July 29, 2005
08-19-2005 8:49 pm
July 29, 2005
color=#0000ff> Iberostar Message BoardMe and my wife went from July 4-11, 2005. As a first time "all-inclusive" vacationer (taken 6 cruises) I was a bit gun-shy about staying in one place for an entire 7 day period. I will say that now, after experiencing the Iberostar Costa Dorado, I will never get on a boat again on vacation.. unless it is taking me to snorkel!
Ok.. lets cut to the chase. The bad (and it's not bad, just me trying to pick out a few things that are not perfect, which is hard!)
1) The prices at the gift shop. Word of warning, triple check your packing and make sure that you have everything.
2) The heat... It's scorcing... You would think that you were somewhere around the 4th level of Dante's Inferno if it wasn't so beautiful. The beach provided enough breeze to keep you moderately cool, however if you are not a beach-bunny, prepare to roast by the pool. At night, it's still very warn. Pack for a suana!
3) The surrounding town & shopping. Puerto Plata is, like most Carribean resort cities, very poor. The people are very freindly, but you do find yourself a bit guilt-ridden when you look around. Here we are, spending a lot of money on vacation, to a country that is relatively impoverished. Also, the shopping, if you care, is not equal to other places in the Carribean, such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten or even Cozumel. You can get good deals on "trinkets", but if you in the mood for diamonds, watches and other high-end goods, go to St. Maarten.
4) The beach is not what you typical think of in terms of a Carribean Beach. It was nice, however as many others have commented on, it does have seaweed and brownish sand. If you are a beach-bunny and focus solely on the beauty of a beach, perhaps this is not for you. However, if you are like me, and can appreciate that a beach, in and of itself, is relaxing, calming and just better than where you are at right now, you will find yourself a good time.
The Good:
1) The Resort Complex is, how shall I say, a lush oasis situated between a mountain and the ocean. It's a Tropical Rain Forrest smack in the middle of a fog layered mountain and rolling waves of the ocean. While a substantial complex, it neither feels too big or too small. The landscaping is fantastic and really strives to use the natural beauty in conjunction with the more man-made elements.
2) People Watching. Ok, I'm an American, and while I personally am not "up tight", I was raised in a country that is very strict on personal displays and too often times shames a person in to feeling that they should be, look like or act a certain way. The thing that was most appealing to both me and my wife was the "freedom". It didn't matter what anyone looked like, they all just were there for themselves. I guess what I am trying to say is, if you want to go away and be whoever you want to be and take a week out to be comfortable in your own skin, here is the place. It doesn't matter if you are overwieght, underweight, old, young... Everyone was themselves... and after a couple of days, you too would find yourself free! Yes, 85% of the female beach goers are topless. About 5% of the male beach goers appear to have purchased their swimwear at a Victoria Secret's Thong Clearance Sale.. But, who cares! Embrace the fact that you can feel comfortable with you, not having to amean yourself to what someone thinks you should be.
3) The Food. Ok. This comes with a couple of caveats. Breakfast Buffett = Marginally Above Average. The Poolside Lunch Buffett = Above Average, the Dinner Buffett = Less Than Average, The "Reservation Mexican Restuarant" = Average, the "Reservation Domincan Restuarant" = Average Average (but be warned, it's outside, no Air Conditioining, and it's still hot at 8:30pm!) and the "Reservation Brazilian Restaurant" = Exceptional. Overall, people are picking eaters, so this is a realative commentary. However, having been in cruises before as well as having an appreciation for good food, I would rate the overall experience, above average. Best recommendation, try things, then focus on what suits you.
4) The Beer. Ok, subjective.. but the El Presidente is awesome. Word of advice, bring a "thermal mug". I had a 44oz thermal, and not only did I get a few "wow's" from the bar staff, I had 2 offers from other vacationers to purchase my mug. Again, it's hot.. Keep your beer cold!
5) Staff. Overall the staff was great. Occasionally the language barrier cause moderate issues, but remember, your in their country, so accomodate. The were attentive, responsive and eager to please. Personally, I tip well, and I spent approximately $100 in tips during the week. They deserve it though. Reward good service!
6) Paradise Island. The only excursion we took was to Paradise Island, which is nothing more than a sand bar about a half a mile out in the middle of the Atlantic. DO IT! You've seen post cards of islands with nothing else around. They took them here! Not only was this the best snorkeling experience of my life (and I have snorkeled in Cozumel, Grand Caymen, Jamaicia, Barbasdos, the Bahamas, Antigua and St. John USVI), to get there you take a power boat ride through the Mangrove Forrests and out into open ocean, doing 30 mph.. Exhiliration, followed by relaxation, followed by the exhilarating return trip! The bus ride is about an hour and a half from the resort, over dirt roads and through cow pastures (note: we came about 6inches from having "steak" for lunch due to a wandering herd of cattle) but trust me.. It's worth it.
Conclusion:
The DR is the undiscovered jewel for many Americans. It is beautiful and the Iberostar Costa Dorado does it right! If you want the biggest bang for your buck, and an absolutely relaxing vacation, GO... Now! We liked the DR so much, we are planning a trip to Punta Cana in October, at another Iberostar Resort.
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