thinking about the Dominican Republic
Every great idea was planted by a seed. And for Chocolatour, The Dominican Republic was the place that planted the seed for my desire to further investigate the world of fine chocolate back in 2009 while enjoying a holiday package to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana Dominican Republic has some wonderful resorts.
That was a superb trip, and I’d love to go back and stroll that amazing beach again. But also to continue exploring the island, and visiting the cacao plantation where some of the finest cocoa in the world is grown.
cacao pods growing in the Dominican Republic
sustainable chocolate in the dominican republic
I first became familiar with Dominican grown fine chocolate when tasting the bars, bonbons, and truffles from SpagNvola, an artisanal chocolate company now based in Maryland, USA, but founded and operated by a very creative couple from the Dominican Republic.
The chocolate bars from SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier taste like they’ve just come out of the jungles of Punta Cana. So full of fresh fruitiness! On SPAGnVOLA’s site you can purchase a 3-pack of 70, 75, or 80% cocoa bars that are made from beans grown right on the Hacienda SPAGnVOLA Estate.
The bonbons are beautifully decorated and filled with exotic flavours such as Passion Fruit, Mango, and White Peach. And the pure chocolate truffles come in flavours that include Dominican Republic Rum & Raisin, Passion of the Sea Salt, and Jasmine Rose. All absolutely enticing!
I’ve since learned that there are several other great chocolate makers like Canada’s Hummingbird Chocolate that are making award-winning sustainable chocolate with cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic.
If you are passionate about fine chocolate and love to travel, a visit to the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic is sure to satisfy on every level. Just ask the folks at your resort to help find a tour that takes you to a cocoa plantation. We took the one offered by Bavaro Runners and really enjoyed it.
And Punta Cana now has the Choco Museo chocolate museum which I hope to check out one day soon.
Have you been to the Dominican Republic? Did your visit include a stay in Punta Cana? Did you get to the chocolate museum? Have you eaten sustainable chocolate made with cocoa from the Dominican Republic?
I’d like to thank Air Transat for sponsoring this post about the Dominican Republic, an up and coming chocolate destination. Please rest assured that the information you find on this blog will always be impartial, whether it is in the form of a sponsored post, or the result of subsidized or independent travel. My job is to share my knowledge and opinion with you. Your job is to join the conversation, and share your own experiences and thoughts with us here.
The Jasmine Rose truffles sound delicious. The Dominican Republic has so much to offer.
Absolutely, Bev. I’m so looking forward to treating my taste buds to some SpagNvola chocolate. It’s been awhile. Hopefully, I will bring some home to share.
I’ve never been, but my parent’s are planning to go for their 30th anniversary this year! I should pass this along to them 🙂
I’m sure they’ll enjoy it, Francesca. It’s a really beautiful island and a great place for a special celebration!
Beach + Chocolate = Perfection!
Loved the inspiring idea to travel to Dominican Republic and discovered the mix flavours of chocolate and tropical fruits.
Changing focus, we (me and my hubby) talked a lot about you on our last trip to Bohol Island in Philippines. They don´t have chocolate tradition there, but the do have a nature park with more than a thousand Chocolate Hills (a group of mountains perfectly shaped as bonbons that on dry season turn in brown color, looking like giant chocolate drops)… The landscape is delicious and unique, like a tasty piece of chocolate.
Happy travels
Nat
Hi Natalie and thanks for your comment. And of thinking of me while in the Philippines!
They actually DO have some good chocolate in the Philippines. And yes, I’ve seen pics of the “Chocolate Hills.” I’ll have to get there when I do the research for Volume III of Chocolatour.
I’m headed for the Dominican Republic in October…chocolate here I come!!
Have a super trip, Marilyn! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
I would love to go to the DR. I just watched a show on Househunters where the couple was buying a vacation home! It look amazing!
Hi Suzanne. Don’t you just love Househunters? One of my fav shows. It really gives you the chance to see the inside of different neighbourhoods within a city or region. You’d definitely love the DR if you love sun and beaches!
