Live Aqua Punta Cana is Absolutely INCREDIBLE!

[@jerikolberg4651]

I love your reviews and am so glad you did one for Live Aqua. I have my vacation set and after seeing your review I'm even more excited to go!! Thank you so much for your content and I'll be scheduling more vacations based on your reviews.

[@ryanshydlowsky3785]

We are at this resort right now because of Coolists review. THANK YOU!! What an unbelievable experience and it’s only the first full day! The hospitality is second to NONE!! Highly highly HIGHLY recommended!

[@Frankthebank12]

are there many people staying there?

[@MrCjjuengst]

Just finished a 5 night stay it was absolutely amazing. It definitely wasn't dead like some people are saying. It's a smaller resort with only 347 rooms. We loved that it wasn't so packed and you could get chairs at the beach or pool any time of day. The simple layout makes navigating the resort easy. Food was good for an AI. There was always a decent crowd at the lobby bar at night as well as at the events. Diverse crowd of younger and older people but was mostly couples. Service was incredible everyone was so kind and helpful (esp when you tip a little it goes a long way). The beach was cleaned every morning and we saw someone spraying for bugs every day too. Definitely not a party resort but excellent for those who want to relax and enjoy some drinks in a beautiful setting. Thanks for the review James! I chose this resort mostly because of your review. Keep up the good work!

[@mitchgreeninsc]

Thanks James, we just got back from a 10 day visit. Your review helped a ton. We booked the Viento suite, had the VIP beach access and butler. You were 100% right, the food was excellent (never had a bad anything). Staff was welcoming and on the whole, very attentive. Many experiences were just outstanding. There were a few minor things over 10 days but nothing major and our overall stay was excellent.

[@Aggiemicro]

I always look for your recommendations, and we just went to Live Aqua two months ago! Room amazing, food amazing, beach.-A bit rough waves, but all exactly what you said, keep doing what you doing! Your rating its up to the point!!!!

[@dhvol98]

Great review James. Will have to add this to our list to check out.

[@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf]

Thank you Coolist James for such nice video. Your videos are of great help when planning our Punta Cana vacation.

[@ojb48o]

Yes! I was there in February, in the poolside swim-out in your same building. Loved the awesome staff and the drinks (especially at the Aqua Club beach drink service) but MAN did I have worse food than you. Maybe too off season. Everyone was so great. Come here to relax!!

[@duskodukelekic]

No food is horrible

[@Cap-N-GregArrrs-Treasures]

James, thank you for a very thorough and thoughtful review for this property. Your video made a difficult decision on where to book our trip SO MUCH EASIER! Great video and review for Live Aqua Punta Cana.

[@njo1982]

Booked this for the first week of July largely thanks to this video!! Will be my first ever all inclusive in any country so can’t wait! Keep up the good work my man!

[@Tubeyou72]

Me too going to the Hyatt zilara the first week of July I can’t wait , enjoy your vacation at pc !🙌🏻

[@N4Evar06]

How was it

[@njo1982]

@@N4Evar06 not sure which one this was aimed at, but Live Aqua was wonderful. Brilliant staff. Above average food. Pools great. Compact and chilled. It’s no party central but I went there because I didn’t that party vibes! I wanted chilled! Beach nice enough. Water wasn’t tropical blue but that’s part of Dominican Republic. It’s just seemed a step up in class compared to Catalonia Royal Bavaro which I also stayed at. That was still a good stay, this was just enhanced on all levels. Would 100% return!

[@Tubeyou72]

@@N4Evar06 the luxurious Hyatt zilara was amazing ,the staff was very friendly & the food was above average except for the blind butcher restaurant we had a bad experience in that restaurant the food was not good at all for 150 dollars that we paid for each person I was expecting some good quality food!

[@Tubeyou72]

Wow 🤩 5.5 i definitely going to this resort one day!

[@dwaeyennemercelina916]

Can't wait to see your new/updated ranking!!😊

[@demetrisenko1710]

Thank you sir James, for another wonderful video taking us with you on your adventures and your journeys I also love the Dominican republic and thank you for sharing this information. You are a natural and I truly truly love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@leggz4dayz]

We just left in June for my birthday. It was amazing. We had a Swimout in building 4. We received amazing service and the food was outstanding! Honestly they give excellent service to everyone. I highly recommend for a couples vacation But not for a girls trip

[@ToddRileyRealEstate]

5.5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stunning Hotel!

