A Five Day trip to Dominican Republic, here are some ideas based on what I got into. Enjoy!
For Valentines Day I was the luxury of spending it in the tropical island of Dominican Republic. Even in February the weather was beautiful! If you're ever on the island for a few days here are somethings you might want to try based on my experience on the island.
All-Inclusive Hotel
When it comes to all-inclusive hotels there are many Pros and Cons. Here's my list of both. Pros: You don't have to pull out your wallet to eat, drink, and for transportation. You get to relax knowing your money is only for the things that you want not need!
Cons: Food isn't always the best and it's buffet-style so if you show up later the food might not be hot and that for me is a big deal. Drinks might be given to you in a tiny cup especially if you're by the pool to avoid glass but it means you'll be coming back to the bar a lot more often than normal.
Transportation: When it comes to dropping you off at the airport for your return home they tend to ask you to be ready at an extremely early time. Mine was for 9 am and my flight wasn't until 1 pm. (I've learned my lesson from the last time I went to Jamaica ) I rather pay to get to the airport and enjoy my morning. There is nothing I hate more than being at an airport 4 hours before your flight. Two hours is the max for me so I rather pay for a taxi for enough time to wake up eat breakfast and enjoy the few hours I have left!
Ziplining through the Mountains
Personally, I don't think you should miss even one day of the vacation for excursions! You can sit around when you retired! My first excursion was Ziplining. There was a total of 8 Ziplines and it was incredible.
The views were gorgeous plus the tour guys were taking pictures on a professional camera all for purchase and prices are negotiable! We were picked up by the driver at the front of the hotel who drove us about 45 mins up the mountains! The cost for every including the ride was $180 for two!
Isla Saona
My favorite excursion was an ALL day event! The only downside to this excursion is the transportation is picking up people from hotels all over the island. We were told to be at the front of the hotel at 6:45 am or we would be left. They didn't arrive until 7:15 and we still had to pick up others. On top of that, we all had to meet up with other people and all jump into a bus that would end up taking us an hour out to a souvenir shop.
We luckily got to eat food and get free samples of Mama Juana an island aphrodisiac so sweet you can't even taste the liquor. It's marinated in cherry wood which gives it a cough syrup color! Beware it's sweet but powerful! Finally, we were back on the bus and off the beach where we would catch our ride to the island!
The boat trip includes 10 mins of snorkeling along with 30 mins of drinks and waist-deep clear blue waters for pics! Then you're off the Isla where you're able to tan, buy coconut and pineapple cup drinks and relax. You are also fed, given rum and coke, and a slow boat ride back to the beach where you brought back to the hotel one by one.
Boogies
On the island, the dune buggies are called Boogies by everyone! There are so many different options to go with. We decide to plan this ahead of time and get the package on Groupon. They are able to come into the hotel and pick you up at the lobby in a huge open jungle truck! Once you arrive at the facility you are able to do a little bit of souvenir shopping.
Once they call the color your group was assigned then your off to the buggies! First, you ride on over to Cacao plantation where they have Taino Indian ceremony and dance, then they walk you over to this section where your able to try their homemade Mama Juana and Cacao con leche (hot chocolate made with Cacao) Which was delicious and I totally bought it!
Caves
The boogies also included this view of a gorgeous cave you get to dive into. After a short boogie ride, the guides walk you over to a beautiful Underground cave with a pool and waterfall.
Bring some wet clothes because you're able to jump right on in! Then dry up and head back on the buggies for a nice long ride to a gorgeous beach! So worth it and it only took about 4 hours total. The cost for two was about $169!
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