You can look forward to a gret vacation. I have never stayed at the Bahia Principe but have been there several times looking the facility over. It's excellent.
They have a nice casino on the grounds and it was being enlarged on my last visit there. Im sure they have some sort of shuttle busses to Rio San Juan. It's very interesting and has several tourist boat tours which are excellent. I would suggest changing your money when you arrive. I feel confident the Metropolitano bank in Rio San Juan can help you. But there are also several change places on the street so to speak which often give better rates than the bank.
I also recommend trying the gua gua. This is a great service for transportation, lots of fun, reliable, and very inexpensive. Simply go out to the road in front of the hotel. Wait till you see any Mitsubishi type van and then hold up your arms. They'll stop and pick you up. Cost is 10 pesos each way. I have noticed the very attractive lady's always get the better seats in the front near the driver. And there is always room for more in the van. The most I have counted so far is 29 people in one van. You have to try it. It's loads of fun and as I said very reliable and economical.
The hotel has just about everything you'll need. Food and entertainment is excellent. If you are golfers, make sure you go to the Playa Grande Golf course. It's unbelievable. We are not golfers but for a small fee they have taken us around the course on one of the golf carts. Really beautiful. They also have a great restaurant.
The whales will also be in Samana when you are there. It's quite a longer trip (all day) but should be worth it. Probably around
1600 pesos by taxi round trip ($100 US) and then $35 US per person for the boat trip and observation of the whales. Im sure the hotel will have tours available or can arrange it for you.
Have fun. Jack
