Frequently Asked Questions

Reservation FAQs ˄ ˅
1: How do I go about making a reservation? ˄ ˅

The reservation is handle by us. To make a reservation you just fill out the easy to complete Reservation Request Form. We will then send you an invoice/rental agreement for your accommodations. Upon notice of receipt of your payment, your reservation details will be forwarded to Lifestyle, and they will send us a confirmation email that we will forward to you. Requests for Villa Accommodations must be made a minimum of 3 months in advance.

2: How long does the reservation process take? ˄ ˅

Acceptance of your reservation request from the resort usually only takes 24hrs to 48hrs. However, if your request is submitted on a Friday it is possible that it may not be processed until Monday when the office reopens over the weekend.

3: What are the Check In and Check Out Policies? ˄ ˅

Check-in (starting) 3.00 pm Check-out (latest) 11.30 am. Guests staying beyond check-out time without prior notice/agreement will be charged automatically for one additional day. Extra charges: such as laundry services, Spa charges, etc. are to be promptly and fully paid during the check-out process. All guests must check-out at the same desk to which they checked-in at the beginning of their vacation. If you arrived early your room may not be prepared for you. Not to worry, leave your luggage with the Bell Captain, go enjoy a meal, a drink, and relax until your accommodations are ready.

4: When are the best times to book a Villa? ˄ ˅

We require all Villas accommodations to be booked 3 months in advance due to high demand especially during the high season (December 15-April 15) and Holidays. The best and easiest time to plan your vacations when you are looking to book a Villa is during the low season times of early June, September, November (with the exception of Thanksgiving) and first 2 weeks of December. Villa accommodations are not offered during Christmas and New Years. All available Villa dates are shown on our availability calendar.

5: By renting from you, Will I receive the same access in this resort as a member? ˄ ˅

You don’t receive Chairman’ Cirlce member benefits while at the resort. You will receive Member Guest VIP status which is the hightest guest level at the resort offers with all standard rentals. This will give you access to the following additional VIP areas: Serenity Beach, Harmony Beach and Lifestyle Beach. We do have 2 upgrade levels: Please see our Gold Band Upgrade which includes: limo or helicopter transport from Puerto Plata Airport, POP; laundry service, and use of a safe. The cost is an additional $50/person per week additional.
If you are interested in receiving the same benefits as a Chairman’s Circle member,
Please see our Chairman’s Circle Experience!

6: Are there any Resort Fees? ˄ ˅

Guests aged 12 and older will pay US$5.00 per person per night. This is for all accommodations except the Villas. Guests aged 12 and older staying in Villas will pay US$10.00 per person per night.​ The resort fee will be waived for guests who purchase our Chairman’s Circle Experience!

7: How are refunds handled? ˄ ˅

Refunds will NOT be given for early departures or no shows. Should your rescheduling not be possible the following applies: Any cancellation of a confirmed booking of more than 3 months prior to arrival will receive a full refund. Cancellation between 3 months and 1 month prior to arrival will receive a 50% refund. Any cancellation 1 month prior to arrival and the Rental Fee will be forfeited in its entirety.

8: What if we have to cancel our reservations for Flight Changes or Medical Reasons? ˄ ˅

If you need to cancel due to flights changes or cancellations or medical reasons, we will move your vacation dates forward to the next available time that works for you. Usually within the next twelve months. Most airlines will also allow you to move your flights forward within the next twelve months for those reasons, so you may not lose any money due to your change. We do charge $100 for trip date changes.

9: As a Members Guest will I receive the same access to the resort as a Member? ˄ ˅

No. Member Guests will not have access to Serenity, Harmony and Lifestyle Beach; Azul, Anja’s Lounge and the Spanish Tapas Bar. However,you will receive access to many other of the VIP Areas such as VIP Beach, NV Beach, VIP Pool, VIP Bar and many restaurants to choose from. Guests do not have access to the following areas as these areas are for Chairman’s Circle members only: Saffron restuarents and The Dome, which includes Cafe del Mare, and Ocean restaurants.

Villas / Other Accommodations ˄ ˅
1: Do villas come with a pool and is it private? ˄ ˅

The pool at each villa is a private pool exclusively for that by the guests of that villa. This only means that no one else can use your pool, but does not mean that your swimming area cannot be viewed from another villa or street.

