The following reviews were submitted by a fellow TravelPage.com reader.
Dominican Republic: Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is a favorite destination in the Dominican Republic; well developed yet not overcrowded; offering all that the Caribbean Ocean provides at reasonable cost.
Many charter airlines fly directly from Canada into Puerto Plata, some via Santo Domingo. Some U.S. flights arrive via Puerto Rico and Miami. Most tour operators provide shuttle service. I prefer a taxi at about 250.00 Pesos for a 20 minute ride to the main resort area: Playa Dorado.
There are numerous hotels and condominiums within Playa Dorada, a well secured complex with hotels, condominiums and time-share options; an 18 hole Trent Jones Golf Course; three casinos; tennis courts etc. My favorite place is Playa Naco Golf and Tennis Resort, located directly on the beach, providing large air-conditioned rooms and apartments at reasonable rates. As this resort is often fully booked, it is advisable to make advance arrangements through your travel agent. Avoid Easter week! All watersports are cancelled, and beaches are overcrowded.
Most guest are using "all-inclusive" plans, which provide all meals and local drinks. Several restaurants are on site as well as nearby, that offer a variety of menus. Visit Hemingway's Cafe at the Playa Dorada Plaza, in the evening. Again, prices are reasonable and service is excellent.
Several tennis courts; sailing and windsurfing is available, weather permitting; scuba lessons in the pool; horseback riding; bicycles; kayaks; table tennis; billiards; banana boat rides; catamaran sailing; a beach bar; a pool bar; and a disco. All the above are included free of charge. Mopeds; scooters and cars can be rented; sauna and massage is available; Sea-doos for rent; water-skiing.
If time permits, visit the Amber Museum, or the Brugal Rum factory and the Fortress San Felipe. Unfortunately, the cable car to Isabel de Torres, a fair size mountain with an excellent view of Puerto Plata and the surrounding area, is closed, pending replacement of the steel cables. Keep it in mind, for future visits.
If you have romance on your mind, a very reasonably priced, all inclusive wedding package is available right in the hotel, on the beach, or in the whirlpool."
Excellent gym; aerobics classes; snorkeling, fishing; windsurfing; and parasailing are available.
Baby-sitting available; safe playground; safe beach. A very well equipped Kids' Club for 3 to 10 year olds rounds out the program for children.
Playa Naco Golf and Tennis Resort
Playa Dorada
Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic
Fax 809.320.6225.
E-mail: ho.naco@codetel.net.do
Send an e-mail the author of
this review.
| VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS
|
Check out these great deals from CruisePage.com
|
| Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $129 per person
|
|
Description: |
Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.
|
| Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $229 per person
|
|
Description: |
Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.
|
| NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person
|
|
Description: |
What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.
|
| Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person
|
|
Description: |
White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.
|
| Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean from $549 per person
|
|
Description: |
For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
|
| Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person
|
|
Description: |
Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.
|
|