My husband and I just returned from a week in Paradise! There were over 40 of us that went down for our friends' wedding. Having read mixed reviews prior to going down, I feel compelled to share our experience. We were in Building 1 which I understand has been renovated. The room itself was large and well appointed with an equally large bathroom. We had lots of room for our clothes, the safety deposit box was also large. The mini fridge was always restocked with lots of water and soft drinks.

We tried every restaurant except for the Japanese, and the food was fantastic. Some of the a la carte options were smaller quantities, but it just meant some of the men ordered more than one appetizer, entree, etc. The wait staff were good (sometimes forgetful when it was really busy), but we wanted for nothing!

The bartenders at the swimup bar (specifically Wilkin and Wandy) were always smiling and having fun! We were easily recognizable by the go-cups that the bride and groom had provided for our group (plus we tipped well for good service!) so we never waited for drinks!

The beach is absolutely beautiful, the ocean was like bath water and the snorkeling just from the beach was amazing! We also took a full day catamaran tour and did other snorkeling around the area which I highly recommend.

Overall, our entire group had the best time ever, and we all want to return for the 1st anniversary!!!

Would totally recommend Sunscape Casa del Mar to anyone. Tropical paradise with its good and not so good sides, all depends what you are looking for and who you are traveling with. We had a big company of friends so every day was fulfilled with joy and happiness. Food: If you are not spoiled with things like caviar for breakfast or Blanquette de Veau for lunch you can find pretty much everything there to satisfy your taste buds. And yes, langusts at the beach at sunset can be ordered at any time at US$30 a portion (compare to $80-$130 at New York's restaurant). Weekly party at the beach is a food paradise, don't miss it. Varieties of tropical fruits like mango, coconut, passion fruit, pineapple, watermelon, papaya are available at the beach every day. Italian restaurant was great too with wide varieties of Italian food and wines. Wouldn't recommend to go to Chinese restaurant Masuka though, food was not as good, poor presented and the worst took almost 2 hours for dish to arrive, service extremely slow and uncomfortable. Rooms: We stayed at building #3 so rooms were rather nice and clean, however I heard people complaining that in buildings 4 and up rooms were rather bad and people were trying to upgrade them if they could. Beds in the room are quite rocky and squeaky would move and squeak with every turn of yours which wakes you couple of times during the night. Mattresses are extremely hard and pillows are super uncomfortable ( I hear you sayin' oh, such a princess on a pea you are...), I'll say no more, you'll see it yourself once you get there, then you'll understand. Beach: NICE, lots of beach chairs enough for everyone no matter what time you decide to come to the beach, there are always few available. Nice sandy bottom with few coral rocks here and there. Great place for snorkeling who's into it. Ton of fishes and other marine life but watch for purple jelly fish. If you see it run for your life, it can put you in painful shock coma for few hours. Service: Good enough if you don't expect your water to say by you at all times. Drinks: ROCKing... they put enough booze to knock you socks off after a few. Spa: AMAZING!!!!.... go there, have massage with Vanessa, you'll see what I'm talking about when I said "AMAZING!". Lack of towels and glasses though (have to ask for it sometimes), but aromatic oil massage and sauna totally compensate it. Surrounding: GORGEOUS.... take a walk around your are first day there, you won't be disappointed. Everything is reachable with only few minutes of walk, every little place is a gem. Don't be afraid to waist your time and just take a walk around, you'll discover something you may not expect and going be in love with. Like small chilling pool right on the beach aside from everything else among trees and rocking waives. Breathtaking... Shows: OK. Visited few but wasn't shocked. It's nice I guess who's into it. I proffered to chill at lobby with friends, few drinks and a nice cigar. Overall: TOTALLY great get away place. Would love to come back.

We stayed at CDM March 29 through April 6, 2008. I booked this stay though Interval International by trading our timeshare. I was told I had a one bedroom with living area and two baths.

That transalated into the club level rooms. We basically had two rooms. One was set up as a bedroom with two double beds, refridge, TV, large closet and a good sized bath. Then we had a second room with a connecting door that was set up as a sitting area (rattan couch which opened to a bed, two chairs, lamps, coffee table, television). As this could also be a bedroom, there was the exact same bath and refridge but also a sink and a stove along with a large closet. We felt the room could use an update, which I believe is coming soon as we could tell some of the other buildings were already completed and others were in process, but it was perfectly adequate and very comfortable. My only complaint was the lighting. It was too dim, so reading at night was hard.