[@kinqmav226]

Great review! Everything you said about the resort was spot on second resort we’ve gone to based on your reviews thanks!!! Keep the content coming!!

[@youngkreisler]

Wow! This place sounds amazing. The only couple times I remember getting such outstanding personalized service was at a Four Seasons and the old Charlie Trotters, but at an all inclusive?! Enjoy your trip and thanks again for bringing us these wonderful travelogs!

[@marizen2]

Lovely!

[@ЕвгенийПархимович-т3д]

Great video as always. We were choosing between Live Aqua and Hyatt Zilara and ultimately went with Zilara. Had a great time. I’m curious how those 2 would compare!

[@enjolihenigan5546]

You made the right choice. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is a step above this one, especially with the food.

[@JimmyVYouTube]

5.5 WOW!!!!

[@Coolist]

Yup! I went from underwhelmed to overwhelmed in 72 hours. Such a unique experience - not for everyone, probably more a of a veteran hotel for those that have seen other resorts and get what Live Aqua is doing.

[@blanecurry9090]

Live Aqua does a great job ! Live Aqua in Cancun was one of my best experiences EVER !

[@aryanpatel9316]

Nice Video!! I highly recommend u to go to TRS Yucatan at Riviera Maya

[@luidgipamphile849]

Hey James. Awesome review. Love your content. I have a question. Your channel has become very popular for consumers, but probably for hotel managers as well. Do you think these resorts are flagging your reservations and alerting their staff to be on their best behavior while you're there?

[@TheMoneyMind]

100% lol

[@christinad2611]

I often think the same thing.

[@LisaMurray-u9h]

Definitely ​@@TheMoneyMind

[@Bighomey103]

I have a horrible attention span but I have no problem watching every minute of your videos. Good job James! 👍🏾

[@valsquyres]

That is the place to be! Loved it. You're looking great dude 😎

[@robertacevedo5726]

I’m here right now having a Sammy Sosa haha , great place ❤️‍🔥🇩🇴

[@ramsesm.dejesus6375]

Thoughts please? Thinking of going next month. Thanks.

[@rebeccabeard4290]

Hey there! Thanks for the great video and review! Question! We love your sunglasses! What kind are they?

[@Coolist]

Dita, Tom ford, prade

[@austinrita6449]

I can picture sitting in that lobby, having a few drinks and just relaxing. Might just be my next trip

[@mytripcoachkaley]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing!

[@keithstandrin9861]

Thanks James for your recommendation,we are here now and you are spot on

[@spinedoc893]

Hey James thanks for your great content! I'm looking forward to your final rankings for PC hotels as I am in planning mode for my winter 2024 trip(s) (The research is part of the fun and you are a big help!!). I am also wondering if you are giving any consideration to going to Cayo Levantado now that the big reno is done? I was there around 2008 and it was an amazing spot then and I'd don't think I've ever been to an all inclusive I enjoyed more. Apparently it's supposed to be spectacular now. It was always a little pricing but not terrible for what you got considering its on its own island and the operating costs that entails. Not surprisingly it sounds like it's gotten quite a bit more pricey after the reno.

[@NurseViv]

I completely agree I’m a repeat customer and there’s nothing to not love about Live Aqua… The service is great and The vibe is so immaculate…! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@kathanddannyDC]

Thanks for this authentic reply. So anxious coz of the mixed reviews. Flying there in 3 days!

[@Jiggy609]

Go to Secrets the Vine Cancun. Best food i’ve ever had at an all inclusive

[@NurseViv]

That’s the one I want to try!

[@dennisbean6087]

I ENJOYED THAT VIDEO. THANKS

[@loisirene]

I have been to the LA Cancun twice - this looks much nicer. Looking forward to the showdown with Finest and EEC, and your top 10 list afterwards! Thanks for ALL your reviews.

[@Sillyme5412]

Im waiting for excellence el carman too

[@christinad2611]

Can't wait to see these resort either!

