If you’ve ever been mesmerized by TikTok videos showcasing the Dominican Republic’s crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, let me share the reality of my experience: it’s a gamble—and unfortunately, we lost.
While the destination itself offers stunning views and friendly locals, the overall experience was marred by serious issues that overshadowed any positives.
The Food:
The meals were as bland as unseasoned oatmeal, but somehow still managed to give my wife and I food poisoning. Our vacation turned into a nightmare of fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, and body aches that felt like being stabbed repeatedly with dull knives. The food options were hard to identify, attempts at international cuisines fell flat, and the hours for food availability were frustratingly limited.
The Room:
Our ocean-facing room promised tranquility but delivered nightly bass-thumping music. The polyester blankets were stifling and unbreathable, and hot water was a rare luxury—sometimes unavailable for days. To make matters worse, touching the shower faucet could burn you. A family member’s bed spring was broken upon arrival and took days to be replaced, and the replacement revealed mold, adding insult to injury.
The Service:
The staff was friendly but spoke minimal English, making it difficult to communicate our urgent needs when we fell ill. It often took ages to get essentials like fresh linens.
While I do want to say that they did everything with a smile and were always very f