Hey Chris! Thanks so much for your comment! That’s our goal here on our channel :) we definitely get hosted by a lot of hotels, and we always want to provide people with exactly what to expect when they book a property no matter what. Personally, we feel nothing is more disappointing than having expectations that aren’t met after spending so much money to take a vacation. Even if this hotel had hosted us, our review would remain the same :). We hope that comes through!
Its crazy how experiences vary and are so subjective. The Coolist channel ranked Live Aqua as the #1 resort in Punta Cana, calling it "exceptional " and compared it to the service of the St Regis and the Ritz Carlton. These kind of videos are supposed to help viewers if they should book, now I am just very confused as to what it's really like.
Hey Ashley! Thanks for reaching out. Coolist is a great channel that provides a lot of insight into a lot of great hotels. However, our approaches are different. If you take a look at our channel, we do hotel reviews with a consistent rubric that we use in order to avoid it being so subjective. Our approach to reviews is less based on our individual experience and based on the experience guests can anticipate as a whole at a resort. We do this because we have had a number of years of experience in hospitality and marketing so we understand what’s a front versus what’s real. While the comparison to the st Regis and the ritz Carlton may make live aqua seem really high end, it depends on what ritz or st Regis he is comparing them to - lol. We have not stayed at the live aqua in Mexico but we did hear that it is significantly better in terms of service and food. If you need any help making any decisions or have any questions about resorts in punta cana, feel free to DM us on Instagram or reach out to team@voyagerguru.com. Xx, maren
Just a great, all encompassing review you guys! We just wrapped up our trip at Live Aqua Punta Cana and agreed with all points made here. Beautiful property, wonderful food, very inconsistent service. Appreciate all the insight!
Thank you so much for this update!! Really appreciate your input and I’m sorry it wasn’t great service- I’m glad to hear the food may have been slightly better?
Just returned from Live Aqua. There were 4 of us in the group and our main issue with this resort was the terrible cocktails. It does not seem as though bar tenders have had proper training. We eventually stuck to our faves - Aperol Spritzers during the day and wine with lunch and dinner. Food was good all round, but best at Miraflores on the beach. Do yourself a favor and take the 1.25mile walk down the beach to Castaways (bar open to public) for a couple of cocktails. We did this on our last full day and it was so much fun and a great break from the resort. . We took your advice and steered clear of the 'timeshare' warning. Staff were welcoming and eager to please.
Hi Debra! Thanks for this up to date feedback! Very helpful. Ugh disappointing about the cocktails- that sucks. We had that experience with them being way too strong with the emphasis on getting you wasted instead of having an enjoyable drink to sip on. Castaways sounds awesome!! I will keep that in mind for our next trip to Punta Cana!
Nice to see you guys make a review of a standard all inclusive. Has been a while. Always love your reviews but most of your reviews lately have been of the Maldives or some other ritzy upscale area or room that 98% of the population could never afford to visit.
Hey there! Thanks so much for your comment :). We appreciate the feedback too- though, for the price we paid to stay at Live Aqua, we could have stayed at a much nicer 5 star hotel in the Maldives for less money 😬. The Maldives can be shockingly affordable. For example, Saii lagoon and Hard Rock start at around $225 per night which is sooo much less than live aqua was. Emerald Maldives was around $650 for some dates in May I saw last year so basically what live aqua was priced at and way higher quality. Flights can also be around $700 round trip which is on the medium high range of what it costs to get to the Caribbean unless you get a great deal. You may be surprised to find it quite accessible! As a side note, we have tons of content coming up from Las Vegas and more to come from the DR and other great destinations ❤️.
Hi Lani, thanks for your comment! So the hotel itself is very beautiful and if you got a good deal, it’s probably worth it. We were disappointed by the service and the food which was very important to us. I would say make sure you eat at the beachfront restaurant for lunch as it’s the best food and request a quiet room :)
Man, we’re going here next month. I’m struggling figuring out which transfer service to use to get from airport to hotel and vice versa. They don’t offer transportation service.
Hey Joshua, that’s super weird. They used to offer free transfers via luxury SUV for all bookings ☹️. Annoying. I haven’t tried personally but “Punta Cana Airport Transfers” is a solid company with a good reputation. My rec is to check viator.com and you can price compare
Hi holly!! My favorite in the DR is Hyatt Zilara. It’s a beautiful property with excellent food and the club level is really fabulous. They have the best quality in the punta cana area right now. We do have some perks for booking with them so DM me on IG or email me if you need any help :)
Thank you! We use mostly shoot on the Sony A7SIII. The wide angle shots are largely the 20mm f1.8, and most of the detail shots are either the 50mm or 85mm f1.8 respectively. Let us know if you have any questions!
Hi Karina! Thanks for reaching out. We have not been to Finest yet, but it is certainly on our list! Stay tuned, we will try to get a review of Finest this year :).
Hey there! I'm not sure I agree with your logic. If you pay for a service, you expect to receive that service. If you don't receive that service, then the provider failed. It's fairly basic. We are also "critical" so that others don't have to make the same mistakes :). We also had a great time with our friends over that trip, but that doesn't mean the hotel didn't fail in a lot of the key areas for a 5 star resort :)
@rlik49 thanks for your response! Yea for sure there are much better resorts that will leave guests with a much better experience so happy to help if you’re looking for advice!
