Bonjour,
j'envisage d'y retourner avant Noel en RD et cette fois à Juan Dolio. C'est surtout pour les plages assez belles et calmes même si les hotels sur place laissent à désirer (Barcello, etc).
Donc je m'attend pas à rester dans l'hotel et je suis du genre à vouloir sortir en discotheque tous les soirs ou presque mais je ne connais pas du tout la vie nocturne. Je suis allée très brièvement en voiture (de jour) sur un aller retour à Boca Chica et Juan Dolio m'est apparu super calme, rien à voir avec Boca Chica.
S'il faut aller tous les soirs en voiture à Boca Chica, je sais faire mais bon c'est pas à coté, il y a une bonne demi heure de conduite si mes souvenirs sont bons.
Boca Chica je l'ai fait en 2013 mais j'aime pas trop. La mer est une lagune très peu profonde, on ne peut pas nager car l'eau ne monte pas plus haut que la taille. Des vendeurs qui t'harcelent tout le temps etc..Mais la vie de nuit est quand même pas mal. Je sortais et revenais à 4-5h du matin sans probleme.
Donc la question: il y a-t-il des bar-discos connus à Juand Dolio ?
Juan Dolio c'est calme.....
L'hôtel Coral Costa Caribe est à 20 mn à pied du début de Juan Dolio.
Le Barcelo est plus près, juste au début de la ville.
En dehors des hôtels tout inclus, la plage de Juan Dolio est, tout à la fois, superbe et désertique en semaine. Mais, pour ma part, je n'aime pas du tout le littoral hyper bétonné de Juan Dolio.
A Boca Chica, il vaut mieux aller au Be Live Hamaca plutôt qu'au Don Juan Beach Resort ou qu'au Bellevue Dominican Bay. Rien à voir !!!
En plus, la plage est privée, donc pas de vendeurs, et l'orientation géographique est complètement différente (en gros 45°), donc vue tout à fait différente.
effectivement j'étais un après-midi me balader à Juan Dolio avec ma copine en mai 2013, la plage est grande et large mais étonnamment déserte donc on s'est vite ennuyé..
Vous connaissez la vie de nuit là bas ?? car je me dit que ça ne veut rien dire, pas loin il y a Guyacanes et San Pedro de Macoris..
A Boca Chica j'étais à Don Juan, hotel 3 étoiles assez modeste avec une plage publique où on t'harcèle toutes les 5 minutes pour te vendre des choses. Puis on ne peut rien laisser sur le transat..
Par contre la vie de nuit à Boca Chica j'ai adoré, tout est ouvert, la Calle Duarte devient piétonne, on peut aller boire une bière n'importe où, tout est à quelques mètres à pied. Le bar-disco BATEY est assez bien fréquenté et propre, ainsi que LUXURY un peu plus loin.
Pour HAMACA j'ai lu beaucoup de commentaires horribles...nourriture mauvaise, chambres limite insalubres etc etc..alors que c'est classé 4 étoiles et le prix est quand même pas donnée sauf si on va a HAMACA Garden. Le Hamaca Beach semble un peu meilleur. Puisque vous y allez souvent, c'est comment votre ressenti ?
Il est certain que San Pedro de Macoris n'a rien à voir avec Juan Dolio.
Cependant, à chaque âge ses plaisirs : pour ma part, je ne suis pas ( ou plus) un nuitard.
La discothèque Luxury en façade de l'hôtel Be Live Hamaca a changé de main et a été reprise par l'hôtel . Elle s'appelle maintenant la discothèque BC. Elle est à nouveau comprise dans la formule tout inclus.
A Boca Chica, si je veux sortir, je préfère les endroits plus calmes. et bien fréquentés, même s'il y a très très peu de clients. Par exemple le club de bachata "Bar Latino by Filipo". Il était auparavant sur le coté de l'hôtel Dominican Bay.
Il est maintenant juste à coté de la supérette qui se trouve à coté de l'hôtel Cachela, non loin de la discothèque El Batey.
Si on veut danser la bachata, homme ou femme, il vaut mieux y aller accompagné car il y a souvent plus de personnel que de clients....
Aussi le bar à ambiance et clientèle locale anglophone "The Boat House", face à El Batey.
Vous connaissez l'hôtel Don Juan, moi aussi. Le Be Live Hamaca est infiniment meilleur, qu'il s'agisse de l'animation, de la qualité de la nourriture, de la plage (privée), ou, plus généralement du coup d'oeil avec les jardins superbement entretenus du Be Live Hamaca.
