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Soon2BeMrsFink

ragsdalejenniferragsdalejennifer member
100 Comments
in Iowa-Des Moines
I had saw you booked your HM! Congrats! Where are you guys going? Or have you allready shared and I missed it?
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Re: Soon2BeMrsFink

  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Yes we did. 

    We are going back to where he proposed, PuntaCana in the Dominican.  We are staying at the Hard Rock.  I put a bit of a fit about it, I really wanted to stay at the same resort where he proposed, but he really wanted to stay somewhere new.

    Hard Rock is offering a resort credit promo.  We are staying 7 nights and are getting $1500 in resort credit. 

    I love the Caribbean.  And PuntaCana fits us well as it is still budget friendly, fabulous people, food, fun, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, it's my perfect vacation. 

    Where are you thinking about going?
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  • ragsdalejenniferragsdalejennifer member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    That sounds amazing!! And so romantic to go back to the same place he proposed at. Neither of us have ever left the country so we want to venture out somewhere, but we haven't narrowed it down to where yet. We really want to zip line and swim with dolphins-those are our must have's! And on a budget- I don't know how realistic this is, but we would like to be around 3 grand. Any suggestions for me?
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  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    You could go to PC for a week, staying in an all-inclusive for about $3k.  We only left the resort once, and that was to go on a glass bottom boat ride which took us to a coral reef so we could snorkel.  I do remember reading about swimming with the dolphis as an excursion; but, we didn't go.  I'm not sure about zip-lining.  I am terrified of heights and not something I would ever do.  ;)

    We usually use funjet but, found cheapcaribbean to be cheaper than funjet by about $600.  I think our HM was just under $4500.  That is for a week stay at the Hard Rock, upgraded room, travel protection insurance, private transfer from the airport to and from Hard Rock, and we received the $1500 resort credit too. 

    I just did a quick search using a random sunday in May and the resort we stayed at last time we were there, which I LOVE, for a week, including flight is $2779.40 for both of you.  The resort I love is the Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort.  So, it is a possibility for you.  :)

    ETA:  I plugged in a random week in September, same resort is currently at $2691.40.   And these were funjet prices.  I checked cheapcarribean but they are actually more spendy for september vs funjet
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  • ragsdalejenniferragsdalejennifer member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thank you so much for the info! I will definately check out that website (funjet). Was the Catalonia Bavaro Beach Resort an AI? I think FI would love to go there!
    P.S. How is the job search going for you? I remember a post a litlte while back about applying for your dream job? How'd it go?
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  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Yes, it is all inclusive.  And they are not shy with the amount of alcohol you request either.  At all the AI's I've stayed at in Mexico the drinks have always been very light on the alcohol side. 

    They have four different sit down restaurants plus the buffets + pool side wood oven pizza and rotisserie chicken/fries.  The chicken at the pool side place is to...die...for!  My favorite of the 4 restaurants was definitely the Japenese place.  It is just like Ohanas, so yummy.  When we were there the chef actually had my fiance get up and cook.  I have the cutest pic of fiance with the chef hat on behind the grill. 

    They are only allowed to construct as high as the tallest palm tree, so the resort is a bunch of what looks like 3 story condos.  The rooms are great, with a sitting/living room area, a huge soaking tub for 2, separate shower and toilet.  Huge closet, and my favorite... private balconies (spacious) with a hammock. 

    The grounds are absolutely breathtaking. 

    I cannot think of one thing to complain about.  Just be aware that the Caribbean is really laid back and expect great service but much slower than what we are used to here.  ;)

    My dream job hasn't opened up yet.  They are in the process of trying to find the funds to hire someone on.  Thank you for remembering and asking.  :)
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  • medusia00medusia00 member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    You are making me Jealous!!!!
    image
    Sept 11, April Siggy, HM Picture!!
    On a Boat, with our Flippy-Floppies!
    Anniversary
    Want to see my Bio? PM Me!!
    Wifey Shenanigans & Day Zero
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  • ragsdalejenniferragsdalejennifer member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    It does sound amazing! Im researching it today. Smile
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  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Sorry, medusia00.  It truly is a great place to visit.  I highly recommend it if you ever get the opportunity.

    Don't let any negative reviews turn you off.  While we were staying at the Catalonia we talked with a couple who spend a month every winter in PuntaCana.  They've stayed at all the resorts and say that Catalonia is the best value for the money and has the prettiest grounds.

    I need to find the pictures and videos we took while there.  We actually thought about doing a DW there so we video taped the grounds to share with those we would invite.  But, then I decided I wanted my grandmother there since my first wedding was a DW and she didn't go because she will not fly. 

    If I can find them, I'll share them. 

    Oh, my fiance reminded me about the beach/pool grill.  They grill up some yummy pork there.  That was one of his favorites and we didn't find it until our second til last day.

    Also, being an AI, they do have dorm sized fridges in your room.  The maid service was phenomenal with keeping it stocked with water, soda, beer, and rum.  OMG...their rum is delicious!  And their beer, El Presidente, is really good too.  We almost brought a couple cases back home with us. 
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  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Another idea is to do a cruise.

    Since neither of you have left the U.S. it would be a nice way to visit different places.

    Just a warning, if mosquitos like you, do NOT go on a horseback tour.  I was known on one cruise as, "The poor mosquito bite lady,".  lol!
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  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I found a 6 night Western Caribbean cruise
     Day 1Ft. Lauderdale, Florida  --  4:00 pm
     Day 2Key West, Florida  8:00 am  5:00 pm
     Day 3At Sea  --  --
     Day 4George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands  7:00 am  4:00 pm
     Day 5Ocho Rios, Jamaica  7:30 am  3:30 pm
     Day 6At Sea  --  --
     Day 7Ft. Lauderdale, Florida  8:00 am  --


    with flight for:  $1802.22 for sept. 18-24th.  Not sure on your dates. 

    The only downside of the crusie is that you have to pay for your alcoholic drinks. 
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  • ragsdalejenniferragsdalejennifer member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    ohhh awesome!! Thanks so much for your ideas! You rock!!
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  • Soon2BeMrsFinkSoon2BeMrsFink member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Keep us updated with your HM options.  I'm very fortunate in that I've been able to travel quite a bit and am always willing to share my experiences.

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