2: How will I know which Villa I will receive? ˄ ˅

Unfortunately you would not. Lifestyle Management reserves the right to change Villa assignments right up until arrival. We can not guarantee special requests for specific villas. Villas are assigned typically 1-2 days prior to the arrival date.

3: Are the Villas air conditioned? ˄ ˅

Yes, air conditioning is standard in all of the accommodations at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort. Many of the accommodations also have ceiling fans. All of the villas have air conditioning units in each of the bedrooms with individual thermostats so you can set the temperature to your preference. Many villas also have an additional unit in the common area. In case any of the a/c units in your villa fail, please call Villa Reception and ask them to send Maintenance.

4: Can I request a Non-Smoking Villa? ˄ ˅

There are no Non-Smoking villas in the resort as they all allow smoking. We are non-smokers and never noticed any smokey odors in any for the accommodations at the resort.

5: Can I get a Villa on the beach? ˄ ˅

We can request a Villa on the beach for you. As Chairman’s Circle Elite members, our guest’s request will take a priority over other guests. Member requests always take priority. We can not guarantee you a Villa on the beach as the resort will not guarantee one to us. The beach front villas are in short supply.

6: What size villa can you guarantee? ˄ ˅

The best way to guarantee a specific size villa is to book one at max capacity, i.e. 6 people for a 3 bdrm Villa, 12 people for a 6 bdrm Villa. The resort will try to book the requested accommodations. If the size villa you requested is not be available for any reason, the resort will provide you with two villas to meet your requirements. This is at no additional cost to you.

7: What type of electrical outlets are used at the resort? ˄ ˅

The resort uses the same power outlet found in the U.S.

8: Do the accommodations have laundry facilities? ˄ ˅

No there are not any located within your villa, however the resort does offer laundry service and there are laundry facilities located within the resort. We do offer limited laudry service with our Gold Band Upgrade and Chairman’s Circle Experience! packages.

9: Does the Villa have a Safe for my valuables? ˄ ˅

Yes each villa has a safe that you can rent from the VIP Check-In desk. Cost is $20.00 per week. A safe is included in our Gold Band Upgrade and Chairman’s Circle Experience! packages.

10: I understand that when I stay in a villa I can have breakfast cooked daily in the villa, is this true? ˄ ˅

Yes, breakfast in the villa is included in your stay in a villa. You will need to work with your conceirge to schedule what time and how many guests will be eating breakfast in the villa. There are 5 menus that you can choose from: Dominican, American, Continental, Light, and kids. You can taylor your requests. Breakfast is offered at 8:00am, 9:00am, or 10:00am. You can change menus and times as needed each day. Our experience is that when going on a morning excursion, like horseback riding with Rancho Salvaje-Lorilar, you may not have time to eat breakfast in the villa. On those days, the Casablanca buffet is the best choice.

Transportation to and from the airport ˄ ˅
1: Is transportation provided to the resort from the airport and back? ˄ ˅

Yes. JKALVacations will arrange for your arrival the airport transfers from the Gregorio Luperón International Airport(POP), Puerto Plata with Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Resort. However, you must make the arrangements with the V.I.P Service Department on getting you back to the Puerto Plata airport at the end of your vacation. It is recommended by the resort that you wait until you have your resort confirmation number in hand before you book your flights.

2: How do we arrange Airport Transfers to the resort and back? Is there a fee. ˄ ˅

Round Trip Airport Transfers from POP(Puerto Plata) to the Puerto Plata Resort are inclued with your reservation. Round Trip Airport Transfers from PUJ(Punta Cana) to the Punta Cana Resort are also included. JKALVacations will arrange your airport arrival transfers to the Lifestyle Resort. Travel info must be provided 21 days prior to your arrival to ensure your free transfer. Once you are finished with Baggage Claim and Customs make your way passed the rental car kiosks and out of the airport. Expect to see many drivers holding pieces of paper with names printed on them. Look for “Your Name and the Lifestyle Logo”. That person holding your name is your driver. The driver will take care of your luggage and assist you getting on the transportation vehicle supplied. The ride to the resort is about 30 minutes.

