MY TWO PREVIOUS TRIPS to Hotel Barcelo Punta Cana taught me that when planning a stay at that plush Dominican Republic resort the key things to pack would be swimwear and a hearty appetite.
However, on my most recent visit to that resort, I learnt that the bathing suit was unnecessary. With more time to explore beyond the multiple dining and entertainment areas, I discovered an adult beach where clothes were not part of the requirements.
That adult requirement was also extended to the area where I stayed which was a paradise since the absence of minors removed all anoyance of children crying in the dining areas or disrupting any amourous activities in the pools.
The wide expanse of the property not only accommodated three large hotels but there were various steak houses, Chinese restaurants and Spanish restaurants spread throughout the acreage which demanded the use of a tram to visit.
In admiring the development which had taken place in ten years, I recalled my first visit when the guests rooms were quaint villas and all of the food and restaurants were located in one spot. The Chinese, Italian, Spanish eateries and so on were just kiosks where food was prepared on the spot as requested.
However, the development of stand-alone restaurants and luxurious sleeping quarters has not affected the charm of the venue. Night-time dining at one of the restaurants simply required an early booking at the front desk of the all-inclusive resort.
Eating at the upscale restaurants during the night highlighted the high unemployment situation in Dominican Republic as it was common to see some of the waiters and waitresses working during the night after they would have worked in the general dining area during breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the general dining hall catered to all kind of fussy mouths with anything edible being offered already prepared or available on requests.
The plethora of main courses, fruits, seafoods, meats and desserts were not only enticing but their presentations confused the diners as to whether they should admire or eat the displays.
Although Barcelo boasted of a dozen conference halls, it appeared unusual to see dozens of suit-clad individuals, present party included, strutting to a meeting with a serious visage and holding portfolios while other scantily clad persons were cavorting in the massive pools which literally flooded the area.
The swim up bars and inviting blueness of the massive pools relegated the golden beaches and tempting waters of the Caribben sea which skirted the Barcelo Resort to just a pictureque backdrop for photo shoots.
In between splashing or eating, guests could also indulge in golf, tennis, board games and a host of other activities to work up an even greater appetite in a beautiful setting of well laid out fauna.
And, after playing all day, night-time brought more entertainment via the 200-seat open-air theatre offering up live bands or Broadway-style performances, which often ran until one in the morning. (KB)
