I absolutely wouldn't stay here if you payed me. I found it so rude it was how the staff here thought it would be wonderful to treat people that weren't part of their timeshare program like a useless piece of crap. They will make you go with them to the other side of the resort on a golf cart when you don't seem interested then they say ok and kick you out of your seat and leave you stranded somewhere on the other side not knowing where you are or how to get back where you belong...you are excluded from other parties because you aren't vip there is a seperate beach...THEY LET YOU KNOW that someone else is better than you if you don't buy into their package. You have to wake up at six am to book for a la cartes same day...usually completely booked but their are vip 's that already have booked all of their a la cartes for the week...fair isn't it?
The staff is ridiculous I know five year olds that could do better work than these people. My sister and her family came with me and my husband...her shower leaked the toilet leaked #2 all over the floor from the bottom of the toilet. I didn't think that was possible but apparently it is. The water in the mini fridge was never replenished and asking for three days for water is a bit much. I was sick the whole time from the first morning that I was there..couldn't eat....but sure could expell things....food poisoning I am sure. I ate the first day and after that forget it....anyways

The only good things there are here is the site and that the resort is yes beautiful. If you don't care that you are second best and that the food isnt't always fully cooked this is the resort for you...

by the way the money exchange wouldnt exchange american travellers checks for american cash...only pesos.

As a group of seven (26-34y/o) we traveled from JFK to Puerto Plata Airport. we had transportation aranged, which I highly recommend because it was very convinient and fast. The ride took us about an hour to the hotel, although that was becuase many people were walking the streets rallying for their upcoming election. The trip back to the airport only took about 30 minutes.
Upon arrival the check in process was fast and friendly (they even brought us cocktails as we checked in). They said that they only had one room key for each room, but I pushed a little with a big smile and the friendly girl finally "found" another key, so don't let them tell you that you can only have one key. The porter took our bags to our room and I recommend letting him because on the way he points out some critical necesseties (food, booze, beach, and pool).
The room was simple yet nice. We all had ocean view rooms, even though we didn't pay any extra for it. All of the rooms had balconies. One of my traveling partener's room had two double beds and she asked for a king size and they immediately transfered her to another room, no questions asked.
The pool bar is the place to hang out at night. I went to the disco one night and it was super lame, a bunch of punks not even dancing. The ocean wasn't calm, but not too rough either, nice for a swim and I totally recommend taking out a Kyak.
The pool and pool bar was great, not too crowded. We never had any problems with finding lounge chairs or beach towels, although I do recommend bringing your own because you can only take out one at a time. Also LOTS of sunscreen, we all burned a little.
The gym was pretty lame, but that made me happy, it gave me and excuse to not work out and enjoy myself. The massages were very good $80 for an hour.
The food was best at the Indochina restaurant. I did not like the Blue Lagoon seafood and the buffet always had something to make us all happy (except for the wine). Do not go to this restaurant for the food, like I said, it made us happy but did not rave about it.
The reservations were easy to get, I would usually get their at 5 to One and be the first or second on line and get the reservation in five minutes.
We went to the casino one night while we were their, it is a 6 dollar cab ride, but the also have a shuttle running on a schedule. The casino is very quiet, not crowded but fun none the less. The drink girl was very slow with the drinks, as she was working alone. Many times we just bought over priced drinks at the bar. Three out of five of us won at blackjack. A fun night out.
We went golfing to the hotels course "Los Mangos" each quest gets a free round. I do not recommend this course, the grass was awful and they try to rip you off and the caddies are super annoying. Also nowhere to get booze or even water on the course.
We went on one excurssion the Catamaran to Sosoua bay for snorkeling. I do not recommend this trip for snorkeling, unless you've never gone before and just want to see a few fish, nothing that blows your mind. I do recommend this trip as a booze cruise. The staff is awesome and drinks flow from 11am on. It was a full day excurssion leaving at about 8am and we returned to the hotel around 6pm
We booked this trip through cheapcaribbean, they were really good and would definately book through them again. The weather in the DR could not be beat, the staff was super friendly (especially the bartender at the beach bar), and the grounds were very clean. The food was o.k. but the drinks made up for it. Some reviewers said that it was only bottom shelf alcohol included, I asked that is not the case, you get whatever you want as long at the have it, I stuck with the Bacardi 151 and presidente beer for most of the trip.
some suggestions:
Bring a lot of sunscreen, its 15dollars a bottle in the gift shop
Bring a towel
bring a mug for your pool/beach side drinks (you get more and they stay cold)--I felt uncomfortable doing this but it is totally normal down their, every smart person does it
haggle like mad with the beach vendors, at least 50% less than what they ask at first, I usually got things down 75%.
Venture off to the right when looking at the water, bring some flip flops and follow the sign down the beach for the "cafe" (it doesn't exist) There are some great views and photos up there.
Try at least one of the afternoon activies, there fun and you win bottles of Rum.
We brought bug spray, but didn't notice any bugs.
Say a strong "no thank you" to the timeshare sellers and they will leave you alone the rest of your trip.
Thats all I can think of now, if you have any questions feel free to
feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

