You’re booked at the Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana. Now what? When planning a trip to the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive destination, Cap Cana, and exploring the wider Punta Cana area, you’re likely curious about how to soak in the best Dominican culture has to offer—from food & drinks to nightlife fun—all while rising above the usual tourist traps. The trick is to keep it current: Check out where the locals are going and follow their lead. When in Rome, right?After enjoying Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana’s signature Dominican show—dazzlingly staged with traditional dancers on the scenic Plaza Flamenco terrace, just outside of Don German Restaurant—venture beyond resort grounds to indulge in modern Dominican culture and explore the vibrant flavors and energetic atmosphere offered by local establishments in Cap Cana and Punta Cana.Here are three tips on how to sample the highlights of modern Dominican culture through its dining and nightlife scene when you’re visiting Cap Cana and the greater Punta Cana region. 1. Spend a day out tasting current Dominican gastronomy. If you’re game to double your helping of the most important meal of the day, we have delicious news: After traditional pastries, eggs, bacon and coffee at the resort’s daily buffet staple The Dugout, take a six-minute drive to BRÖNCH in Centro Comercial Las Canas, a cozy spot with a soothing jazz playlist. Tuck into the hearty Dominican breakfast plate wherein the all-star item is mangú, a savory plantain mash that no traditional Dominican desayuno worth its (abundant) salt is served without. For the best company you can have on a post-breakfast stroll through the shops in Las Canas, order a strong Dominican latte or a Morir Soñando to go—a refreshing tropical creamsicle that blends fresh orange juice, milk and sugar (or, if you have a supreme sweet tooth, vanilla ice cream). What’s for lunch? You can’t get much more local than visiting the seaside Juanillo Grill & Beach Club and, in between ocean swims, indulging in the chillo al estilo Boca Chica, a battered and zesty red snapper served Dominican-style with salty tostones, fried plantain chips. For your convenience, a complimentary shuttle operated by Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana gets you to Juanillo in ten minutes and returns to the resort every hour on the hour. After some down time, it’s dinner time! Treat yourself to a chic night out at SBG Punta Cana, located in the city’s lively downtown area. SBG’s ample menu deftly combines the best of modern Dominican cuisine—including twists on go-to dishes like roast chicken, churrasco, and grilled octopus—with global favorites, including Mediterranean lambchops and hummus, Korean bao buns, and Japanese sushi rolls. 2. Revel in modern Dominican nightlife. After dinner, join stylish locals for a night of dancing at Maroca Club in downtown Punta Cana, where popular Dominican DJs and visiting acts—from circus performers to go-go dancers—keep the party jamming through a mix of eclectic dance music, including trending pop hits, timeless Caribbean merengue and salsa, and the always reliable reggaetón. If you’re there on a particularly eventful evening, you may even catch an impromptu fire-dancing performance or dress up for an all-out theme party. For a more intimate nightcap, venture to Cap Cana’s the Fishing Lodge complex and order an artisanal cocktail at the speakeasy-esque Casa Remedio, just steps from Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana. We suggest their signature Negroni or, if you’re keeping things tropical, a smoky mezcal margarita or classic rum & Coke mixed with one of the Dominican Republic’s favorite top-shelf rum brands, Bacardí. 3. Wind down with Dominican brunch and shopping. Make sure your trip to Cap Cana and Punta Cana lasts through Sunday so that you can take in the best local brunch in the area at the recently opened Gastro Social Kitchen & Bar, located within the Fishing Lodge complex alongside Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana. If you’re in the market for chicken & waffles, you’re in luck—though, notably, GastroSocial’s chicken is prepared Dominican-style, resembling a scrumptiously crispy chicharrón instead of fried chicken à la KFC. Post-brunch, hit the shops: While BlueMall Punta Cana features stores familiar to any international traveler, you’ll find more local gems, including apparel, bakeries & cafés, and restaurants, in The Village Punta Cana. Pick up a souvenir—or five—before you board your flight back home. Whether you’re in Cap Cana and Punta Cana for a long weekend or a week-plus getaway, we hope you’re able to squeeze in some contemporary Dominican culture amid your pool days and sun-soaked trips to the beach. And if you followed our tips above, you’ll be officially “in the know”—and able to keep pace amongst the destination’s friendly and fun locals.