@rlik49 oh nice! Yea Cancun has a lot of larger properties but if you’re willing to go a bit further out like playa mujeres, The Beloved is a great property that is boutique. Their price does vary a lot but it is all inclusive and a fabulous option if you’re looking for small hotel feel on a gorgeous beach
Thank you for posting this.. I stayed at Live Aqua Cancun and that place is amazing ! . I never wanted to go to DR, now ai For sure don’t want to visit that shady country
Hi Juss Jess, yes we've heard the one in Cancun is fabulous, and that this hotel does not match up with peoples expectations after staying at both. However, I would also caution you against writing off the entire Dominican Republic, there are not only many many amazing hotels, but also incredible and diverse landscapes and some of the happiest and nicest people in the world. For what it's worth cartels aren't shooting people in hotel lobbies either 🤷♂️. We love Mexico as well, but there's a reason we've chosen to live in the DR part time. Have a great day!
@VoyagerGuru I just watched a video from James "Coolist" who also has a RUclips travel channel. He stayed at Live Aqua Punta Cana less than a year ago and has stayed at 19 other Punta Cana all inclusives. He recently named Live Aqua PC as his #1 resort in the Dominican Republic. He stated the service was "outstanding." Maybe they've got the kinks worked out since you were there 18 months ago? I really liked this video, first one I've seen from you two... very nice job!
Non sponsored reviews are the way to go. This felt a lot more grained in reality.
Hey Chris! Thanks so much for your comment! That’s our goal here on our channel :) we definitely get hosted by a lot of hotels, and we always want to provide people with exactly what to expect when they book a property no matter what. Personally, we feel nothing is more disappointing than having expectations that aren’t met after spending so much money to take a vacation. Even if this hotel had hosted us, our review would remain the same :). We hope that comes through!
Its crazy how experiences vary and are so subjective. The Coolist channel ranked Live Aqua as the #1 resort in Punta Cana, calling it "exceptional " and compared it to the service of the St Regis and the Ritz Carlton. These kind of videos are supposed to help viewers if they should book, now I am just very confused as to what it's really like.
Hey Ashley! Thanks for reaching out. Coolist is a great channel that provides a lot of insight into a lot of great hotels. However, our approaches are different. If you take a look at our channel, we do hotel reviews with a consistent rubric that we use in order to avoid it being so subjective. Our approach to reviews is less based on our individual experience and based on the experience guests can anticipate as a whole at a resort. We do this because we have had a number of years of experience in hospitality and marketing so we understand what’s a front versus what’s real. While the comparison to the st Regis and the ritz Carlton may make live aqua seem really high end, it depends on what ritz or st Regis he is comparing them to - lol. We have not stayed at the live aqua in Mexico but we did hear that it is significantly better in terms of service and food.
If you need any help making any decisions or have any questions about resorts in punta cana, feel free to DM us on Instagram or reach out to team@voyagerguru.com. Xx, maren
Just a great, all encompassing review you guys! We just wrapped up our trip at Live Aqua Punta Cana and agreed with all points made here. Beautiful property, wonderful food, very inconsistent service. Appreciate all the insight!
Thank you so much for this update!! Really appreciate your input and I’m sorry it wasn’t great service- I’m glad to hear the food may have been slightly better?
Just returned from Live Aqua. There were 4 of us in the group and our main issue with this resort was the terrible cocktails. It does not seem as though bar tenders have had proper training. We eventually stuck to our faves - Aperol Spritzers during the day and wine with lunch and dinner. Food was good all round, but best at Miraflores on the beach. Do yourself a favor and take the 1.25mile walk down the beach to Castaways (bar open to public) for a couple of cocktails. We did this on our last full day and it was so much fun and a great break from the resort. . We took your advice and steered clear of the 'timeshare' warning. Staff were welcoming and eager to please.
Hi Debra! Thanks for this up to date feedback! Very helpful. Ugh disappointing about the cocktails- that sucks. We had that experience with them being way too strong with the emphasis on getting you wasted instead of having an enjoyable drink to sip on. Castaways sounds awesome!! I will keep that in mind for our next trip to Punta Cana!
Production on this is next level. Great, personable reviews.
Thank you so much for your comment! That means the world to us and we appreciate you noticing our quality :). Happy travels!
Nice to see you guys make a review of a standard all inclusive. Has been a while. Always love your reviews but most of your reviews lately have been of the Maldives or some other ritzy upscale area or room that 98% of the population could never afford to visit.
Hey there! Thanks so much for your comment :). We appreciate the feedback too- though, for the price we paid to stay at Live Aqua, we could have stayed at a much nicer 5 star hotel in the Maldives for less money 😬. The Maldives can be shockingly affordable. For example, Saii lagoon and Hard Rock start at around $225 per night which is sooo much less than live aqua was. Emerald Maldives was around $650 for some dates in May I saw last year so basically what live aqua was priced at and way higher quality. Flights can also be around $700 round trip which is on the medium high range of what it costs to get to the Caribbean unless you get a great deal. You may be surprised to find it quite accessible!
