Iberostar Waves Dominicana

The Iberostar Dominicana (4 star) is one of three large all-inclusive hotels sharing the same grounds and beach front, the other ones are the Punta Cana (4 star) and the Bavaro Beach hotel (5 star). The Domincana and the others are spotlessly clean and located in very well maintained grounds and beautiful gardens. The place is very international with guests from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, The Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, USA, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, ..., i. e. from all over the place. Its mostly couples, families and small groups and quite a few wedding parties, not that many singles but its fairly easy to make contact. They have special programmes for kids, which look good fun. There were one or two guests in wheel-chairs (with familes/partners) and as far as I can tell there was always help at hand from staff if required. Surprisingly few moskitos in November, got bitten only twice in 2 weeks. Just take basic precautions: close windows and draw curtains when you have lights switched on in your room etc. Internet 5 USD for 30 minutes.

Rooms are spacious and very very clean. I had a Junior Suite. Only a few very short power cuts. Rooms are quiet by and large, unless you are close to the Dominica theatre which has shows on every night 21: 00 - 23: 30.

Plenty to chose from for food, always clean, well presented and tasty. Great fruit! Not the greatest place for vegetarians, but you'll always find something.

The staff in the Iberostars are quite something: they work incredibly hard, very long hours and are genuinely friendly! They really make an effort and make the place what it is! They do appreciate a "thank you/gracias" and an occasional tip (well deserved for putting up with us :) Everybody has Spanish and almost everybody has a few words of English, German, French to get by.

The hotel is right next to a great beach. Its the Atlantic Ocean, so the water is not quite as calm as e. g.on the Caribbean Side of the Dominican Republic, but it was always safe to swim (in November) and there are almost no jet skies, which is great. The beach is well maintained and one of the best in the area (and they are all excellent). I liked the parasols- the are big, made from palm leaves and provide excellent protection against the sun and even if there's an occasional shower. There is dving, snorkeling, sailing, wind-surfing, para sailing and a host of other water sport activities. Its also a great place for long walks on the beach. You can walk for kilometers either direction. Punta Cana is in the middle of nowhere, there are no larger Dominican towns nearby, only tourists and resorts. Because of that the area is also known as the "golden cage" :). Its a great place to chill, but if you'd like to see more genuine Dominican life, you'd probably be better of elsewhere such as in Puerto Plata, Sosua etc. on the North Coast or closer to Santo Domingo in the South. If you like to explore the surroundings you can either avail of the usual tours (there are loads) or talk to the animatuer/entertainment staff who might take you to a local disco/nightclub. Please do remember that this is extra work for them and pay for their expenses and tip generously.

Beliebte Aktivitäten

• Strand

Loads of entertainment & and kids are well looked after. Every evening the kids start the main show programme with a kids' show done by the kids. There is lots of animation/entertainment: funy games, dance (salsa, merengue, bacchatta), beach volley ball, soccer, water polo, archery, bingo, horse shoe throwing , Spanish Classes ..., and shows/disco at night. If you like shows (dance, music or games such as "perfect couple" etc.), the dance/music shows 21: 30-23: 00 (or there abouts) are good. After the dance shows, most of the dancers go to the disco and you can do your salsa and merengue with some very good dancers! Very good band (from Cuba I think) as well! Entertainment is not everybody's cup of tea, and you can avoid it entirely if you don't like it.