Our room was 5006, which was the small building to the right of the main lobby area on the second floor. We looked out over the main pool area and had a huge balcony (it covered both rooms). While some people may not like this location because you hear everything happening at the pool and bar area, we loved it. We could sit out on the balcony and listen to the music and watch what was going on but when we went in you could hear it some but certainly not enough to be bothered by it. And once the nightly show ended you couldn't hear any of the music coming from the bar area.

The nightly shows....we went to most. While it's not broadway they were entertaining. I am so impressed by the emcees who speak 5 or more languages. They all work hard and we certainly enjoyed their performances.

This resort was lovely. The grounds are spectacular and the staff was fantastic. The food, while not gourmet, was really good. The selection was wide and you had other dining options besides the main buffet.

If your traveling with young kids, this is a great place. There's lots for them to do, the pools were fabulous and there was plenty of kid-friendly food options.

My husband and I did the couple massage looking out over the caribbean. It was heavenly. I highly recommend doing this. We did this the first afternoon there which set the relaxing tone of our trip. I also had a facial at the end of the week which inluded the best foot massage I've ever had.

Sometimes I felt like we were on a cruise ship except the drinks were included. There were daily activities, beach games and nightly entertainment. You could join in or just do your own thing, It was great.

We tipped the wait staff, bartenders and our maid through out the week. While they did not expect to be tipped, they were very appreciative and gracious. They were all very friendly, helpful and fun. They work long hours to make our vacations enjoyable and I hope everyone takes the time to appreciate it. I think the staff makes the resort and thoses at CDM certainly do an excellent job.

We loved this resort. It was very relaxing and lots of fun. Can't wait to go again!! I'll post some of our photos shortly.

April 11th to 13th

Another MARvelous time at Casa Del Mar...or as I like to call it Casa Del MARvelous!

I arrived on April 11th to celebrate turning 61 at my favorite place in the world...SUNscape Casa Del Mar. It was the first stop on my 10 day trip that included 4 hotels including CDM. ( I will write and submit reviews for all)

Arrived at PUJ airport and the transfer from airport to CDM was a pleasant drive through the countryside...my heart leapt as we passed through the gates and the lobby loomed closer with each second! I started crying with joy as soon as I got out and was greeted by dear friends...Yes I had made the right choice and was HOME!

CDM never disappoints...for me it is not only the resort but those who work there and make my stay so special...The Staff and people at Casa Del Mar are so very special to me...

The lobby embraces me and makes me feel at home...lol..if only my home was so nice and welcoming...hehehe!!! Comfy chairs and couches abound and a lovely view out to the beautiful open area where you can see the main pool and even the blue sky and lovely carribean ocean...AH...paradise!

The beach at CDM is one of my favorite things...the beautiful soft white sand that never seems to get hot under my feet...and the snorkeling opportunities that about right from the beach and all in swim distance ....so beautiful and peaceful.

The food...well I could go on about all of the delicious meals I have always had there and had this trip too...just let me tell you...my hips always seem to grow..LOL! From the great breakfast choices at World Cafe...to lunch at Seaside Grill and their Calamari, Lemon Fish, Rosemary Chicken...or Burgers on the Beach...Dinner..ah so many choices, the Jungle Bar on the sandy beach were you can dine with your toes in the sand..., Seaside for meat and fish, Oceana where you can dine by the pool, DaMarios for italain and more...there are just a few of my favorite tastes!

Since I have been going I have never been disappointed in my room selections I travel as a woman alone and each time I have been there I have felt safe and sound...my rooms have always been clean and secure...only once in a previous did I ever have an issue when I messed up with the safe somehow...I called guest services they has someone in my room within 15 minutes fixing it!

What can I say...I love Casa Del MARvelous! And will continue to return. I am going back again June 18th to 25th and am counting the days...

If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me through a PM here on trip advisor...or you can find my email in many of my posts I am always happy to talk travel and especially about CDM...it lives in my heart until I return home again and again.

Happy Travels to ALL!