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Food & Entertainment Enrich Travel To Punta Cana

Punta Cana, on the eastern-most tip of the Dominican Republic, is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, golf, cultural experiences, and clear Caribbean waters for swimming and watersports – but there’s even more for travel agents to consider when selling the destination. Think food and entertainment – a wonderful complement to a tropical vacation.

Punta Cana boasts a privileged culinary profile where local specialties are found in abundance alongside diverse global fare, satisfying even the most discriminating palates. Authentic Dominican cuisine is certainly one of the stars of the island. Highlights include sancocho, a rich and hearty stew traditionally prepared with beef and fresh vegetables; mangu, mashed or pureed plantains often eaten at breakfast; pescado frito, fried fish topped with lemon; crispy chicharrones, aka pork rinds; bacalao, salted codfish with garlic, peppers and onions; pastelitos, akin to an empanada stuffed with meat, cheese and vegetables; and asopao, a thick stew with rice and chicken or shrimp that’s sometimes elevated with avocado. 

And, there’s no shortage of captivating entertainment in this coastal Caribbean spot, which travelers can enjoy simultaneously while dining or after their meal. Here are the top dining and entertainment experiences in Punta Cana that can seamlessly be incorporated into your clients’ next visit to the Dominican Republic. 

Celebrating the pleasures of food and nighttime fun, Palladium Hotel Group’s award-winning dining and show concept – Chic Cabaret & Restaurant – is coming to its all-inclusive, adults-only TRS Turquesa Hotel this winter. As part of the experience, guests enjoy a multi-course meal while watching mesmerizing acrobatic performances and thrilling choreography, and listening to music from multiple genres. The audience becomes part of the show as it moves through history and to different parts of the world, from the Moulin Rouge in Paris, to the ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll era, and to the present day with pop and Latin hits. 

For immersion into local gastronomy and culture, visit Bachata Rosa restaurant, named after the fifth studio album by Dominican singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra – the Grammy Award-winning album that introduced bachata music to an international audience, bringing the rhythmic sounds into the mainstream. Located at the Blue Mall Punta Cana, Guerra’s first restaurant features Caribbean, Latin and international flavors, attentive service, and heaping portions of music and culture. The result is an enchanting tropical ambiance with flower-filled balconies, outdoor seating, and colonial lanterns that transport guests deep into the heart of Guerra’s inspiration. 

Food trucks are all the rage for a reason – a freshly prepared casual dining experience without sacrificing quality, innovation or authenticity. And, that trend has made its way to Punta Cana, where the exceptional variety of local and international options are a feast for the palate. Point your clients in the direction of Foodie’s Truck Bavaro on Avenida Alemania where they can try Dominican specialties, perfectly seasoned barbecue, gyros, tacos and burritos, and other global favorites from multiple food trucks. The best time to visit is in the evening when music and a relaxing vibe attract locals and visitors alike. The food truck scene is also favored by families because of the informal atmosphere and dining choices. 

Plate-sharing with friends and family over delicious wine is growing in popularity in Punta Cana as evidenced by the opening of First, Wine, which launched last year at the Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa, adjacent to the TRS Turquesa Hotel. The restaurant features a European-inspired pairings menu of tapas plus an extensive wine menu offering select vintages from around the world. 

Savor succulent meats and tender fish at La Brujua Chupadora, a contemporary Caribbean grill. Enjoy large portions of everything from short ribs to octopus and shrimp. There is also outdoor seating. Or, head to Wacamole, a casual spot featuring juicy, flavor-packed Mexican fare – think tacos, burrito bowls, fajitas and margaritas. The place is known for live music from the popular local band Decibeles. 

After a day at the beach and a delicious meal, clients can immerse themselves in an extravagant Las Vegas-style show and disco dancing at the Coco Bongo nightclub in downtown Punta Cana. For non-stop action and fun, the Coco Bongo concept, which originated in Cancun, mixes musical theater, challenging acrobatics, and displays of colorful lights and sounds into a high-energy production that wows the audience and encourages moving and grooving to the beat. VIP packages for open bar and added services are available. 

Whether your clients want to try authentic local cuisine or savor a global variety – paired with exciting entertainment and a distinctive cultural vibe – the extensive opportunities for food and fun in Punta Cana can easily enrich your clients’ vacation to this tropical hot spot in the Dominican Republic.

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