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I've been to the dreams resort in Punta Cana DR. It was beautiful, but you're right, there's not much to do off the resort (which is by the way an hour shuttle drive from the airport). We did an ATV ride, but that was about it, you're basically limited to the resort. However, on the upside it was a very beautiful, large, and luxurious resort. I also went to Costa Rica some time in High School for an exchange trip. Although we didn't stay at any resorts, I did find there is a TON to do, between the volcanoes (Arenal is amazing with the hot springs), white water rafting, coffee tours, and this amazing secluded island (you get to take a yacht there) called Tortuga Island. There is so much to do, you'll never be bored! Hope that helped.
I wanted to go to Costa Rica and do fun eco-tourism stuff, but FI only wants to sit on a beach. So we'll probably go with the DR. Plus, we're on the West Coast so it's easier for us to get to Central America so maybe we'll do that at some point in the future.
I stayed at the Melia Caribe Tropical which is also owned by Palma Real and right next to the Paradisus. I can tell you that no pictures that you'll see while shopping will do justice to the place. It's amazing! We did a lot of reading, swimming, boat rides, my husband took diving lessons, we played tennis, and man did we eat! I never had so much good food in my life - honestly I was stuffed, but couldn't stop because it was so good. There was a gym, spas, shopping...
I'm not trying to sell the place or anything. You would probably have "more" to do in Costa Rica, but DH and I are very active, outdoors people and we very much enjoyed the DR. Relaxing after all the wedding planning is worth it!
Good luck!
Tough one. I think it depends how much time you have and what you feel like doing. Costa rica has so many different climates, you don't have to travel far to be in some place that feels completely different. It could be a great honeymoon with hotsprings and beaches and ziplines and monkeys and turtles, but I think you have to have some energy during the day to take advantage of it and a bit of time to explore. I've never been to DR, my husband did and had a nice time. It seemed like more of the relaxing beach vacation with beautiful waters. So it might just depend on how relaxing you want your honeymoon to be and how much time you have to plan.
Thanks for all your posts! After much talk (and two coworkers who have been to Costa Rica) we have decided to do Costa Rica. We're going to stay at an all-inclusive for the first four days (I'm sure I'll need the rest!) and then go to Arenal for a few then a small beach town for most of it.
Yay! Thanks again.
I have been to Costa Rica and LOVE IT. As an environmental scientist, I really admire how eco friendly they are (compared to other developing countries). I hiked Arenal and it was AMAZING. Some of the most beautiful scenery you will see! I do reccomend visiting it at least once at night, so you can get the full effect of the glowing lava it actively spews. If you are an active couple, I suggest you devote a day to hiking. It will tire you out, but you will get to see things you might otherwise never get the chance to :)
I would also recommend a tour of the mangroves (although the ones I was at were a few hours from Arenal). If you DO head out that way, Playa Grande is where Leatherback turtles (the largest and one of the most endangered sea turtles) nest. Earthwatch and some universities are always down there researching, it could be an interesting thing to check out.
When are you planning on going to Costa Rica? August is rainy season, thats why we decided not to go there :/
The summer is their (Costa Rica) rainy season, but it's not a big deal. I was there in 2005 for the months of July/August. It would usually rain in the afternoons for about 20 minutes or so and again in the evenings. We still had plenty of sunshine, and it was very warm.
When I visit again I will plan to go in the summer. You can find better deals on airfare and hotel because it is their "rainy season".
@jen33-if you have any specific questions about the areas you are traveling to, feel free to ask! During my time spent there we traveled all over the country. Spent time on both coasts, checked out arenal, monteverde (a must), and a variety of towns in between. I love Costa Rica.
we will be going to Costa Rica In June, We can't wait. we get to relax and have a little adenture too.
you won't regret choosing Costa Rica. we went in December and had an amazing time--we went to 4 cities over 9 days and did it all--hangtime on the beach, hiking in the rainforest, volcano tour, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, zip lining, horse back riding, hot springs at Arenal, stayed in an eco-resort in the rainforest of Sarapiqui, learned how to make corn tortillas, chocolate, and we picked coffee. we were so tired when we got home--in a good way. yeah, CR rocks!
Ooo tough choice. I love both! The DR has the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. CR has some amazing beaches too, but my favorite parts were the rainforests. I think I'd pick CR, especially if you're going for more adventurous and less relaxing. If you do go to CR, I highly recomment Costa Verde...they're in the middle of the rainforest and all of these monkeys come out for happy hour. You get a banana with your cocktail!
Hi Jenn33- Costa Rica is a great choice. If you are going to visit Volcon Arenal you have a bunch of lodging options in the nearby town, La Fortuna. I love La Fortuna. The people are really friendly, and if you like to choose from a wide variety of tours, there are loads of tour companies. While backpacking in 2005 I stayed at Gringo Petes. It is a hostel type place, but they have private rooms. It was only $10/night to rent a private room. If you want to go to a resort type place, you can go to Tabacon (http://www.tabacon.com/). Rooms at Tabacon are about $200 a night, but they are incredibly nice. I felt like a queen while there. They have their own hot springs, which are very nice and upscale. You can see the lava from the volcano at night while dipping in the hot springs! Monteverde is only a few hours away. Some tour companies can arrange for you to take a bus and then speed boat across lake Arenal to get to Monteverde. It is such a beautiful place when it is not raining and cloudy! If you are going to the west coast there are alot of small and popular beach towns. I love Playa Hermosa. It is small, but very quant. La Finnistera is a wonderful, inexpensive hotel that has a great, friendly staff. Playa Conchal is an awesome beach! There are so many options... I am so happy for you. I love Costa Rica... it is my second home!
We are going to Costa Rica for our June/July honeymoon.
If you aren't on too tight of a budget check out: www.recreocostarica.com It is the resort we were originally planning to stay at, each couple gets their own private villa, own chef, pool, golf cart, access to multiple beaches, in-villa massages, etc. Plus, they do day trips to Nicaragua, ziplining, etc. Good friends of ours went in October and they LOVED it.
We ultimately went with CR because we wanted sun, beauty, AND adventure. We want to lay in the sun, hike, eat, and zipline!
Good Luck!
If anyone has a sample itinerary for CR- would you mind sending it my way? We are trying to get all of our ideas sorted before we finalize our trip!
We're probably going to an all-inclusive in Costa Rica....we're getting a good deal though...it also happens to be xmas week;). We decided against Dominican Republic because of the cholera outbreak in Haiti...even though they are two separate countries, the birds don't know the difference between the two sides of the islands. I'm also excited because it will be warmer there I think...in the 80s in december.
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We've been debating it for weeks. The fun, natural, adventurous destination of Costa Rica or the high-luxury all inclusive resorts of Dominican Republic? We've been looking at cute tree-houses and beach bungalos in Costa Rica and the Paradisus Palma Real in Dominican. Has anyone been to either destination or have suggestions on Costa Rica places? Our total budget for about a week and a half is around $3,300. I've never been to an all inclusive so our Dominican option sounds amazing to me...but I'm afraid we'll get bored staying on the resort all week.
Helpppp! :)