written by John and Jenny on 27/05/2005
Good Points
Absolutely first class hote with virtually everything free.
Superb location.
Five Restaurants.
Helpful staff.
Bad Points
Only downside is that unless you book trips, you are stuck in the hotel as there is not much around.
General Comments
My partner and I went to the Iberostar Hacienda Domincus in May 2005. This was our first trip to the Dominican Republic.
The hotel is all-inclusive and literally everything, except powered boat rides, is free. The hotel is only 3 years old and is beautifully laid out in 6 sleeping blocks surrounding huge pools and is wonderfully landscaped around water gardens. Flamingos, peacocks, ducks, swans, moorhens all abound and the staff can't do enough to please you.
Food is on offer from 6.30 till goodness knows when - 24 hours in fact and despite what it may say, all drinks including International blends are free.
Sailing and canoeing are also free, as is the excellent gym and spa facilities.
Large rooms, kept spotless, minibar (free) topped up every 2nd day, 5 restaurants. I could go on and on.
The beach is absolutely superb, but a word of warning if you want to visit the south of the Island. Bayahibe has great beaches, but don't go further west on the south side as they really are not up to the standard here. We saw this on the trips we did.
Trips - we went to the capital Santa Domingo on one trip. Not all that fascinating, but a break from the hotel. We also went on a 4x4 safari into the island. The poverty is an eye-opener, so expect it. Take some gifts for the kids - NOT PENS (everybody does this).