Steve & Rita's Dominican Adventure

accompanied by our good friends, Joann and Kevin..

Grand Palladium Bavaro, Punta Cana

February 3-10th, 2007




INTRODUCTION:


Hola and welcome to our Punta Cana holiday report page..
We are Steve and Rita and we live in Burlington, Ontario, Canada..
We were very pleased to be joined on this trip by our friends, Joann and Kevin who are also from Burlington, Ontario, Canada..
We were so happy with our Mexico trip and we talked about it so much that our friends decided they had to go somewhere..And soon!!..A little sooner than we had planned but it really didn't take much to get us signed up as well..
Once again we dealt with the Flight Center Travel Agency Office
We weren't as worried about the unknown this time and we pretty much decided where and when to go by ourselves..We did consider some last minute places but since we wanted a particular property, we found ourselves watching the prices..They did go up and down and we almost lost the chance to "get in cheap" by waiting..So when the price went back down we booked..About 1 month ahead of our departure date..We continued to watch the prices for future reference but they just kept getting higher as the property filled up..Less rooms available at higher prices..And we didn't just watch Flight Centre either..Their prices were compatible with the other last minute places..We really think that if you want a certain property there really is no sense in waiting until the last minute..
As before, we took our time and did our research..We ended up deciding on the Grand Palladium Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic..
Our vacation hosts were Air Transat and they took care of everything from getting us there to making sure we had fun while we were there by providing an Air Transat Rep right in the hotel and to getting us home
We chose an all inclusive package this time as well..There really is no way we'd do anything different..Eat all day..Drink all day..Its not that we gorge "cause it's free"..But it is nice not to have to worry about the budget every time you want to eat..
We would recommend this resort without hesitation..All the pictures are thumbnailed so please feel free to click away for larger versions..Hope you enjoy your visit to our little adventure...

THE FLIGHT:


Steve & Rita--Joann & Kevin--The Plane--and a view of what we left behind

Everything went off without a hitch..All four of us came in 1 vehicle and left it at Sky Parx..It was $50.00 for the week and a cab fare would have been $75.00 one way from Burlington..We could have gotten a ride, but since we were returning at 2am the following Saturday we didn't want anyone having to pick us up..And we thought the cost was pretty minimal.
No real complaints about the Airline..Check-in was a breeze..We had pre-assigned seats (for both trips) which is worth doing as well..The plane ride itself was smooth..Straight to Punta Cana..
This brings us to our one beef..Or lack of beef, if you like..On a 4 hour flight we were served one bun (short sub) with a couple of slices of something thrown in it.. It was pretty crummy..I realize that airlines are cutting costs, but we didn't pay any more when we flew with Sunquest last year and they gave us a complete meal..And you would be surprised how many people we talked to during our holiday that flew Air Transat and had the same complaints..Word will get around..
And the plane was very crammed..On the flight out there were 3 washrooms..One on the opposite side of the plane to us(you had to walk around 1st class to get to it) and two more at the very back..Which you couldn't get at if there was any kind of trollies in the aisle..On the flight back there were only two..Both at the very back..We ended up "waiting" until we got back to Pearson..We probably won't pick Air Transat again if we have a choice..(not to say we won't fly Air Transat)

THE FOOD:


Breakfast at Catedral--Steve's Plate

I`d have to say this was our favorite meal of the day..We ate so much all day that this was probably the only time we were actually hungry..Most mornings we would all hook up and go to breakfast together but some days we`d do our own thing..Breakfast was always at the Catedral Restaurant and there was more than enough variety to keep things interesting..No complaints at all about the breakfast buffet..Eat, eat, eat...We were never crowded or waiting in lines and the resort was very full..

The Joann Salad--Rita's Nachos--The Kevin Salad--Lunch at Arrecife Restaurant

The Arrecife Restaurant is located right by the beach..It was a great place to visit for lunch..Again..The buffet was awesome..I would suggest you don`t bother with the beef dishes as they seem very tough..But leaving the beef aside is really no problem as again you will find plenty of variety..A favorite of ours were the burritos..Yummy..Just enough spice to make you enjoy your beer, but not overly hot..Which we prefer..But make sure you visit the chefs..They are always cooking up something and it is some tasty stuff..

