Hotel Check: Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

WHERE IS IT? La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana, a distinctive collection of beach and urban resorts throughout Mexico, has opened their first Caribbean, adults-only, all-inclusive property in the Dominican Republic called Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana.

Considered one of the most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean, Punta Cana boasts some of the area’s most pristine beaches and live coral reefs. The resort is located just 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and 20 minutes from the Bavaro City Center.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Chic, modern, elegant, and designed to inspire, the property’s stunning architecture and lush flora and fauna give way to a calming oasis of comfort. The property’s beachfront location offers views of the Caribbean’s turquois waves from many guest suites as well as the main pool area, second floor Huzur Mediterranean restaurant and beachfront Mira Flores restaurant. The adults-only concept offers total relaxation paired with fun activities that will leave you feeling like a kid again.

ROOM FACILITIES There are 347 avant-garde style suites available in eight different categories. Among the most luxurious are the Premium Swim-up Suites, Fuego Suites, and Viento Suites with private rooftop terraces. Also in this class: the Tierra Suites with private plunge pools, and the three-story Luna Presidential Suite.

All avant-garde styled suites are generous in size, with contemporary furnishings, flat screen TVs, ample closet space, wet bar with stocked refrigerator and Nespresso coffee maker, as well as Jacuzzi tubs and/or private plunge pools. Bathrooms are spacious with dual sink, private commode room, dressing area, and enormous glass shower with dual showerheads. Amenities include Molton Brown bath products, artisanal soaps, aromatherapy kit, fine linens, pillow menu, plush bathrobes, his and her flipflops, a beach bag, and Live Aqua’s signature rubber duck. Naturally, there is excellent high-speed internet throughout the property.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Leave behind any preconceived notions about all-inclusive food when visiting this resort. With seven restaurants and eight bars to choose from, Celebrity Chef Gerardo Rivera takes guests on a gastronomic adventure. Among the options are traditional Mexican and local Dominican fare, as well as Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, French and Peruvian ceviche. And there is a fun sports bar serving creative tapas. Guests can also enjoy the property’s daily line-up of entertainment, a theater bar in the evening, or dancing the night away in the discothèque.

LEISURE FACILITIES The property has an amazing spa, a beauty salon and state-of-the-art gym facilities. Guests can book a personal training session in the gym, a spin class in the main pool, tennis, mini golf, volleyball or beach soccer. A visit tospa offers a sensory journey to help restore mind, body and spirit. Daily entrance to the spa’s unisex hydrotherapy pool area is $30 and includes use of an elaborate water circuit, reflexology path, experiential showers with aromatherapy, steam room and sauna. Guests can also choose from a variety of purifying body treatments, rejuvenating facials and healing massages.

Pro Tip: Live Aqua recently signed a deal with Natura Bissé to carry their prestigious product line. Professional aestheticians are happy to offer complimentary consultations and recommendations.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES This hotel’s parent company, Posadas, owns and operates more than 130 hotels while managing more than 300 SME and large corporate accounts. So they are often the go-to solution for business and meeting facilities in Mexico and now the Caribbean. This property has eight indoor meeting rooms, including a state-of-the art theater that can accommodate up to 300 people. Also of note is the Aqua Room with capacity to accommodate 836 guests. Indoor meeting spaces are complemented by ample and attractive outdoor spreads that can host events of any size. The property offers a “Travel with Confidence” program that includes on-site antigen testing, travelers’ insurance and use of 3M hospital-grade cleaning products to meet hygiene and safety protocols.

VERDICT I highly recommend this new resort to anyone looking for lavish accommodations, exquisite cuisine, and an above par spa experience. It would also be a great place to work remotely, host an incentive trip or gather for a corporate retreat.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS The outdoor design with an impressive 97,000 square feet of landscaped, linear pool spaces all leading to a meandering private beach

HOW MANY ROOMS? 347 suites

CONTACT Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, Carr. Uvero Alto Km 3.34, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic; 800-343-7821; lacoleccionresorts.com/puntacana