Is DR worse than other resort destinations or is it just false hype spread on the interwebs/social media?

20th Anniversary coming up and was initially looking at Antigua but those resorts are more secluded and peaceful. We like a more outgoing vibe. Royalton CHIC in Antigua was closest in our budget, but wife wasn't too thrilled. Sandals in Antigua would work but not too crazy on the $831/night. I had mentioned DR and wife was little hesitant because of what she's read/seen about food poisoning. Since she was fond of Royalton CHIC in Antigua, she then started looking at DR.

We liked Hyatt Zilara, and Secrets (Adult Only) in Punta Cana. Should we be worried about DR?

We like an upbeat crowd, have conversations in the big pool with other guests, swim up bar and multiple restaurants onsite.

I hate booking trips.

Kreg17 said:

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IMO, it's internet hype. Getting sick on vacation is more of a general travel thing than a DR thing. Like most places in MX & the Caribbean the health and safety standards at the major resorts are quite high.

If you venture into the cities, you may be testing your luck but if you plan to stay on property, I wouldn't be worried about the DR. I've sent many couples to resorts in Punta Cana and Cap Cana without issue.

Happy to answer questions or help if you're looking for it!

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I agree. I have been sick all over the world, the worst was last year in Vietnam. $80, 5 scripts, 3 IVs, trip to ER and I was good to go but that was a horrible 36 hours.

Everyone I know who has gone to DR has gotten sick with bad diarrhea or vomiting.or both. Two of my friends got some kind of intestinal parasite and were sick for months before their issue was discovered.

Personally, the sickest I've probably ever been was on a couple of my trips to India.

I've never had any issues in the DR.

I can tell you I would not stay at Royalton Antigua. Too many bad reviews. I don't even quote it for clients. Only sold it once years ago.

Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara are amazing. Secrets Royal Beach is older but still one of my top sellers. Secrets Tides is good too.

Stayed at Hyatt Zilara in Punta Cana, no problems, great resort, would go back.

We've been to Cap Cana 3 times in the last 3 years (Secrets, Mirage and Sanctuary) with zero issues.

I highly reccommend Puna Cana / Cap Cana to my family and friends.

Gezz, Hyatt Zilara in DR for $612/nt in Oct and then jumps to $730/nt in Nov? Pretty steep compared to others but we're pretty set on Hyatt Zilara. Any tips to book or certain times to book? I'm not worried about the pricing for me but don't want it to scare others away. Plan is to book it and then tell friends/family about it if they want to join.

KDubAg said:

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Gezz, Hyatt Zilara in DR for $612/nt in Oct and then jumps to $730/nt in Nov? Pretty steep compared to others but we're pretty set on Hyatt Zilara. Any tips to book or certain times to book? I'm not worried about the pricing for me but don't want it to scare others away. Plan is to book it and then tell friends/family about it if they want to join.

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Pricing generally will not drop unless they are running a promotion or the resort isn't filling up. The rates vary as Sept/Oct are slower times and November starts to pick up. Depending how many rooms you have go, there could be benefits.

I checked random dates in Sept and Secrets Cap Cana is pricing better and I think it is a great resort too. I stayed at both Oct 2025 (or maybe Nov). I love both properties for different reasons and would gladly go back to either.

Happy to assist if needed. Sometimes we can find better promotions but not always.

One more thing to advise. Sargassum tends to be bad in that area in the fall. The beach was completely unusable during our trip. And the smell would waft up to the pools. I was disappointed because that area has beautiful beaches and water.