Punta Cana??? Bavaro Palace

[vinnie]

Does anyone know if there is horseback riding and waverunner rentals available in or near the Bavaro Palace. We are trying to decide whether or not to come to the DR or Bahamas or Bermuda. People keep telling me it's not safe in the DR. Is that true??

 

[refract]

go to Bermuda. Just got back from Punta Cana hated it. Got sick and the food was the worst I ever ate.

 

[DR One]

Bavaro Palace offers horseback riding and jet ski rentals that are charged in addition to the hotel package. 95 of 100 travelers visiting the Punta Cana area have very good things to say about their vacation, "Refract" being one of the few with bad experiences. He shares his experience in the Resort Database (link at the top of the message board). To form your own opinion, we suggest you read the reviews on your choice of hotel, one of the best rated in the Punta Cana area, and also search for information through the Message Board archives by typing in your hotel's name or other subjects, such as Bavaro and Punta Cana, to get comments from actual tourists like yourself. Safety is not a concern in Punta Cana area resorts, but you should exercise normal caution and good judgment. You could get sick of the stomach whenever traveling outside your usual environment. In the DR, this could be caused by a change of water, too much local drinks (delicious pi?a coladas and the such as you will likely be on an all-you-can-drink plan), or too indulging in food (including an excess of fruit). Yes, it is possible that you could be infected by a viral or bacterial infection, too. This can happen to anyone traveling anywhere in the world. See the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov web site of the US government for comments on this topic. As a preventive measure, ask your doctor if you should pack an anti-diarrhea drug such as Imodium. Reduce the possibilities of getting sick by eating and drinking prudently and drinking bottled water that is readily available.

 

[Natasha Lopez]

Well, I can't speak about the Out Islands of the Bahamas, but certainly for Nassau and Freeport. Disliked Nassau very much, and most people we encountered were rude. Freeport was just not interesting to me. You have to take normal precautions everywhere you travel; it's just common sense. Punta Cana is a very isolated area; most people come here to insulate themselves in a large all-inclusive resort. This area is not like Sosua or Puerto Plata, or even Cabarete. I personally have not heard anyone complain of lack of safety in Punta Cana - again use your common sense. Even in Santo Domingo, a city of almost 3 million people, crime is not as prevalent as in other Caribbean capitals (ie San Juan or Kingston, and even Charlotte Amalie). Bavaro Palace is considered the best resort in the area. Anyway, go with open mind and most of all have fun!

Natasha

 

[vinnie]

Refract, tell me what you did not like about Bavaro Palace.

 

[leslie]

Look Vinnie, everybody has their own opinions about an area. Refract may have had a terrible time, in his own opinion. While another person, in the same situation would have thought it the best. I am going to the Palace in May, and greatly looking forward to it. I to was apprehensive at first, because of the lack of info my travel agent could provide, but have heard great things since about the place. But, if you are this worried go to a place that has a bigger reputation. Such as Cancun, Jamacia, Aruba, or St. Thomas. These are all great areas, with great beaches and big name hotels.I have had the oppertunity to visit the afore mentioned areas, and found them wonderful. But am now looking for something new. Go to a place because you want to be therer. Not because your getting the best price, or a travel agent is pushing it.

 

[refract]

We did not stay at bavaro palace. We stayed at the Catalonia Bavaro. So I hope this place is better. Go to the Resort Database it will give you reviews of alot of the resorts. Also my review on the Catalonia is there. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Have a great vacation. Also Leslie is correct in saying everyone opinions are different but,we are very easily pleased and believe me when I tell you we were dissapointed.

 

[leslie]

Don't go to the Bahamas! They are, to put it bluntly, YUCKY. They are basicily just ports for cruise ships, and the people aboard have no choice but to go there. As Natasha said the people there are rude and overbarring. Bermuda is o.k. Aruba is great. Also, sorry refract, I didn't mean to knock your review. I feel for you in having a bad vacation. (I spent a week in St. Johns and all I saw was the inside of the toliet of the house we rented.) I would probably say St. Johns was bad if asked. But since my sister owns houses on said island, and plans to move there, it must mean my expierence was isolated. Hope you guys have better luck next time (try Kaneel Bay on St. Johns I hear it's great) And Vinnie, good luck in your adventures too. ( try Kaneel Bay on St.Johns I hear it's great!)

 

[refract]

Sorry to give such a bad review on the place we stayed. But I am sure not every place in Punta Cana is the same. Please review the database before you make your choice. All I can tell you is that I did not drink any water,fruit or hardly any food the week we were there. The food was to grose to eat. Actually I lost 5 pounds when i was there that tells you how much I ate. Got very sick!! There is a medication you can take before you go call your Doctor to GET it. I hope you have a great time.