[@Labdad1999]

Hey James, you are the best watch on KZbin! I'm right now at Coral Level Iberostar Cancun because of you. We trust you to call it as you see it. Surprised you gave this hotel a 4 as almost every traveler is Sooo concerned about the food. There was nothing in your review they said the food at this hotel could be trusted. It looked iffy at best. Really iffy. Thank you for your vids. You are truly THE BEST! 😊

[@beckyjackson7755]

Looks like a great hotel!! Great dining, outstanding service, etc. It really does make a difference. The hotel is Chic without being overly luxurious. Very in style!

[@Parker-Green]

WOW I really want to go now!! Great video!

[@caitlinhobbs1816]

We go in a couple months!! I can’t wait. My first all inclusive experience and international trip.

[@dianefriedman1352]

Great video. I have been to Live Aqua in Cancun 10 times. I may have to give Punta Cana a try.

[@susu-dj4cx]

Thanks so much for the great review! Are all of the restaurants included in the All Inclusive package or "only" the buffets?

[@chads4556]

Good review, I have been to PC 8 times, but always made sure to stay on Bavaro beach, avoiding Uvero Alto for the same reasons as you described when talking about the sand and water. This resort though might have me rethinking where I stay next time.

[@choogheem]

I assertively booked and am authentically looking forward to it ;)

[@jadehaylee]

Great video! If you had to pick between excellence el Carmen and this resort which would be the winner??

[@dawsboss890]

Hey Coolist! Love your videos. Do you recommend Live Aqua Punta Cana or Cancun?

[@sabrinav]

Thank you for this review James. This hotel is on my list of top hotels when I am shopping for a best bang for bucks top top tier AO hotel. I now have a better idea of what to expect :)

[@Richking213]

Thanks for the review my guy. Me and my wife are doing some research on some Punta Cana resorts and this spot might move up on my list 🙏

[@MikeandBenjieinMiamiBeac-fd2no]

Rice lover sushi, nice!

[@phrewilly8556]

Excellent review James. It appears that the customer service there is the epitome of what it should be! Well done. Looking forward to some of your cruise experiences someday! I found some familiar things in this review that you will see during any cruise!

[@pault875]

Had a amazing time here also. Wasn't a crazy party vibe but was very classy and a great time. Food was definitely amazing and I would definitely recommend.

[@graemescott5557]

Love the content, I've been to excellence el carmen before, how would you compare live aqua to excellence?

[@gayathriranjit197]

How was your experience at el carmen? not sure if we should choose el carmen or live aqua?

[@wdwexploreandchill]

This was beautifully shot and so relaxing that I fell asleep watching it during the premier! I’m not a huge fan of all inclusives normally but this seems just like my jam. Wonderful job as usual, James.

[@christinecascio2580]

Trying to fecide between thia resort and royalton chic?? Any thoughts??

[@jamestousignant3545]

I have watched a number of Coolist reviews. I am wondering if I missed one that includes golf along with a good spa for the Mrs. We are looking for something a bit more private (eg. pool and not so crowded). Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Will be the 1st time in Punta Cana

[@eveg7133]

Great video - thank you! Do you have opinion on the Iberostar resorts?

[@andiej5573]

I’ve stayed at the Cancun location and had a great stay. Will have to try this one next!

[@DR17dede]

This looks so beautiful. But there didn’t seem to be many guests. Was it just a specific time that you were there?

[@kouvue1081]

Probably why service was great.

[@Coolist]

That's the vibe - luxury/boutique, super laid-back, chill, serene, private, fun, classy, and social events.

[@NurseViv]

Nah they’re there everyone is everywhere never clogged up in one area..that’s just the vibe

[@emdee3810]

I was there July 3rd to 11th. From the 5th to the 11th, the hotel was at 95% capacity and it looked like this video the entire time. Most club-level rooms have a private pool and most people with those pools, don't bother venturing out to the other ones. Some people never left their room while I was there -- room service every single day and at their own pool deck every day. The pools come with a jet on one side, a day bed, and two lounging chairs. People aren't fighting for chairs because those who have their own pools don't bother accessing other ones.

[@stevenschindler8342]

Great video James. Please tell me this. I have knee issues and going up and down stairs is a problem wirh me. Does this resort have facilities in place (ramps? golf carts etc) to help me get everywhere I might want to go? (is. from room to restaurants, beach, pool etc..) Thanks so much h, Steve S.

