Paradisus Offers Life-Enriching Activities in Punta Cana

Everyone expects to have things to do when they go on vacation to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, but the Paradisus chain has taken this one step further. Along with the water and land sports are an assortment of classes guests can take during their stay. These aren't anything you need to worry about studying for, though, but they will help you go home with some skills you didn't come with.

The Paradisus chain has two resorts on Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic. The Paradisus Punta Cana is on a long stretch of white sand beach, with views of the turquoise ocean from all over the resort. There are nearly 700 suites, 12 restaurants and seven swimming pools here. The Paradisus Palma Real, while also in Bavaro, offers guests a completely different atmosphere. It's slightly smaller, but by no means quaint. This elegant local is the only member of the Leading Hotels of the World in the Dominican Republic and has an exclusive Reserve section that gives guests access to a private beach and swim-up suites.

While the two Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana are different, they both offer a series of Life-Enriching Activities which guests can take part in as part of the all-inclusive program. The idea is to create memorable experiences while you learn something that you might not have the time to do at home. Among the choices offered are lessons in wine tasting, flower arranging, candle making and even how to give a massage. You can also learn how to dance the Tango or the Merengue, make cocktails like a professional mixologist, or create sushi!

The sushi making class is authentic, even though it may seem strange at first to learn how to make this Japanese dish from a man named Santiago Romero who speaks only in the native Spanish (translators are always around if the instructor doesn't speak English). The lesson begins with learning about the rice, how it should be cooked and how important it is. He then takes you through step by step the ingredients most often used in sushi (such as seaweed, salmon and avocado) and lets you participate in putting sushi rolls together, slicing it up and, of course, tasting it.

Dance classes within the Life-Enriching program at Paradisus are also a lot more interesting than those you take at home. Professional dancers perform for you and then provide individualized instruction as you learn each step. Once each person has learned the dance, you have the opportunity to experience the whole routine with your professional partner. Photographing is encouraged so you have something else to remember your vacation by.