Nightlife

If you're staying at an all-inclusive, your nightly entertainment is already provided. You need not leave the grounds for action. Depending on the night of the week, many hotels present Las Vegas-type revues. As mentioned, many hotels don't like to issue night passes because it is difficult to maintain security and keep track of nonguests. If you don't like the entertainment provided on any given night at your hotel, ask around at the reception desk and see what alternative you might come up with. It's a bit of a hassle. The sprawling Bávaro complex is your all-around best bet if you want to flee your own hotel at night.

Bávaro Disco, on the grounds of the Barceló Bávaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort (tel. 809/686-5797), has emerged as the hottest, most popular, and sexiest disco in Punta Cana, thanks to a superb sound system. The venue is more European than North American, thanks to a heavy concentration of clients from Italy, Spain, and Holland. If you've been tempted to dress provocatively but never had the courage, the permissive and sexually charged ambience at this enormous club will give you the confidence to try. Painted black, with simulated stars overhead and lots of mirrors, the place is open nightly from 11pm to 5am. Entrance is free for guests of the Barceló Hotel complex; nonguests pay RD$1,200.