New to the board with questions

Hola!

I'll share a little background with you first, before I ask for help. I've been traveling to the Mexican Yucatan for many years, and recently got into the travel business. My husband and I are not the typical "tourists" - we usually like to immerse ourselves in the local culture - we stay away from big tourist spots (like the hotel zone in Cancun).

That being said, I had an opportunity fall in my lap to come to the DR. I attended a Caribbean Tourism Seminar and won TGV R/T air and transfers to Puerto Plata! After doing some research, I'm thinking we'll stay at the Bahia Principe in Rio San Juan.

O.k. - I know that probably sounds strange after I first said we don't normally go for that sort of thing. But, my husband was just in a very bad accident, and will be on crutches for 4 months. This trip he won't be up to much adventure. He is 6'8" and has his leg in a brace that keeps it straight, so it is very difficult for him to ride in a vehicle. He is also in a certain amount of pain, so a beach, a drink, and good food is all he really requires this trip.

All the reviews I've read for the property at different sites have been great. I can stay there for an incredible price. We both love good food, and normally couldn't stand to be stuck at an AI, because we want to eat where the locals do.

I'd still like to get out on my own and check the town out. I'm wondering if anyone can give me any input on the Bahia, or suggestions of what to do in town?

How about snorkeling - the resort is supposed to be on a reef, but I've not heard anything great about the snorkeling there. Where would be the closest decent snorkeling?

Also how hard would it be for my husband to come to town with me? Any suggestions for him - or would he be best off hanging on the beach with a drink?

Am I making a mistake considering my husband's condition, (and our limited financial resources while he's out of work)? This is the first time we've considered an AI, but it just seems to help with the budget, and his physical needs.

Thanks in advance for helping me with an area I am not familiar with (but hope to be soon)!

<B>Thanks Rosani </B>- lots of good info. I really appreciate it. I'm wondering if we can get a van or small bus at the hotel to town? If the taxis are small (like we're used to in Mexico) I'm not so sure he'll fit.

<B>Hillbilly</B> - we've got tranfers through the tour operator. I've used their transfers in other countries, and they've always been a bus or large van - no problems. Are there no larger vehicles from the Puerto Plata airport to the hotels? Or are the roads just horrible? We do realize that it is a one hour drive to get there.

I had considered the RUI Merengue originally (but it was for different dates). For the dates we have to go, we can stay at the Bahia much cheaper.

<B>Hiillbilly, Rosanie, Delores and Philly

THANK YOU for your help, and wonderful opinions and suggestions. </B>It seems to me like the DR will be a lot like other Spanish-speaking areas I have visited. It is reassuring to know this.

My husband just got the o.k. from the doctor yesterday to do the trip. YEAH! He was also fitted for a new brace that allows him to set it so he can bend his leg. He can keep it set for movement during the day, but has to have it locked straight at night. This makes it much easier for him to sit up, and although he can only bend it partially, it makes a difference for fitting places. We actually went out to lunch yesterday - it is the first thing he's done in over 3 weeks. He couldn't do it in the old brace. I think by the time we leave 4 weeks from now, he'll be able to hang out one day in town with me and/or do a little exploring, if we get a van for a taxi. I'm sure he won't be able to keep up with my usual pace (most people complain they need a vacation from my vacations), but he should be up to a little adventure.

Doing an AI will be a different experience, but it sounds like this one should have enough variety for food, and a good staff, and is large enough that we shouldn't feel "trapped" in a small Disneyland, like some AI's that I've seen. I'm looking forward to getting into Rio San Juan to explore.

To the rest of you - PLEASE let your little argument DROP. I've seen other boards ruined by this sort of behavior. Sure, there are annoying people that post on boards. Also, it is easy to take the written word wrong when you don't have inflection or body language to interpret along with it. The way we interpret what someone else has written might be way off base. But when you feed off each other, instead of letting something ridiculous just die a natural death, it really defeats the whole purpose of the board. <B>Newbies will be scared off - afraid to post because they are afraid of being bashed.</B>

If any of you have information to offer on Puerto Plata, Rio San Juan, the Bahia Principe, snorkeling, transportation in the area, or other opinions/advice regarding the DR, PLEASE share it with me.

<B>THANK YOU!