The next time you’ve got to quench your thirst, reach for coconut water.

Coconut water is low in sugar and calories, but high in electrolytes and natural vitamins and minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium, all of which aid in hydration, and help to replenish lost nutrients.

Electrolytes help regulate chemical reactions and keep bodily fluids in balance.

In recent years, many athletes have turned to coconut water as an alternative to sugary sports drinks.

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that the human body needs for muscle function.

Drinking water containing electrolytes has been shown to prevent and decrease muscle cramps while exercising.

Coconut water may lower blood pressure in those with high blood pressure.

Staying hydrated is important for keeping joints lubricated, regulating body temperature, and delivering nutrients to cells.

Experts suggest you should drink 11 cups of liquid per day if you're a woman, and 16 cups a day if you're a man.

With just 60 calories per 1-cup serving, coconut water is an excellent way to rehydrate without adding a lot of sugar to your diet.

Coconut water has 40 to 60 calories in 8 ounces - 1/2 that of orange juice.

Coconut water is 94% water, and is fat-free and cholesterol-free.

In the U.S. 11% of men and 6% of women have kidney stones.

Staying hydrated is key to preventing kidney stones.

Drinking coconut water, as part of a balanced diet, can help flush your system.

Many people do not consume the amount of calcium needed, and low calcium levels can lead to issues such as low bone density, bone loss, and weaker bones that can break more easily.

A cup of coconut water has 40.8 milligrams of calcium, about 4% of your DV.

One cup of coconut water has 16 milligrams of magnesium or 4% of your DV.

Magnesium has many functions in the body, including making protein, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and managing muscle and nerve function.

Thanks to its electrolytes, coconut water may help with acid reflux.

Destination Punta Cana provides you with 100% coconut water.

Destination Punta Cana provides Coconut water at $7 a can, and it is sold as a 10-pack for $70.

A month's supply - 30 cans of coconut water will be $210. 

The Most Refreshing Drink in the Caribbean

Mabi is a bittersweet, spiced, tree bark-based beverage popular in the Caribbean, traditionally made from the bark of the Colubrina elliptica tree (also known as Snakewood) and often flavored with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and anise.

Here's a more detailed look at mabi:

• Ingredients:

• Mabi Bark: The primary ingredient, derived from the Colubrina elliptica tree.

• Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, anise, orange peel, nutmeg, bay leaf and other spices are commonly added for flavor.

• Sugar: To balance the bitterness of the bark.

• Water: The base for the beverage.

• Preparation:

• The mabi bark and spices are boiled in water to extract the flavor.

• The mixture is then cooled, strained, and sweetened to taste.

• It can be served cold or at room temperature.

• Flavor Profile: Mabi has a unique, bittersweet flavor with a slightly bitter finish, often described as similar to black licorice.

• Variations and Names:

• Known as "mauby" in Trinidad and Barbados, "mavi" in Puerto Rico, and "mabi" in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

• Recipes and flavor profiles can vary slightly depending on the region and personal preference.

• Health Benefits:

• Some believe mabi has potential health benefits:

• It is a great cooler, and cleanser for the blood.

• It reduces inflammation.

• It can lower blood pressure.

• It can help relieve arthritis.

• It helps to balance blood sugar levels in people with diabetes through its chemicals that increase insulin in the blood.

Maybe, just maybe, the health benefits may encourage you to try this unusual drink, with the sweet-after-bitter taste.

Remember, the taste of Mabi will take just a bit of getting used to - if you are tasting it for the first time.

A nice, tall glass of beastly-cold Mabi - frothy, and sweet to the bitter end - is one of the best, most healthy, and most refreshing ways to cool down on a hot day.

The trick to drinking Mabi, if there is such a thing, is to drink Mabi when it is very cold - you really will not like a hot Mabi.

Destination Punta Cana provides Mabi at $8 a 1-Litre bottle, and it is sold as a 6-pack of 1-Litre bottles for $48.

A bottle of Mabi a day, keeps the doctor away.

A month's supply - 30 1-Litre bottles of Mabi will be $240. 

If there is one souvenir that authentically represents the culture and the identity of the Dominican Republic, it is the faceless dolls. 

These ceramic figurines, with their striking colors and handcrafted designs, have captivated tourists and collectors for decades. 

The faceless dolls emerged in the 1980s thanks to artisan Liliana Mera Limé, who created these pieces as a unique representation of the Dominican identity.

🔹 Materials - Generally made of ceramic or clay, with colorful finishes and details in traditional clothing.

🔹 Taino and Spanish influence - Its design reflects a fusion of indigenous, African and European heritage.

