Balmy Beach Days and Hot Island Nights in the Dominican Republic

Itching for a Caribbean escape? There’s a resort in the Dominican Republic that you’ve got to check out. The view alone is drool-worthy.

Located in the idyllic coastal town of Punta Cana, Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort is an all-inclusive property with more than 1,000 rooms. It’s more like three resorts in one (a resort for families, one that’s adults only and a “club premium” section for jet-setters who want more amenities) Oh, and there are 11 restaurants!

I recently got back from the DR and had a chance to explore the property during Culinary Week, which is an annual event that takes place each November. The resort provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the week’s festivities. Imagine towering palm trees on a sandy beach and balmy island weather.

I absolutely love the Dominican Republic. It is such a gorgeous place to visit and there are so many fantastic places to stay. For example, some friends of mine recently stayed in Casa de Campo in Dominican Republic. They had a wonderful time and the pictures of their accommodation looked absolutely sensational. I would definitely consider visiting Casa de Campo on my next trip to the DR!

Anyway, if you are planning a trip here anytime soon, I recommend booking one of the oceanfront suites in the Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe. The views, club perks and instant Wi-Fi access are worth the splurge. One of my favorite parts about the room? The spacious soaking tub on the balcony overlooking the beach.

The resort is divided into an adults only section, as well as a family-friendly area-so there is truly something for everyone. Kids will love the pirate-themed waterpark. Go on a dolphin sighting excursion, embark on a sunset cruise or sail your own vessel.

Perks include nearly a dozen different restaurants, eight bars, a lively casino with slots and black jack tables, lots of activities like spa and golf and a theater where you can watch nightly Vegas-style shows in an open-air setting. The spa is particularly impressive.

During Culinary Week, the resort invites the most notable chefs from the Dominican Republic to share their culinary talents and prepare multi-course meals that showcase all local ingredients. This year’s star-studded group included Fernando Pérez Arellano, Carlos Estrella, Rosa María Gómez, Erika Infante, Sagrario Matos and many more.

One of the most fun parts of culinary week was sampling all the amazing cocktails. These colorful concoctions were designed by mixologists Canelle De Lengaigne and Alex Báez.

Some of my favorites included: Guava Margarita (Appletini Macorix Rum, tequila, triple sec, ice), Black Jack (Macorix Blanco Rum, triple sec, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, mint) and Piña on the Beach (Macorix Blanco Rum, triple sec, mango juice, pineapple juice, fresh pineapple chunks, Canada Dry, mint and ice).

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