Beaddictive

Reviewed by:	Darren Hurrell (contact)
Title:	Be Live Carey Dominican Republic
Category:	Holidays
Rating:

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We spent 2 weeks at the Be Live hotel and resort (Dominican Republic) and we all had a fantastic time. The resort has 6 or 7 swimming pools, a lovely spa, a gym, 4 restaurants and the whole place is kept immaculate. The entertainment team (Rambo, Tony, Gerry, Ronaldinho) are brilliant and could not do anymore for you. Every morning we did Spanish lessons, followed by water aerobics or the gym and then in the afternoon usually a fun sports related games (bowls, water volleyball, beach darts).... a very active holiday.

The hotel is all inclusive and the food is really good as are the restaurant staff who are all very helpful. The hotel offers a buffet, Asian, Brazilian and Mexican.

We did a few excursions including Ocean World where you get to swim with dolphins (for an hr), sharks and sting rays for $199 - this is much better value than the US. We also did the ZIP and ride where you get to go on zip wires (very safe with really high safety standards) and then a horse ride (or vice versa).

Bad points: the reception staff are quick to act to requests but they tell you things are done when they are not. On the last night our room was 29 degrees because the air con had broken which is OK for one night, but friends of ours had broken air con for quite a few nights. Also, on the reviews you read before you go you will read about 'the white shirts' who are posted mainly by the beach pool, these guys try to sell you a "VIP LIFESTYLE package" which is basically a time share scheme. Other reviews say you get harassed but I suppose it depends what you consider harassed as once we said "NO" the guys were really cool and we spoke to them most mornings.

I also would think twice about booking with Thomas Cook again because although the booking itself was absolutely fine, the whole travel experience was terrible. Checking it at Gatwick the guy added up how much our bags were over (a family of 6) in his head and then tried to charge me over £100 for 6 kilos excess. When we asked for our bags back it was "too late". We refused to pay and they let us off as the guy should not have added up the weight in his head. The inflight service is also terrible, probably the worst that I've ever experienced. The staff are not helpful at all, in fact someone told they wouldn't find a blanket for a baby! the flight home was equally as bad leaving a bad taste about Thomas cook.

Overall the standard of the resort is high and I really enjoyed the holiday. I would certainly recommend Be Live and the Dominican in general.