The Tropical at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort

Part of the massive Lifestyle Holidays complex, The Tropical has a similar vibe to its sister properties -- that being quiet and tranquil. Rowdy spring breakers are rarely sighted; instead, the resort attracts families and couples looking for a relaxed vacation. There’s little to do outside of the complex’s grounds, but most guests are content with the long list of available activities and facilities, including a spa, kids’ club, a dozen restaurants, numerous pools, and water sports.

The property’s grounds are pretty and well-maintained, but there is little shade along the winding paths and it can get quite hot in the midday sun. Fortunately, The Tropical sits right beside the beach and most facilities are located nearby. For restaurants and amenities that are further afield, guests can either take the (infrequent) shuttle or rent a VIP golf cart.

The Tropical sits on the massive Lifestyle Holidays complex located in the sleepy town of Cofresi. Home to little else, Cofresi is the site of the popular Ocean World Adventure Park, which is right next door to the property. The shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife of Puerto Plata are about a 15-minute drive away, but most guests do not leave the property during their stays. The Puerto Plata Airport is about a 30-minute cab ride from the resort, and costs around $40 USD each way.

The Tropical is the closest of the Lifestyle Holidays resorts to the beach, which means many of its 212 rooms and 70 suites boast ocean views. Standard rooms are spacious, and all feature either balconies or patios. Decor, however, feels a bit drab (picture tired furniture in bland colors and patterns) and technology is dated; clock radios and small flat-panel TVs would do well to be upgraded to iPod docks and larger flat-screen TVs. All rooms include coffeemakers, laptop-size safes, mini-fridges, and irons and ironing boards.

Many find upgrading to a suite to be worth the additional cost. Not only are they significantly larger -- with separate bedrooms, sweeping balconies, and spacious kitchens -- but they are more up-to-date. Large flat-screen TVs are mounted to the walls in the living rooms and bedrooms, kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and sleek dining room tables, and decor is decidedly more modern; picture dark wooden furniture accented by pops of color.

Guests of the Tropical boast the easiest access to the white-sand beach, which -- on a complex where some rooms are a whopping 20-minute walk away -- is something to be grateful for. Although the public area of the beach is crowded with local vendors hawking souvenirs, the private area is lovely, complete with two-story daybeds and water sports.

Many of the complex’s most desirable features are also located on The Tropical’s grounds. There’s a large spa, tennis courts, a kids’ club with daily activities, a fitness center, three restaurants, and three bars. Guests can also make reservations at a handful of the restaurants on other properties -- or visit their bars and nightclub -- but getting to them either requires a long walk, a long wait for the hotel shuttle, or the rental of a VIP golf cart.

Guests can also use any of the complex’s twelve pools, but with six pools on-site (including three children’s pools), there’s really no need to venture to the others. The Tropical has a serene adults-only pool as well as a massive main pool with a swim-up bar.