Punta Cana or Riviera Maya

Rivera Maya is way better than Punta Cana. However, if u do choose Punta Cana don't stay at Riu Palace. Kids are all over...only one pool and it has a bar in it and kids are all over the place! Wasn't impressed at all. But the Riu Palace in Cancun is very nice.

If you want a nice Adult Only resort with things to do at night, Secrets Silversand, is a nice option, Secrets Maroma, Excellence, and Eldorado Maroma, feel free to visit my storefront and email me *********@*****.***

Ashley the Rui was an adults only they have two Rui's in Punta Cana We do like the Rui Palce in cancun but it's not adults only so not sure about that one just yet. But we still have it on the list because we do like it.

We will be going to Riviera May as it was highly recommended! Were just now looking into it but I think Ocean Maya Royale looks nice.

Hi everyone- I own a travel agency and can honestly say that you all have some excellent points. I have traveled all the islands extensively and really feel its a decision based on your budget and the experience you want. Mexico has so many great options- I would recommend Secrets, Paradisus, Palace (adults only properties) El Dorado or Excellence Resorts for your honeymoon. The RIU will definitely give you the fun party experience but that can also lack the romance you want to experience on the trip. The Luxury Bahia you are referring to is on a golf course and you take a shuttle to reach the ocean, as you may already know. I do think Mexico has excellent food in regards to all inclusive hotels but only if you have the right hotel chain (like the ones I mentioned above). I have stayed at some places in Mexico that were not good.

Now I live in Ohio and about 3 months a year in Punta Cana. My husband is Dominican and so I can tell you anything about any resort there…been and stayed at every one and more than once at many. I will say I prefer the beach in Punta Cana over Mexico any day. I love the music and the food if at the right property is very good. Now those tend to be the properties that might be a little expensive. I have stayed at the Majestic Elegance 3 times and its a excellent choice. I encourage you to stay in the Club (adults only) section. My top picks in Punta Cana are Paradisus properties. Only stay at The Reserve or Royal Service at Paradisus Punta Cana. Not the regular hotel side. They are going thru many changes. I love the Iberostar Grand and Paradisus Palma Real. And I was married at Secrets Royal Beach, which is also an excellent choice. I am very very picky about Punta Cana and won't book many of the resorts because their standards of food and cleanliness .

If you have anymore questions about properties you have found feel free to contact me at my Island Travel Company storefront or my website www.islandtravelcompany.com!

All my best for your special day and honeymoon!

~Angel

Oh yeah and I was also looking at one in Cancun that I like a lot the Live aqua hotel is that a good one? The pics and vids on youtube look really nice.

We totally want something with a good combination of romantic but fun. Yes, I noticed today about the Luxury about the shuttle and didn't like the beach was so far away. I want something with a great beach and fun for us both (like we like dancing and such). It does look like the ones we like so far are good choices. I told D that It's so hard because they all have good reviews.

Live Aqua is getting great reviews. I will be there next month to check it out. I would keep that on your radar for sure. If you like to dance then Punta Cana may be a good place for you. My husband and I love to dance to..they have great music. I prefer it to Mexican music..in the Dominican you have Reggaton, Bachata and Merengue!! And YES you are on the right track with your properties..except RIU

Been to pints Cana, cancun, Jamaica, and riviera maya. I definitely loved riviera maya the most - hands down. Felt safe leaving the resort, lots of touristy stuff to do, beautiful beaches, best food choices. I highly suggest riviera maya if its comparable price-wise to places you are looking at!!

What problems is there with RIU? I do know some of them are older ones. I like the RIU Palace Mexico and the one AI one in Punta Cana but Punta Cana just isn't looking likely. We want something a little closer which left us with Mexico or Jamaica. I didn't find much though aside from Jewel Dunn's in our budget (which has decent reviews).

I also wanted to weigh in and say that Punta Cana is safe. In fact for years I have left the resort an walked (even at night) in the areas outside of the hotel gates. We often rent a beach home and I walk everywhere with my kids. I don't know why people say its not safe. However unless you enjoy hanging out in the local bars and eating at the local restaurants there isn't a real draw to leave the resort. You eat and drink for Free at the resort. There are some shopping areas near the exits of some properties but you can always find little shops that carry the same items along the beach shops. I think the poverty of the islands and the way of life appears to us N Americans as dangerous. When in fact its just different and it culture. If you like to be in local bars or try foods at some local places on the island..let me know. I have some great spots. And there are great dance places where locals and tourists go.

Safety isn't really our issue with Punta Cana the flight is kind of long (7-9 hrs) the problem is I had pulmonary embolisms and a clotting disorder and just don't want to risk sitting for so long. It's not really good for me to do so. Plus it takes up part of our vacation since we will only be staying for 6 nights. A few of the hotels take like 2 hrs from the airport with all the travel time we basically lost a day I also have four kids so we figure if something happened I could get home a lot fast in Mexico vs a further resort since I live pretty close to mexico.

The RIU is always packed full. And I think its because its fairly cheap to stay. However thats exactly what some people want..an economical holiday. The pool areas and beach areas are too busy for me. And the food is terrible (my opinion). The property in the Rivera Maya had some renovations a few years ago and so that was a plus. And so its its location to Playa del Carmen. But really the rooms are outdated and beds are hard as a rock. I never recommend these properties personally. The Jewel Dunns River is very nice. I was just there last February. The food was very good and so was the service. The property itself could use an update and I wasn't crazy about the beach…short beach. I stayed at Secrets St.James and loved it!!! Fabulous time and beautiful view.

Oh yes Mexico for sure. I can totally understand your thinking now and why you want to keep the travel as short as possible. Another property I think you should look at is The Royal in Playa Del Carmen. Great place and location.

I LOVE Cuba!!! It's freakin awesome.

The Royal in Playa Del Carmen is on my list to watch for just right now it was slightly out of our price range.

Just found this on groupon for Punta Cana. Hope the link pulls up.

4-, 6-, or 7-Night All-Inclusive Stay at Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa. Price/Person Based on Double Occupancy.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-vacation-express-punta-cana-4?utm_campaign=UserReferral_mih&utm_medium=email&utm_source=anonymous

Do not stay at that property in Punta Cana…its terrible!!!