Firstly, let me say that Dean was an absolute rock star in terms of communicating and answering the endless questions that myself and our group of 7 total families had for an entire year leading up to the trip. As you can imagine, coordinating that many different families with different ages of kids and concerns, a handful of dietary restrictions and a few occasions to celebrate was no small feat. He arranged to have several goodies - activities for the kids, floaties, coloring items, goggles for the pool, etc. when we arrived.
If you can spring for it, aim for flying into Puerto Plata, but if you have to fly into Santiago (more direct flights from where we were coming from, for a much better price), and you are prone to motion sickness, take dramamine before the shuttle ride. The roads are windy with elevation changes, but if you can stomach it, the scenery is beautiful and the drivers Villa Cocomar partners with are professionals and navigate the roads wonderfully.
Juan and Juana were nothing short of exceptional - providing everything we needed, at times with very short notice. Juan was always available to answer our questions, arrange rides into town, or take our grocery or alcohol list. Juana is a FANTASTIC Chef (we may have tried to take her home with us)! All the food was delicious, and she was able to accommodate all of our requests, we definitely miss her cooking now that we're home.
Most concerns we had were addressed immediately, and overall, the property is absolutely beautiful, with a fantastic vantage point for the sun rise, and it was a beautiful backdrop for our very casual 10 year anniversary/vow renewal.