Joann, Kevin & Rita--A La Carte at Retaurant La Uva

A la carte is very nice..The meals were all excellent..We did three of the restaurants and our biggest complaint was that we really weren`t that hungry..Eat eat eat..Drink drink drink...But it is really nice to get dressed up and have an evening out..We liked it more for that..THe food was great, but all the food is great and you get more selection at the buffets..I think next time we will just have one night out instead of three...It will be more memorable..But we do recommend you try at least one..All the ones we went to were great..Pick your favorite flavour(they are all different nationalities)..We`re sure you won`t be dissappointed..

Sculptor at work...and his results..Dinner at Catedral

This guy was around most evenings carving away at something..We were pretty impressed with the results and it was kinda neat to actually see him doing it..

Rita, Joann, Kevin & Steve..Dinner at Catedral

At the Catedal again for dinner..When it wasn't A la carte this is pretty much where we ate..Every night was a different country theme..First night was the United States..haha...Good hamburgers though..haha..
The rest of the nights pretty much covered the cuisines of the A La Carte restaurants..So you could have the choice of a la carte dining or just get a mixture of stuff at the buffet..(our preference was the buffet)..But on the other hand..The A La Carte was cooked and served right away(not overcooking under hot lamps)


THE DRINK:


Drinks in the Lobby Bar..

The Lobby at The Bavaro is amazing..Huge area covered by a massive thatched roof..Great open space with Comfy Couches and Chairs..You can`t help but gaze around in awe..This is where we ended up before and after dinners or when we were roaming around and got a little thirsty..

All the fruity drinks are in what we might refer to as a Slurpee or Slushy machine..They simply pour from the flavour of your choice and add the alcohol..Just be sure that they add the alcohol..On the beach, a non-alcoholic drink is nice(what am I saying??)..Especially when it`s the first one in the AM..But sometimes you will find that they don`t add the alcohol unless you specify it..Just watch to see if they add it and if they don`t, just mention it..No problem..



THE BEACH:


Listed as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world

It really was an awesome beach..White powdery sand and beautiful blue/green waters..When that sun was out, which was EVERY DAY, it just looked so green..And these picture are what it looked like..Those colours are real..
The beach was constantly groomed by the Palladium staff..And the POP guys (see pics below) were around every morning to get the day going..They'd move to the pool area in the afternoon..

Rita, Kevin and Rita again..

As with most resorts you have to be sure to reserve your lawn chairs first thing in the AM by putting your towels on them for the day...We were getting up as early as 6:30 am to do this..And not being early enough..We really think that by the end of the week people were going back to the beach late at night rather than early in the morning..Keep that in mind.....

Kevin & Joann--Steve & Rita

Found this spot walking along the beach...The Gran Palladium Resort stretches along the beach quite far and is secure at both ends by guards....You can go for a pretty good stroll before you leave the Palladium beach area..Probably good for a morning jog..(Not that we ever tested that..But we did walk the length a few times)


Rita posing..She's such a great sport..

OK..Everyone complained last time when I didn't post any topless pics..So here are a couple..
Disclaimer!!..these pictures were used without any kind of consent whatsoever..so if you happen to be one of these beautiful women...Thanks a lot..Feel free to use any topless shots you find of us on your website as well..
Note:..public beach+public nudity=public property..Enjoy!!!



THE POOL:


Rita, Joann, Kevin--Steve, Joann, Kevin

Our pool was called the Piscina Pool...Thought that was a funny name for a pool
This was our favorite spot by the pool..The pool is right in front of us..The whirlpool tubs are right behind us..And the POP guys are getting things going with their daily acticities right in front of us as well..But we are just far enough away not to be sitting right on top of them..
Again..If you want a spot under a shelter or even if you just want chairs you have to reserve them at the beginning of the day..Decide between beach or pool and get there early..

Everyday at the pool was a great day..That's Steve Floating in the last pic..

This is the view right in front of us..The swim up bar is very nice..We didn`t use it in Mexico because it was always under shade and Mexico was kinda cool in the shade...Not so, in The Dominican..You could feel it was cooler in the shade, but it was still warm enough to make sitting in water comfortable..


