Carribean Holiday Recommendation

W

Wildfire

Senior member
 Epsom
The OH and I have never been on a big holiday together. We've been away to see friends who live in Spain, but after the last 2 years (multiple family deaths, moving house, the idiot neighbor) we have decided to just bit the bullet and do 14 days away, probably mid October onwards

I have been to Barbados about 10 years ago and it was really nice, but somewhere new for both of us would be better. We've got a bit of a budget, so were looking for all inclusive, but where we can get out and about if we want to. Mainly a relaxing holiday, for a couple in their early 30's who aren't bothered about partying all night.

I've looked at Antigua and the cheapest resort seems to be winning here. But what about the Dominican Republic? I don't really do holidays as I used to travel with work and it's been 5 years since I actually went away on holiday for more than a week.

Anyone got recommendations, places to avoid etc?

Cheers
 
We had a week AI at the Dreams Palm Beach in the DR earlier this year - it was very nice, no wristbands, great food and the waiters seemed to be on a mission to get as much (free) alcohol into you as possible. Recommend the Privilege Club upgrade at Dreams as you get a Club pool/lounge and other extras. Only real downside, apart from all the US wedding parties (all the AI hotels seem to be wedding factories) was that it was on the Atlantic coast so even though I took my snorkling gear it didn't get used as the sea wasn't that inviting. If we go back we'll try the Dreams La Romana which is on the Caribbean coast.

Plenty to do outside the resorts - if you can stay sober. Cindy got to go horseriding in a one-to-one session with a local guide, once he saw that she was an experienced rider, he was happy to stretch the horses and they were full-on galloping through woods and on the tropical beaches (which is something that's been on her bucket list for a long time)

If you do go AI in the DR, take lots of $1 bills for tipping and don't change too much money into local currency as it's virtually impossible to change it back into anything negotiable
 
The DR is fair, we just did Antigua and loved it.
Recommend the Jolly Harbour area as it has no seaweed and the water is nicer.
Stayed at a 3 bed house with a shared pool for 1200/WK US.
As it was a British colony driving for you will be simple...for me,took 3 years off my wife's life
 
PerryGunn said:
We had a week AI at the Dreams Palm Beach in the DR earlier this year - it was very nice, no wristbands, great food and the waiters seemed to be on a mission to get as much (free) alcohol into you as possible. Recommend the Privilege Club upgrade at Dreams as you get a Club pool/lounge and other extras. Only real downside, apart from all the US wedding parties (all the AI hotels seem to be wedding factories) was that it was on the Atlantic coast so even though I took my snorkling gear it didn't get used as the sea wasn't that inviting. If we go back we'll try the Dreams La Romana which is on the Caribbean coast.

Plenty to do outside the resorts - if you can stay sober. Cindy got to go horseriding in a one-to-one session with a local guide, once he saw that she was an experienced rider, he was happy to stretch the horses and they were full-on galloping through woods and on the tropical beaches (which is something that's been on her bucket list for a long time)

If you do go AI in the DR, take lots of $1 bills for tipping and don't change too much money into local currency as it's virtually impossible to change it back into anything negotiable
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+1, went there a few years ago and had an upgrade to the privilege club area. :thumbsup:
 
We've been doing the Caribbean every year since 95, we love it.
Going back to RIU Palace Macao in DR in October. its been made an adults only hotel (No its not one of those adults only :roll: )

The quietest time is from September to December.

Cuba is nice, I would go back but the OH isn't too fussed. We've just done Mexico for the last 4 years, some nice hotels on the Riviera Maya.
Jamaica is also a nice place to see.

I think were ever you choose you won't be disappointed.
 
Cheers people, it's given us some more thoughts. Samana is looking like the favourite at the moment. Any idea what the weather will be like mid November? Weather sites seem to suggest that the rainfall drops in December.
 
I've only ever done Antigua but stayed in an amazing hotel called Galley Bay when I did. That was a few years ago though but it was superb. Not cheap but worth every penny and it would fit your requirements perfectly. Judging by the Trip Advisor it's still pretty good! http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g147243-d150079-Reviews-Galley_Bay_Resort-St_John_s_Saint_John_Parish_Antigua_Antigua_and_Barbuda.html
 
Why not try a cruise & stay,
In March this year we travelled with Thomson and cruised from Jamaica to Mexico and Honduras on the Thomson dream, great food, entertainment and facilities lots of bars too !! Then we stayed all inclusive in Jamaica at Secrets of St James which was pure luxury with 7 different restaurants including French and Italian, the hotel is on a private beech with 3 swimming pools and fish and steak restaurants overlooking the sea.
Have a look on the website of Secret of st James Jamaica we loved it.
 
Wildfire said:
Cheers people, it's given us some more thoughts. Samana is looking like the favourite at the moment. Any idea what the weather will be like mid November? Weather sites seem to suggest that the rainfall drops in December.
Click to expand...

We are going to Punta Cana just south of Samana.

We always go late September, early October. Sometimes get a bit of rain but nothing to cry home about. Half hour after its rained its dried up.
Temps are pretty constant throughout the year give or take a couple of degrees.
 
We've been to Sandals in Negril Jamaica and to the one in Antigua. I never felt 100% safe outside of the resort,in Jamaica, but Antigua is totally different - very friendly people and very safe.

However, if I were you I would be going to Cuba. Not much time before it gets Americanised and spoilt forever.
 
I totally agree with RickRob.
Vacation in Mexico all the time and don't like going outside the compound
Also the people harassing you to buy stuff is almost nonexistent
 
Punta Cana is the last stop of our world tour later this year and so was looking for some recommendations!
Anyone else have anything else about other hotels in Punta Cana?

So far Dreams Palm Beach gets the thumbs up.

We also looking at the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro and possibly secrets

Cheers
 
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