I actually have stayed in DR and was so surprised by how well Barcelo (in Punta Cana) managed the bugs and birds. They were virtually non-existent. It was unnerving. Huge property, multicultural. There are more people here not speaking English (Russians, French, Spanish, etc). It's a Spanish chain so not surprising. But again I was blown away by Barcelo's bug control!!

Bravo beach is the adults only. If your with kids they have a kids club and other activities.

Anonymous wrote:I always wear bug spray in warm weather. I needed it in the DR as much as I do in DC. My husband never needs bugspray, as he is rarely bitten anywhere. Maybe you should just stay at a mall.

???

Okay Snarkypants. Did you not read the part where I listed all the islands we've travelled to without problems with bites? Then the part about two couples who recently had major issues with big bites and needed bug spray anytime they walked outside?

Honestly, the comment from the development person who mentioned dumping in the ocean is worrisome. I knew someone who lived there for a decade, and had heard about bathroom issues. Her family only visited her once because they were turned off by the plumbing situation.

I always wear bug spray in warm weather. I needed it in the DR as much as I do in DC. My husband never needs bugspray, as he is rarely bitten anywhere. Maybe you should just stay at a mall.

Just got back from DR. Did not need or use bug spray at the resort. We did go hiking and swam in a lagoon. Used a little bug spray but did not use on every inch of my body. I got 2 bug bites and one of my children got 1 bite. Did not get any more bug bites at the resort.

Been to the DR (resorts and otherwise) plenty of times, never used bug spray or got bitten.

OP here. Let me clarify on bugs. We've been to PR, the USVI, Bahamas, Caymans, Mexico and BVI, and we weren't bothered by bug bites. Two couples I know who went to DR commented that they had to cover themselves in bug spray before going outside, and one person came back covered in welts.

So, if you had to use bug spray, tell me about it.

Um, if you go to the Caribbean, you're going to have bugs and mosquitoes.

OP I'm curious about your no bugs requirement. I understand not wanting to be overrun with bugs, but it's the tropics. I think there's no way to completely avoid bugs.