Punta Cana

I just came back from Punta Cana and stayed at the Melia Caribe. You truly need more time. We went from Sun to Sat and we felt it was too short. First of all I would like to say that the Gabi restaurant was the best restaurant. It is buffet style but there is a huge variety of foods. The service is impeccable and it is out in the open (hut roof but no walls) but it is truly beautiful and spacious. I will say to TIP, TIP, TIP!!! They will remember you and treat you better. I spoke to a couple of the workers and they have said that there are certain people from certain countries who go there and DO NOT tip. These workers live off of tips and they do not get paid a lot either, so basically they live off of tips. And this is for all restaurants not just Gabi. I would recommend the French Restaurant, Le Maison, the Dominican Restaurant, El Guarapo, The Mexican restaurant and the "Japanese/Hibachi restaurant. Gabi also serves dinner and I hear it is phenomenal but I did not get to do Gabi for dinner. While your stay,usually within the first day or two, you will be scheduled for an orientation which the guide explains the basics on the hotel, recommended drinks, shopping, excursions. Usually a 15-20 minute thing in the lobby by the bar. A word of caution: You will have people come up to you dressed in white outfits asking you when you came this way they will try and sell you some sort of timeshare. They were a bit annoying but if you are interested, then go ahead. I would tell people to do the Royal Service. I loved it becasue you have more preferred treatment and they look out for you more. Whatever you want you call and they get it for you right away. Going back to the restaurants, most of them have a dress code. PLEASE WEAR CLOSED TOE Shoes!!!!!!! They expect you to know this because they think you are supposed to read everything they give you the first night. As if you don't already have tons of paperwork to read and fill out getting there. They don't have anything outside their restaurants stating the shoe policy. Oh yes, this is for the MEN. Women can go with thong sandals if they want. The Thai restaurant has very slow service. The pool is beautiful both day and night. There is a nightclub on the Tropical side which is called the FunPub, I believe. The other side is a bit more energetic but the relaxation aspect is on the Caribe side. There are trolleys and mini gold carts that take you all over to the beach, the Tropical side, the other sides of the resort, to your rooms if they are far from the lobby etc. There is so much to tell. They have internet access all day with a 20 min limit per person in the Royal Service side/reception area. Food is all over so make sure you know where the gym is. They have a spa which is next to the gym. Peacocks, flamingos, Cranes, little lizards are among the creatures that roam the area. No problem with insects at all at least outside. If it is really muggy which is usually right after a rainfall, then maybe a couple of bites not much. Ok, I need to again stress tips. Please tip the people who take you on the gold carts and trolleys becasue the next time they see you they will cater more to your needs. Tip the bartender at the swin up bar, tip the waiters, tip the baggage guys, tip, tip, tip. 2 dollars for us was a standard and for our drivers we usually gave 3 or 4..it means so much to them.OH and one more thing, you need to make reservations 24 hrs in advance or they will not take you!!! PLease we tried to get in the same day calling at like 2 or 3pm for a 7 pm reservation and could not get in. THis goes for all places. The Gabi is usually the one that needs to reservation so if you get stuck without a reservation, try Gabi. Please ask me anything I left out becasue there is so much more to write about.