3: Do I need a passport to travel to the Dominican Republic? ˄ ˅

Passport are required to visit the Dominican Republic. All guests regardless of age require a passport – this means everyone. Children including infants require a passport for travel. As indicated on our booking form, it is best to use your name as shown on your passport since the resort will require identification when you are checking in.

4: How do I make arrangements to get transportation to the resort from the airport? ˄ ˅

Airport pick-up is a service that is provided for you when you book your Custom VIP Vacation from us provided that you fly into Puerto Plata or Santiago. (Max pick-up is 6 adults/children in one van from Santiago)

Restaurants and Dining ˄ ˅
1: How many restaurants are available at the resort? ˄ ˅

At Lifestyle there are 28 restaurants to choose from, and 1 Kosher restaurant. You will have access to most. Enjoy dining at 12 different a la Carte restaurants, excluding Azul, Saffron and Ocean are currently available for members only and are not included with any guest package. It is possible to offer you access to these restaurants through our Chairman’s Circle Experience! Several times a year we offer discounted rates on our Chairman’s Circle Experience! If at any time you feel unsure of our claims, Please contact the resort to verify at (809) 970-7777.

2: Are there any Dress Code requirements at the restaurants? ˄ ˅

Yes. A dress code is enforced for members and guests at the air conditioned a la carte restaurants. Restaurants such as Jazz, Simply Gourmet, Moomtaz, El Pilon, Rodizio, Intimates, etc. require men to wear long pants. Flip Flops are discouraged for men and women. Please check with VIP Services if needed.

3: Is tipping required? ˄ ˅

No. Tipping is not required at the resort. Most guests usually tip the maid who takes care of your accommodations. If guests have breakfast in a villa every morning, they will tip the chef also.

General / Miscellaneous ˄ ˅
1: What does my All-Inclusive Fee include? ˄ ˅

This fee covers all restaurants, beverages, and entertainment available to guests. V.I.P All-Inclusive bracelets. For a limited time members and members guests have the same access to all VIP areas. Non-motorized sports are included. Not only are beach chairs and towels included but also sun beds and bedside delivery of drinks and snacks by the Lifestyle Waiter/Waitress Staff. For further information contact VIP Customer and Guests Services in the resort.

2: When are the All-Inclusive and Resort Fees paid? ˄ ˅

The resort fee will be paid upon check in to the resort. The All-inclusive fee will be paid to JKALVacations within 14day of arrival. All-Inclusive Rates can be found in our Pricing Table for the accommodation being booked. Note – At all Lifestyle Resorts, a $90/$45 per adult/child supplement is mandatory for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve Celebrations.

3: What are the busiest times of the year at the resort? ˄ ˅

The busiest time periods at the resort are Christmas and New Years, Presidents week, Easter, July 4 and Thanksgiving. We always recommend that should you wish to vacation during these busy time periods that you book early.

4: What are the busiest times of the year at the resort? ˄ ˅

The busiest time periods at the resort are Christmas and New Years, Presidents week, Easter, July 4 and Thanksgiving. We always recommend that should you wish to vacation during these busy time periods that you book early.

5: What are the slowest months at the resort? ˄ ˅

The slowest months at the resort are May, September, October, November excluding Thanksgiving and the first two weeks of December. This is a lovely time to travel if you like peace and quite.

6: When is the raining season? ˄ ˅

The rainy season starts mid November and last until mid March but it is always nice and hot in the Dominican Republic. The hottest months of the year are July, August and September

7: Do you offer excursions? ˄ ˅

There is an excursion office located near the LHVC office tower with a well informed staff offering a variety of excursions to suit all.

8: Is there Internet service available at the Resort? ˄ ˅

Most all Villas have Internet access there is a fee associated with this service. Internet access is available at no charge at VIP World, VIP Tower, VIP Beach, NV Beach and most all VIP areas. There are free computers for your use at Villa Reception as well. The internet is slow and unreliable. Our grandkids are able to play on their PS4s but the games are very lagging and dropped off quite often. There is a charge for guests if you want Internet service. Internet service is included for 1 device per person with our Chairman’s Circle Experience! package.

9: Will I get a golf cart to use to travel throughout the resort? ˄ ˅

Golf carts are currently for Villa guests and for members only. We can request a golf cart for you but can’t guarantee one. Only 1 cart is allowed per villa. We do not charge a fee, but there is a refundable $100 CASH deposit at the resort required to obtain a cart. Other members may charge a fee or “guarantee” a golf cart. If they can guarantee a golf cart why do they have a refund policy if you don’t receive one?

