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THE BEST AND MOST REASONABLE VACATION WE HAD IN YEARS!

The Dominican Republic is a third world country with Haiti at the northwest end of the island. The lifestyle is so different from our’s in the U.S. Sometimes we forget how good we have it. But the D.R. does know how to create an amazing experience at a very reasonable price. The resorts there are among the best in the world.

My wife and I stayed at Costa Dorada on the north shore near Puerto Plata. For about $1400 for two, we flew into the Puerto Plata airport and stayed for a week in luxury. There armed soldiers at the airport, the beach and other locations, which is not a bad thing. They are there to protect you. We were picked up and taken to the resort in a van with others. The trip was short but eventful. The driver was on both sides of the road dodging other vehicles and 3 to 4 people on small motorcycles all the way. We saw shacks, sugar cane fields, and terrain with mountains in the background. Very beautiful.

Arriving at the Costa Dorada Resort I was looking at the high wall surrounding the resort and if we did the right thing. After unloading and walking up several marble steps to the main desk, we were both in awe at the completely different world we had just entered. Marble, mahogany, palms, beautiful and friendly people, fountains and wild birds. We all went to the bar and get a drink while we checked in.

Our bags arrived at our room before we did. Spacious and comfortable, stocked mini bar, spotless, great view of the ocean. What more could we ask for. Well, great food, entertainment during the day and night, perfect weather, top shelf liquor, wonderful employees, great beach and everything we could think of and more was there. Eat and drink as much as you want. Relax at the pool or the beach (guards on the beach to keep out the peddlers for you privaticy) exercise classes, pool games to join in with and fun competitions around the pool. People from all over the world to converse with and very friendly, why not we are on holiday as they say. And what a holiday !

It was like having your own private paradise to enjoy. If you want to leave this paradise there are excursions to town, learn the history of the island, shop. Go to the mountains and have lunch at a waterfall after you swim. Visit a wind surfing beach with locals selling everything from drinks to local fruits and crafts. Golf and casinos are at some of the other resorts.

Three restaurants to choose from, all open air and super clean. A small snack bar, larger area between the pool and the beach and the main dining room. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Breakfast was from cereal, fruit, sausage, bacon and eggs, breads, pastries, local dishes. Lunch could be something light like a salad to an all out buffet. Dinner was a sit down affair, so dress up a little (nice shorts and a button down shirt, summery dresses for the ladies) be prepared for wandering around trying to figure out what looks the best, it can be a tough choice. Salads, local fruit, and any type of meat you can think of, local fish, breads and the list goes on. But save room for dessert. I can’t remember when I had a better egg custard, my favorite every night. One night of the week there was the local cuisine which was wonderful. Also that night they had a huge pot of locally grown coffee beans brewing with a mix of local cinnamon, nutmeg and rum, intoxicating and delightful, just dip you mug in and go.Best thing is that besides the excursions you never have to take out your wallet. Everything is paid for including tips.

We enjoyed our stay so much we went back the next year and were treated even better than the first time and at a cheaper rate. Upgrade for the room, fruit and wine basket waiting in our room and a special get together for returning guest. Not to forget the delightful towels sculptures every day on our bed. My wife says that is what she wants to do for a living, mold towels into animals and birds, sorry sweetheart you have to keep working so we can go back again.

If you are looking for an excellent time in a beautiful resort, you might want to check father into going to Dominican Republic. Excellent accommodations, beautiful surroundings, special people taking care of you, great food and plenty to do or nothing at all to do. Your choice.