I travelled solo to Bluebay. this was a 2 week vacation for me I was looking to unplug, enjoy some sun, rum and golf. I had never been to the Dominican Republic before (Cuba and Mexico though)so I did some research and read lots of reviews before booking. I chose this resort because it was smaller, 240 rooms… great in my mind, you get to know some of the people at the resort,,,,, not only the staff (FANTASTIC) but the other guests. I found some good friends(went on a couple of excursions) and golf partners. as for the staff they were great. Being solo and most often eating alone, the staff was always accomodating and friendly (yes a tip does go a long way too!. Aracieles (spelling?!?) at the buffet was an absolute sweetheart to me. Rodolfo
Room Number:
6201
Room Block:
6000
Arrival:
my west jet flight was seriously delayed because of weather, oh well. I arrived 4 hours after I was supposed to. the front desk was efficient, they got me a quiet room, I had made a request for a room in the 6000 – 8000 block before leaving as I read these are the quieter rooms. I had a fruit plate waiting for me in my room (thank you) and my minifridge was full. the bell man took my bags (inlcuding golf clubs) to my room.
Rooms: the reviews I read said the room was basic but comfy (I don’t spend much time in my room), the bed was firm, the pillows could be plusher; However I was able to sleep quite well The Housekeeping staff is great, my room was always clean, fresh clean towels every day, my A/C always worked, my water bottle was replaced regularly… I give an A+ to the housekeeping staff. I travelled solo, so I did not have trouble with a lack of closet space, although I could see that it would be limited for 2 people. I had lots of space for my luggage and golf clubs. the windows open so you can get some of that sweet caribbean air. the room does not have a bath tub, but the shower was more than adequate. I never had a lack of hot water…. sometimes the shower was too hot. REMEMBER you only drink the bottled water… use it to brush your teeth too! this room does not have a balcony, however as I said before I didn’t spend much time in my room.
Here is my complaint about the rooms…. they need better sound insulation… I could hear the stairwell and even other rooms.
Restaurants and Bars: the food is great, there is a good variety of dishes at the buffet, and I do recommend the almost daily special roast. the roast pork was great. ( I am an Alberta boy so I never comment on any beef that isn’t from my uncle’s farm!) very good breads Great desserts! (ICE CREAM!) the a la carte’s are fine…. I am not a sea food eater but I enjoyed the mahi mahi at the seafood restaurant. the service was great as well. Teppan is Teppan, (see comment above about steak house)
I have read the reviews and some peoples complaints about the cocktails… Take an insulated mug as at the swim up bar there are only plastic cups.. also maybe you should tip your bartender… I tipped and I got great cocktails made in my insulated mug… good rum drinks (yes get the Brugal rum), my beer was only empty when I wanted it to be empty….
Beach/Pools/Grounds: the beach is brown sand, not white. it is kept clean, great swimming beach, shallow at the front but gets deep enough to swim quickly, nice water, you are on the atlantic so it is not crystal clear all the time, and you do get surf! Yes there are lots of Beach Vendors, but a polite no thank you works just fine! … Take your sandals as the beach sand does get quite hot on the bottom of your feet!!! the main pool with swim up bar is shallow, no diving!!!… Moises and Juan at the swim up bar were great, they kept me well supplied with beverages and more than a few laughs!…. I really appreciated the Beer break during the pool volleyball game in the deeper pool…. Gracias !!
the grounds were magnificent… they were very well maintained and clean. full marks to the grounds crew…
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel: paradise island – great snorkeling trip. a little disappointed that you spend 2 hours on the bus to get there, but the snorkeling and mangrove tour is great! ( I didn’t get to see a manatee as the weather was kicking up a storm as we left. if you are a golfer, get to playa grande…. fantastic golf course! great views (yes it is pricey) the activity staff at the resort is fantastic…. be as active as you want!… I joined several activities… silly games.. volleyball.. beach games, and the staff are truly great… friendly, let you be lazy when you want, and will find you when you want to join in.
should you truly need a hockey fix… Hemingway’s is a short walk away in the shopping mall, they have all the hockey games
Other Comments: My impression of Dominican Republic… a little faster pace than I want, every one seems to want to sell you something. yes the time share salesmen and the beach vendors are always around, but as I said a polite no thank you was enough. Keep your wits about you.. As I said initially I wanted to "unplug", I did not take my phone or laptop, so I will not comment on the internet or wifi services available. My mission was to ‘unplug". I got sun on the beach, I drank rum at the swim up bar, I enjoyed the shows with a few more beverages, I ate well ( i have no complaints about the food) I swam and snorkeled, I got a few rounds of golf in. This resort is a nice small friendly place, the room is basic, but clean and comfy, the grounds are immaculate, the beach is great, the staff is truly fantastic. I got what I wanted out of this vacation!
Mission accomplished