We just returned from our fabulous vacation at this resort on 3/26 and simply cannot understand the bad reviews. It almost seems that these people were staying somewhere else - or - as I suspect - expect everything for nothing. We found the people that work there amazing, friendly, helpful and fun. The resort and its grounds are simply beautiful - the island itself is as well a beautiful place. We have been to many islands in the caribbean and this was definitely our favorite.
A few notes that might be helpful:
1. Don't book the cheapest vacation you can find and expect to be treated like royalty. We tipped well and were treated very well. These people do not work for nothing. It is a poor country and a few dollars to your bartender, waitress or waiter, maid and porter show that you appreciate the job they are doing and go a long way. Just as you would tip at home - you tip here. The people that work at the resort are in the service industry. They work 12 hour shifts to serve you - the vacationer. Show that you appreciate the job they are doing. All-inclusive doesn't mean "all tips included". Show some respect and appreciation - a few dollars to the service staff each day shows that you do appreciate them.
2. The resort - We booked through a member and did have VIP priveleges and this is definitely the way to go. The VIP beach and gourmet restaurant are fantasic - as is the sunday night beach party. This is easy to do as these rentals are available everywhere. We stayed in building 5 and our room was wonderful - simple, clean and comfortable. We were on the second floor - ocean view - and we and our two children loved every minute. We were in the same building as non-vip vacationers and our water was always hot, our fridge always stocked and our room was always clean (back to the tip suggestion). We alos found that because of the way the resort is spread out it NEVER feels crowded and we loved this. I do have to add that I'm incensed at the reviewer who complained about the key controlling the lights and a/c. It's called saving energy - and it's because people like this reviewer would probably leave every light on and the a/c blasting while at the pool all day. It takes two minutes to cool down a hotel room - I guess that was too long to wait. We actually only used our a/c on two days. The rest of the time our doors were open to the wonderful breeze and cool nights.
3. The beach - for those who complained that the water was rough and not clear blue - YOU ARE ON THE ATLANTIC OCEAN -not on the caribbean. The water was warm and beautiful and the beach was great! Our kids loved the water, walking the beach and climbing the rocks at the end of the bay.
4. Excursions - we went to Ocean World - great and not crowded. I hate Sea World - but this was much more natural and beautiful. Try it with or without kids. We also went to Paradise Island which we loved. The trip was 2 1/2 hours but we loved it. We got to see a lot of the countryside - the rainforest - the huge valley where rice is grown - the tobacco and sugarcane fields and the people and their way of life. It was humbling, beautiful and memorable. The island itself was very nice - the snorkling was great. Even our little one was able to see schools of beautiful fish only feet away from the shore.
5. VIP salesmen - yes, they are around. We went on the tour and bought a membership because we loved the place so much. If you don't want to go on the tour, politely say no thank you and go on your way.
6. Food - while we did go VIP and had extra choices of restaurants, we ate at the buffet a lot and it was very good - especially breakfast. It was also beautiful! The omelets and smoothies are wonderful - as are the potatoes and bacon - sausage not so great. Coffee is FABULOUS! As for lunch and dinner I will be honest, there are a lot of different tastes to the food - however, there are always plain, simple thing that are good - roast turkey and pork were wonderful! Also, a ton of wonderful vegetalbes and fruits. They also had plantains grounded with pork one night that was very good. There is always so much to choose from - try a little of everything and you will find a lot you'll like and some you won't. As for the complaint that the resaurants are open air - are you kidding me? That was the best part! You can see the ocean, feel the breeze and just enjoy. We went to the VIP gourmt twice (which is out of this world delicious) and is the only restaurant with an indoor dining room. Guess what? The indoor room was practically empty - everone sat outside at the outdoor area. You are on a beautiful island at a beautiful resort - stay at home and go to an air-conditioned restaurant.
7. Finally - I just had to respond to the bad reviews I read on this site before and after our trip. We are a couple with two young boys and had a fantastic time. We have been on cruises, been to other islands and resorts, and simply cannot comprehend how anyone could have a bad time here. My mother went with us and is VERY picky - she did not want to leave at the end of the week. The only thing that I can surmise is that those who had a bad time made it for themselves. What I mean by that is that they treated people who worked there poorly or rudely, expected to be waited on like they were above those who worked there and never left a cent to show their appreciation. All that I can say to those people is stay home. Everyone we met who worked there always said ola with a smile and were always willing to help us with whatever we needed. Advice - show repect and kindness - it goes a long way. You as a traveler do not own those who work there - you are not above, but equal.

