[toby]

My families first trip to the DR was to the Coral Marien (Christmas 2003) and we found it worth the 4-5 star rating it has recieved on the current ratings boards(Debbies Dominican Fodor's etc).
You will be very please with the service and facilities and the pool is very large and gracefully designed for quiet and high activity areas. The beach was always clean and by and large quiet with only the occasional interupption by people who want to braid your hair or escort you to the Blue Market area down the beach.
While there we found that the resort was filled with families of all ages and types, those with small children had the acitivity area to attend each day on the beach, those with teens had excusions and pool fun. This resort for the most part is not a big party and dancing place and at night after the show in the outdoor theatre most guests went to there rooms for a good nights rest. The evening fun was the pub style atmosphere of the pool bar where you can meet and mingle with the other guest from all over the world. But be worned this hotel has the nickname
"Little Canada" for a reason. I am proud Canadian and while there we figured there were about 9 Canadians to 1 foreign tourist to talk with. Very good fun hearing about "our home and native land" while enjoying 83 degree weather.
And don't worry about missing out on the scores for the hockey teams playing to the north...just ask the Canadians crowding the internet cafe across from reception...they will be able to give you the score!
Like you we are doers', and went on the Monster Truck Safari...(military vechicles about 10 feet off the ground...fantastic fun ride with a river crossing and a great outback experience) and the dolphin swim at the new Ocean World Park in Puerto Plata...(absolutely worth every penny and a must for those who love animals) but if I could do it again would save my money and spend my tourist dollars for shopping in Sosua (taxi there in 20 minutes) where the atmosphere is more small town, it has great restaurants and a main street boulevard to window shop and people watch.
I am currently planning our next visit and we will definitely be staying at the Coral Marien...also if you are in the mood go to the Spa it was a great place and the hair braiding is cheaper there then on the beach...my daughter looked wonderful ...enjoy yourselves and soak up the sun and fun for me!
Toby