Tell me your thoughts on Punta Cana (first AI/resort experience!)

[ErinAndTonic]

I've just booked a trip with my partner to an adults only resort in Punta Cana (Secrets Royal Beach, Bavaro Beach) - I've heard mixed reviews about the destination but the hotel reviews seem fairly good.

Has anyone been to Punta Cana recently? Did you feel safe there? If you did any excursions do you recommend them?

I'm usually an independent traveller but trying an AI resort trip for the first time as I'm just so burnt out at the moment and love the idea of not having to plan anything. We have booked our flights separately to use airmiles to upgrade, so if anyone knows the best way to sort independent transfers I'd love to know - I'm not sure if it's safe enough to just grab a taxi?

I've travelled all over the world but haven't been to the Caribbean before and not sure to expect. Have done places like India, China and South Africa though - just want to know where this falls on the safety spectrum and if it's a nice area!

I'll assume nobody has been then 😅😅

I went there about 5 years ago and the resort was lovely. We didn’t leave the hotel really as only did a week there .

there were lots of Americans there.

If you take $ US and tip the staff you get amazing service.

Thank you, will be sure to take some dollars in that case!

I'm hoping it's a good choice, looking forward to a lazier pace 😀

I've done PC in 2019. Loved it I travelled alone with DS I did a boat trip and a buggy trip it was fantastic. The locals were fab and so were all the hotel staff they were so helpful. I loved the Candians. Felt safe.

The prices are so high now... only reason I haven't rebooked for next year. I stayed in Grand memories splash and next door is the Royalton Hotel. Gorgeous hotel, has a waterpark, golf buggys.

Excellent food I tried food at the Royalton and it was better. The Al la carte restaurants were fab also.

I stayed there a few years ago. We were upgraded to the Privilege Club free of charge due to some issues upon checking in. That made the holiday for us. It was a great hotel. We went on one trip but it was terrible. We ended up at a supermarket but had no local currency

We are now looking at going back in Jan 2024.