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Nightlife

You should know a few things about nightlife in Punta Cana. First: Since the majority of resorts are all-inclusive, most visitors opt to remain there and enjoy free beverages and nightly entertainment programs (the larger resorts have several bars, a casino, and a nightly show at minimum). Second: if you do head to a nightclub outside your resort, you're likely to encounter a true mix of locals and tourists. Third: arrange a taxi with your resort concierge and a pre-arranged pick up time with the driver, as you won't have much luck hailing down a taxi in the middle of the night; and bring along your resort's phone number in case of a problem.

Whatever kind of drinking establishment you find yourself at, order a Presidente (the local beer), a cubalibre (rum and coke), or a santalibre (rum and 7-up) – the Dominicans are fiercely proud of their local rum, known as some of the smoothest in the world. Order your rum with mamajuana (or buy some to take home with you). You can order these items at any bar here, but why not head to the Mangu Club (next to the Occidental Grand Flamenco Resort) – reputed by everyone from taxi drivers to tour guides to resort concierges as the hottest nightclub in Punta Cana – for a night on the town. Brush up on your moves before you go – the merengue originated in the DR and is the national dance. Once considered the dance of the lower classes, it rose through the ranks when a man from humble beginnings became the president of the country; the dance took off in popularity and is now an integral part of the country's identity. Ask your resort if they offer lessons. For something a little less pulsating, check out Mascara Bar (Plaza Punta Cana; 809/959-2007), frequented by employees of the nearby Puntacana Resort & Club as well as tourists, or the beachfront Jellyfish Restaurant (Carretera Bavaro; 809/886-5754; www.jellyfishrestaurant.com) which really comes alive on full-moon nights.

See Dominican Republic Travel Guide