We recently returned from Sivory Punta Cana after a romantic getaway with my wife. I have to say that we were a bit dissappointed with what the accommodations and the country in general. We have traveled to the islands for many years now, but this was our first visit to the Dominican Republic. I can honestly tell you that we would likely not return either to Sivory or even this island. We found it very lacking in so many ways. The ocean is warm, but the waves were high and not safe for swimming, and the beach had alot of debris. This was a big change from what we are used to in the Caribbean, and expected the calm beautiful seas of the normal Caribbean vacation. Perhaps this was because Sivory was not actually located in Punta Cana, we found that it was much further North than we had realized (over 1 hour on horrible roads), so perhaps that is our fault, as we should have done more homework on it's exact location. When we got to the hotel, there seemed to be some confusion about our reservation, but luckily that was cleared up quickly. The room was impressive when we first entered, but after we began to look around, it got less and less adequate. The view was obscured of the ocean, the plunge pool was more like a bathtub (with NO view of the ocean), the windows could not be opened at all in any part of the room which we found very strange, and little things didn't work such as our doorbell, our internet or our voicemail. Not a big deal, but for a $500 a night luxury hotel, it just seemed that this shouldn't have been an issue. We requested some of the things be fixed, but that never happened either, but since it wasn't the end of the world, we did not insist, so maybe that is our fault too. The restaurants gave outstanding service, although the food was very regular and became redundent after a short time as the choices were very limited. The breakfast was by far the best, especially the tray of pastries they left at our door each morning. We didn't take any tours, as the hotel was too far away from everything and we did not want to spend all day traveling, so I can't make any comments there. We would likely not return to this hotel in the near future, nor Dominican Republic.

Went to this resort for my 60th birthday.Resort had been pushed hard by Hideaways as luxurious.Not hardly! Upon arrival, 1- a/c
not working.Took 2 days to get moved.2-Beaches filthy/not useable.3-Safety an issue as there were armed guards.4-Promised room upgrade through Hideaways.However at checkout was forced to pay.5-Manager was always "in a meeting" and could not discuss issues with us.Lastly,Hideaways has been no help at all and continues to push the Sivory as a luxury property.



















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The negative reviews surprise me, because my wife and I had a wonderful time at the Sivory. The resort is very secluded, which I believe adds to the luxury experience. It is not a place to "see and be seen." It is a quiet and relaxing place. For five days, we basically ate, slept, hung out by the pool and spa, and enjoyed each other as the stress from our regular lives melted away. We had the opportunity to play tennis and do other activities off the resport, but we never felt the need for more.

Our room was beautiful and directly faced a very pretty and undeveloped beach. Each morning, the hotel would leave a tray with coffee, juice and baked goods. In the afternoon, they brought a small plate with chocolates. With the meal plan, you could drink any of the wines (mostly Spanish) in the room's wine fridge and they have Reidel O glassware available in the rooms.

The food was very good. It is true that the menu does not change, but there are three restaurants on site, so there are plenty of options. We got the meal plan and we were glad we did, because it made meals so much easier. All the menus contain a lot of fresh fish and vegetable selections, which we enjoyed.

I understand that the hotel has about 50 rooms and most were full during our trip, but we never felt like the place was crowded. The staff was EXCEPTIONALLY nice and friendly. They truly provided attentive and sincere service.

My wife is originally from Venezuela, which perhaps makes us more comfortable with Latin American culture (it made speaking to the staff in Spanish easier). For this reason, we could overlook things that others are complaining about on this site.

My only cautions would be: (1) bring a lot of smaller bills with you for tips, because the concierge rarely had change (2) the road from the airport is under construction and some sensitive individuals might find the 1 hour drive to be bumpy and uncomfortable (one can pay for helicopter transport) and (3) the ocean was rough the entire time we were there and few swam it in it, so consider that if ocean swimming is important to you.

Finally, I have stayed in a number of luxury hotels and cruises and I have frequently felt like I was not getting value for the money. At this hotel, I never once questioned in my mind whether the experience was worth the price. It was unquestionably money well spent for a truly relaxing vacation.

6 stars - Best service ever - Great dinner - clean - quiet - relaxing - Smiling staff all the time - Breakfast at your door every morning (coffee - juice - croissant and without asking). You need something: Just ask. I suggest helicopter arriving. They land on the beach and staff will take care of your carry on, offer cold towels and champagne directly on the beach. I will return FOR SURE. Great place for honeymooners.

Jacques et Joane