Why make a reservation?
A state-of-the-art resort with a modern feel, a stunning pool, and access to crystal clear water that nourishes your mind and body.
set the scene
Live Aqua has one of the most impressive lobbies in Punta Cana. Grand, spacious and bordering on austere, with waterfalls cascading down cool blue tiles and light streaming down gray cement walls, it offers a startling contrast to Punta Cana’s other resorts. A luxurious fortress-like structure, its austere columns clash with the lush greenery and palatial pools that line many of the hotel’s buildings, itself an anomaly among Caribbean resorts. You won’t find another hotel like this here. A contemporary retreat perfect for couples looking to relax or groups of friends looking for an idyllic getaway. As you walk through the tropical grounds, the azure waters sparkle and you can feel your stress melting away. With a refreshing herbal tea (free at check-in) in hand, Live Aqua transports you to a special place.
inside story
This is the latest addition to the Posadas Group, a staple of the Mexican coastline. Live Aqua is their only facility outside of Mexico, and it’s easy to see what drew them here. You can spend the day lying on a secluded sandy beach, soaking up the sun and dining at fine restaurants. This elegant fusion has been so successful that they have started building other resorts nearby.
room
The entrance to the guest room looks like a walk-in closet. A walk-in closet with modern amenities and a spacious balcony with a private hot tub. The wooden doors are surprisingly understated, with small outlines carved into the panels resembling closets, but once you enter the space, you’re greeted with a bright atmosphere that exudes Caribbean charm. Among the hotel’s many rooms, guests can choose between garden- or ocean-view rooms, but my favorite was the beach-facing Viento Suite, where the only thing between my bed and the sand was a plunge pool glistening in the sun. Live Aqua was designed by architects from Skyline Design to be modern and elegantly restrained. White walls and wooden frames are perfect for highlighting the colorful nature outside your door. Don’t be distracted by the details of the interior. Rather, your eyes are always drawn to a rippling patch of ocean in the distance, beckoning you to take a dip in its enchanting waters.
neighborhood
Somewhere between the lush countryside where cows sleep and the shimmering beaches filled with napping tourists lies Live Aqua. It seems as remote from society as Punta Cana is from New York. Although it’s a 20-minute drive from the city, the resort is only close to other all-inclusive resorts that sit majestically along the shoreline, like palm trees lining the sand.
spa
Bold is the best adjective to describe Harmony Spa. A harmonious blend of soft, soothing hydrotherapy and sombre architecture of cement columns and meditative light, it’s a risky yet rewarding experience for a tropical spa. In contrast to nearby resorts, Harmony Spa feels like a cheeky experiment, an unabashed contrast to the warm palm huts and sand-colored spas nearby. As you progress from ice showers to hot baths (a type of hydrotherapy that hydrates your mind and body), you may notice that your worries naturally disappear. Treatments include facials, massages, and scrubs, all using locally sourced products that smell as fresh as the animals of the fragrant Dominican forest.
Eating and drinking
Live Aqua’s chefs have conquered more countries than Napoleon. The buffet features cuisine from Africa, France, Italy and many other countries, offering a full range of eclectic cuisine. The pasta is homemade, the seafood is locally sourced and the wine selection is extensive. The traditional French restaurant serves perfectly cooked steaks that pair perfectly with red wine and the searing red sunset. Guests also have access to beachside restaurants, including the intimate Miraflores, nestled under an outdoor palm hut, and Huzur, an Italian-inspired restaurant located on the second floor of Live Aqua’s main event space. After a sluggish day in the sun, get some shade with Huzur. The seafood served is so fresh you’ll wonder if it was caught during your morning swim.
service
The service was attentive and inspiring, bringing positive energy and inclusiveness to Live Aqua Resort. The staff are always there for you, but never in an overbearing manner and always ask how they can support your stay. Once the staff found out I liked cigars, they were always there to offer me a light. When she found out I liked Aperol Spritz, she rushed to my lounger and offered me a refill. There are countless group activities, but my favorite is the cigar tasting, which showcases local flavours, nuances and drink pairings, held under cabanas of bright, fragrant flowers that somehow smell fragrant in a pillow of cigar smoke.
family friendly
This is a favorable option for multigenerational families. It’s a quieter accommodation for honeymooners and couples than the party-filled hotels nearby, but offers a bed of solitude for families looking to unwind together.
accessibility
The hotel is mostly flat and has an elevator that bypasses all the stairs and provides access to the common spaces.