We know people that go every year to DR for 3 weeks and always have a good time. Anywhere that is warmer than here, sounds like a superb place!
Hi Cathy & thx for your comment! I know what you mean. When we wake up to -36C in Manitoba on a cold winter’s day, nothing sounds better than sitting on a beautiful beach in Punta Cana! You and Adam would love all the water sports that are available. 🙂
When I visit the Dominican Republic I’ll head to Punta Cana and indulge in the SpagNvola chocolates!
Hi Carole. I didn’t say that SpagNvola chocolates are available in Punta Cana. I talked about how the seed for my chocolate exploration was planted on a cocoa farm in DR back in 2009, and how I have since discovered SpagNvola in the US, with its Dominican roots and cocoa farm. I’m not really sure whether one can purchase chocolate of that quality in the DR, but I certainly intend to find out. Cheers!
So sorry, Doreen, looks like I skimmed through part of your post. Thanks for the clarification.
I’m sure it will be interesting for you to revisit the Dominican Republic at this point in your life. Especially if that is what inspired you to take on this wonderful chocolate journey. I hope you can return soon!
Thanks, Tracie. I hope so, too! Thx for stopping by.
I had absolutely no idea DR is known for its chocolate. It’s such a popular vacation destination, particularly for East Coasters, that I’m surprised there would be admonitions regarding personal safety. We hope to visit.
Thx for your comment, Betsy. As mentioned, I haven’t been to the DR since 2009, but I know there definitely were some issues with personal safety for travellers at that time. I’m hoping the situation has improved and will investigate further on that. Cheers!
How interesting that this is where you started your chocolate travels, now so long ago!
Indeed, Irene! Sometimes it is something small, or inconsequential at the moment, that can really shape the future, or our destiny. I had no idea that when I visited my fist Cocoa plantation back in 2009, that it would forge a new life for me!
Didn’t realize that chocolate was produced in the DR. We have never been, but would love to go.
Just to be clear, the cocoa is grown in the DR, but the chocolate is made from the beans in the US. I will be profiling SpagNvola in the second volume of Chocolatour, so stay tuned for more! I hope you make it to the DR. It is a lovely island with something for everyone.
I’d certainly never thought of the Dominican Republic and Chocolate as a package before (in fact most thoughts I’ve had have involved the island and Baseball)!
Another insightful post and we’re just disappointed that it, along with most of the Caribbean has now been culled from our current trip due to logistical reasons…
Hi Chris: Yes the DR is certainly known for its baseball players! but fortunately, for the production of some very fine cocoa as well. 🙂 Enjoy your travels!
I’ve never been, but the Dominican Republic sounds really appealing as I look out my window at the snow. The chocolate just adds to the appeal!
Hi Shelley, and welcome to the blog! Yes, when our weather is cold and snowy, a tropical island is most alluring! I hope you make it to the DR soon!
I’d love to do a chocolate tour in Punta Cana but my travel buddy hates the stuff! (I do well as he hands his to me often.) Fun to know where to find the good stuff.
Hi Elaine and thanks for your comment. The interesting thing about chocolate travel is that it’s not just about eating chocolate. It’s about seeing how the cocoa grows and is harvested. How it’s processed to become chocolate, attending chocolate festivals and events where you can take in fun or decadent activities … and more!
Your timing of this post couldn’t have been better as we’ll be on our way to visit friends in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic at the beginning of March. As passionate chocolate lovers we’ll have to plan a tour to one of the cocao plantations for sure although I vote to sample some of the pre-made goodies too!
Hi Anita. Lucky you, to be heading to the DR! Do take in one of those island tours, where you can get to the farms and see how the crops are grown, and perhaps harvested (not sure exactly when their cocoa or coffee harvests are.) And yes, you can’t go wrong with SpagNvola Chocolate. It truly is one of the best I’ve had.