🔹 Craftsmanship - Each doll is individually modeled, and painted by hand, making it a unique piece. 

The Result: No two pieces are exactly alike.

 There is not a single replica of these dolls.

One of the most intriguing aspects of these dolls is the absence of facial features. 

This feature is no coincidence; it has a deep cultural significance:

🌎 Ethnic diversity - They represent the mixture of races that characterizes the Dominican Republic, reflecting the African, European and indigenous heritage.

🎭 Universality - They are faceless and symbolize all Dominican women without distinction of ethnic origin or physical appearance.

🌿 Connection with nature - The design highlights the beauty of clothing and handcrafted elements rather than focusing on facial and physical features.

Over time, different styles of faceless dolls have emerged, each with its own charm:

Traditional - Dressed in typical Dominican costumes and vibrant colors.

Campesinas - They represent country women carrying flowers, fruits or work utensils.

Modern and contemporary - They incorporate new designs, but maintain the faceless essence.

The faceless dolls are not just a decorative object, but a reflection of the history, diversity and cultural richness of the Dominican Republic. 

Each one tells a story without words, but with a powerful message: identity is not in the face, but in the essence. 

The faceless dolls are a true icon of Dominican culture, and have become a must-have for many tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. 

Get Your Faceless Dolls Here - $40 for small pieces, 65 for medium, and $85 for large.

In the heart of the Caribbean, where the azure waters of the Atlantic caress the sun-kissed shores, lies a culinary haven brimming with tantalizing flavors, vibrant colors, and infectious rhythms. 

 Welcome to the Dominican Republic .

If you really want to get to know the Dominican Republic, start with its food. 

Dominicans are very proud of their cuisine – and for good reason. 

The variety of local dishes available is not just impressive but also a representation of their unique history and cross-cultural influences of African, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Taino traditions. 

These fusions have resulted in what is today referred to as “Comida Criolla” aka traditional Dominican food – a delectable adventure for the senses. 

From the soulful depths of La Bandera Dominicana to the irresistible crunch of Casabe, Destination Punta Cana will expose you to the hidden gems of Dominican cuisine. 

Discover the secrets of the island’s culinary heritage, where each bite echoes the vibrant spirit of the Dominican people. 

Embark on this gastronomic adventure through the Dominican Republic, where each dish tells a story of tradition, warmth, and the love of good food. 

From the savory to the sweet, the Dominican table invites you to savor every moment and create lasting memories through the joy of delicious cuisine. 

“Chicharrón de Pollo” is a crispy delight that showcases the Dominican talent for frying to perfection. 

The mastery lies not just in the crunch of these bite-sized chicken chunks,  but in preserving the succulence of the chicken within. 

“Tres Golpes,” is a traditional Dominican breakfast favorite. 

It features a triumphant trio of mangu (green plantains), fried cheese and salami, delivering a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Enter the world of “Locrio,” the Dominican version of paella. 

This one-pot wonder combines rice, meat (chicken, pork, or goat), and a medley of vegetables, delivering a burst of flavors in every forkful. 

“Chivo Guisado” is a flavorful stew made with tender goat meat.

The meat, slow-cooked to perfection, falls apart effortlessly, melting in your mouth as it releases its rich, savory essence with each bite. 

So, grab your fork and prepare to dive into the delicious world of mangu, sancocho, and la bandera Dominicana as we embark on an  epicurean odyssey  to uncover the must-try Dominican dishes that define this beautiful Caribbean nation’s culinary landscape. 

108 Authentic Dominican Dishes.

Destination Punta Cana can Provide You with Recipes for these 108 dishes.

Larimar is a gemstone that has captivated jewelry lovers and travelers alike. 

With its mesmerizing ocean-blue hues and swirling white patterns, Larimar is often called the “Caribbean Gemstone.”

But what makes it so special? 

Larimar is a unique variety of pectolite, a mineral composed of sodium, calcium, and silicate. 

While pectolite is found in various places around the world, the distinct blue color of Larimar is caused by traces of copper in its composition, something not seen in other pectolites.

Millions of years ago, volcanic activity in the Caribbean region led to the formation of Larimar deep beneath the Earth’s surface. 

Over time, erosion and geological shifts brought Larimar closer to the surface, where it can now be mined.

Unlike diamonds, sapphires, or opals, which are mined in multiple locations across the globe, Larimar is exclusive to just one small area in the Dominican Republic.

Specifically, the gemstone is mined in Los Chupaderos, a remote mountainous region in the province of Barahona.

This single-source origin makes Larimar one of the rarest stones in the world.. 

