Is DR worse than other resort destinations or is it just false hype spread on the interwebs/social media?

20th Anniversary coming up and was initially looking at Antigua but those resorts are more secluded and peaceful. We like a more outgoing vibe. Royalton CHIC in Antigua was closest in our budget, but wife wasn't too thrilled. Sandals in Antigua would work but not too crazy on the $831/night. I had mentioned DR and wife was little hesitant because of what she's read/seen about food poisoning. Since she was fond of Royalton CHIC in Antigua, she then started looking at DR.

We liked Hyatt Zilara, and Secrets (Adult Only) in Punta Cana. Should we be worried about DR?

We like an upbeat crowd, have conversations in the big pool with other guests, swim up bar and multiple restaurants onsite.

I hate booking trips.

IMO, it's internet hype. Getting sick on vacation is more of a general travel thing than a DR thing. Like most places in MX & the Caribbean the health and safety standards at the major resorts are quite high.

If you venture into the cities, you may be testing your luck but if you plan to stay on property, I wouldn't be worried about the DR. I've sent many couples to resorts in Punta Cana and Cap Cana without issue.

Happy to answer questions or help if you're looking for it!

Kreg17 said:

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IMO, it's internet hype. Getting sick on vacation is more of a general travel thing than a DR thing. Like most places in MX & the Caribbean the health and safety standards at the major resorts are quite high.

If you venture into the cities, you may be testing your luck but if you plan to stay on property, I wouldn't be worried about the DR. I've sent many couples to resorts in Punta Cana and Cap Cana without issue.

Happy to answer questions or help if you're looking for it!

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I agree. I have been sick all over the world, the worst was last year in Vietnam. $80, 5 scripts, 3 IVs, trip to ER and I was good to go but that was a horrible 36 hours.

Everyone I know who has gone to DR has gotten sick with bad diarrhea or vomiting.or both. Two of my friends got some kind of intestinal parasite and were sick for months before their issue was discovered.

Personally, the sickest I've probably ever been was on a couple of my trips to India.

I've never had any issues in the DR.

I can tell you I would not stay at Royalton Antigua. Too many bad reviews. I don't even quote it for clients. Only sold it once years ago.

Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara are amazing. Secrets Royal Beach is older but still one of my top sellers. Secrets Tides is good too.

Stayed at Hyatt Zilara in Punta Cana, no problems, great resort, would go back.

We've been to Cap Cana 3 times in the last 3 years (Secrets, Mirage and Sanctuary) with zero issues.

I highly reccommend Puna Cana / Cap Cana to my family and friends.