Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Resort

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Resort, an all-inclusive located near Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, does an outstanding job of providing something for everyone. Guests can mix and match their pleasures opting for beach bum casual one day and putting on the Ritz the next.

Want quick Italian or Mexican after your snorkeling adventure? They've got you covered. And if you prefer to impress your significant other with swanky white-glove VIP dining before a fabulous casino floorshow, they've got that on the resort menu as well.

Such variety is available because the resort is sprawling, has numerous areas for guests to stay and play, and sits adjacent to the Ocean World mega entertainment complex. Added enticements are available for guests who become VIP club members.

The Mediterranean-style property is divided up into three areas designed to serve visitors with budgets ranging from economy to luxury. Most amenities, including the spa, amphitheater, PADI 5 star diving school and water-sport center, the majority of the restaurants, and several of the beaches, are available for use by all guests.

The mid-rise Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort and Spa, where I stayed, is the quintessential casual Dominican Republic beachfront resort. Its 282 guest rooms include 53 junior suites. I found my suite comfortable and cheerfully decorated. The large balcony is great for lounging.

More spacious and upscale accommodations can be found in Lifestyle Crown Residence Suites. Featuring 92 large one and two bedroom apartments or penthouses the decor of this mid-range abode is glamorous and the fixtures striking.

Lifestyle Crown Villas, 90 private three and four bedroom villas, are the most luxurious of all the accommodations at the resort. Each has its own private pool, shaded terrace and lush landscaping. The bars are fully stocked and the entertainment systems impressive.

I was a bit nervous about getting into one of the resort's helicopters, but my group's capable pilot soon put me at ease. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get a bird's eye view both of the property and the surrounding North Coast area, including green hills and the Puerto Plata cityscape and port.

You can also brush up on your Spanish at the resort or take a yoga or dance class. Other activities include volleyball, tennis, snorkeling, windsurfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and table games.

There's a supervised daily Kid's Club with activities for children 4 to 12 years old.

Within sight of the resort and just a short ride down the road is the Ocean World adventure park, marina and casino. The park's sea lion show is extraordinarily good, by any standard, and still puts a smile on my face when I remember it. Several members of my group raved about their dolphin encounter.

Back at Ocean World later in the evening our group took in the Bravissimo floor show at the casino. Move over Las Vegas show girls, as the island girls and guys in this glamorous production know how to rock your world with their athletic dancing. They shake it until you fear they may break it.

Nearby Puerto Plata pleasures include shopping in the historic district, touring Fort San Felipe and visiting the Amber Museum and Store. I'm still enjoying the gorgeous larimar ring I bought there.