Dominican Republic, Ocean Bavaro Spa Resort - Has anyone ever been?

Question

I am going there next month and I was just wondering if anyone has any tips...

What excursions to go on?
How much money should I take and in what currencies?
How much should I tip?
Anything else?


Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

I haven't been to the actual hotel you mentioned, but the best place to get reviews on the hotel is on this link: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g147293-d218486-Reviews-Ocean_Bavaro_Spa_Beach_Resort-Punta_Cana_Dominican_Republic.html

I went to Dominica Republic All-Inclusive, and we brought £300 spending money with us, but only spent about £200 each. As all the transfers, food, drink, evening entertainment is included, you only really need money for excursions, sovereigns...

Excursions that I enjoyed were:
Ocean World - swim or interact with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, birds show. Price includes a basic day pass, and food. You will need money for drinks, and swimming or interacting the animals.

Private Island - we were VIP which meant you travelled by yaut there, had a better meal, and included a banana boat ride. Other than that there wasn't much difference in going with the standard trip. The beach is out of this world, and the snorkeling (incl in the price) is amazing, with excellent coral reefs!

Caterman - Excellent value money, the staff are excellent, and the fishes/snorkeling/reefs are once again excellent!
There is also go-karts, safari trips, ... but other than the trips above, we spent our time by the time by the excellent beaches...!

I got a mixture of US Dollars and Dominica Dollars... we found it more difficult, and we 'lost money' (through the varying exchange rate from shop to shop) using the US Dollar. So i would go with their local currency of Dominica Dollar.

Answer 2

Take money to take tours to saona island, go horseback riding or do watersports, other than that, you are going to an all inclusive resort, actually one ob the best here,
for tips you give them to the bell boy when he takes you to the room, and when you leave tip the people that assisted you and helped you.
you can use US$$$