Help selecting resort in Dominican Republic!

Hello! Would like advice on resorts for the DR. I am planning a surprise get away for my boyfriends birthday for about 3-4 days. He has been to Mexico and we went to Saint Thomas earlier this year so I have been considering DR. Would prefer all-inclusive, but am open to ideas. The 2 resorts I have it narrowed down to is Sivory Punta Cana and Paradisus Palma Real. I was referred to this site by a friend and this is my first time using it. Any help/advice would be GReATLY appreciated!

FYI: we love the beach and all types of beach activities; we are both foodies so would prefer resort with some good food...thanks!!!

M

We don't have very many members here who visit all-inclusives. I'd look at tripadvisor.com but be prepared for info overload. We've been to a few in DR and my advice for AI's there is book the best you can afford. The star ratings, IMHO, are off by one, compared to Riviera Maya. What's your timing? Makes a big diff during hurricane season. Where did you go in MX? We've been to several and they vary so much--Cancun to Maya to Los Cabos. We prefer the small ones and we're foodies, too. Hope that's a start.

Hi thanks for the advice! I am looking to travel in November. I have also read about the star ratings for hotels in the DR...Both of the resorts I'm looking at are about 4.5 and with all the info I wanted to get potential feedback from someone who might have been.

What are your suggestions for Mexico? I'm not sure where he has been and haven't asked so as to not give away anything. I would be open to considering some other options if you have some suggestions. Thanks again!