Caribbean Holiday Reviews

An excellent base for the North coast of DR but, as per our hotel review, the number of people coming to the resort is much reduced due to the global economic siuation. This makes the resort itself feel very empty and has led to businesses closing or only doing so during high season. A much reduced "buzz"!

Whilst we went on a few excursions from the hotel to various locations in Jamaica, we did not explore the immediate area around the hotel.

Not much to do outside of hotel but resort was in a perfect location. Transfer time from airport approx 1 hr 15 mins. Handy for trips especially Dunns River and Bob Marley tours. Beach was nice although a bit shingle outside hotel.

The best thing is the cable car to the top of the mountain. The worst is being hassled by beggars. An organised half day trip here was enough for us.

The hotel was amazing, I couldn't ask for anything more the people were great and they made us feel very welcome! They couldn't do enough for me and my family! I will be returning in the future :)

Outside of the safety of your hotel resort you do feel a little exposed. As most of the area outside of the tourist hotels is still a third world country you do feel a little intimidated by passing locals in cars or on bike staring at you.

We were warned by the Thomson rep not to wear any jewelry on show if wandering about outside of the hotel resort as it may entice theifs etc.

We went on a couple of excursions and travelled through Puerto Plata on an open topped shuttle bus and felt on display to locals who just seemed to watch us all. Although nothing happened and we were ensured its safe, we did feel a little on uneasy. For that reason we mainly stayed inside the confides of the hotel resort and the only part of Puerto Plata we seen was between excursion pick ups. A lot of shantee towns and derelict buildings surrounding the area. We deffinately wouldnt recommend venturing out on your own on a night.

There are some lovely trips and places to see. The outback safari was great, we had George, as our guide (he made the day), and Carlos was our driver. Both were very helpful. The dolphin experience was awesome. Just make sure that if you go the Saona Island, they don't put you on an all Spanish booze cruise.

Very good resort - The complex itself maybe a bit to large but overall a honeymon to remember All inclusive package was excellent

Due to the short length of stay just visited the local town, not impressed really,but as expected. You were pressured to enter gift shops, again which was expected. Felt uncomfortable walking around, did not feel in any danger.

Guardalavaca is a short bus ride/horse and cart ride away from Playa Pesquero. It was originally a small fishing village, but is now a quiet tourist resort. There isn't much to do outside the hotels but it does boast a good craft market and beach with a few beach bars and friendly locals. As for things to do, there are plenty of interesting trips to do into Holguin and the surrounding area(about an hour away by bus), including a cigar factory visit to see how they roll the hand made cigars Cuba is famous for. There are also some historical sites and museums, and plenty of catamaran cruises to choose from with snorkeling and swimming with dolphins. Holguin is a vibrant city with plenty of history, well worth the visit and you drive through some beautiful scenery on the way there. You can even do part of the journey on an old steam train with a live Cuban band if you are lucky. A great day out. Thnakfully, Holguin didn't suffer any damage from the hurricane.

Went to Guardalavaca once on red topless bus and once at the start of a jeep safari, only things there are one or two hotels, a market, a few bars / cafe's and a wonderful beach so don't go hear if you want any nightlife. One big plus not just in Guardalavaca but Cuba in general is how safe we felt at all times, we never felt intimidated at all anywhere.

a lovely resort with plenty of good trips to do , the beaches are quite natural with plenty of tree shade. a little bit pebbly when you go into sea

As all inclusive did not need to go out, however we did go on a trip and that was very good and great to see outside the hotel

Bavaro beach is absolutely beautiful - white coral sand and turquoise sea, very clean and not too crowded.

We only travelled into Guardalavaca on one day. Although the beaches were excellent, there did not seem to be much to do at the resorts other than visit the small market selling trinkets.