[@337Dahlonega]

Could you Review the Casinos at the resorts please

[@warrenreidy7925]

Love the review James, looks like a great place but can I ask you when you went? It looks like it wasn’t very busy and we’d be worried it isn’t as lively as we’d like. Could you give us your thoughts please? Thanks Warren & Emma (Dublin, Ireland)

[@emdee3810]

He went July 2023. I was there around the same time. The summer is not very busy at any Punta Cana resort, because. the high season is during the North American winter.

[@MariaDeBBY1]

Stayed at this place for my husbanda 30th in April of this year! Very much enjoyed it and it didnt break the bank! Dare i say one of the nicest resorts I've been too.

[@theninedivides6851]

This was wild !

[@kingbee90]

This is next up for sure

[@karengranados280]

Looks like a gorgeous resort wiith fab food. My friends and I are looking for a little more party vibe. Thanks for all your videos. We're narrowing it down! We last stayed at Breathless. Loved the party vibe but found the food and room lacking as you did. Keep up the great work!

[@greghiller3597]

We are looking for more of a party adult only. Any suggestions?

[@karengranados280]

For Punta Cana, looks like Royalton Chic and Riu Republica would be a couple I would try. (I've never personally been).@@greghiller3597

[@miniskiller1876]

Great video! What month did you visit?

[@punchipunch]

Hey James nice video, where do you usually go to get all inclusive deals?

[@brittanybraggs2025]

Hi, awesome review! Question were there a lot of singles and what month did you go?

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your hotel stay.

[@owenoone9445]

Looks like a great property

[@JohnSmith-pd4gf]

Hi, Thank you for these videos -- I have been binging them all day. I am a 36 year old man, without many friends. I never solo traveled before and I want to go and do something fun this summer -- preferably somewhere with other solo travelers. I am based in the US, Northeast, and am open to any suggestions you have? I was hoping for an all inclusive in the Caribbean, what do you think? Thanks!

[@bathandshower]

great video and great looking resort! BUT: why does it look SO empty? I don't like crowded resorts, but I do like a bit of life however,.. My wife and I are booked for Excellence El Carmen in October, I can't wait to see that video

[@socaliente34]

I booked here for a group trip!

[@Mangos68]

Mr List were the pools warm?

[@rudyoviedo9258]

my girl and i watch your episodes , I'm Dominican she's not and we're planning a trip out there you don't make its but how you rate them resorts helps out immensely ...thank you

[@sherrylek]

We are going in February for my anniversary. Do you have to rent the cabanas/ beach chairs at the beach or pool? Is there a list of classes provided? How far is it to the center of Punta Canta or other beach you referenced in the video. Can you access a beach that is on the grounds of another property?

[@jterra420]

Plenty of chairs available on the beach and at the pool. Bali beds are available for rental. This place is amazing, stayed there 2 years ago and returning this April!

[@tuscanleather8023]

Fantastic. Have you ever given a 6?

[@davidminutella]

James, is the room damp/humid like other Caribbean hotels? This was an issue in Cancun. Thanks

[@ToddA75]

James! Quick question. Live aqua punta cana or Secrets Akumal?

[@martarub0614]

Husband and I planning to visit punta cana for first time next year this hotel is one of our choices but after your amazing review the beach is important to us but the vibe and how this hotel looks we don't know? Any suggestions for second option close to all this hotel has thanks in advance

[@andraea_346]

They definitely recognized you

[@ivancagliari]

Hey James! I love your videos! I'm a Brazilian traveler and I'm going to Vegas on my Birthday in 45 days and chose my hotel based on your videos! Now going back to Punta Cana: I watched both of your videos and don't know which hotel to pick: Live Aqua or Lopesan? What's your recommendation?

[@ivancagliari]

by the way, I completely agree with your tip "never trust tripadvisor" on your other video. My first time I stayed at Dreams Royal Beach in Punta Cana based on Trip Advisor reviews and didn't like it at all!

[@justinford531]

Will you be going to iberostar grand bavero this time ??

