Punta Can, the most beautiful city in the Dominican Republic
The best of Punta Cana
At Duke’s Lobster & Seafood, a popular restaurant in Finest Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, all-inclusive guests can order their lobster any way they like. Maybe steamed in lemon butter sauce? Or thermidor style with mushrooms and shallots? Grilled in white wine and garlic sauce, or served with succulent lobster on linguine. In fact, why not try this decadent dish a different way every night, because lobster (which may be a shell-shocker) is included in the all-inclusive rate.
Lobster for sale at Duke’s Lobster & Seafood at Finest Punta Cana and Finest Playa … (+)
Excellence Collection
Amid inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s becoming much harder for foodies staying at all-inclusive properties or aboard cruise ships to enjoy fine dining without paying extra for top-notch dishes like pan-seared lobster meunière.
Food prices have risen nearly 11% in 2022 alone, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). But some cuisines have been hit harder than others in recent years. For example, the price of lobster has reportedly jumped from $24 per pound before the pandemic to $48.
While some resorts offer seafood buffets on certain days or periods, a few luxury resorts set themselves apart by offering freedom to indulge in life’s finer treats, like 24-hour all-you-can-eat caviar on Seabourn cruises, lamb and aged steaks included in the price of a stay at dude ranches like C Lazy U in Granby, Colorado, and Brush Creek Wagyu beef in Saratoga, Wyoming.
In Fall 2021, Excellence Collection opened Finest Punta Cana, marking the debut of the brand’s second location, Duke’s Lobster & Seafood, which also has a location at Finest Playa Mujeres, Mexico.
This Caribbean coastal restaurant is halfway between lobster shack and fine dining: Duke’s is an open-air restaurant with swings that serves dishes like coconut-crusted snapper and ceviche by day, before switching to lobster dishes, crab cakes, and surf and turf at dinner.
Duke’s Lobster and Seafood at Finest Punta Cana.
Excellence Collection
The sprawling Punta Cana site is dotted with around 15 dining options, including a bar, lounge and The Sweet Shop, which serves ice cream and espresso.
Other standout culinary concepts at Finest Punta Cana include Surf & Turf, which offers paired entrees such as coconut shrimp and wonton brisket with pineapple habanero sauce and hoisin sauce, Shoji, which serves sushi rolls and sashimi, and the Parisian-inspired jewel box of Le Petit Plaisir.
Le Petit Plaisir at Finest Punta Cana
Brittany Annas
When it comes to your stay, upgrade to the Excellence Club, the resort’s adults-only section, where you’ll receive upgrades like luxury lounge access, Bvlgari bath amenities, premium in-suite liqueurs, and a complimentary hydrotherapy circuit at the zen ONE spa. Upgraded guests also receive exclusive access to Dommo, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, where 45-ounce tomahawk steaks are the highlight of the menu.
Finest Punta Cana has seven pools and oceanfront palapas.
Excellence Collection
In addition to delicious dining, the resort has seven pools where you can swim, take part in fitness classes, or enjoy live poolside violinist music while sipping frozen drinks. The all-inclusive resort also offers beachside palapas, a kids’ club, a playground with an artistic giant pink flamingo, and all-day activities and entertainment, including live music, pickleball courts, beach volleyball, and kayaking.
The Excellence Club offers several room types, ranging from Pool View Junior Suites with Jacuzzis (from $435 per night) to the 2,500-square-foot Imperial Suite with its own private plunge pool (from $754 per night).
Contact Brittany Anas at brittanyanas@gmail.com.
