has anyone ever been to punta cana in the dominican? thinking about taking the wife away for a few days in march.

Under normal circumstances, I would have said something like... are you going to bring her back... but I won't!

Great idea, lad!

anthonyiezzi: I have not been, but many of my friends have vacationed @ punta cana. One big advice, you must go with the top hotel (6 star), nothing less.

Ant...

I haven't been there myself, but I know a lot of folks who have been there and a good number of travel agents in the Mid-Atlantic area that sell the destination. Punta Cana's somewhat like Cancun from what I understand, with a variety of categories of hotels from 5 star deluxe to lesser quality resorts, a good number of all inclusive resorts there as well. The beaches are supposedly quite nice. I've been told that most visitors to Punta Cana typically stay at their resorts and don't visit other parts of the area as there's not a lot to see there. Having been to Cancun about 20 years ago and never been to Punta Cana, I can't give you a first hand comparison, but they are similar types of destinations. There are two charter operators that might have programs from PGH...Apple Vacations and Vacation Express. At the very least Apple leaves from Baltimore and Vacation Express leaves from Dulles in No. VA. You might want to check their web sites to get more info about accommodations, etc. Shoot me a PM if I can give you any more info....

T-Rep

We have taken the kids to the Club Med at Punta Cana several times. The beach and water are great, but we caught the edge of a passing hurricane once.

Easy access from the airport - or airstrip. I've noticed a lot of charter flights from Europe so you might expect a European concentration.

We left the resort only once - to see the local aquarium - not too exciting.

How about this Resort?

Any one been to this resort? I heard good things about this particular resort & I heard it is kid(s) friendly. We would be going with our 4 year old as well as another couple or 2 (also with kids). I know one has to be really selective when going to Punta Cana, but this resort is rated high & many recommend.

Thanks for any input.

What a coincidence!
I'll be at this resort for a meeting from April 23-28.
I have never been there, but the organizers have and only had good things to say.
Wine and beer are included, but I doubt the quality will be very high so I'll bring a few bottles of my own.
The flight from the West Coast will be a drag. I'm flying via Chicago and it'll be like a 13 hour affair.

Please let me know if you like it. Thanks!

I spent a week in Punta Cana about 3 years ago. I can't remember the name of the particular resort but it was clean and the beaches were nice. Other than that, we got a little sick if you know what I mean form the water. The wine selection was terrible and the cost for the wine was additional. The food wasn't anything to write home about and DO NOT dare leave the resort. Outside of the resort it is a 3rd world country. I would never go back.

I forgot to post feedback on our Punta Cana trip. The resort above is as great as advertised. And, for an all-inclusive resort, it is very nice. The service, food, people, etc... no complaints. The food is solid. It is not going to WOW you, but it is solid.

They say you have to pick your spots/resorts in Punta Cana. This one is worth the money/ticket. The beach/water is great also.

vinoman7: We did not leave the resort, & we were not planning on it. But, I agree, be careful where you go (outside of the resort area).

P.S.: the place is kid friendly as well. Lot's of activities, clubs, events for kids of all ages. Part of the reason we decided on this resort. We had our 4-yaer old with us.

A very nice night club as well. And, the resort had a large percentage of young, single folks in the 19-35 range. That surprised me a bit.