Radisson Blu Resort & Residence Punta Cana, luxury and innovation

Radisson Blu Punta Cana is a property strategically located on the shore of Cabeza de Toro beach, one of the most unspoilt in Punta Cana. This dynamic complex of 164 suites is divided into five buildings and has six restaurants and bars among many other amenities . To get to know the hotel in detail, we interviewed its General Manager Nuria Costal. We share their responses below.

How was the hotel project born and with what objectives?
We wanted to build a resort experience that felt comfortable for families and groups, with accommodations that fostered connection but didn’t leave modern style out. Making groups feel like this is their tropical home away from home is our objective. Radisson Blu Punta Cana began as an opportunity to partner with a global brand like Radisson and offer advantages to our guests that have never been seen before in the country. We are now the first, and only, in the Radisson Blu brand that offer an all-inclusive rate, which is great for those who want to be catered to, but also have condo-style accommodations that can let groups cook on their own and have that vibe of an authentic experience.

Could you describe the property?
In a few words, Radisson Blu Punta Cana is warm, dynamic, and comforting. Warm since we’re strategically located on the shore of Cabeza de Toro beach, one of the most pristine beaches in Punta Cana. Dynamic because our 164 suites are divided into five buildings, and there are six restaurants and bars, keeping our guests satisfied and offering them a diverse menu of international and local flavors. Comforting because its has all the unique touches of a luxury hotel, like bathrobes, beach towels, umbrellas, and more, at an affordable price.

What type of clients are you looking for?
We welcome groups, families (big or small), young adult groups, business travelers, brides, – you name it. We are looking for clients that want a bonding experience in Punta Cana in superb accommodations. Families will love our attention to children with our kids clubs, and active families will adore our CrossFit lessons or Beach Volleyball tournaments. Young adults can take a soothing day in the pool after an excursion, and later take part in dancing or cooking classes. Business travelers can easily stay connected at our business center, but also rely on our speedy Wi-Fi to respond to emails poolside. Brides will simply have stunning sunsets and views and excellent service to celebrate their new milestone. In summary, there is something for everyone at Radisson Blu Punta Cana.

How is your entertainment and gastronomy proposal?
As a resort that caters mostly to families and groups we knew it was important to have a diverse entertainment and culinary offering. Our entertainment staff works diligently to offer a mix of activities that guests can expect on a regular basis, as well as themed events to keep our offering fresh. For entertainment, we offer activities as varied as CrossFit Lessons, cooking classes, guided meditation, yoga, beach volleyball, floating fitness and more. Seasonal events usually include live music as well as a dedicated food offering (we have had beach barbecues, chocolate festivals, etc).
In terms of gastronomy, we have 7 restaurants and bars for only 164 rooms. That is double, and in some cases triple the ratio of restaurants to rooms that most all-inclusive hotels have. This translates into innumerable options for our guests and it virtually guarantees that guests will always have a table at the eatery of their choosing. Our culinary options range from Mediterranean cuisine at Anthea restaurant, that blends dishes from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Morocco; RBG Bar and Grill that offers snacks and appetizers on top of crafty cocktails; Kigen, our Asian restaurant offers cuisine from Japan, China and Thailand; Blue Wave, our outdoor grill serves Italian inspired dishes with a Dominican twist; Cibao, our lobby bar, offers the best Dominican exports: Coffee and rum; Oasis, our poolside bar offers creative cocktails and fresh juices; Wave bar, our beach lounge has a curated mixology offering; Blue Agave, and outdoor bar has an impressive tequila collection and tasty snacks; and our staple restaurant, The Chef’s market, a dynamic concept that adapts to the chef’s personality and highlights local ingredients.

Within such a varied offer in the destination, how have you worked to make a unique proposal of its kind?
In an over competitive destination like Punta Cana, we have worked very hard to bring a value proposition to our guests. On the one hand, we offer all the guarantees of excellence in service, attention to detail and stylish spaces that are the standard for Radisson Blu all over the world. We combine an already superb hotel brand with the local Caribbean flavor that makes the Dominican Republic unique, and top it all off by being the only all-inclusive Radisson Blu in the world.

In the context of a serious crisis like this, how are you working to help your community?
As part of the Radisson Blu family, we take part in the brand’s social responsibility efforts. One of them is the partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International. Through this partnership our teams volunteer time and raise funds and in-kind donations for the organization, that works to provide developmental assistance to children in need.
Not less important, in a year as difficult as 2020, we are proud to have created employment opportunities for Dominicans. Our hotel created 350 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs.

What are the new goals for 2021?
Our main objective in 2021 is to solidify our brand positioning in the local and North American markets. To the people that are already familiar with the Radisson Blu brand, we want to show them what a tropical setting can do to reimagine the Radisson experience. And for those who are familiar with the destination, but maybe not the brand, we want to show them how the Radisson Blu offering can elevate the destination experience.