Well I am no help with your location - but there are lots of DR brides on her and I know I have seen RIU somewhere in this board! As for the TA - I had never considered using on (I am getting married at Sandals and they seem pretty straight forward) but I got to talking to one and am now using her to help. Some reasons I am using a TA are. . . I like that there is someone my guest can go to if they have questions (that either I don't know or just so they don't have to bother me) She has been UBER Helpful since she knows Sandals VERY well so I have been able to ask her a million questions (since I just got a WC today) I don't know specifically yet since I just booked but there are definitely things she can "hook me up with" - Not better room rates but other perks (insides secrets) that the general public might not know about, or know to ask the resort about. Some of my guest plan to stay at Sandals for only the minimum stay requirement then go off the resort and see some of the "off the beaten path" parts of the island - my TA will be able to help them with their arrangements for that part of their trip also. The only con I could see (I do not have this issue!) is if you got one that wasn't helpful - I have seen some posts on this site from Brides that were having bad experiences with their TA and it was an extra frustration a Bride doesn't need!! Oh, and some can be kind of pushy so you need to know when to stand your ground and do what you want for your wedding! Hope that helps a little