The fun didn’t stop when dinner ended; every night the lobby came alive with entertainment. The fire show and circus performances were definite highlights, but the rock sing-along completely stole the show. It felt like we’d been dropped into a private 1980s concert made just for us.
Fire Show © Tracey Cullen
Circus Show © Tracey Cullen
For anyone feeling lucky, there was a small casino. A few people in our group walked away winners … but let’s just say most walked away a bit lighter in the wallet.
The night our friend Karen turned 50, the resort went all-out with a special birthday cocktail — and that’s when I realized the event planner knows how to pull off an impressive event. This wasn’t a simple Champagne toast and slice of cake — it was a full-on birthday extravaganza! As we entered the space overlooking the gorgeous Mermaid pool, we were greeted with Champagne and two dancers in sparkly flapper dresses. Heading up to high-top tables, a waiter walked around with the most beautiful hors d’oeuvres — shrimp, steak toasts, chicken teriyaki — each one better than the last.
Dancers & Champagne © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
Shrimp © Tracey Cullen
Hors d’oeuvres © Tracey Cullen
Hors d’oeuvres © Tracey Cullen
Steak toasts © Tracey Cullen
Chicken teriaki © Tracey Cullen
But the real star of the show? The bartender. Or, should I say, showtender. He turned cocktail-making into a performance — balancing glasses on his shoulder, pouring without spilling a drop. The grand finale was a drink topped with a bubble that released a smoky swirl when it burst. I could’ve watched him all night, but the surprises kept coming.
Showtender © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
Showtender1 © Tracey Cullen
Bubble drink © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
Bartender’s special tools © Tracey Cullen
Fancy margarita © Tracey Cullen
Soon a whole group of staff burst in, clanking and drumming a lively birthday song, and Karen was presented with a beautiful (and delicious) cake.
We wrapped up the night dancing to a guitar player before that unforgettable rock sing-along . . . the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable night.
Rock show © Tracey Cullen
Guitar player © Tracey Cullen
Guitar player & dancing © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
Staffers singing birthday song © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
Group © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
Tracey and Karen © Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – Reuben Batista
— Tracey Cullen, art director
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 18, 2026New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look
In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
September 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Daily
Sep 17, 2026This Downtown St. Louis Hotel Recently Reopened Its Doors
Back and better than ever, Le Méridien St. Louis Downtown officially reopened its doors earlier this month following a temporary closure in January 2024 due to water damage from a burst sprinkler pipe.
METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Airlines
Sep 16, 2026Delta, Hyatt Announce Long-Term Loyalty Collaboration
Hyatt and Delta Air Lines announced a new, long-term strategic loyalty collaboration bringing together two leading premium travel brands to create a connected, personalized and rewarding experience for World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles members.
Sponsored Content
The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom
The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.
eFlyer Deals
Sep 16, 2026Don’t Miss New Romance Offer from Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
It may not be Valentine’s Day, but who says you can’t indulge in a romantic getaway with great savings the rest of the year? Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives invite couples to enjoy an Aruban vacation with a new offer.
ShareThis