Would love to go back to the Dominican Republic!!! We loved the beaches, the people, the weather, the coffee, rum – what am I missing? – oh yeah chocolate!! We flew Air Transat – it was our first trip with them and the crew was awesome!!
Thx for your comment, Pat. So glad you enjoyed the DR, and that you had a great time flying Air Transat. Your enthusiasm definitely makes me want to go back, too!
What a wonderful place to explore and try some of these amazing chocolates and yes they do look so striking and well designed. Would love to sample some one of these days
Thanks for your comment, Noel. We’re so fortunate that our work takes us to many intriguing places. I enjoy following your blog as well, and seeing all the terrific places you have the opportunity to visit.
Visiting a cacao plantation sounds like so much fun. I’ve never been the the Dominican Republic but would love to visit it someday. Not to mention that I LOVE, l-o-v-e, chocolate. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Annie, and thanks very much for your comment. Yes, I’ve found that having a theme that ties in travel from place to place really makes it fun. As chocolate is my passion (along with great food and wine!) it seemed like a great theme for me to follow. I do hope you’ll subscribe to the blog and share more chocolate travel stories with me. Cheers!
Doreen, my daughter chose the DR for her wedding. Lovely! We were never short of chocolate, but am not sure if it was a DR product. Need to go back and check that! 🙂
Hi Ursula. Caribbean weddings are amazing, aren’t they? When we were in Hawaii last year, and in Cuba previously, we witnessed many weddings. I know that many folks have chosen the DR as the site for their weddings and have been thrilled. I’m looking forward to a return trip.
Thanks for a great post. I love travel and chocolate … and yet have not been to Punta Cana. I’ve got to correct that, don’t I?
Hi Denis. I should say so! If you love chocolate and travel, this is the right blog for you, and the Dominican Republic would be a terrific winter getaway with some sumptuous flavours to tempt you! Thx for dropping by!
Hi Doreen,
That huge cacao pod growing right out of the tree trunk is so cool and odd at the same time. I remember learning somewhere they can weigh 5 pounds! Is that true? It’s a fascinating topic — and hobby — and so fun, too.
Wishing you safe and happy travels,
Josie
Hi Josie and thanks for dropping by the blog. That is the way that cocoa pods grow – right attached to the trunk of the tree or its major branches. Those pods really do get large. The Peruvian ones I’ve seen are so far the largest. I didn’t weigh any of them, but would compare them to that of a pretty large honeydew melon, weight-wise, though more cylindrical in shape.
We have never been to the Dominican Republic before Doreen. To be honest, I don’t think either of us have ever even thought of going there. I’m checking out the Air Transat site right now. They have a lot of useful info on their site and of course, your photos always get me thinking about traveling.
Thanks, Sherryl. I love encouraging people to consider visiting new places, and trying new flavours. Whether it’s chocolate,brine, or some dish that is new to you, travel enriches the soul and your spirit. Let your senses guide you!
Would you ever consider tying in the theme
Of human rights or labour relations
To your trips, Doreen? Maybe you’ve done
So in the past, I don’t know. It’s just
That I sometimes ponder the justice of
Westerners traveling to developing
Countries and/or us enjoying the fruits
Of labour of less privileged people. What
Do you think? (Forgive the weird
Caps – am typing on an iPhone).
Thx so much for your comment, Amanda, and for the challenge!
When I get to Africa for my research of Chocolatour, I will definitely be including the issue of child labour into my writing.
We must remember that in many developing countries, the fact that we as visitors spend a good deal of money in the places we visit really does help the overall local economies. Without us visiting, many of the local people would not be gainfully employed. That is why I always go local markets wherever I visit, and try to purchase local handcrafts and products direct from the artisan or grower. And always try to look for products that are marked “sustainable” and ‘fair trade” as that means that a bigger portion of the pie is fairly shared with the grower or creator of the product, and that the most environmentally conscious methods have been used in its production.
I’ve not been to the DR, but have heard such lovely things about it. With another foot of snow predicted for us tomorrow-can Air Transat beam me up?