Je suis toujours surpris de voir certains commentaires que je n'hésite pas à qualifier de mauvaise foi. Ces avis, de mon, point de vue, relèvent manifestement de 2 cas :
- des gens qui traitent les employés de l'hôtel comme des larbins, sans bonjour, ni merci, ni au revoir, ni s'il vous plaît, en commençant par hurler au lieu d'expliquer calmement et courtoisement ce qui ne va pas. Et vous savez comme moi que dans ce cas, en RD, on fera tout pour ne pas vous satisfaire. D'où des commentaires négatifs "vengeurs"
- des gens qui vont dans un hôtel 3/4 étoiles et qui attendent le service d'un palace. Ils parlent du prix de leur voyage et oublient de déduire le coût du transport aérien pour parler du rapport qualité/prix de l'hôtel. Pour un prix de l'ordre de 31 à 36 euros par jour et par personne (c'est ce que je paie, selon l'époque, en ne réservant que l'hôtel, sans l'avion, en passant par un opérateur allemand), on ne peut qu'être agréablement surpris.
Les critiques qu'on peut faire à cet hôtel (car oui, il y en a quand même) concerne les toilettes publiques : certains dévidoirs de papier sont cassés, de même que certains séches mains. Certains distributeurs de savon sont cassés aussi. Il y a aussi des sèches mains ou dévidoirs de papier qui fonctionnent très bien, qui sont propres, mais dont l'aspect est franchement trop vieux. On laisse subsister des graffitis. Ceci dit le nettoyage est fait, et refait, sans cesse, tout le long de la journée dans toutes les toilettes publiques de l'hôtel.
Au restaurant buffet, il n'y a pas assez de personnel pour servir les boissons. Certains hurlent au scandale. Pour ma part, je ne vois pas en quoi il est insupportable d'aller chercher soi même sa boisson au bar du restaurant....
Certains critiquent le fait qu'il y a beaucoup de marches pour accéder à la plage. Mais il suffit de regarder par où passe le personnel d'animation à la fin de son travail le matin, ou en fin d'après midi, pour voir qu'un ascenseur mène directement à la plage...
D'autres disent qu'en étant logé au fond de la partie "garden" il y a une distance invraisemblable pour arriver à la plage. J'ai chronométré en marchant normalement : 8 minutes.
En dehors de cela, je ne vois pas de critiques à faire.
Si on a un problème de chambre, et à condition bien sûr, surtout dans ce pays, de rester courtois, il suffit d'aller à la réception.
Be Live Hamaca garden ou Be Live Hamaca Beach, c'est pareil : vous profitez des mêmes bars, des mêmes restaurants, du même spectacle du soir, de la même plage privée, des mêmes piscines etc..... Donc, en dehors d'une chambre avec vue sur la mer, je ne vois pas l'intérêt de payer plus cher le coté beach.
Je vais passer 1 semaine au Grand Bahia Principe de Punta Cana en novembre prochain pour assister au mariage d'une amie. Je ne suis pas une grande fan des…
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › République Dominicaine · 2 replies
Je me posais une question. Est-t-il possible de louer une mobilette à partir du Bahia?? Y a t-il une ville ou un village à proximité? j'aimerais bien me…
Je pars à Punta Cana dans une semaine dans un Hotel All inclusive à Bavaro. Je suis passionné des danses latines, salsa, bachata, merengué donc je suppose que…
Nous sommes sur le point de booker pour Punta Cana, nous aimerions sortir de l'hotel a l'occasion sans avoir à payer pour des excursions, avez-vous des sorties…
We all know the raft is taking on a bit of water.
No discussion threads about the island for weeks...
Have all travelers really moved on elsewhere? No one who could come to the rescue with recent info?
I’m in the Caribbean and still kinda feel like swinging by in September/October...
Looks like there are still direct flights from Mexico and the Dominican Republic for getting in and out.
I'm heading to the Dominican Republic for 5 days in December.
I arrive and depart from Samana Airport (AZS). I'm looking to rent a car, ideally right at the airport, but I don't see any options. Are there no rental agencies at Samana Airport?
If not, do you know where I could rent a vehicle closest to the airport and how to get there?
Hi,
I’m heading to Miches for the first time in November 2026 (no all-inclusive)
I’d love some tips to plan my stay—accommodation, things to do, places of interest nearby.
Is it possible to rent a scooter there to get around the area?
Thanks for your help!
Best,
hi there, I’ve never been to Martinique. my girlfriend, who’s of Martinican origin, has never had the chance to go either (life isn’t always easy). now we can plan a little trip, but we don’t know which airline to choose or how to find accommodation.
basically, I need quite a few tips.
we’re planning to go in September—no chance before that.