10: Are pets allowed at the resort? ˄ ˅

No animals/pets are allowed at the resort except for those assisting people with special needs.

11: Does the resort offer Daycare and Baby Sitting Services? ˄ ˅

Yes. The resort provides a Supervised Kid’s Club Opened Daily from 9:00AM to 12:00PM and from 2:00PM to 5:00PM with a Daily Activities Program for Children 4 to 12 years old. There are Two Children Pools, a Mini-Disco, Teen’s Club, and a Playground. Babysitting services are available at an additional charge. This service requires a reservation. For further information contact Guest Services, VIP Services, or call the front desk.

12: Does the resort offer Spa Services? ˄ ˅

Yes, The resort has two Spa centers, one is located within The Tropical Hotel grounds called Metamorphosis. The other one is the Yin Yang Spa which is located on the Cofresi Palm grounds near the Spa suites. These two Spa Centers also have full hairdressing services. Contact the Metamorphosis Spa by dialing extension 30803. Contact the Yin Yang Spa from Cofresi Palm at ext: 35052 or elsewhere at 39-35052.

13: What if one of us gets ill and needs medical attention or a doctor? ˄ ˅

If you require medical services while you are vacationing at LHVC, they have a medical center on – site located near the Trapiche Mexican Restaurant. Call the operator and ask to be connected with the on-call doctor. You will need to have your health insurance card and driver’s license or passport available when the doctor arrives so you can complete the required paperwork. Please do not hesitate to contact V.I.P Services for additional information.

14: Can I use U.S. Dollars while staying at the resort or in the Dominican Republic? ˄ ˅

Most places will honor American Currency. If you need Dominican Pesos, you can go to an ATM. It will dispense Domincan Pesos. There is a currency exchange booth in the lobby at the Tropical Resort. The rates are not favorable. Better rates can be obtained outside the resort.

15: Does the Resort accept credit cards (Visa-MasterCard-Amex)? ˄ ˅

Yes, All Major Credit Cards are excepted through out the resort.

16: Does the resort provide Taxi and Car Rental Service? ˄ ˅

Yes. Taxi and Car Rental Service is available to the resort. The resort posts Taxi Rate Information near the Front Lobby Arrival Area. These rates are expensive compared to arranging a taxi on your own. Car Rental is provided by Alamo and National and is located on-site. Contact VIP services, guest services, or the front desk for further information. Be aware that driving conditions can be erratic and difficult for those not used to the region. We do not recommend self-drive visits.

17: What type of Adult Entertainment is available? ˄ ˅

Experience live entertainment shows, beach-party extravaganzas, exciting nightlife at the Collosium, and the Kviar Casino and sports bar.

18: While at the resort what security measures are taken? ˄ ˅

Lifestyle takes the members and guests concerns in this matter quite seriously. This resort is what most people know as a gated community. There are about 300 Security Personnel posted at the resort 24 hrs every day. So feel secure in that No One gets in that is not supposed to be there.

19: Does the resort supply Hair Dryers and Irons for all rental accommodations? ˄ ˅

Every type of accommodation has a Hair Dryer and Iron.

20: Will I need to attend a Sales pitch to get these prices? ˄ ˅

We do not require you to attend a sales pitch. You may be approached by members of the sales team asking you if you would like a “tour” of the resort. These members typically wear beige shirts and have a beige fidora hat with a black band. If approached you can say you are not interested. It may be needless to say that we obviously found the “tour” beneficial since we are now members of the resort.

21: Is the water safe to drink on the resort? ˄ ˅

No, the water is not safe to drink on the resort or anywhere on the island. Bottled water is provided to you room/villa by the resort. All the ice and water provided at the bars and restaurants is safe to drink.

22: What is the Resort Address? How can we contact the resort directly? ˄ ˅

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, Columbus Plaza -Torre 1, Playa Cofresi, Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic. 1-809-970-7770

23: What is the Time Zone for the DR? ˄ ˅

Local Time is Atlantic Standard Time which is 4 hours less than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4). Daylight Savings Time is not practiced in the DR.