Playa Real, Juan Dolio

Anyone with info on this resort or the juan dolio area please write. I plan to attend in Feb. Looking for info on diving, horse back riding, scooter rental, inteesting attractions. Thanks to all!!

I've been in Juan Dolio about two weeks ago, but i stayed at Decameron Club and Casino. When I was staying there I noticed that there weren't many tourist in the area, which was fabulous to do anything (not queues...) Occidental is a spanish hotel company, with at least.... 5 hotels in DR. The one you are going to stay at is in the beach of Juan Dolio, very near Melia Juan Dolio and Barcelo Capella Beach Resort. The beach of Juan Dolio is very nice, with palms and light brown sand... The water is not very light.. but i don't know if that was the days i stayed there or always... I love Juan Dolio area. I've stayed also in Puerto Plata and Punta CAna, and I prefer Juan Dolio. People there is much more dominican, the activities at the resorts are very good, they always try to involve all guests in them.. I don't know in Occidental, but in Decameron there were plenty of choices to do water sports... Also we could go horsebackriding free, and also take a bike to go for a ride... VEry nice. In Juan Dolio area there are many restaurants and bars outside the resorts, It's very safe to go out, no problem, and it's a good way to meet new people... Also it's not far from Santo Domingo, so you can try and take a public bus to go there (very cheap), or if you prefer take a guided tour... Other tours are jeep safary, Isla Saona, Isla Catalina (in both islands you can snorkel, don't miss it), Altos del Chavon (nice to see..)... I also liked a lot (althoug i reconigse that it is a bit dangerous) taking a MOTO CONCHO to move in the area...A moto concho is a taxi, but in a motorcycle... It only costs 10 pesos per way... Try it. If you want more info, email me, I have friends there, and i can give you more adresses... MACA

Hello Dave You have picked a great place for your vacation. I am from United States but lived in the Dominican Rpeublic for one year. I lived in Jaun Dolio for six months. One of my friends worked at the Playa Real and it is a very nice resort. You will have no problems finding any of the activities you have listed as being interested in. If you have never been to the Dominican Republic you are in for a pleasant surprise. The town of Jaun Dolio is an extremely friendly town. I suggest you feel free to explore the resturants and shops in the area and ask all the questions you need to make your trip exactly what you are looking for. You will find many people willing to point you in the right direction and be sure that the Dominican people are very trustworthy.I guess my best advice it relax and ask for what you want. The resort also will have more than enough of the information you need...Have FUN!! Learn the Merenge! If you have specific questions from someone who has first hand information feel free to e-mail me

HI,

I have stayed there 2 this past year and am going a third time in March. To answer your questions, this hotel offers horseback riding as well as scuba diving. You can take diving lessons at the hotel but you will go diving with the Costa Coral Beach Hotel which is not very far. The cost is $55US unless they changed the price since I've been in August.

I love this hotel, it is clean, the people are polite and extremely friendly. I'm sure you will make a lot of friends.

Have a great vacation and when you're there, ask for Martin (he's one of the guys that do the activities) and tell him I said hello.

Take care,

Katia from Montreal, Canada