split over 4 or 5 people - the charge will be for the day not per person). If you are interested I can recommend a driver I have used in the past and who I have recommended to others. You can also take public transportation (guaguas or publicos) as they are very inexpensive and frequent. It will be an experience. I would recommend against motoconchos as a means of getting around. It can be considered a contact sport by our standards. Not a good way to end a vacation.
There is a disco at the resort but the more active discos are in Playa Dorada (Crazy Moon is the most popular) or in POP. You could befriend a resort worker and get them to accompany you - they may even show you a local car wash - not like any in North America.
If you would like more info or clarification - send me an e-mail.
Gregg