We stayed at the NH Real Arena for March break last year and loved it so much, we returned this year. Again, we had an amazing week. The staff at this resort are perpetually happy, can’t do enough for you, and pretty much guarantee a pampered week in which to rest, relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy quality family time.
We couldn’t be so lucky as to repeat the picture-perfect weather we had last year. This year it rained every day, however, there were still long periods of hot sun and we all came back tanned. You know what they say, a bad day at the beach still beats a great day at the office.
Room Number:
2464 & 2466
Room Block:
Paradise Club
Arrival:
We were received at the Paradise Club reception area, served cool tropical drinks and re-oriented to the resort. We were travelling with our 2 teenage daughters and had made reservations for connecting rooms. When staff checked us in, we were told that we did not have connecting rooms. We didn’t get angry or overreact but respectfully asked if there was anything they could do about this as we didn’t feel comfortable having our young daughters in a separate room. Within minutes, we had our connecting rooms.
Rooms: As mentioned, the rooms were in the Paradise Club section. Last year, we had the standard room and were actually very happy with that. The balcony for our rooms this year looked out on the hallways of the NH Royal Beach next door but we figured that our view options were limited in favour of the adjoining rooms so no complaints there. Last year, we had a lovely view of the interior grounds. Rooms come complete with double sinks in the bathroom, bar fridge, safe, nice large closet, lots of shelf/drawer space for clothes. The air conditioning always worked well, the maids took excellent care of us, and we had turn-down service nightly.
While there were some nice perks of Paradise Club, having stayed in both types of rooms, we would not pay extra for this. The rooms are a tiny bit larger but not noticeably so, you do have access to two private pools, however, to be honest, these were often frequented by an obnoxious group of guests so we preferred the main pool anyway. You do get free daily internet access and a lounge with snacks and drinks that is open all day/evening. Some will say that you get extra a la carte reservations with Paradise Club but I think that depends more on your tour operator. We ended up with Paradise Club because it was a free upgrade at the time we booked, however, the regular price would have been an additional $1,600 for the 4 of us – definitely not worth that price. When we go back, and we WILL go back, unless the upgrade is free, we will just book he standard room.
Restaurants and Bars: We simply cannot understand the number of people saying that the food is awful. There is absolutely something for everyone. The a la cartes are excellent – the Asian the best -, and if you can’t find something you like at the buffet, you’re either very picky or intent on being dissatisfied. Felix and Noel, the omelette-makers, out-do themselves and always have a friendly greeting first thing in the morning. We have one daughter who is a vegetarian, one who can’t eat dairy, and my husband and I are big meat-eaters – we were all happy with the food.
Frequented only the pool-side bars – friendly, fast, and great drinks. Say hi to Pablo! Take your Bubbas! These large, insulated cups are great for keeping drinks cold and last much longer than the wee plastic cups they serve at the bar – more environmentally friendly too!
Beach/Pools/Grounds: Spectacular beach. One couple we met said that they preferred it over the beaches they went to in Hawaii. The pools and grounds are absolutely immaculate. You will see staff working on the lawns, flower beds, walkways, trees, beach and pool areas constantly – they do a really great job. The sand is like flour!
Once you walk past your resort, you’re fair game for the "salesmen" on the beach, trying to convince you to shop at their stall in the markets. This is fun once but not so much after that – you either feel like you’re getting taken or ripping off someone in an impoverished country. When we go back, we plan to avoid the open markets and wait for the one day where the vendors set up stalls around the pool area of the resort – we got some really nice stuff for very reasonable prices. Bartering is an expectation. A beautiful jade and silver bracelet that I was initially told was $65US, I ended up getting for $15US.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel: We highly recommend the Segway tour. Guests are bussed 20mins. away to the Punta Cana Hotel where we were put on these battery-operated machines that are like 2-wheeled, high-powered scooters that you stand on while you whisk around the island and along the most picturesque coast and golf course. There’s also a stop at the ecological reserve to see iguanas, turtles, etc. as well as a swim in a freshwater lagoon. We got this tour for $60US per person, rather than the originally cited $80. Although we planned to participate in a lot more resort activities, ie. yoga, sailing, etc., we just couldn’t tear ourselves away from lounging on the beach!
Our daughters went parasailing, as they did last year, and again thoroughly enjoyed it. The two of them went for $75.
Other Comments: The NH Real Arena has become our "Happy Place", a truly beautiful place with gracious people, a magnificent beach, great food, nice rooms and a relaxing and hospitable vacation environment. As of May 1st, it will be changing to the NOW Larimar Resort, owned by the Dreams/Secrets chain. We heard from staff that they are all keeping their jobs and that they are happy with the change. According to them, the resort will essentially remain the same but that you will no longer have to book reservations for the a la cartes or wear bracelets. We hope it remains affordable.
We miss you already NH – we’ll be back!!