I've been in Juan Dolio about two weeks ago, but i stayed at Decameron Club and Casino. When I was staying there I noticed that there weren't many tourist in the area, which was fabulous to do anything (not queues...) Occidental is a spanish hotel company, with at least.... 5 hotels in DR. The one you are going to stay at is in the beach of Juan Dolio, very near Melia Juan Dolio and Barcelo Capella Beach Resort. The beach of Juan Dolio is very nice, with palms and light brown sand... The water is not very light.. but i don't know if that was the days i stayed there or always... I love Juan Dolio area. I've stayed also in Puerto Plata and Punta CAna, and I prefer Juan Dolio. People there is much more dominican, the activities at the resorts are very good, they always try to involve all guests in them.. I don't know in Occidental, but in Decameron there were plenty of choices to do water sports... Also we could go horsebackriding free, and also take a bike to go for a ride... VEry nice. In Juan Dolio area there are many restaurants and bars outside the resorts, It's very safe to go out, no problem, and it's a good way to meet new people... Also it's not far from Santo Domingo, so you can try and take a public bus to go there (very cheap), or if you prefer take a guided tour... Other tours are jeep safary, Isla Saona, Isla Catalina (in both islands you can snorkel, don't miss it), Altos del Chavon (nice to see..)... I also liked a lot (althoug i reconigse that it is a bit dangerous) taking a MOTO CONCHO to move in the area...A moto concho is a taxi, but in a motorcycle... It only costs 10 pesos per way... Try it. If you want more info, email me, I have friends there, and i can give you more adresses... MACA