Be Live Collection Canoa

Though it's far from the droves of tourists shuttling back and forth on their mega-buses in Punta Cana, the grounds of the Be Live are still crowded and bustling with Americans, Italians, Germans, Brits, French and Spaniards. There are more Europeans here than at some area resorts, and smoking and topless sunbathing tend to be more prevalent than elsewhere. Families are well-catered to, as are couples without kids -- the resort's size allows it to appeal to a wide variety of guests.

On the sand, those who aren't soaking in the rays might be playing a game of darts led and scored by a staff member. Others might take in cocktails by the lobby plaza, gather for a coming show at the theater, or browse wares at the countless little shops that seem to nest in every possible corner of the resort. Or families simply float in the main pool with their kids (who also have the option of a kids' club). 

There are two upgraded tiers for guests: the VIP club and Veraclub. Anyone can upgrade to VIP upon arrival, and VIP guests get access to an adult-only pool, a lounge with free Wi-Fi, and dedicated beach area -- areas all noticeably more subdued and upscale than those for regular guests. They also get top-shelf liquor and preferred restaurant reservations. There are also Italian Varaclub guests who booked through Veratour (an Italian tour company) and have their own rooms, animation team, and buffet (VIP guests can use this buffet as well). It's all a bit confusing, and definitely creates some bad feelings among guests who don't have access to upgraded amenities. 

Guests at Be Live Collection Canoa can fly into either the airport in La Romana (about a 25-minute drive, but with fewer and sometimes pricier flights) or in Punta Cana (about an hour's drive). The hotel is about a five-minute drive from the little, trinket-filled tourist village of Dominicus Americana, and a minute more to Bayahibe. It's surrounded on either side by untouched wilderness, and is right on the narrow Playa Dominicus beach. On the map, it looks isolated, but the resort was packed with guests during our visit, and we never felt alone. Guests who like day trips into town will quickly tire of Dominicus Americana, however, and should plan on either taking hotel-arranged bus trips into Punta Cana and Bavaro, or renting their own car (noting the terrible parking at the Be Live, of course).

The rooms at Be Live Collection Canoa vary widely depending on the category. Most rooms are simply and effectively adorned, with beige tile, white wood or wicker furniture, and white bedding with red accents. All have coffeemakers, cable TV, and air-conditioning; safes and Wi-Fi incur a fee. Every room has a balcony or patio, but first-floor guests should note that patios typically open almost directly onto pedestrian walkways, meaning they will likely want to keep their curtains closed most of the time for privacy. Views are of the grounds, pool, or ocean, though some guests complain that promised ocean views aren't always delivered upon. On the outside, the majority of the residential buildings look like stacked sugar cubes blazing in the sun, and hallways are long, narrow lengths of whiteness -- both pleasing effects. 

Those who upgrade to the Superior Deluxe Rooms or Master Junior Suites will find much more upscale decor in beachy shades of white and blue (or in some of the Master Junior Suites, sophisticated neutrals). The four Villas sit on an island in the middle of the resort and almost directly opposite the main buffet, but are screened on the most-trafficked sides by greenery. This makes for a sense of privacy and isolation, though it can occasionally be spoiled by the conversations of passing guests. (The bigger noise issue for Villa guests may be the many birds' nests freckling the trees above.) 

Bathrooms vary; most have brown travertine tile and shower/tub combos, but Superior Deluxe Rooms (geared toward couples) have open bathrooms and walk-in showers (frosted glass provides privacy). Master Junior Suites have separate showers and jetted tubs, and Villas have walled backyards with two-person jetted tubs, plus indoor showers. 

Standard, Double, and Superior Deluxe Rooms can all fit up to four people (no more than two children). Master Junior Suites and Villas can only fit two. VIP guests can expect extras such as robes, slippers, a romantic bath, and a free bottle of rum. 

Staff members ensure that guests who want to keep busy will always have an outlet for their energy, from water sports to volleyball to scuba diving lessons in the pool to aerobics on the beach to (for kids) a variety of games. Several of the activities -- even more than we noticed at other resorts in the area -- are staff-led. But the guests seem to do pretty well on their own, too, bouncing among the various restaurants, the soccer pitch, the tennis courts, archery range, and the numerous shops (besides the hotel-run shops, there are 15 local vendors on the property). At night, the theater hosts live performances of the style that most Punta Cana resorts go for -- Michael Jackson impersonators and entertainers making fun of English-speaking guests' Spanish skills.

The main pool is large and has a swim-up bar with land access -- the land side is typically the one that is staffed so guests trying to get served in the pool may have to wait a while. The rectangular adult-only VIP pool tends to be quieter. There is also a small outdoor pool at the spa (along with two whirlpools and two saunas). The beach has lovely white sand and loungers of the blue mesh and white plastic variety; the VIP area has cushioned loungers and daybeds.

Restaurant options include Mexican, Brazilian, Japanese teppanyaki, and "Gourmet," plus a seaside restaurant serving lobster (for a surcharge). The specialty restaurants require reservations and aren't open every night, and some of the food doesn't seem that different from what is found at the buffet. Most guests like the Japanese and Brazilian options, though. VIP guests get a buffet breakfast served in the Gourmet restaurant. Guests report that the buffet reserved for VIP and Veraclub guests is better than the main buffet. Buffet food is plentiful though not always hot.