Hi! We spent 10 wonderful days in Guadeloupe’s gorgeous climate. Our arrival got off to a shaky start, though—our suitcase was left behind at the airport, which caused quite a stir. A police officer was shouting at us to get out and cross the street. Then, a taxi driver refused to take us after we showed him where we were staying, right by the port in Pointe-à-Pitre. "No one goes there," he told us! Good thing we arrived during Carnival! A second driver finally agreed to take us, and I can say he knew every nook and cranny of his city.
The rest of the trip was amazing. The locals were smiling and welcoming. We didn’t rent a car, so we didn’t get around much and stayed in the Deshaies area—a real favorite. Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach) truly lives up to its name! We liked Grande Anse Beach less because of the steep slope, which made walking tricky, and the waves were pretty intense. The landscapes in this part of the island are idyllic. We visited the botanical garden—it’s worth it—and went to the port in Deshaies. If we ever go back, we’ll rent a vehicle so we can explore more, because taxis aren’t cheap!
Hi, I’m leaving soon for Punta Cana—what kind of money should we bring: Canadian dollars, US dollars, or are we forced to exchange once we arrive?
Thanks
We spent 15 days in the Exumas from March 10th to 26th.
I should mention that we’ve been traveling to islands for 20 years, so we have points of comparison when it comes to prices, hospitality, and landscapes.
First, the flights: we now live in the Luberon, so we flew out of Marseille. We took British Airways, which we’ve used several times before for trips to the English-speaking Caribbean and which offers flights via Heathrow. We had an overnight layover in London on the way out, then a flight to Nassau. After that, we took a connecting flight (we had a 2h20 layover in Nassau, which was more than enough) to George Town with Sky Bahamas. We had initially ruled out Bahamasair based on very negative reviews.
Immigration and customs were very quick.
When we arrived, we took a taxi to our hotel, Augusta Bay. Cost: $30.
We rented a car through Sure and Shore. It was delivered to our hotel the day after we arrived, and we kept it until we left for Stocking Island. For 9 days, we paid $470 (which is a great price) for a small Honda that wasn’t very new, but we didn’t have any issues with it. One thing we’d never experienced before: they’d put newspaper sheets on the floor, and we were told not to get any sand in the car if we went to the beach!
We stayed 5 nights at Augusta Bay. A 5-minute walk away is the beautiful, uncrowded Jolly Beach, perfect for swimming. We visited the southern part of the island to see the beaches of Little Exuma, especially Tropic of Cancer Beach and the one next to Santana’s restaurant. We also went to Hopper Bay Beach, where you can see a group of about ten turtles near a small boat dock. We went kayaking from the hotel.
Then we stayed at Paradise Bay in the north. While we hadn’t encountered the sandfly problem before, here it’s important to know that the beach is infested with them. The hotel’s restaurant, which is very good otherwise, even provides repellent for guests— that’s how bad it is!
From there, we visited Coco Plum Beach, Three Sisters Beach (where you can snorkel), and others. We also went kayaking again.
We ended our trip with 3 nights on Stocking Island at Saint Francis Resort. If we were to do it again, we’d spend 4 nights there. The island has many trails, snorkeling spots, and you can get around by kayak. We saw rays, turtles, and even a harmless shark, as well as some beautiful beaches. Plus, the welcome at Saint Francis was the warmest we experienced.
Be aware that everything is very expensive on the island—much more so than in the English-speaking Caribbean. Clearly, the purchasing power of Americans plays a role. They say everything is imported, but that’s the case on all islands!
Some places only accept cash or charge a 5% fee if you pay by card.
We didn’t find the locals particularly friendly. If you’ve been to Dominica or Grenada, for example, you’ll know what I mean.
We explored the whole island. The beaches are stunning, but the roads tell a different story. There are a lot of car wrecks—some houses have two or three in front of them, which really spoils the landscape. There are also many abandoned, ruined houses.
The vegetation is lush but not tropical, and you’ll be served apples and oranges for breakfast because there are very few exotic fruits.
As for the climate in March, there was no humid atmosphere, and the heat was very manageable (26°C). It was very pleasant. The seawater, however, is definitely cooler than in the Indian Ocean, for example.
There’s not much snorkeling, but we knew that before coming.
In conclusion: beautiful beaches, sand as fine as flour, and a very pleasant climate. But honestly, for the same cost, I’d prefer the Seychelles, for example.
Hi everyone,
I need your help!