You and me both, Alison! We just ret’d from BC last night to nearly -30C temps here in Manitoba! Dominican Republic sounds mighty good to me right now!
Doreen is one of the nicest person I know…..even tho I can’t eat chocolate I love reading about her adventures.
Thx so much for your sweet comment, June. It’s great having you stop by my blog. Why is it that you can’t eat chocolate? Dark chocolate is free of additives, and even safe for diabetics if eaten in small quantities.
I will certainly make it a pint to visit Punta Cana….should I start with the beach or with the chocolate?!!
POINT!! not pint….:))
Hi Barbara and Thx for your comment. I’m pretty sure you’d love the Dominican Republic. The people are friendly, the climate is great, and the beaches are amazing. And if you take he time to take a tour like the one I did, you can see how coffee and cocoa grow. A very tasty and interesting tour indeed!
I’ve been to the Dominican Republic twice. Both times I stayed in Cabarete, but on the second trip spent a night in the Punta Cana area on our way home. I never took a cocoa plantation tour. That would have been fun.
Thx for your comment, Donna. I’ve never been to Cabarete, but I hear it’s nice! We are so fortunate that we have the opportunity to visit all these places, aren’t we? It’s hard to believe that my mother never got more than 500 miles from her birthplace during the course of her lifetime.
Hi Doreen,
I just looked at the Air Transat website, and did you know they fly to Amsterdam as well? There’s great chocolate here too! I’ve never been to the DR, but it’s on an extremely long bucket list. I’ll be nearby soon: Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Hi Rachel and thanks for your comment. Yes, it’s quite amazing as to the number of places Air Transat now flies. And yes … Amsterdam is definitely one of my favourite chocolate destinations. The Dutch really love their chocolate! Enjoy your Caribbean holiday. I’ve not yet been to Guadeloupe or Martinique. 🙂
HI Doreen:
No, I’ve never been to the DR, though many friends and relatives have been. I see their photos and comments on the beauty and warmth. And now – the chocolate. Would love to go especially now when it’s so blinkin’ cold!
It’s so nice to have places you can get to directly from Manitoba, and the time zone means there’s no great adjustment to be made.
I look forward to enjoying this next year of your chocolate travels.
Welcome home.
Linda
Thanks for your comment, Linda! Yes, isn’t it great that we can get to some sun destinations directly from Winnipeg? It sure makes the transition easier, and reduces the travel time. By the way, I think you’d really enjoy the Dominican Republic. The beach at Punta Cana is truly one of the nicest I’ve seen. Cheers, and stay warm!
Hi Doreen, I haven’t been to the Dominican republic either. But the chocolate and sea salt sounds scrumptious. I love sweet and salty combinations. Rum and raisan sounds interesting too. 🙂
Hi Susan and Thx for your comment. The good thing is that you can try the SPAGNVOLA Chocolate wight from home! You can order the bars online, and I guarantee you will enjoy it! But the beaches at Punta Cana are very enticing right now, as I sit here in Manitoba where it’s nearly -30C right now!!!
Reading about those chocolates and looking at the picture I suddenly crave something sweet. Don’t know why I have never been to the Dominican Republic not least considering that some of my friends have houses there and love it. Agree with you that you should include the island in your itinerary.
Hi Catarina and Thx for your comment. Yes, the Caribbean is filled with beautiful islands, and the DR is definitely blessed with some of the finest beaches at Punta Cana. Really love and relaxing. I hope to get back soon.
I have not been there, but I have a friend who has been there and she loved it. You do have to take care while you are there. You don’t want to stray from your resort.
Hi Cheryl & Thx for your words of caution. Yes, it is true that the DR had had problems with crimes to tourists. It is mainly he Haitians, who have undergone such social and economic trauma as a result of recent natural disasters. Fortunately, the DR has its own “Tourism Polic Force” to protect visitors who venture out to explore the island on group tours. Agree that it’s not likely safe to go out on your own. But it truly is a beautiful destination that everyone should see.