THE SHOPPING:


Shopping for Larimar..

Our Transat Rep, Jane, sent us to this shop in El Cortecito..Apparently, the guy who discovered these blue colored gems named them after his daughter (Lari) and the ocean(mar)...The lady was very nice and her prices were good..All different sized pieces to fit your budget..Ask Jane at the Transat desk in the hotel lobby for directions..I`m sure even if you don`t fly Transat, she`ll point you in the right direction..
As for the shopping..We found a few places..If you go past the Beach boundery to the south you will come to some open markets..Just be ware that you will be hounded by the hawkers..
If that's not your thing, turn right immediately after you pass the boundery flags..You still go through a few stalls and get "bothered" some, but its really not that bad.."No thank-you" and keep walking usually does the trick..
Turn left at the first corner and you come into El Cortecito..Here you will find a general store..The Jewellery store mentioned above and a cigar store (among other places)..We walked in there, but the smoke was just a little too thick..But apparently, if you are interested, the cigar store in El Cortecito is the place to go..
Another place is by the Theatre in front of the lobby..There is a great little store there that has just about anything you'll need/want..And a T-Shirt shop??...
And you can also go to the couple of stores up the street from the Casino..Most of these stores have the same sorta stuff but we did find stuff in on e that wasn't available in the next..In fact, two of the things we bought were only in one store each..



BAVARO RUNNERS:


We decided right from the start that we only wanted to do one trip..We actually were interested in just doing a half day trip but we found this one to be quite interesting..It was a full day and by all accounts, it was well worth the price of admission..We really enjoyed ourselves and that was due in large to our guides and the group we went with..Everyone was great...Check it out for yourself..Bavaro Runners


The tour took us North of the resort into the Mountain areas..Here`s a pretty good shot of the mountains we went to..


Here`s our tour guide..He did a great job and really made the tour for us..His English was very good and he was very good at answering any questions any one had..Reallty can`t say enough about him..


Our first stop was in a sugar cane field..We got to try some sugar cane and see the guys working hard to harvest it..Cow drawn carts and machetes were used to harvest miles of fields..Wow!!


Here a look at our group onboard our truck...Our ride was basically seats in the back of a truck..We didn`t see much of our driver, but he did a great job too...As mentioned..We had a great group of people with us and that really made the whole experience so much better...Joann & Kevin enjoying some bouncing around during the journey..Another Bavaro Runner Group behind us, that road is as bumpy as it looks..Good thing our driver knew the roads very well and knew when to slow down for the big dips..It was actually a pretty comfortable ride....We stopped at the top of a hill for this photo op of the countryside with the mountains in the background..

pineapple plant, banana plant, farmer's wares...

Here we are at a working Dominican farm..The pineapple plant produces only one pineapple per plant and we also thought the bananas grew the other way up..That's Rita fondling the banana plant..And our guide showing us some of the items produced on this farm...Cocoa, vanilla, mamajuana(local aphridisiac) are just a few..It really was interesting to walk through someone's life and see how other people in the world live..A special thanks to this family for allowing to visit their home..

rooster rumble..

At the same farm, we were treated to something we have never seen before in Canada..It really was interesting to have the "trainers" explain how they run this sport..What constitutes a loss, how they train the roosters, and just how much a good rooster can go for...Up to $4000 US..Yikes...We were treated to a little scrap and we are sure the real thing can get a bit more violent but it was still interesting to see a bit of it..

Our Bavaro Beach Ranch stop..

Rita and Kevin both went for the horse rides..Joann and Steve ate...haha..
This stop was a working tobacco farm(on a small scale), a horse ranch, a buffet, market and a beautiful beach all on a large ranch...We rode..We ate, we spent money and we swam in the ocean..Wow!!


Our next stop was at a local school..Schooling is mandatory in the Dominican, but it seems that only the kids in middle class and higher actually go to school..They still have to buy their own supllies and uniforms and the lower class just don't have the money..At our other stops and this one we always saw the poorer kids begging..It really was sad..It was nice to see the Bavaro Runners do try to help out the kids though..They sell hats and shirts with some of the proceeds going to the kids..If you are planning on an excursion, it might be an idea to visit a `dollar store`before you leave home..The kids really light up when you give them anything and they appreciate it..We did find them to be a little more `grabby`than in Mexico, but we think they have to be a little more pushy so they don`t get pushed aside by the next guy..

following Rita down into the cave..

