The Resort was not only clean, and grounds well kept it was beautiful beyond description. Behind the resort is Mt Issobel Torres, which overlooks Puerto Plata. The days temperatures were around 30- 40 degrees incl. humidity sunny days for teh most part of our stay- we had a few rain showers, and one evening of "torrential" downpour" unlike anything I had ever experienced, the staff took it all in stride, and provided umbrella’s , and an extra glass of wine & beer while we waited for the rains to cease.
The view is breath taking, and the lay out of the resort is very walkalbe, and makes the most of all its ammenities. We always had fine service, and great food at all the resteruants. The staff was very gracious, and polite, alwasy keeping things in order. They were friendly & plesant, our room was well maintained, and each day we where graced with towel art, swans& hearts with flwoers. We left a ti0p and gifts for our maid each day ( fellow travelers had told us to bring small perfumes, and lipstick, and pantyhose, childrens vitamins, toothpaste, soaps, things that she might not be able to afford on her her meager wages.) Our miad was delighted to recieve the gifts we had brough _ i was also prpared with gits for children, toys & blow up balls… with smilie faces, and little girls jewllery, and things for their hair,.. Next time we will bring more school supplies, and ask the airline about bringing items down to give as gifts & to help families there
Your Arrival: Our arrival was smooth- we noticed jsut how small the airport was, it can recieve only one plane at a time, however the staff are helpful, and going through customs was noneventful, we all boarded small buses to take us to our hotels (quaint, small, bumpy little buses, with some airconditioning) and a very friendly & welcoming guide- takes you to your hotel. We enjoyed his descriptive tguided tour to our hotel which was only 20 minutes away. Upon arrival at our hotel, the porters greeted us & helped us with our bags, which nede to stay in a secure area until our offical check in time. WE had about 5 hours to enjoy the the resort, before our rooms were ready for occupancy. We learned alter from others to give a tip $10-$20 US and presto you WILL have a room… ( so we will keep that in mind for next time) the POOL was lovely as was the beach, clean and free from litter. WE were also greeted by a young gentleman in WHITE- we learned alter on that these "folks" are hired to bring you to the VIP area, where you are given the opportunity to sign and pay into a resort vacation program, and get better room rates & deals.
Our friendly "pal" met us almost daily…. and called us his borhter & sista from a differnt mother – how cute!… he made us feel warmly welcomed, and he wanted us to have a plesant stay.
Rooms: The Room was spacious, and overlooked teh ocean, which was lovely, we could here the birds in the mornings, and thought the open air concept of the hallways was quite unique. The furniture was all wood & spanish with the Oasis, palms with the theme. clean rooms, with orange/ rust coloured cermanic tiled floors, bright yellow walls, and nice linens, and curtains.
We also appreciated teh safe provided, (you have to pay extra to get the lock & key)- but peace of mind is worth it- to keep vauables safe.
Restaurants and Bars: There are 4 a la cartes & 1 buffet which helps to keep variety the spice of life THe display of choices is beautiful, and a wonderful and tastey selection greeets you each day. Sunday there is a GALA Buffet dinner, all other reseraunts are closed, one night a week tehre is also a BBQ and Beach Party for all to enjoy. ( Unfortunately we missed that- as we were so tired from a days excursion we went to bed very early; but heard this LLUD party.. for hours… the next day I found out just who was making that racket outside OUR bedroom balcony it was the entire resort, all guests partied on the beach… oh well we still had a good nights rest, next time we will join them!
Beach/Pools/Grounds: Clean and lovely, very nice layout. always kept, each day grounds men were working, mowing lawns, weeding,.. keeping things beautiful. Beach sand was a light golden brown, soft, and free from stones, or cutting shells. it was nice to walk on. the ocean was also clean & warm nice to swim in. We enjoyed the pool, after our excursion days, to cool off & get refreshed. We also joined in some of those 4:00 O’clock pool side games.. was fun, the staff really get you to join and feel a part of a fun holiday comminity,..sometimes they dress up like caats, sharks, palm trees… and otehr tribal get ups… supperman also plays volleyball!
was fun, youthfull, and refreshing.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel: We were only there 7 days. and we had 5 day trips 1) OUTBACK SAFARI – was most excellent, intersting, informative & fun- our guide KENNY ( ask for Him) was a fountain of knowledge- and also great fun. we toured sugard cane feilds, saw farms, visited a small school (where we took school supplies) & tasted fresh ground and brewed domincan coffee, we also visited the rural community that this OUTBACK supports, 1/2 of your fare goes to the school ! we had a great lunch at the outback headquateres, and then off to do some BOGGIE Boarding, body surfing on a very secluded beach; we also went to a mountain stream, and found a fresh water pool to swim in. that was perfect to get off the salt water. drinsk flowed freely all day & they took great care to see we were all happy & having a good time….. 5 stars!!!!!! ya ps- your travel group wont give you this partifular tour option… I booked all mine here online… from HOME and saved $$ and loved the freedom to choose OUR OWN TOURS 2) FREE STYLE Catamaran – what a glorious Day of Sailing and SNorkleing in Sosua Bay.. it cost us about $84 US each but well worth it for the experince of seeing thsoe incredible coloured fish.. amd corals. under the sea.again… go to the REAL DR online and book this EXCURSION. ( link provided below) you will NOT regret it 3) Puerto Plata Tours with HOLA – WE had GERMAN for our guide- excellent very knowledgeable about the history and area….. what an excellent value $37US each, the tour included: Brugal Rum Facotry, Jewllery Factory & Store ( Bring money), then a Cigar Factory & Store; next stop Fort San Filpe, then AMber Museum, then off to the Cable Car & UP Mt Isbobel Torres. to see a great view of Puerto Plata. there was cloud up there when we arrived at the top 300 feet up, but it did clear & I got some fabulous photos. http://www.therealdr.com/store/puerto-plata-excursions-80/ 4) DEEP Sea FSIHING — STAY AWAY FROM **GONE FISHING** NOT a good value & no fish or service….
5) We made our own Tour on Sunday- as we hired a taxi & went to church, and sight seeing.
Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=212411&id=561890798&l=0c71382866