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Punta Cana or Riviera Maya?

shelikespinkshelikespink member
10 Comments First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
in Destination Weddings Discussions
Hi everyone!

I've just begun the planning process and I've narrowed down the choices a little bit. I would love to hear others' opinions or advice regarding my choices (and feel free to give me some other suggestions!).

I have been to both Punta Cana and Riviera Maya multiple times and stayed at various resorts, and I like both. In my opinion, the beaches are nicer in Dominican however people are more likely to get sick and the food is not as good. In Mexico, the beaches are still nice and people won't get sick (hopefully!) but Canadians are nervous about going to Mexico due to the recent safety issues off-resort. It's not a huge deal for me but I'm worried that my guests won't come to Mexico due to the concerns.

In Punta Cana these are my top choices for resorts: Majestic Colonial, Paradisus, Melia Tropical Caribe

In the Riviera Maya these are my top choices for resorts: Grand Palladium White Sands, Iberostar Paraiso Lindo

I picked these based on prices for guests (2014 rates, but I imagine 2015 will be similar) and TripAdvisor reviews. I know there are a lot nicer resorts in both countries, but the price would just be too high for my guests! I'm trying to keep the rates in the $1200-$1300 range (and definitely below $1500!) for flight/airport transfer/hotel for the week.

Any recommendations, advice, etc would be very helpful! BTW I'm planning a summer 2015 wedding expecting over 100 guests. Thanks!
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Re: Punta Cana or Riviera Maya?

  • mcartermodmcartermod member
    5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment

    Hi! I'm actually between the same two places. Neither FI or I have ever been to Riviera Maya, but I have been hearing that the beaches in the Dominican are nicer. When we went to the Dominican, we stayed at the Majestic Colonial and absolutely loved it. Not sure about the weddings there, though. I've heard mixed reviews. My travel agent told me that most weddings are held at Majestic Elegance, Colonial's neighboring resort. Have you been to Colonial? If not, I'd be more than happy to tell you about our experience there.  Another girl on the weddingbee forum mentioned hers was at Melia Caribe, and she absolutely loved it.

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  • shelikespinkshelikespink member
    10 Comments First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    Thanks for the response @mcartermod!

    I have never been to the Colonial but I heard from a friend it's really nice! One of my friends' sister got married there 2 yrs and said it was a great experience.

    I'm leaning more toward Mexico/Mayan Riviera these days... my fiance and I have been asking around and more people seem to like Mexico better! 

    I'm hoping to talk to a travel agent in the next couple weeks and see what she thinks!
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  • mcartermodmcartermod member
    5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment
    @shelikespink no problem! I posted on another popular wedding forum, and got about half that were for the Riv maya and half for the Dominican. The travel agents I talked to both pushed for the RM due to the ease of flight schedules and prices. However, most everyone agrees that the beaches at the Dominican are much nicer. It really  just depends what you're going for. That's one of my FI and I's top priorities (pristine, turquoise waters), so we'll more than likely go with the DR (or possibly even Cancun).
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  • shelikespinkshelikespink member
    10 Comments First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    Yup, you're right, if your main priority is beach I think Dominican is better for that! 
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