Allegro, Casa del Mar or Natura

[mary]

Basically these three are our choices for a vacation this year. We're looking for an all-inclusive, good for kids (ours are 10, 14, and 16), lots of activities, good pool, and a great beach (clean sand and clear water), snorkling would be a plus, and decent food. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Mary

 

[elizabeth]

Hi! I just returned from my first visit to the DR. It was so beautiful, the people were incredibly friendly and the price is unbeatable. I went with two women friends but next March I plan to return with my husband and 4 children (2,7,10 and 12). I'm trying to decide whether to return to the Allegro Bavaro or try our luck at a different resort. I'm pretty sure that I will stick with Allegro. We had a wonderful time there. The beach was beautiful, the rooms were clean and plenty big, the food was good ( there is so much to choose from that I can't imagine that anyone would complain about the food at any of these all-inclusive resorts). The staff was Great! They all spoke at least some english. Americans were definitly in the minority which only added to the resort's exotic charm. There were a lot of families. There were lots of activities and the staff was very encouraging. The pool was very nice. One of the things that I like most about this resort (although I can't compare it to any others in the DR since I've only been to Allegro) is it's size. It's realativly small. I would definitly feel comfortable letting my older kids wander around without me ( ie go to lunch while I sip a pina colada on my lounge chair on the beach). I'm planning to post a message to get info from other families with kids who have visited the DR. No matter which resort you choose I'm sure you will have a wonderful vacation and want to return to the DR again as I do. Good Luck!

 

[mary]

Thanks for the information. I feel better about our choice. I have a few questions: 1. Men must wear long pants at dinner. Correct? 2. What do females wear? 3. What about kids? I have girls. Can they wear nice shorts? Or do they need dresses? 4. Did anyone get sick? I'm a little worried about the water. Thanks for anything you can tell me. One other question, my 10 year old wants to know if they have ice cream? Mary

 

[elizabeth]

Hi Mary! I don't know for certain about the dress code. I don't recall seeing any men with shorts on in the evening so pants probably are the requirement. Girls can probably get away with wearing shorts. The women we saw were wearing everything from casual(swimsuit cover-up type) dresses to nice pants. I remember it being fairly casual. About the ice cream- the only place I remember seeing any was at the airport in Punta Cana. Regarding sickness- we three were there for 4 nights. I got diarrhea on day 3, Tina on day 4 and Carol not at all. Tina and I took Immodium ( a must have!) and felt much better. We didn't have any fever or other symptoms. We all ate and drank basically the same stuff. We brushed our teeth with the tap water (labled Do Not Drink). We didn't swallow, but next time I think I will brush with bottled water just to be safe.

 

[refract]

i did not stay at this resort. But we stayed at the cataloina and pants were required for men to wear which I hear that is what all the resorts would like to see. Also about the water I wolud advise not to drink or brush you teeth with it. It is very hard to try and remember not to rinse your toothbrush with the water because that's a habit we have a home but i would make sure your children are very careful they forget very easily. Also I got very sick and stayed in bed for 36 hours with the diarrhoea and fever. There is medication you can take so this don't happen. Call your doctor I think you have to start taking this before you leave. I hope you have a great vacation! I know we will not be going back.

 

[Andy]

I just returned from Natura Park ,today,2/21/99.The place is beautiful and the stafff is great but I can't rec. until something is done with the management.It is amazing how little regard they have towards their guests.I will write a complete review later this week when I cool down a bit.By the way even though horseback riding is listed in all their advertising to be part of the all inclusive..they now charge.There is a great lack of water sport equipment.More later....

 

[Troop]

Hi,

Just got back from Allegro resort. The only restaurant that requires dress pants is the Italian one. The others you can dress casual. Shorts, shirt, etc. There are 3 restaurants you need reservations for so make sure you book them as soon as you get there because they fill up fast. Neither my wife or I got sick. Friend of ours did but lasted only one day. I thought the food was excellent but did not see any ice cream. The rooms are supplied daily with drinking water. Do not drink or even brush your teeth with the tap water.

 

[Troop]

Hi,

Just got back from Allegro resort. The only restaurant that requires dress pants is the Italian one. The others you can dress casual. Shorts, shirt, etc. There are 3 restaurants you need reservations for so make sure you book them as soon as you get there because they fill up fast. Neither my wife or I got sick. Friend of ours did but lasted only one day. I thought the food was excellent but did not see any ice cream. The rooms are supplied daily with drinking water. Do not drink or even brush your teeth with the tap water.

 

[Cheryl]

MARY, We're planning to take our children, 14, 12 and 10 to Punta Cana from April 10--17, 1999. The Allegro Resort has a toll-free number. 1-800-858-2258 in the US and Canada. I've called them several times with all the mixed reviews I've been reading. They continue to reassure me that they are an upscale resort. I've heard back from several people who've been there and the reviews seem good. I keep hearing that it's very important to not drink any tap water, not even to brush teeth, but otherwise reviews seem good. I'm just curious, what week are you planning your trip?? Where are you from? I'm from Pennsylvania, USA.

 

[Faith]

We went last Christmas ('97) with two kids (6 & 10) and we're heading back in March, the best recommendation you can get. The dining room is completely casual, just more than a bathing suit is required. The kids will have lots of goodies and cakes to choose from, the food choices are enormous and it's all very good. (The special restaurants that you have to sign up for aren't worth the trouble- we thought the regular dining room was better.)I think there was ice cream.

The place is pleasant, clean, beautifully planted, the staff is friendly. There's very little to disappoint....checkout was slow and when we wanted to ride, they couldn't round up the horses.

The kids sing and dance on stage every night and sometimes put on a show. Adult entertainment follows with some of the best dancers I've ever seen doing salsa. Some nights are side-splitting comedy routines.

Go.

 

[Faith]

PS- Don't drink the water. Use the bottled water (provided) even to brush your teeth. Take immodium or something comparable. None of us got sick but we were careful. Enjoy!