Be Live Collection, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Sister Sarah and I go away for a sisters' week every year, leaving our husbands at home.

This year we went to Be Live Collection in Punta Cana ... we left last Saturday and headed home today.

Though the resort is on the beach, it is right on a main road ... usually resorts are down a long driveway off a road.  I had asked our tour rep during our orientation meeting on Sunday morning if it's okay to go off the resort and go for a walk along the road (there were shops, etc.) ... she said no because it's dangerous.  And if we did, we weren't to wear any jewelry or carry a bag.  Sadly we didn't leave because she didn't make it should like a good idea.

The main lobby

I arrived before Sister Sarah (her flight from Halifax ended being delayed 13 hours because of mechanical problems).  I had booked us into our own rooms but asked that we be close to each other.  When I entered my room in building 5, I couldn't believe what a dump of a room it was ... nothing like the pictures on their website.  The hotel bills itself as a 5-start resort and this room was 1-star ... they should be embarrassed to charge good money for such a room.  It was old and worn, patches on the walls, tired furniture and smelled bad ... these pictures make it look nicer than it actually was.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

It's our last day in Punta Cana (we are heading home tomorrow) and Sister Sarah and I spent most of it on the beach.  It was another "green flag" day ... the water was wavy and cool but refreshing once we got used to it.

The view from my beach lounger

Rodner took good care of us and even served us lunch on the beach (thanks, Rodner!).

We spent a bit of time at the adult pool later on this afternoon.

We had supper in the main buffet.  The theme for tonight was a Hawaiian party (there was a party on the beach later on but we didn't go) and there were lots of fun creatures as we went into the restaurant.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Yesterday was Dominican Republican Independence Day.

I started my day with a walk to other side of the resort ... I've been spending my time in our adults section and the middle general section so it was interesting to see the other side.

I met a cute cat who yelled at me.

I headed for the beach and ended up on the other side from where Sister Sarah and I usually sit on the adult side.

This dog had been hanging around the show Tuesday night and caught everyone's attention.  It was so still but I did see that it was breathing.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Sister Sarah and I started our day at the beach.  The water was cool and wavy at first but refreshing once we got used to it.

After lunch at the beach bar, we moved to the adults pool for a while.

During the week, you can make reservations at three of the à la carte. We had supper at the Mexican restaurant.  I will admit that I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised that our food was pretty good.

The entertainment tonight was in celebration of Dominican Republic Independence Day, which is today.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

I started my day at the beach.  I didn't go in the water but read on a lounger for a couple hours.

I had lunch at the main buffet and ran into Sister Sarah late this afternoon at the adults pool where I was reading and relaxing.

We had supper at the main buffet and then headed to the show, which had a retro theme.  The band sang songs from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Sister Sarah and I spent the morning at the beach ... there is lots to see!

Me!

Vendors are continuously walking up and down the beach trying to convince you to buy something.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Sister Sarah and I found each other in the lobby this morning.

I gave her a quick tour of the resort and then we went for celebratory piña colada in the VIP lounge.  Diego, our bartender, was fun and gave us some shooters along with a couple mystery drinks.

We went for lunch and then headed to the beach.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Sister Sarah and I are on our annual sisters week away.  This year we are in Punta Cana.

I arrived about 1pm and by the time I got through customs and got to the hotel, it was a couple hours later.

Sister Sarah was supposed to be here an hour ahead of me from Halifax ... but there was a mechanical issue with her plane and she arrived 13 hours late at 1am!

After checking in and walking around the resort to get my bearings, I had a couple drinks on the patio off the lobby and read for a bit.  Needless to say, it was nice and warm.

I had supper at the VIP buffet and then watched the show which had a circus theme ... it reminded me of Cirque du Soleil.  It was really good!  There were a few acts and here's one ...