Mexico or Dominican Republic

[SparklingMonkey]

Hi,

We are trying to decide between the Dominican Republic or Mexico for a two week break in November. In Mexico we are looking at the Riviera Maya area, and for the Dominican Republic it would be the Bavaro,Punta Cana area.

We have two daughters who will be 7 and 4, and we will be booking all inclusive with first choice.

From researching it, I can't make up my mind as to which one would be best! We like going on on excursions, as well as good evening entertainment for the kids, and lovely beaches for during the day!

Any opinions and input would be gratefully received!

Dreams tulum is great for kids

Sorry to hijack thread. We are going to the same place @newmummy@ mentioned in September. Glad to hear the resort is good.
To all those mentioning xcaret, is it worth it for adults without children? We're all inclusive so I won't have much spending money, don't want to waste it!

Great thread thanks for starting. I am also debating between Barbados or Mexico for a new year holiday. And after reading this we are going to choose Mexico.

Children also 4/6 so would really love to know which hotel you ended up choosing and for other which you stayed at x

Great thread thanks for starting. I am also debating between Barbados or Mexico for a new year holiday. And after reading this we are going to choose Mexico.

Children also 4/6 so would really love to know which hotel you ended up choosing and for other which you stayed at x

@moodybluesy I havent been to xcaret only Xel-Ha which is definitely worth it for adults. What I'd say is that there is souch to do in the Riviera Maya, snorkeling with turtles, jungles, zipwiring, ruins, cenotes, boat trips, Xel-Ha, xcaret, xplor etc that if you just stay in the hotel the whole time you really are missing out! It's a long way to go not to explore the fantastic area.
Have a great time

Sorry that was @weaslewomble not moodybluesy
@moodybluesy we stayed dreams tulum three times our children love it. It's not one of the enormous resorts with thousands of rooms though if that's what you want

We've stayed at a few Dreams resorts and they're brilliant, definitely recommend them.

Riu hotels are also good, but with kids, I'd stay in the 1 of the Playacar Rius rather than the Cancun ones.

Mexico all the way! I've been to Cancun/Riviera Maya at least a dozen times, happy to give advice :)

We went to Mexico as part of our honeymoon and loved it. We stayed near Tulum on the Riviera Maya and did a day trip to Chichen Itza which is definitely worth doing.

@2014newme thank you! We will definitely not be staying in the hotel the full time, or at least I won't. I just don't want to waste money if things aren't worth doing. I'm so excited!

Just got back from Riviera Maya! BEAUTIFUL!! I didn't want to come home. Booking again soon xx

Trips outside the hotels are fantastic but very expensive so if going all inclusive do budget for that. We spent £1000 on 3 trips for a family of 4

Oh, we definitely aren't the sort to just stay around the hotel :) and also feel that it's a waste to go abroad and not see the local culture etc!

Trips out are definitely part of what we budget for :)

Can I ask for some mexico specific hotels that are good with young children. Not kids clubs but good pools, good entertainment at night x

My DD really liked the "Finest" in Cancun. They have they're own pool and there are activities for them around the pool and beach throughout the day (including evenings)

Just looked at the finest!! Wow wow wow!!

Want to go over the new year break and they are booked up going to email them. It looks outstanding. Thanks rev, any others that came a close 2nd?

Yeah, new year is the busiest week I think,! There's also the Paradisus La Esmeralda, all to get all the perks you'd have to go for the "family concierge". I've heard good things about the Hard Rock and Palace hotels although never stayed there myself.