Well what can I say - we had a fabulous time at the Viva Wyndham Tangerine from Dec 8 -15th, 2006. I am 25 and travelled with my fiance who is 27. This is a great resort for all types, singles, couples, families. I did not see a ton of kids activities, but there weren't many kids there I guess based on the time of year. They do have a kids club area which looked very neat and clean. So I will start with the...
ROOMS: We stayed in a basic room which was immacuately clean, however on the smaller side, but no big deal. We were given a king bed as requested and there is a nice big balcony with table and chairs. The bathroom is almost as big as the room, maybe I am exaggerating but it was very nice with marble floors and the best all-inclusive shower I have ever seen. Mini fridges were stocked daily with bottled water, pop, and juice. Our fridge broke on the 2nd day and within minutes of calling the front desk, a new one was brought in by the maintenance staff.
PROPERTY: It isn't a huge property, which I think is nice because you don't have to walk forever just to eat or swim, etc. The grounds were immacuately kept up with beautiful flowers and lush grass. The beach would be a 1 minute walk from most rooms, and the beach is breathtaking with lots of palms and tonnes of lounge chairs, never a problem getting one early, mid-day or later.. This is the capital of the Caribbean for windsurfing and kiteboarding so don't expect calm waters, expect waves, not for those who want to swin in the ocean for very far. The pool is a nice size (just one pool) with a walk-over bridge to beach. Bar close to pool and beach for quick drinks.
FOOD/DRINK: The food was GREAT! I have been to many all-inclusives and by far this was the best for taste, selection and quality. Usually I lose weight on an all-inclusive, but this time I am not so sure ;) Make sure to book into the Italian and Mexican a-la-cartes - they are great! Mexican was probably our favourite (try the tortilla soup and enchilada), with Italian being very close. Steak at both, lots of seafood options. The buffet restauarant is great too and you can get 24 hour food at the snack bar - loved the pizza!! I think even the pickiest eater would be satisified at this resort. For drinks try the Bahama Mama and Tangerine (their signature drink)
ACTIVITIES/ENTERTAINMENT: They have a staff of about 10-15 full time activity and entertainers that have things running all day long by the pool and beach (aqua aerobics, volleyball, darts, bocce ball, dance lessons, etc) They all speak great English and are very friendly, but not pushy. They often have alcohol prizes for competitive games. Make sure to take advantage of the free scuba lesson in the pool and then book if you like it - we did!! There are lots of excursions leaving from this hotel as well - we went on a catamaran, doon buggys and scuba and they were all around $100 US and so much fun! There is a beach party on Saturday nights and disco runs every night until 2am with fun music and entertainment staff. There is also a huge 70 inch television in there. The entertainment in the thatched hall at night starts at 9:30 and is quite good, amateur but good. Amazing dancers. See the Michael Jackson show if you get the chance.
LOCATION: It is a 10 minute walk into Cabarete, which is small but bustling town. Some nightlife and some good pubs and restaurants. If you are a football fan and want to catch the Sunday NFL game, go to Jose O'Shea's (on the beach side) Irish Pub. He has many screens and a satellite. They will tune a screen to the game of your choice and have great American food and drinks from everywhere, I mean everywhere, in the world. You can walk there by beach or take a Moped with a local for only $2 US. It is a fun experience - make sure to offer the souvenir and gift sellers 1/3 of their original price, they always start really high. The hotel is 20 minute drive from the airport and about 30 min from Puerto Plata, 10 min from Sosua which has a bit of nightlife.
Overall this is a great place and I will definetly go back on a future trip to the Dominican. It has the white sandy beaches that more west Puerto Plata doesn't. We visited other beaches on excursions and the more east of P'o'Plata you go the better for nice beaches. They have done work to make the beaches in this area immacualte and more appealing, which it is! I hope you enjoy your trip and choose the Viva Tangerine! You won't regret it!