We’re planning to visit Guadeloupe and take the opportunity to explore the islands La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes.
I initially planned to rent a car to get around the main island and then take the ferry from Trois-Rivières to Les Saintes, from Pointe-à-Pitre to Marie-Galante, and finally from Saint-François to La Désirade, following that route.
But when I look at it, the car would sit unused for at least 5 days—that’s paying for nothing🙁.
Is it possible to go from LES SAINTES to MARIE-GALANTE and then on to LA DÉSIRADE? We’d only rent a car once we arrive in Saint-François to continue exploring Guadeloupe. What do you think—is that doable?
This trip is planned for April.
Thanks so much for your help
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Hi! We’re visiting Guadeloupe for the first time in January. We’re looking for accommodation near Deshaies to start our trip. A quiet spot, not too far from the sea so we can walk there. Any suggestions are welcome!
I’ve just returned from 15 days in Cuba and wanted to share my experience along with some practical tips for those planning a trip there.
1. Formalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return.
- E-visa: apply online (payment by bank transfer only via the embassy of your choice): evisacuba.cu or through an agency novelacuba.com (card payment on their site—I had to go with this option and recommend it because the Cuban embassy in Brussels apparently never received my transfer...)
- Digital D’Viajeros form to fill out a few days before departure
- Mandatory health insurance
2. Currency/budget
- Plan your entire budget in cash; card payments are rare, and withdrawals at the official rate aren’t great.
Local currency: CUP (Cuban Peso)
Official rate: ~1 € = 120 CUP → state-run restaurants and shops.
Current unofficial rate: ~1 € = 490 CUP → private restaurants, local bars, Cuban-owned shops.
For exchanging money:
The easiest way: ask at your *casa particular* or a local restaurant.
3. My itinerary (15 days)
Havana: 3 nights
Viñales: 3 nights
Cienfuegos: 1 night
Trinidad: 3 nights
Varadero: 3 nights
Havana: 1 night
Flights: Air Europa from Brussels, with a layover in Madrid. Smooth and pleasant service.
Accommodations: *casas particulares* booked on Airbnb except for Varadero (Iberostar Playa Alameda hotel).
Practical tips
Install a VPN before departure (many blocked sites like Instagram and Airbnb).
Download the El Toque app to check the updated CUP exchange rate.
Internet via ETECSA SIM card (~30 € for 10 GB) or Wi-Fi in hotels/*casas*.
Download Maps.me for offline maps.
Intercity travel: shared taxi, Viazul bus, or private transfer through your *casa*.
Electricity: 110 V, sometimes 220 V.
Bring basic supplies and medications—hard to find there.
Cuba requires flexibility and openness: regular power outages, unstable internet (especially in Trinidad).
Finally, my personal take:
I loved my trip to Cuba! It’s a disorienting yet deeply charming country.
Poverty is visible, especially in Havana: crumbling buildings, many people asking for help (but no safety concerns!). Bringing some essentials for locals is a good idea (soap, toothpaste, medications, clothes...).
Cubans are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A few basics in Spanish help a lot! The vibe is unique: music in every street, musicians everywhere, salsa all around.
The variety of landscapes is amazing: colonial architecture, paradise beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush valleys—you’ll never get bored.
Only downside: Varadero, less authentic than the rest of the country, but I expected that!
Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I’d love to go back!
Hi,
Several comments recommend bringing mosquito repellent. Got it. Are there a lot of them during the day? And by the seaside? Or are they more present (and voracious) in the evening? Thanks.
I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique.
For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.
I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it:
- Did you feel too rushed?
- Is it reasonable to do?
- How much time would you spend on each island?
I’ve just returned from Havana after an 18-day stay from October 8th to 26th.
From Montreal, you have to go through Varadero Airport. I now break up the airport-to-Havana transfer with a SUPER pleasant stopover halfway, in the historic village of Hershey (Camilo Cienfuegos). Quebecer Anne-Marie has renovated a century-old house there, and every stay of mine feels like a peaceful oasis. Amazing food, a pool, impeccable hospitality—I highly recommend it! Casa Cub'Anita.
Life for Cubans remains just as tough, made even harder right now by tropical viruses spread by mosquitoes. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself properly. That said, the purchasing power of foreign currency hasn’t changed much, despite skyrocketing inflation. As of today, the US dollar exchanges for nearly 500 pesos on the "informal market."
This was my first time staying in Vieja, in the non-touristy part. I discovered some great little restaurants run by the younger generation. Affordable, excellent food, and remarkably friendly service: El Chanchulero (it was about time I checked it out—unbeatable value for money!), El Café, Jibaro...