[@Paul_1927]

Do you might wanna consider doing somthing like your series on bayahibe?? would be great

[@julianmiranda8965]

Great reviews I'm looking to book but can't make up my mind with Live Aqua and The Finest would love your input

[@zacharywende1553]

I am excited for you to go to Excellence El Carmen I view it as an upgraded Live Aqua

[@LivingtheLaptopLifestyle]

Stayed at live aqua cancun for 15 nights.... awesome... only issue was no entertainment at night but it was the best food ever!

[@JeremyJackson-br3by]

thanks for the video. please give us the link to those shirts. thanks man.

[@tajreenariz2762]

Is this adults only resort?

[@NurseViv]

YES! 🤩

[@aneljimenez831]

Amazing 👏

[@amankang7868]

We’re planning on thinking on this for this year June. It’s a girls trip. Is this appropriate?

[@Ghidkh]

When are you going back to Miami??

[@PeterJameson-p9z]

Worth it for 5 nights? Flying 9 hours from Denver. Leave on a Wed and come back on Monday

[@SheISBeautiful1970]

Beautiful ❤

[@demetriusbrooks1836]

James, great review as usual. I love your editing style. I do have a question. Since you didn't upgrade, how was the alcohol? Did you still get premium choices?

[@ojb48o]

As someone who was just there, the upgrade does not change alcohol options. It's the private beach, a little lounge with food and drink, and a butler. Personally I like being brought drinks on the beach so it was worth it to me (and the service - you briefly see Danny Boy, the VIP beach bartender, in the video. He remembers your name, your drink, etc., he's 10/10 no joke ). If that's important to you, book it. If not, don't.

[@emdee3810]

I was also just there. There are some drinks they can not serve you if you are wearing a blue band. Some bartenders will serve it anyway (for instance, Johnnie Walker Black or Tito's vodka or Don Julio). Many times, I overheard bartenders say "if it's not a VIP guest, you can not be serving them this."

[@Partofreality]

What time of the year did you go?

[@brandon-ej8jd]

Great video. One bit of feedback. Since the vip upsell is really a mainstay at all all inclusives. If you could speak to the cost difference in your video as well that would be very helpful. Some places that price can be negotiable. Could almost be it's on video at each property. Keep up the good work.

[@emdee3810]

The upsell is very expensive at this resort. Think $600 for an off-season VIP room versus $300 for a regular rate room. Most amenities are the same with the exception of an a la carte breakfast, swim out rooms, access to a butler, and a bar with premium liquors only for VIP members. I noticed there wasn't much of a difference between the service I got, as a VIP, and the service some other people at the resort received while I was there. I did love having the Aqua Lounge available!

[@BUZATUAS]

Are you allowed to smoke anywhere? Or just specific areas?

[@kevintully4870]

Am posting this from Live Aqua 12/27/24. The hotel can’t give us the rooms we booked, and they don’t care. We have had one person sleep on a sofa for 2 nights. We complain, they say they will fix it, nothing happens- repeated over and over. The place is dead, mostly seniors, big retirement home vibe. The food is the same at each restaurant with slight modifications. Absolutely not worth the price, no comparison with Cancun, MX area properties.

[@lonyae]

Stayed 7days in a Tierra Suite (butler service was top shelf) , dined on the beach, enjoyed the activities, absolutely enjoyed my time there!

[@thehouseofhopepraiseminist1556]

Hey my friend.. I’m thinking of booking this place.. how is the food? How is the entertainment and the suite you stayed in is that a upgrade

[@lonyae]

@@thehouseofhopepraiseminist1556 A lot of food options, I'm sure a few spots will have what you like. We tried everything at least once. Entertainment was nice (daytime and night) Fire show, music and dance by the pool, Mixer classes, and so on. The suite is upgraded as its beachfront w/butler service.

[@spinedoc893]

Sounds like a great hotel but I find most of these newer properties so stark and almost cold. I don't mean that as a criticism because I get it takes many years for properties to get lush but is it really as stark and not at all a tropical paradise as it appears in the video??? I'm used to properties like the Melia and Barcelo where the grounds/pool/beach are spectacular but the rooms are not as nice and food isn't as good. Each year when I look to book a trip I'm torn between the tropical paradise of the older resorts and the amenities/rooms/food at the newer properties. I did find Secrets Royal beach to be a pretty good blend of property/beach/rooms/food/service. Your Lopesan video caught my eye and may be my next trip. Any thoughts James or other viewers?? Thanks for your great videos!