Our next stop was this cave that apparently goes on for miles..In ancient times it was used as a worshipping place as well as shelter from the storms..Which we are sure they still use it for today..Another great stop..


Quick pic of our truck before we are off to the next stop..


Some snaps of the mountains as we head back south to Punta Cana..Those are rice fields in the foreground..We didn`t realize rice was a Dominican crop..You always learn something on these trips..


Our last stop was some Dominican people doing some traditional dances.. Accompanied by the guys and their drums & percussion instruments..Was a great end to a great day..We highly recommend this adventure...We enjoyed everything about it..The drive around the east coast to the visiting with the dominican people..Everything was a pleasure to see and do...The one thing we noticed in The Dominican is that there weren`t a lot of options for excursions, but this one was well worth it...We were all glad to have done it..


THE HOTEL:



The first person we met when we got to The Dominican Republic was our Air Transat Rep, Jane...She met us at the airport..Got us on our bus and went with us to the hotel..She arranged our orientation meeting for the next day..This truly is something you want to attend...She will answer every question you can think of and we highly recommend that this is the best way to start your stay at any hotel in any country..
By the way..We want Jane`s job..She is Canadian..She lives in Canada except for the winter months when she flies down to the Dominican and does her tour rep thing..How cool is that??


Do not lose this map!!...In your room package you receive when you first get to the resort you will receive this map...You need it..The resort is kind of big but we were surprized how easy it was to get around..Any walking we did was only five minute trips at the most..Unless we "went for a walk"..But generally, you didn't have to walk far to get places..We were in building #19..Very close to the main pool..Very close to the beach and just a little further to the Catedral Restaurant..
Speaking of room #s...Thanks to our research on the net before we left, we had an idea how the room numbers worked..We were in room #1193...That's all the info you get..You have to figure out that 1=the 1st floor,19=the building#, and 3 is the room..1193 is the actual # on your door though..Good luck!!..haha..


These guys have pretty cool uniforms..They are the porters and will take your bags wherever you need them to go..They do good work..



THE ROOM:



This property features 636 rooms in 62 two storey bungalows and 5 two-storey villas. We were supposed to get the Deluxe room, which has air-conditioning, 1 king-size or 2 double beds, bathroom, hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone, coffee and tea tray, minibar, in-room safe, iron and ironing board & balcony..Fortunatley we were upgraded when we checked in..Never asked for it or even saw our rooms yet..But both couples were in neighbouring Junior suites..Which are the same as the Deluxe rooms but the bathrrom has the whirlpool tub and there is a larger sitting area..
Our room was beautiful and we were in awe right from the point of walking through the door..No complaints whatsoever..

THE GROUNDS:


We can not say enough about the grounds at the Palladium Resorts..The greenest grass without blemish, the plants were all very colorful..Everything was just so well maintained and clean..
Couple of parrots..Not wild..Think a guy was nearby offering to take pics..We saw a lot of that..

Rita posing in front of a tropical tree of some sort

View from near our room to the beach(which is just past that building..And that building is the Arrecife Restuarant) See that sky?..Thats what we had everyday..Except the Saturday we left..The pool is to my left and a bit behind me...

We didn't go to any of the other resort pools..We did do an a la carte at the La Uva Restaurant in Palladium Punta Cana..But we really think that The Bavaro had the best pools and best restaurants and the most to offer..We visited the other areas, but we found the Bavaro had everything we needed..


Dominican Geese??..These are in abundance just outside the front lobby..There is a pond with Coy and even a turtle there..


Kevin & Joann--Steve & Rita posing before another cool looking tropical plant


Be sure to take a train ride around the resorts to get a lay of the land..You will find that you don`t use this for transport at all...The train goes around the edge of the resorts and it really is quicker and an easier way if you walk where you need to go..One nice thing to do though, is to go from the Casino to the Theatre..That's a bit of a walk and although it is a longer route via the train, we think its still quicker and way easier on the feet....(it's actually about the same distance as walking when you go from The Theatre to the Casino)

Just minutes away from our room is this remote control car track..If you didn`t notice(by the title URL), Steve & Rita and `the kids`are very much into RC Racing..It really is just a coincidence that this property had an RC track on site...HONEST!!


