Have been yes, its a blast! Speaking the language was a HUGE help! $20 US to the front desk got us an insane room upgrade and the front desk guy would not allow us to make calls and he'd dial out off the front desk for us etc. Tips of 1-2$ here and there are better than a larger sum all at once because they know they'll have a steady stream of dough coming their way for the week. You over tip and they call game over of the super service.
We did all inclusive(s) only way to fly. Riu Palace (night club was undergoing upgrades when we were there) and Paradisus, Paradisus was the FIRE at night
literally, fire eating go go dancers etc on the beach
If you do Saona bring bug spray from here with deet and a waterproof camera.
No matter what your choice bring your own sun block! 75$ on resort for what you get here. sunglasses and sublock on the tarmac for sure, Candi is French Canadian she legit got a sunburn walking from the plane to customs.
Dont buy cigars on the beach, ever. Real cubans are in the cigar shops. We asked for a few empty dominican cigar boxes on the way home (from the hotel cigar shop).
take the cuban boxes and fill them with a "sewing kit" then re-assemble the right puros in the right boxes back at home
water looked like junk when I was there and I didnt feel like paying for a shared charter to watch some other guys hurl. We partied
and pay the towel dude 5$ to lay out some towels for you early in a nice cabana
The good ones go quick