Where do I begin!

My friend and I just got back from Lifesytles after a seven day stay and it was truly the best vacation experience of my life. We arrived last Thursday and begin our adventure of fun in the sun...

Rooms: Our room was just perfect, not to big, not to small. We both had a double bed each and they were very comfortable with lots of pillows and blankets. We had good water pressure in our shower and lots of hot water every day for showers. We also had plenty of towels put in our washroom everyday. Our fridge was stocked every morning with Water, Soft Drinks and beer...we could not have asked for more. As for the keys with the card to turn on the electricity....it did not become a problem and we found a quick solution. Take the card of your key ring and keep it in the slot. That left our room always cool.

Food: Was amazing. Take it from a very picky eater, I have been to the Dominican before and ate nothing for seven days. that did not happen here. I managed to find something everyday, and the Blue Lagoon was great for snacks like Nacho's, wings and fries. Breakfast at the Buffett was also amazing. And the Italian A La Carte was good....we went back twice.

Pools: Were amazing, The main pool was busy with activities druing the day, but we always went to the upper pool where the swim up bar was, that one was never busy and you could sit and relax at the bar while cooling off.

Staff: TRULY AMAZING! I can not say enough about this wonderful group of people. They made our stay better than we could of ever imagined. My friend and I are two girls with a big sense of humour, and we were out for some fun. These people definetley gave us that. We hung out with them during the day at the pool, and we partied with them at night in the Disco. I also noticed there interaction with kids on the resort and it was amazing. To Coffee, Gigi, Shaggy, Mr. Mexico, Honey, Maria, Gravy, Fwido (not sure of the spelling...lol), Mr. Lover Lover, Andy, DJ Georgie...and the rest of the crew....Thank you all so much for making our vacation the best it could be. Your people are truly talented and amazing people.

Which brings us to the shows: Friday and Saturday night's shows were amazing. These people are so talented, and I loved just sitting and watching them move. They are amazing dancers and entertainers and we enjoyed every minute of watching them. The other nights were mostly audience interaction shows which are funny. LIke I said, if you don't hve a sense of humour stay away....if you do...this resort is the place for you!

Disco: Was amazing also, all inclusive does not include drinks at the disco, but it did not bother us becaue we could drink at the amputheatre right next door. And, you could get your drinks there and bring them into the disco. We partied there every night until at least 2:00 am, sometimes later. It's fun dancing with the staff doing the Merenge, Salso, Bahata, etc. Loved every minute.

Beach: We didn't spend much time at the beach, we enjoyed the pool to much. We did play in the waves a little one day though, and it is sandy and the water is very warm.

Excursions: The only one we did was Ocean World. The second time for me and it was more amazing then the first time. We did the Dolphin Swim and the Sea Lion encounter. If you are a Animal Lover I would definetly recommend this excursion. We loved it.

VIP: We were never bother, not once by these people. We saw them around the resort all day long, every day....and they were friendly, smiled and greeted us, but they never ever forced a sales pitch on us.

I think I have covered everything! I would strongly recommend this resort to anyone looking to have fun. We enjoyed every second of our stay and are already planning our trip back. Of course this is no Hollywood Hotel....but it is a beautiful resort, with the friendliest and most helpful staff anyone could ever imagine. If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask.

PS....we did lose some memory cards that were left on our beach chair. There were three in a transparent case, if anyone writing reviews was at Lifestyles between March 20th and 27th and picked these up, we would be greatful to get them back. you can message me and let me know. We don't care about the cards themlseves, we just want our pictures from this amazing holiday!