Dominican Republic

[phil24_7]

The 24_7's have just booked 7 nights in Cafresi in November.

Kate's so excited she almost pee'd when we booked and I'm really looking forward to a week in the sun.

We're planning on swimming with dolphins while we're there and I wanna see if I can go jet skiing too.

Anyone been there? Any experiences (good or bad) or ideas about things to do in between the sunbathing?

Regards

[phil24_7]

Anyone???

[gettin2dizzy]

I've been to Wales if that helps? I even live ther nowadays.

[G]

7 Days isnt really a long time in Dominican Republic, you will feel like your flights were just as long as the holiday itself.

One thing to note is the poor are VERY poor and the wealthy are corrupt, theres not really that many nice places outside your compound.

You mostly stay within the compound of your hotel unless on an organised outing which normally consist of an armed gaurd being with the party at all times which is weird at first.

Which part are you going to North or South.....The north is cooler and not quite as nice as the south, although its all very nice.

Most hotels are 5 star All inclusive as theres not really anywhere to go.

I have heard of people not going 5 star and pretty much being ill the whole holiday from the food.

[Drew Carey]

Hiya Guys

I went there......quite some time ago (Over the week that September the 11th happened in the states). Stayed on the North side of the island. The weather was stunning (36oC in the shade every day!!!!!!!). We only left the compound when we went on excursions as it is not generally recommended to go wandering around.

We did an excursion into the "Jungle" which features some of the areas they filmed bits of Jurrasic Park etc. It also included going down waterfalls on your bum....great fun.

Another trip was that we went on a big catermaran with about 30 others and got trollied. It was really nice and features some of the best snorkelling you will find. The fish are amazing around the reef.

The final trip we did was that we got on a fast speed boat and went out to sea. All of a sudden a ring of sand appeared that is sheltered by a coral reef. There is a little wooden hut on it. A load of locals with drinks and food come along and you snorkel and sunbathe around the reef and have food etc. After that we then went back on the speedboat through the mangrove national park and then had lunch at a really nice restaurant. Then back on the coach to the hotel.

Was a good holiday, but did go for two weeks. The food was decent enough, but I wouldn't recommend any seafood unless the hotel is really well known for decent food and you see other people eating it who don't get ill!!!!!!

Drew

[arc123]

phil24_7 - where abouts on the island is Cafresi? Had a look on a Dom Rep map and can't seem to see it....

I stayed on the North of the island a few years ago. Very nice hotel (was one of the smaller ones). Use 'Tripadvisor' to get an idea of what the hotel you're staying in may be like.... there will be loads of reviews where people have nothing good to say. Some people like to moan a lot.

You mostly stay within the compound of your hotel unless on an organised outing which normally consist of an armed gaurd being with the party at all times which is weird at first.lol. YOU might have stayed in your 'compound' but there is plenty to see outside. We went out on a number of occasions (both organised tours and by ourselves). Had absolutely no issues with locals at all. We also organised a local person (was a friend of a taxi driver) to guide us round the local town for a day - so there are plenty of options for ways to get out and about. there will be no end of locals wanting to guide you around, and then want paying for it!

Also - of you are staying any where near Cabarete (on the North of the island).

http://www.activecabarete.com/mxcabarete

I did this a few years ago and had a great day. KTM 200s, full gear supplied, and you get to see all sorts of fantastic country side that you wouldn't otherwise..... well worth a go.

Andy

[G]

lol. YOU might have stayed in your 'compound' but there is plenty to see outside.
Andy

I said 'mostly', not entirely.....and I also said unless on organised trips.

Its not recommended and theres plenty of stories and reasons why, and when driving through areas on 'organised trips' you can appreciate even more so why its sensible not to go out unless on organised trips.

[arc123]

Its not recommended and theres plenty of stories and reasons why

It's not recommended by the holiday reps and the stories/reasons seem to be mainly circulated by the same people. wonder why.....

Oh and another point to note Phil - Any organised trips that you do go on, try not to be tempted to book them through your reps. We did 3 or 4 organised trips at about half the cost by booking them direct through the sellers at the main plaza where we were. The reps were also willing to spread stories about not dealing with these unreputable companies, but were fine......

[leemole]

i've been to sosua bay and me n the mrs wandered around fine, bit of banter with the market traders but all good fun. The best thing we did was white water rafting in the jungle was amzing and must be done !!!!

[Kate Moss]

It's Cofresi in the North of the Dominican Republic. We have read reviews of the hotel and all seems ok! I am just looking forward to relaxing in the sun and swimming with the Dolphins. Be so nice to have some time with my man!
Sun, sea, sand and ...whats the other one???!!!!

I shall be having masage's in the spa while Phil zooms off on a jetski!! It's Phils 30th and my 25th this year so no better way to celebrate.



There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and it's the cocktails I am more interested in!!!

[Blue_SV650S]

Sun, sea, sand and ...whats the other one???!!!!



Syphilis?? ;)

[phil24_7]

Taking that one with me. It burns when I pee!!! ;-)

[Blue_SV650S]

Taking that one with me. It burns when I pee!!! ;-)

I believe a course of leeches should sort that for you sir!! 8)

[phil24_7]

I'll give that a try, tried giving it away before but nobody wants it. Guess I'd better get rid of it really as I've had it a while!!

[Blue_SV650S]

I'll give that a try, tried giving it away before but nobody wants it. Guess I'd better get rid of it really as I've had it a while!!


Was it the first present mrs24_7 ever gave you by any chance?!!? :smt005

[svpilot]

Hi

I have been (although it must be nearly 10 years ago now :eek:) We were all inclusive and the resort was great. If you enjoy your watersports you will be in your element, but I found there was very little else to do. You will have seen the good bits in the brochures so I will cut to the chase.

It is a very poor county so you will be hassled for money
(Your taxi driver is my uncle, he asked me to carry your bags/give you a tour/get you to the front of the queue etc etc) As soon as a coach turns up hoards will decend on it to fight over the bags. It is different at takes a while to adjust. If you accept help of any kind you will be expected to pay.

Where I stayed it was hard to just 'go for a walk' your path would eventually be blocked by barbed wire, you couldn't just roam around. If you tried to walk along a main road you a) took your life in your hands and b) were constantly offered lifts from mopeds/bicycles (often already two or three up!)

There were a lot of powercuts where I stayed.
We had an armed guard at out resort entrance, always a friendly wave but even so. And at various levels guards with big sticks (for getting rid of lizards apparently).

The taxis were amazing, big old American 70s/80s cars. I remember my favorite had a hand painted interior (most of it kept off the glass) and what looked like a goat hide dash.

We had a great time and have a lot of stories to tell, but forewarned is forearmed!

[phil24_7]

Thanks for everyones input. Anyone know if there's any jet skiing on the North of the Island?

[Drew Carey]

There was near me, was based at a place called Bahia Maimon, in the Riu resort (3 hotels). When I was there they had them, but I understand they were not there a year later as a friend stayed and was gutted he couldn't have a go.

[Drew Carey]

PS - Your near Puerto Plata which is probably (correct me if I am wrong) the largest hotel area on the North side. Its also the airport location. We went on the catermaran ride from there and seem to remember there being Jetski's around.

[phil24_7]

Ooh, cool!