As a side note, we have tons of content coming up from Las Vegas and more to come from the DR and other great destinations ❤️.
Have you guys been to Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar?
Hi Janice, we have not yet been, but it is definitely on our list!! Stay tuned, we are hoping to explore some more hotels this summer :)
@@VoyagerGuru have you been to Lopesan costa bávaro I heard that one is amazing
@@Janiiii That is also on our list! They haven't replied to our inquiry yet but hoping to head there on our next trip :)
Do you think that this would be a good option for a young couple's first time at a resort? We reserved for September 2023. TIA!
Hi Lani, thanks for your comment! So the hotel itself is very beautiful and if you got a good deal, it’s probably worth it. We were disappointed by the service and the food which was very important to us. I would say make sure you eat at the beachfront restaurant for lunch as it’s the best food and request a quiet room :)
Man, we’re going here next month. I’m struggling figuring out which transfer service to use to get from airport to hotel and vice versa. They don’t offer transportation service.
Hey Joshua, that’s super weird. They used to offer free transfers via luxury SUV for all bookings ☹️. Annoying. I haven’t tried personally but “Punta Cana Airport Transfers” is a solid company with a good reputation. My rec is to check viator.com and you can price compare
Thank you for producing this honest review, it was very informative! Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you so much, Lisa!! We really appreciate the feedback :) safe travels!
Excellent, thorough and Honest review saved me from having a bad experience.
Thanks so much for your comment, Osberto!! We appreciate the feedback and glad to hear you saved yourself a bad experience!
Great review. Is there an adults only all inclusive that you would recommend? One with good food among other things?
Hi holly!! My favorite in the DR is Hyatt Zilara. It’s a beautiful property with excellent food and the club level is really fabulous. They have the best quality in the punta cana area right now. We do have some perks for booking with them so DM me on IG or email me if you need any help :)
Look into Excellence. My wife and I loved it there.
Cool video!! What camera and lens did you use ???
Thank you! We use mostly shoot on the Sony A7SIII. The wide angle shots are largely the 20mm f1.8, and most of the detail shots are either the 50mm or 85mm f1.8 respectively. Let us know if you have any questions!
Really thorough and informative review!
Thank you so much for your feedback! Safe travels :)
Have you guys gone to finest punta cana?
Hi Karina! Thanks for reaching out. We have not been to Finest yet, but it is certainly on our list! Stay tuned, we will try to get a review of Finest this year :).
Hands down...the best travel review videos I have ever seen.
Wow thank you so much, Ronald!! That means the world to us!
Oh dang, we are booked here next week. Thanks for the 'timeshare' warning - will let me husband know.
Hey Debra! Thanks for your comment- yes definitely just be aware of that especially at check in!! Otherwise you should be ok :) enjoy the beach!!
How was ur stay? Heading there in 3 weeks
Veeeeeeery helpful video….
Thank you so much for your comment! So glad it was helpful
Great review
Thank you so much for the comment! :)
Guys, you're very critical!!
You get what you give out.
Sounds like you had as terrible time.
Hey there! I'm not sure I agree with your logic. If you pay for a service, you expect to receive that service. If you don't receive that service, then the provider failed. It's fairly basic. We are also "critical" so that others don't have to make the same mistakes :). We also had a great time with our friends over that trip, but that doesn't mean the hotel didn't fail in a lot of the key areas for a 5 star resort :)
@@VoyagerGuru fair enough. But it didn't seem like you had a great time.
@rlik49 thanks for your response! Yea for sure there are much better resorts that will leave guests with a much better experience so happy to help if you’re looking for advice!
@VoyagerGuru ty... considering Cancun we are 2 seniors 65 /71.
I was looking for boutique smaller hotels but pricing around 200 a night
@rlik49 oh nice! Yea Cancun has a lot of larger properties but if you’re willing to go a bit further out like playa mujeres, The Beloved is a great property that is boutique. Their price does vary a lot but it is all inclusive and a fabulous option if you’re looking for small hotel feel on a gorgeous beach
Thank you for posting this.. I stayed at Live Aqua Cancun and that place is amazing ! . I never wanted to go to DR, now ai For sure don’t want to visit that shady country
Hi Juss Jess, yes we've heard the one in Cancun is fabulous, and that this hotel does not match up with peoples expectations after staying at both. However, I would also caution you against writing off the entire Dominican Republic, there are not only many many amazing hotels, but also incredible and diverse landscapes and some of the happiest and nicest people in the world. For what it's worth cartels aren't shooting people in hotel lobbies either 🤷♂️. We love Mexico as well, but there's a reason we've chosen to live in the DR part time. Have a great day!
@VoyagerGuru I just watched a video from James "Coolist" who also has a RUclips travel channel. He stayed at Live Aqua Punta Cana less than a year ago and has stayed at 19 other Punta Cana all inclusives. He recently named Live Aqua PC as his #1 resort in the Dominican Republic. He stated the service was "outstanding." Maybe they've got the kinks worked out since you were there 18 months ago? I really liked this video, first one I've seen from you two... very nice job!