Cubans are still as warm and welcoming as ever—bicitaxis, servers, markets. Speaking the language is a huge plus.
Essentials to download from abroad before you leave: the maps.me offline maps app, and the La Nave taxi/motorcycle taxi app, which is super efficient for getting around the capital.
Sending my best to all my friends in Oriente as the hurricane passes, especially to Baracoa. I’m planning to visit this winter.
I’m planning a trip to Cuba this summer and I’d love some info: Is travel insurance really necessary? Can you easily get online by buying a local SIM card or internet card? Apparently, there’s only one currency now—is it better to exchange money with your *casa particular* host?
Thanks for all these valuable tips!
Hi!
I’m heading to Havana for a week in February. I’m looking for a casa particular that’s affordable, clean, and cozy. Since I’ll be traveling alone, I’d love a place where people are welcoming!
Also, I really want to stay in Habana Vieja...
Do you have any recommendations for places you’ve stayed before?
I tried booking the casa particular *Chez Nous*, but I never got a response.
Hi fellow travelers,
We're heading to Martinique for a month from mid-January to mid-February.
Our plan is to explore the island by staying in three different spots for 10 days each, on both sides of the island...
Could you share some great tips on where to stay for an authentic experience and what we absolutely must see?!
Hi there,
In March 2026 I’ll be at the Club Med in Sainte-Anne and I’m thinking of heading to Les Saintes at the end of my stay.
Do you know what the most convenient way to get there is?
Thanks so much!
Hi everyone.
For those traveling to Cuba and then planning to go to the USA, you won’t be able to get your ESTA for the United States (same applies) if you’ve been to Cuba after 2021 due to a law passed by Donald Trump (a law that Biden later repealed).
You’ll have no choice but to apply for a visa, which costs 200 € (and approval isn’t guaranteed even after payment).
If you’re in this situation, the process to get this visa will be a real hassle—you’ll need to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. It’s the only embassy in France authorized to handle your application after you’ve filled out the visa request on the official website.
If you try to cheat by applying for an ESTA for the USA, just know that the American administration has ways of finding out if you’ve been to Cuba. 😉
I'm looking for information on the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Barthélemy, and St. Martin for March 2026.
What is there to see, and if possible, prices or tips, please?
Thanks, Michel V.
I’ve booked a room at an all-inclusive in Varadero for January 2025. This will be my 3rd trip to Cuba, the last one was 20 years ago.
The whole tipping and gratuities thing is wearing me out. Even though it’s an all-inclusive package, I think it’d be rude not to leave any tips for the bar staff and the housekeeping team, especially.
Here’s what I’m aiming for:
1. Not feeling stingy (or “feeling cheap” for my fellow Quebecers);
2. Not disrespecting Cubans by offering junk or, on the flip side, going overboard and creating unrealistic expectations for future tourists;
3. And most importantly, not spending the whole week wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I’m going there to relax, not to stress!
Hi there,
I’m planning our upcoming trip to Guadeloupe. We’re looking for a place to stay where human contact is a priority, with air conditioning, close to the beaches, and clean.
We’ve had several responses. After doing some research online, I was able to rule out quite a few options.
But now I’m deciding between:
Kokoplaj, tipayoune (issue: no AC, just fans—is that a problem?), Résidence Le Zandoli, and Gwada Rêves.
If you have any info or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! ;-)
Thanks for your help!
See you soon...
I’m heading to Blau Costa Verde next February and I’d like to rent a scooter to explore the area. Are the roads around Holguín in good condition? I’m thinking of renting one for 1–2 or 3 days to visit Holguín, Gibara, and Banes on my own. Do you recommend it (I’ve got a great sense of direction)? How much does it usually cost to rent a scooter for 2 or 3 days (or a car, though I’d prefer a scooter)? Also, are there any other interesting spots nearby you’d suggest checking out?
Are there any excursions to Santiago, and how much do they typically cost?
Hi,
When booking the tickets to Martinique for our family, I must have made a mistake, and on one of the tickets, the third first name is wrong. Michel instead of Joel...
CORSAIR Airlines is telling me I have to buy a new ticket for 1200 € (Christmas period). I think that’s outrageous and, above all, impossible for us.
I’m desperate—I feel like Corsair is really overdoing it.
Is there any recourse? How can I get out of this?
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Hi, I'm looking for a car rental for January 2020 in Guadeloupe. There are several agencies I've seen reviews for—has anyone dealt with Autolagon before?
Thanks!