Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort

With 468 rooms, the Cofresi Palm Beach is the largest resort on the Lifestyle Holidays complex. Though it is not considered a luxury property, it exudes an upscale, tranquil vibe; common areas are open and airy, and feature sleek beachy decor. A VIP section keeps the beach similarly calm, and while the hotel attracts both families and couples, rowdy spring breakers are noticeably absent.

The Cofresi Palm Beach 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.

Upper-level rooms at the Cofresi Palm Beach were updated in 2011 and the updates make a noticeable difference. Sleek decor features four-poster beds and cool modern furniture in varying shades of pink, orange, and blue. Bathrooms feel particularly luxe; picture marble tiling throughout, double vanities, and wooden accents.

Lower-level rooms have yet to be updated (as of May 2014), and it shows. Decor is bland and largely colorless, and bathrooms show some wear and tear. Fortunately, almost all rooms include flat-screen TVs and balconies, and every room includes coffeemakers and safes. Wi-Fi requires an additional fee.

Some rooms are closer to the beach, while others are about a 10-minute walk away. The hotel provides a free shuttle around the property, and upper level rooms come with the use of golf carts.

Features here are plentiful, and most have an upscale vibe. The beautiful white-sand beach has a lovely VIP section with daybeds (although the public area of the sand is crowded with pushy vendors), and the five pools are pristine. Guests can opt to hang by the adults-only pools, one of which features a cool swim-up bar in an artificial cave, or bring the kids to the children’s pool, complete with a waterslide and fun water features. There’s also a great supervised kids’ club, with toys, games, arts and crafts, and numerous activities.

Activities such as tennis and water sports are included in the rates, and the resort also has a small fitness center with several weight-training and cardio machines, as well as free weights and ample space for stretching. The spa is a standout feature, and has numerous tranquil areas include several treatment rooms, a salon, an outdoor pool, and private massage cabanas.

As is common among all-inclusive resorts, food at the Cofresi Palm Beach is mediocre. There are, at least, numerous dining options; with eleven restaurants on-site, guests can choose between buffet-style meals or a la carte. The a la carte restaurants require reservations. The resort also has a dozen bars, and guests of the Cofresi Palm Beach can access the dining facilities at the sister properties. An on-site theater hosts evening entertainment.