Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites

Hamaca Suites is the upscale suites component of Be Live Hamaca Beach resort. The Suites are positioned at the more modern western end of the resort, while the remaining dated rooms reside in the Hamaca Beach (built in 1951) and Garden (built in the mid-'90s) zones, containing 670 rooms all up. Hamaca Suites guests check in at the Hamaca Beach lobby and share the resort grounds and most amenities with other beach resort guests. Most Hamaca guests choose to play in the front section -- on the beach, and there’s a constant stream of foot traffic between the Hamaca Garden and Hamaca Beach properties, as guests shift between the beach and the buffet -- which sits on the garden side. Bought in 2008 by Globalia, a Spanish company that also owns Air Europa, Hamaca is one of over 30 Be Live resorts in the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Given the group’s scale, it’s surprising that little modernization has taken place, aside from the contemporary spa, slick beachfront restaurant (Pelicano), and the stylish Hamaca Suites. The Hamaca Beach exterior remains retro, with a long rectangular building dressed in bright white. It has a big pavilion-like entrance, lush tropical landscaping, and white on jet-black signage. It’s sandwiched between the all-white casino, and a big multi-level car park, also white. The color theme continues inside the expansive lobby, with marble floors, black and white raffia seating, and tropical open-air views towards the interior gardens. This main structure basically envelops the gardens and a giant courtyard on four sides, which means rooms are incredibly spread out. While the odd, randomly placed elevator makes getting around easier, it can feel like navigating a maze at times. The beach, protected by a coral reef, creates a semicircle around the resort's entire beach area -- guests spend their days here sun-basking, playing, floating, and sipping on cocktails. Families are the main crowd here, while flight crews, groups, and couples are all in the guest mix. Given daytime dining is pretty much limited to the Buffet restaurant, this huge palapa pavilion-like space gets packed with guests from both Hamaca Beach and Garden resorts. For those seeking a contrast -- there’s one slick contemporary option, Pelicano, which feels more like a Maldivian island escape -- but isn't included in the all-inclusive plan.

The property sits right on a calm stretch of beachfront in the Boca Chica resort municipality. Boca Chica was once a sleepy fishing village, but has developed into a popular beach resort destination, thanks to its convenience to the airport and city. Guests can walk to the Public Boca Chica Beach in 12 minutes, where beachfront restaurants and bars abound. There are shops and convenience stores within walking distance of the property. Boca Chica also happens to be a fairly seedy town full of hustling locals and legal sex workers. Hamaca is 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport; 22 minutes from Caucedo Sea Port, and about a half-hour from the capital, Santo Domingo, where the Colonial Zone resides. Free parking for self-drivers is available, and taxis can swiftly be arranged by hotel staff. 

The Suites are the nicest aspect of this property. Each was created with playful style in mind that includes Travertine floors and crisp white walls as a fresh neutral base highlighted with bold pops of orange and fuchsia, and matching white and blond wood furniture. Four-poster white beds make a fun vintage statement. Contemporary artwork adorns walls, and each room opens onto a furnished patio or verandah that overlooks the beach. In-room features also include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, coffeemakers,  mini-fridges, irons, ironing boards, and safes. Lofts feature white spiral staircases leading to master bedrooms and jetted tubs. Bathrooms are huge and decadently done. Each is covered in beige marble with big shower/ spa bath combos, twin marble vanities, and separate water closets. Hairdryers and a basket of toiletries are provided. Evening turndown service is an upscale touch. 

Guests who book rooms at Hamaca Suites get access to a VIP lounge with free food and drinks, plus private registration. Otherwise, almost all facilities are shared with the larger resort. The Hamaca Beach property features two pools (including a large infinity pool overlooking the ocean), and guests also have access to the three pools on the Hamaca Garden property across the road. The calm stretch of beachfront on which the hotel sits offers plenty of deck chairs and palapa shade, although it can attract seaweed (which staff collect in big buckets). Motorized water sports are available for an additional fee.Food wise, the Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A la carte options include Gourmet (specializing in fish and meat); Orale (Mexican); Portobello (Italian) with wood-fired pizza; and Rodizio (Brazilian). The Snack Bar provides in-between-meal snacks. Pelicano is a chic, upscale contrast to the rest of the property, set right over the water. Note that many of the a la carte restaurants require reservations. While it’s not included in the all-inclusive deal, the quality is exceptional. Mr Roger bar serves drinks and cocktails with views of the beach. Junior Suite guests have access to a VIP lounge for continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, and premium drinks. The contemporary spa features a range of treatments which include chocolatherapy, mud baths, and Vichy showers, plus fish pedicures. There is a fitness center that takes in beautiful water views, but equipment is dated and while there are fans, the space isn't air conditioned. Tennis courts are on offer for guest use. Daily activities and nightly entertainment are provided. Bikes are available to rent. A kids’ club caters to children ages 8 to 12.A choice of conference, meeting, and events rooms are available for all manner of functions, with capacity for 1,300. Babysitting services can be arranged for a fee. Free on-site parking is available. Only 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi is permitted per device per day -- in the lobby. Otherwise, guests can pay a daily fee for 24-hour access property-wide.