Unlike other gemstones that can be sourced from multiple locations, once Larimar mines are depleted: 

Because mining is limited and reserves are not infinite, Larimar is considered an investment gemstone. 

As fewer stones are mined each year, their value is expected to increase over time, making Larimar a valuable piece for collectors and jewelry lovers alike.

Larimar’s exclusivity and beauty have made it one of the most sought-after gemstones for ocean-inspired jewelry. 

Boasting the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America, the Dominican Republic (DR) is known for many things, notably tourism, crystal-clear blue waters, sandy white beaches, and baseball.

The island nation’s climate and beautiful topography is also home to some of the richest tobacco fields in the world.

 Many of the most talented cigar-making families from Cuba relocated to the Dominican Republic and other Central American nations to pursue their craft following the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba in the 1960s.

Dominican cigars are sought after for their creamy, complex, and approachable taste. 

You will find tasting notes of cedar, cashews, almonds, coffee bean, and buttered toast in many cigar flavor profiles from the Dominican Republic.

Today, the country is home to many renowned brands, including Arturo Fuente, Ashton, and Davidoff, as well as a number of famous Cuban-legacy brands, such as Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta.

There is no better cigar to represent the Dominican Republic’s finest than one made entirely from Dominican tobaccos: binder, filler, and wrapper. 

The most sought-after Dominican Puro in the world is Fuente Fuente Opus X. 

Carlito Fuente blended this prized profile over many years with the utmost patience in growing a wrapper leaf in the Dominican Republic – a feat many said he would never achieve. 

Clearly, he has proven any naysayers wrong. 

A rich and oily wrapper grown on the Chateau de la Fuente estates embraces an extensively aged core of Dominican long-filler tobaccos that deliver undertones of leather, cedar, oak, figs, and spices with an exquisite and potent finish. 

Due to their limited production, Opus X cigars can be tough to find on a regular basis.

Fuente Fuente Opus X is not the first, nor even the only, Cigar Aficionado's #1 cigar in the world from the Dominican Republic.

In fact, the Dominican Republic has produced 5 of the last 9 consecutive Cigar Aficionado #1 Cigar of the Year (2016 thru 2023):

La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull - 2016

Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark - 2017

E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic - 2018

E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel - 2020

Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva D’Chateau - 2023.

The southern Dominican Republic, boasts a rich history of vine plantation that intertwines tradition with innovation, and that is where you will find the Caribbean's first major vineyard, and winery.

The region's viticultural roots trace back to 1506 when the Spaniards first introduced vines to the Caribbean, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving winemaking tradition.

The unique microclimate and fertile soils of the region provide ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapes, leading to the production of distinctive wines that capture the essence of the area. 

The Dominican Republic produces high-quality tropical wines, with vineyards yielding two harvests per year. 

A variety of European and American grape strains are cultivated.

If you are a connoisseur of fine wines, your palate will be delighted to encounter a creamy yet acidic white made with French Colombard. The wine has a yellowish hue, with notes of pineapple, apricot, apple and lime that remind me I’m in the Caribbean.

There is also the rosé, an easy-drinking low acidity wine offering scents of wild fruits and flavors of red berries.

The Tempranillo is a treat, a ruby-colored wine with a soft body and flavors of strawberry, cherry and hints of spice.

Well-known French and Spanish experts have sample the Dominican Republic wines with exceptional reviews. 

A bottle of the first-year production is at the national wine museum in Cangas Asturias, Spain. 

The Dominican Republic aims to compete globally, leveraging the Caribbean climate and soil to produce distinctive, top-tier wines for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.  

"Wine is bottled poetry, and in the Dominican Republic, each sip tells the story of the land, the sun, and the craftsmanship that brings it to life."  

Unless you’ve spent time in a Dominican neighborhood or traveled to the Dominican Republic itself, you’ve probably never heard of Mamajuana. 

Arguably the most important national drink of the Dominican Republic after rum, and as omnipresent as Presidente beer.

Mama Juana is an amber-to-bright-red syrupy liqueur made from rum, red wine, honey, medicinal fruits, dried herbs and spices, and made to soak in a mixture of the roots and barks from special plants and trees.

Here you can see a small list of the most common, but the mix varies depending on the place of origin on the island

• Anam· (Petiveria alliacea)
• Anis Estrellado (Illicium verum)
• Bohuco Pega Palo (Cissus verticillata)
• Albahaca (Ocimum basilicum)
• Canelilla (Cinnamodendron ekmanii)
• Bojuco Caro (Princess Vine)
• Anamu (Garlic Weed)
• Marabeli (Securidaca virgata)
• Clavo Dulce (Whole Clove)
• Maguey (Agave spp.) leaves
• Timacle (Chiococca alba)

Mamajuana is usually around 30% alcohol, and tastes more or less sweet, fruity, spicy and fiery depending on the recipe. 

