Melia Caribe Tropical -Summary and Conclusions

Melia Caribe Tropical, Bavaro, Dominican Republic -the review

Entertainment and Excursions

Arrival, Accommodation, Facilities and Kids

Golf

The Beach and Pools

Restaurants and Bars

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

I stayed here for a two week holiday with my partner and 5 year old step-son.

It is one of numerous all-inclusive resorts that I have personally stayed in during my association with the Dominican Republic.

Check out the box on the right for the full review.

WHY DID WE CHOOSE THE MELIA CARIBE TROPICAL?

Secondly, we wanted a quality resort with a 4 or 5 star rating. This was because we had heard a few horror stories about 3 star resorts where guests had developed food poisoning etc.

To be fair most of those stories stem from the mid-1990`s and the country has taken massive steps to improve things since then.

My business partner in this website was British Ambassador between 2002-2006 and he can vouch for this.

Personally I`ve never even had an upset stomach when staying in a Dominican all-inclusive.

Thirdly as we had vacationing with a 5 year old child we wanted plenty of facilities for children.

Fourthly we quite liked the fact that the resort was large because that allowed for many themed restaurants, a gym etc.

Finally I enjoy a game of golf and wanted to be near enough to a golf to have a game whilst on holiday.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The Melia Caribe Tropical is a very large resort, by far the largest that I have stayed in whilst in the Dominican Republic or anywhere else!

The sheer size may be regarded as a disadvantage to those who prefer a more intimate destination although as we went for 2 weeks, a larger resort was very appropriate as there was plenty to explore and lots of things to do.

There do tend to be more facilities in a larger resort and indeed there are more restaurants here than almost anywhere!

The lush tropical gardens, complete with pink flamingo`s are simply a joy and for those who decide to walk from reception to the pool/beach, there is some stunning vegetation to enjoy.

Beach

The quality of the beach and sea was right at the top of our list and Let`s face it, this is a very important factor in booking a holiday to the Caribbean.

Quite frankly the beach is excellent. It is large enough to find space, great for beach walks, and fantastic to swim in.

In my view the Punta Cana/Bavaro beach line is the best in the country and one of the best in the Caribbean.

Our top criteria was satisfied by the Sol Melia Caribe Tropical.

[NB: If you want a completely untouched natural beach with no commercial activity check out some like Bahia de Rincon on the east tip of the Samana peninsula in eastern Dominican Republic.]

Like most resorts in the Dominican Republic you will find that most staff do not speak English. Don`t hold that against them, they do try hard!

Children`s facilities

Children`s facilities at the Melia Caribe Tropical were another important factor in our choice. As we were looking to book for 2 weeks we didn`t want our 5 year old to be bored!

Now you can`t take a horse to water and as it turned out, he preferred to spend time with us around the pool. I would however say that this was not because of a lack of a children`s entertainment programme or facilities. There was plenty for him to have done....had he wished to do it!

Restaurants

The Sol Melia Caribe Tropical has 10 themed restaurants as well as the various buffets.
In common with any Dominican all-inclusive resort, it is unlikely that the food to be as good as your local specialist restaurant.

That said, the food is `good` and most people will enjoy trying the different choices during their stay.

We particularly enjoyed the Japanese and French restaurants.

I would be amazed if even the most `picky` eater could not find something that they could enjoy during their stay.

Golf

For some people the standard of the golf course will be a deciding factor in where to stay, particularly as some resort golf courses are disappointing and in poor condition.

I am pleased to report that this course is a very good golf course. If you are deciding between the Barcelo and the Melia Caribe Tropical, and you are a serious golfer, then go for the Melia Caribe Tropical.

If you are also looking at the Catalonia in Punta Cana there is a nice 9 hole next to the resort which is short [I only hit a driver on one hole] but still enjoyable. Apparently they have also had an 18 hole course built nearby since I stayed there but I cannot offer an opinion on that course. The fact that the Catalonia resort is smaller and a bit more intimate will appeal to some people. You also still get the quality accommodation and the beach at that resort.

Would I go back?

The crucial question is would I return to Melia Caribe Tropical? I have no hesitation in answering `Yes`!

It exceeded our expectations in many ways, particularly with regard to the beach and the golf, and I would definitely go back there. In fact I often find myself using it as a point of reference against other resorts in the Dominican Republic.

The below video gives a good feel for everything that you may find at the Melia Caribe Tropical.

NB:after starting the movie,the `HQ` button will appear in the right hand corner. If you click on it it will give a higher quality picture but this is dependent on your internet connection].

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