PERSONNEL OF PALLADIUM (POP):


This is the Resort Entertainment Crew..These guys are all amazing..They do an awesome job of getting everyone involved..We are not really the join in kind of people(Hey..We can`t help it, we`re Canadian)..But even we got a little involved..And if nothing else we enjoyed having these guys around..By the second day they knew who we were and were always so very nice to us..
And they were there all day..We saw these guys on the beach at 7am and they were at the shows at 11pm..

They usually started their programs with dancing and exercises on the beach..We joind in for awhile doing that..But it is very tiring running around on the beach..Joann and Kevin lasted a bit longer than Steve & Rita did in that..

Poolside..Sitting around drinking and what`s this..A beer drinking contest..It took a bit, but Steve and some fellow Canadians from Mississauga finally give it up and join in...Ended up going against a group of young German college kids..Like we stood a chance...But we did great..Steve barely missed getting through the first round..But at least he wasn`t whooped by the kid..And our fellow Canadians kicked butt right up `til the end(the German kid spilt as he drank..what a waste..hehe)..But it was a hoot..And cudos to our fellow Canadians for showing what great sports we are..Congrats to the young German kid for a great win..
But the POP day didn't stop there..We would go to the nightly entertainmenmt in the theatre around 10pm..We usually got there earlier though and the POP guys were doing activities like Bingo waiting for the show to start..
As for the shows..Very good..Every night was something different..A few nights of different dance groups..One night was Karaoke(some really good singers signed up for this)..And one night was the Michael Jackson Band(didn't we see that in Mexico??)
Of course, our favorite night was when Joann and Kevin got called up to the stage to participate..There were a few couples involved..A professional couple would do a dance and then the couples had to copy it..Very funny..Too bad(much to Kevin's relief), we didn't bring the camera or more importantly, the camcoder..They truly did a great job and they were really good sports about it..It was funny when for the next few days(the rest of our stay actualy)people would come up to us and say, "hey..Its those dancers"...hehe..Priceless..


THE TATTOO:


OK..Its only henna..But both Kevin and Steve(his tattoo pictured here) got these...Was kinda cool..We do like to try different stuff while on vacation..And this probably isn`t something the guys would have done at home....A guy did it poolside..Didn`t last very long..Guess the salt water did a number on them..They were gone in a week..But it was kinda neat having `tats`while they lasted..



FINAL THOUGHT?:


Final hours in Punta Cana..(boo!!)

a few last drinks in the lobby bar

bus to the airport

Lounging around the airport waiting for our flight..Had a funny experience..Rita and Steve went for a walk, heard the pre-boarding announcement and then 5 minutes later we were running back to a pannicking Joann and Kevin `cause the next announcement was final boarding call!!..Freaked everyone out, but as it turned out we waited in line for the plane anyways..Have to say though, it wasn`t long after we got on the plane that we were homeward bound..All of a sudden everything moved extra quick in The Dominican..

All in all we had an awesome holiday..Rita and I sat around on Wednesday`́sh and thought to ourselves..HHMM..If we could rebook right now, which would we pick..Mexico or The Dominican Republic..??
Honestly..We couldn`t decide..Either one would have been fine with us..And still would be today..And we really think that says a lot for both resorts..We thought our Mayan Holiday at Gran Porto Real spoilt us for any further properties, but The Palladium Bavaro was definitely up to that challenge..We would highly recommend this property to everyone..Just remember not to expect too much..(our biggest worry about these reviews is people`s expectations will be too high and they will be dissapointed)..Go with an open mind..Don`t sweat the small things (if they happen), and most importantly,
Relax..Eat..Drink and have a great time..You are on vacation and you deserve it...
Thank you very much for stopping by..
Have a great holiday,
Please visit our Gran Porto Real, Mayan Riviera, Mexico Resort Review
Feel free to send us an e-mail with questions or comments:
Steve & Rita
Burlington, Ontario
Canada