#1 Sargassum
If you have booked your trip to the DR, I REALLY hope you have heard of this by now. Sargassum is basically a huge mass of brown algae/seaweed that grows in the Atlantic. April to October is the peak season for this seaweed bloom, but it still exists year round. Not only does it wash up on the beach, but it is so thick in the shallow water. My husband and I were hoping to wade in the water with our drinks, but we had to go back to the pool since you had to swim out at least 20 feet to get past the seaweed.
Pro Tip: Pick a resort with an amazing pool scene- you will spend a lot of time here!
#2 Prearrange Airport Transfer from Punta Cana Airport
Nothing scares your fiancé more than landing down in a foreign country and fighting through all the “taxi drivers” yelling at you with no plan of what to do next. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed.. but if you book via Costco Travel or another travel agency, it can be a huge relief when they give you instructions on who is going to pick you up from the airport before you arrive.
#3 All-Inclusive Resorts Won’t Have Authentic Caribbean Food
One of the most luring aspects of staying at an All-Inclusive resort is that they offer unlimited food and drinks. Prepare to INDULGE!! They usually try to offer 5-10 different restaurants that serve food from Pizza, to Asian Fusion, to Steakhouses. If you average them all out, the food score is probably 6.5/10. Since the food can be more on “tourist trap” side of the fence, you’ll have to leave the resort to experience some authentic Caribbean Food. Venture out and find a plate of La Bandera- the national dish.
#4 Public Beaches
One thing about the DR is that the beaches are all public, and everyone and anyone can come and go as they please. This means you will be surrounded by a lot of vendors who might try to sell you bracelets, or cigars… or maybe a photo with a parrot… or a water ride on an inflatable hot dog. The vendors don’t harass you too much as long as you don’t entertain them. And of course the locals obviously are not allowed to roam on the hotel property. Just don’t leave any valuables on your beach chair if you get a drink or go for a swim.
#5 Private Check In’s Don’t Matter at Adults Only
Something I came across a lot when booking was being advertised an upgrade to a “private check-in”. When we did have a private check-in, it was at an Adults Only resort, and it did not make a difference to the actual check in experience. Upon arrival we received a warm welcome and full glasses of champagne. Even though the regular front desk was empty, we were escorted to a large room off to the side. It did have a private bar which we would have exclusive access to throughout our stay… but we still had to wait for another couple to finish checking in before us.
#6 Private Check In’s DO Matter at Family Friendly
On the other hand, at the Family Friendly resort, it was much louder and long line. It was certainly not a romantic buildup type of scene. That would be the place you would want a private check in to escape the hustle and bustle. You’ll also deal with nicer desk agents because it’s a more relaxed environment.
#7 Family Friendly Resorts Are Giving Vegas Vibes
We thought that the biggest difference with staying at a Family Friendly resort would be kids splashing around and playing in the pools. Oh how we were SO mistaken. One of the perks for people of “non-adults only” is that they are cheaper, and LOUDER. *Insert photo of grandma twerking on top of swim up bars” to Cardi B. But hey, no judgement. Family Friendly in the DR will not disappoint if you are looking for a wild time. It might be just what you’re looking for to loosen up on a getaway with your new spouse.
#8 The Dominican Shares the Island with Haiti
You may want to know this just to avoid not looking like an idiot if it comes up in a convo… The whole island is called Hispaniola. You also may have heard of a recent earthquake in Haiti that was pretty destructive, so it’s good to know the geography of where you will be traveling.
Conclusion
There’s a ton of amazing places to stay in the Dominican Republic. Hopefully these tips will help you narrow down where you want to stay to make sure you have the best honeymoon ever!
XOXO, Amica
