Hotel Review: Live Aqua Beach Resort, Punta Cana

I walk into the resort lobby, an impressive space with a pool full of rubber duckies in the middle of the floor. Immediately the aromas of essential oils ensnare my senses and I feel my body relax after a long travel day. The staff member who greeted me at the front doors leads me to the special lounge area where check-in takes place if you're in the premium tier (available at booking).

I'm invited to sit down in a comfortable chair and the bartender comes up to me to take my drink order. Before I even get my margarita, two women in resort uniforms greet me and take my hands in theirs, plying them with lotions before giving me an incredible arm massage. This is my introduction to a week at the Live Aqua.

If you're planning a trip to the Dominican Republic this winter, I want to put the Live Aqua Beach Resort in Punta Cana on your radar. This resort is an adults-only luxury resort with lots to offer from gorgeous beachfront, beautiful swimming pools, swim-out rooms, and tons of dining options. From friendly, attentive staff to relaxing spa treatments, everything about my stay here made me want to come back again.

Here's what to know about visiting the Live Aqua Beach Resort in Punta Cana and my honest review of the new resort.

The Details At A Glance

Where: Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Best Months To Visit: December to March

Adults Only: Yes

Cost Per Night: $$$

All-Inclusive: Yes

Getting To The Resort in Punta Cana

The hotel is conveniently located in Punta Cana, making it easy to get to from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It's about 40 minutes by private transfer. Talk to the hotel about transfer options after booking for a seamless transition from the airport to the resort.

If flight deals from your city are better to Santo Domingo, you can also fly into this airport (SDQ) but it's a longer drive (approximately 2 hours) to reach the Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana from this major city.

Live Aqua Beach Resort: Room Styles and Options

The Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana has a variety of room styles to choose from. There are junior suites and suites available with garden views, pool views, ocean views and swim-ups.

I was located in a swim-up suite and thoroughly enjoyed the access to the pool from my private outdoor seating area. The rooms have comfortable double beds, ample closet storage, and a beautiful bathroom with full-length mirror.

The mini fridge is stocked with goodies and there is a pillow menu and a scent menu on your bedside table. Simply contact your personal concierge (assigned at check-in) through WhatsApp to request various pillows and relaxing essential oils throughout your stay. This was a great feature!

Cuisine Options From Around The World

The restaurant options were great at Live Aqua Beach Resort in Punta Cana. There is something for everyone and in my four days there, I never ate dinner at the same place twice. As with any good all-inclusive, there was a buffet available daily for breakfast, lumch and dinner at Liberi International Buffet. This spot serves international dishes and has live chef-cooking stations for freshly cooked meal options.

For an iced coffee, check out Cool Fever Coffee, or grab a quick bite and a drink at the Wonderpool bar between swims. The Strainer, the lobby bar, is also a great place to have a pre-dinner cocktail.

For dinners, I dined at:

• Seishin Asian, which offers a fusion of Asian-inspired dishes. The sushi was great and the atmosphere was perfect for a date night.

• Sospiro Italian, which offers a romantic Italian dining experience.

• Chez Rose French which was an elegant and sophisticated dining experience with exceptional flavours.

• Miraflores Cevichería, which was a beachside treat with fresh ceviche and other seafood dishes.

• ATL Mexican Food which was colourfully decorated and had a vibrant atmosphere with lots of authentic Mexican options.

• Huzur Mediterranean: I ate breakfast here many times and loved the a la carte options for Aqua Club members, rather than always having breakfast at the buffet.

Spa Amenities And More

In addition to the swimming pools and beachfront loungers, a highlight of my stay at the Live Aqua in Punta Cana was a treatment at Feel Harmony Spa.

Feel Harmony Spa is a peaceful retreat that immediately relaxes you upon arrival with the aroma of essential oils in the air. The spa is affiliated with Prestige Partner Natura Bissé, recognized as the world's best spa brand by the World Spa Awards™.

In addition to full body spa treatments there is a hydrotherapy circuit and fully equipped gym. I tried the hydrotherapy circuit and also had a Soffio D´ Polynesia massage 50 minute treatment. This massage, which was new to me, uses coconut oil (known for its moisturizing properties) enriched with ylang-ylang, to stimulate blood-flow. It also fills the room with an intense floral aroma that induces a deep feeling of calmness and relaxation. I would highly recommend this treatment; I left the massage feeling like I was floating on a cloud.

Would I Recommend it to a Friend?

Yes, I absolutely would recommend this resort to my friends. This is a spot that's ideal for couples on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or just looking to reconnect with each other in a relaxing environment. From the moment you arrive, you're well taken of, with a personal butler available via WhatsApp message at all times.

The amenities, food options, and walkability of this resort are why I loved my stay here so much. I will definitely be back!

Disclaimer: As a travel writer, I often work with PR firms and tourism boards to try experiences and hotels for my readers. My stay at this resort was complimentary but all opinions are my own.