I have been to Punta Cana 3 times. 3 different resorts. We prefer Punta Cana because the people are nicer. We did not leave the resort because there is no need to for us to, However the Food was better in MX.

BVI. Not USVI.
Easy to get there. You can fly to St. Thomas and take a ferry or short plane ride, or fly direct to St. Thomas (USVI) and take a short ferry.
Beautiful place, food was good, felt safe, they speak our language .
If you have sailing skills, you can bare-boat charter and it's a very reasonably priced vacation. Also provides the entertainment and allows you to go to different locations as you want. Very casual.
We used sail from the Moorings there and the fall is a really nice and much less expensive time to go if you don't have school age children and can get away then.

For reference:
https://www.moorings.com/desti...lands-yacht-charters

I wondered how Las Terrenas has changed after 35+ years. Seems less urban than Punta Cana (limited traditional hotels and more "hostel-like". I've mostly gotten rid of the desire for sand in my shorts. Most likely getting there and back will be the biggest expense but probably on par with. Eastern DR is was a nice tropical break from the drier mesquite regions of the country. My supervisor recently took a vacation to Samaná and had a good time, a little Spanish would be helpful on any inland excursions.



"Where to Stay
Unlike Punta Cana, Las Terrenas isn’t a mini-metropolis of massive all-inclusive resorts. Instead, there are affordable family-run guesthouses and low-key boutique hotels, along with a shockingly stylish selection of rentals. Those traveling in a group should consider renting out thatched-roof bohemian Casa Poupone or the sleek and modern Casa Rosabaya. "

https://www.vogue.com/article/...0the%20right%20place.