I just returned from Live Aqua and it would be a great option for you. Brand new, modern adults only resort with excellent food and service. Another great option would be CHIC which is a similar resort. It is set to reopen on November 1st after extensive Reno. Also a modern resort, CHIC would be a bit more lively.

Thanks so much Mark! I was looking at Secrets Royal Beach, Dreams Royal Beach, Hyatt Zilara (but seems a little too pricy), Breathless, Chic, Live Aqua, an Iberostar (pricey?) or an Excellence. Any thoughts on narrowing those down or another must try? Trying to keep it to around $200/day or under ($50 over may be ok if really worth it).

Would you recommend booking two different resorts now or booking one for half and booking the second one once there (unless I love the first and want to stay)? Do you recommend booking.com, direct booking or another method other for best rates? Thanks!!

Thanks SlyGuy23! Do you recommend Live Aqua over Secrets Royal Beach and others Mark mentioned (also please see my other reply in this thread regarding some others I was looking at).

Is it ok that I’m waiting until right before I go to book (rate wise)? I was thinking of booking 2 different resorts to try them out. Do you recommend that? I was thinking of booking one for about 4 nights and then booking another one I like once there. Do you think it would cost more/less to book another right before while I’m already there? Also do you recommend booking.com, direct booking, or another method for best resort rates? Thank you!!

Dreams are family resorts. Based on a quick search of Expedia for those dates, none of the resorts I mentioned are $200 or less. Some are sold out (Iberostar, Chic, Live Aqua). For some reason, Excellence resorts are often less expensive when booked direct. For example, Excellence Punta Cana is $188 USD per night for that time (very good price), although it appears to be nearly sold out. It's my favorite resort - although I haven't stayed at all of them.

Otherwise, there's Riu Republica and Riu Macao for less than $200. I'm not a fan of Riu in general, but that's me. I've stayed at multiple Excellence and Secrets resorts (not just in Punta Cana), and I like both. My preference is Excellence.

I wouldn't try to book when there. There's a good chance they'll be sold out. Also, these resorts are spread out over 40 miles or so, and you're not allowed to enter the grounds unless you're a paying guest, or get a day pass, or make some sort of arrangements with the resort. So how are you going to figure out what you like? You can book two different resorts, but I think you should do that in advance.

Whatever you decide, you should do it soon.

Mark

Great info! Thanks Mark! Do you prefer Excellence El Carmen or Excellence Punta Cana?

I would recommend Secrets Cap Cana over SRB if interested in Secrets but definitely Live Aqua over SRB. I would definitely recommend booking your resort/resorts before travelling. 2 resorts over 9 days is doable staying in the PC area. If interested in Excellence, both are located near Live Aqua.

My preference is Excellence Punta Cana over Excellence El Carmen because of the layout and the style. EEC has a modern style. EPC is quite tropical. The central area (lobby, restaurants, theatre, etc.) are close to the beach at EPC, with the room buildings spread out along the beach on either side. EEC is built more perpendicular to the beach. EPC has three pools, including one that's like a river running along the edge of the beach for about 1000 feet. EEC has something like 20 small pools. Otherwise, the amenities are much the same. At EPC, the lobby, theatre, bars are mostly open air. In my opinion, EPC is more conducive to meeting and interacting with people.

Mark

I booked four nights at Live Aqua! Now I’m torn between Chic and EPC or some EEC…

Good start. CHIC definitely a good option. Although similar in size to LA it is typically more lively. Also very different than the 2 Excellence. All depends what you would like for the 2nd portion of your trip.