Go Shop View archives

• Palma Real Shopping Village

  When you need a break from the beach, head for the cool, shaded plazas of the Palma Real shopping mall and shop 'til you drop for anything from clothing to jewelry and electronics. (9/2011)

  57 Avenida Barceló, Bávaro
  809-552- 8725
  palmarealsh...village.com
  

• Casa Holanda

  Located in the heart of Verón, this spot is perfect for browsing a range of artworks, antiques, crafts and home accessories or stepping out into an urban oasis of gardening items, ceramics and tropical plants and flowers. (9/2011)

  Carretera Verón-Punta Cana
  809-455-1065

• San Juan Shopping Center

  Less glitzy than local tourist malls, Punta Cana-Bávaro’s newest, biggest shopping center is accessible to all budgets. Parents with little ones will especially love the play areas, fast-food restaurants, ice cream parlors and multiscreen cinema— which all come in handy when it's time for a shopping break. (9/2011)

  At Coco Loco Crossing Verón-Bávaro (Barceló) Hwy
  809-466-6000
  sanjuanshoppingcenter.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• Ponce de Leon Museum

  After arriving on Hispaniola, 16th-century Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon went on to become the first governor of Puerto Rico, and led the first European expedition to Florida. His restored colonial homestead in Higuey is now a museum with relics of the era like furniture and armor. (9/2011)

  San Rafael de Yuma
  809-551-0118

• Macao Surf Camp

  Watch the wave worshippers, take lessons, or rent a board and join in the fun amid the roaring sea and wild coastal scenery. On the northern edge of Punta Cana/Bávaro’s beaten track, Macao is one of the DR’s most beautiful beaches. (9/2011)

  Macao Beach
  809-430-9017

• Doctor Fish Ocean Spa Tour

  Drift away to a stress-free idyll on this spa boat, where massages from humans—and, in the water, from gentle stingrays— are de rigeur. Relax to soothing music on a floating mat, or enjoy Pilates, detox treatments, healthy snacks and the curious "Dr Fish" foot exfoliation experience. (Be warned: It can tickle.) (9/2011)

  Excursion available from most hotels
  809-688-1615
  oceanadvent...ntacana.com
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Las Leñas

  This high-quality Europeanstyle bakery and café sells freshly baked bread and light meals in a bustling and friendly venue. $ (9/2011)

  Gran Plaza Friusa, Avenida España, Bávaro
  809-552-6776
  laslenascafe.com
  

• Noah

  This trendy restaurant serves up variety as well as quality, making it a great place to sample Dominican favorites like mofongo (fried plantainbased dish) and chivo (goat) alongside sushi, pizza and hamburgers. $$$ (9/2011)

  Carretera Barceló, Plaza AC Delco, Bávaro
  809-455-1060

• Brot Bagel Shop

  This little café is a popular place for visitors and local professionals to congregate over cups of coffee. Catch up on the morning paper over a breakfast of eggs and bagels, or enjoy a lunchtime sandwich (there are more than 30 varieties) on the breezy porch, and wash it down with a fresh-fruit smoothie. $ (9/2011)

  Punta Cana Village
  809-959-2007

 

Go Party View archives

• Imagine

  Imagine dancing until in the wee hours in an underground cave with striking rock formations. This dramatic nightspot is divided into separate caverns according to musical style, from European techno to Dominican “bachata,” A shuttle service is available from most hotels. (9/2011)

  Carrera Arena Gorda, Coco Loco Friusa, Bávaro
  809-446-1049
  imaginepuntacana.com
  

• Playa Blanca

  Just a few minutes drive from the airport, this ivory-sand beach has an open-air bar/ restaurant/lounge that hosts visiting DJs and live local musicians on weekends. (9/2011)

  At Puntacana Resort & Club
  809-959-7529
  puntacana.com
  

• Danny’s Sports Bar

  Being on holiday doesn’t have to mean missing the big game. Join locals, expats and tourists at this friendly watering hole with a snack menu, local prices, big screen TVs and an attentive, multilingual staff. (9/2011)

  At Plaza El Dorado Los Corales, Bávaro
  809-710-2486