Every region has its own unique twist on the traditional Mamajuana recipe, but you might recognize basil, bitter ginger, cinnamon bark, maguey leaves, sarsaparilla, star anise or sweet cloves.

Dominicans trace the origins of Mamajuana back to pre-colonial times, when a version of the liqueur was brewed as a healing tea by the indigenous island people of Hispaniola, the Taino.

Originally created as a cure-all, this elixir is purported to have healing properties, including curing the common cold, cleansing the blood, liver and kidneys, aiding digestion and blood flow - even increasing sexual potency. 

Mamajuana's monikers include - The Dominican Baby Maker.

Dominican Amber is one of the most famous and distinctive varieties of amber in the world. 

It is known for its beautiful, vibrant colors, rare inclusions, and high quality. 

Dominican Amber is famous for containing well-preserved fossils, including unique inclusions of insects, plants, and even small vertebrates.

Color:

• Dominican Amber is most commonly golden or yellow, but it can also appear in shades of orange, brown, red, green, and rare blue.

• The blue amber in particular, is highly prized for its ability to fluoresce a blue color when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light. This rare phenomenon is unique to Dominican amber and is one of its most coveted traits.

Formation:

• Like all amber, Dominican amber originates from tree resin that has fossilized over millions of years. The resin, which once oozed from trees, eventually hardened and preserved the organisms trapped inside.

• The Dominican Republic has some of the most rich and well-preserved deposits of amber, with pieces that date back to around 20 to 30 million years ago. The resin that formed Dominican amber is believed to come primarily from tree species in the family Burseraceae, which are still found in tropical regions today.

 Uses:

• Jewelry: Dominican amber is highly prized for making necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. The clear, vibrant pieces with inclusions are especially sought after by jewelry makers.

 Properties:

• Lightweight: Like most amber, Dominican amber is relatively lightweight compared to other gemstones, making it comfortable for wear in jewelry.

Coffee from the Dominican Republic doesn’t get a lot of recognition on the global scene. 

But that’s not because it doesn’t exist or because it isn’t delicious. 

It’s because Dominicans like it so much that they drink most of it before the rest of the world gets a chance. 

For centuries, coffee has played an integral part in the Dominican Republic’s economy and social fabric, shaping traditions and daily life. 

Coffee plantations are as much a part of the Dominican Republic's landscape as the towering palm trees and the blue seas that lap its shores. 

Coffee is not just a beverage here; it’s a way of life. 

The Dominican Republic is known for producing a high-quality Arabica coffee that is praised for its full-bodied texture, vibrant acidity, and sumptuous aroma. 

The beans are acclaimed for their distinct chocolatey undertones and occasionally, fruity notes, offering a sensory experience that is truly one of a kind.

Enjoying coffee in the Dominican Republic is more than just drinking a beverage; it’s a way to connect with the local community and participate in their timeless customs. 

Here, coffee breaks are a ceremonial pause, where friends and family come together to share stories and build relationships.

Coffee is enjoyed at all hours of the day, and it’s a beverage that accompanies meals, conversations, and moments of contemplation. 

When offered a cup of coffee in a Dominican home, it is considered impolite to refuse. 

Coffee from the Dominican Republic tends to be smooth, well-balanced, and easy to drink. 

Coffee is grown throughout the Dominican Republic, which means you’ll have lots of flavor profiles to choose from, because each region has its own unique environment. 

That’s great news, because no matter your taste, there’s a perfect option for you!

The Dominican Republic boasts a rich artistic heritage, with a diverse range of talents spanning various genres and styles. 

From traditional painters capturing the vibrancy of Caribbean life to contemporary artists pushing boundaries in conceptual art, the Dominican art scene is vibrant and dynamic.

Discover the vibrant colors and culture of the Dominican Republic through its beautiful paintings.

These masterpieces capture everything from the lush landscapes to the captivating traditional customs.

Each painting takes you on a journey through this Caribbean island, home to some of the world's most stunning beaches and breathtaking mountain ranges.

All are painted in richly detailed brushstrokes that capture the true spirit of this unique country.

Let these pieces bring a touch of paradise into your home today! 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of our authentic preserved red mango. 

This culinary masterpiece captures the essence of the Caribbean, offering a sweet, and a savory, treat that will tantalize your taste buds.

The preserved red mango can be:

sweet

sour, or

spicy.

These same tastes can be provided with red plums, and red cherries.