Culinary Week at Lifestyle
Celebrating international culinary talent, Caribbean creativity and the growing role of gastronomy in the travel experience.
There is something special about a truly memorable dining experience. It can introduce us to new cultures, create unexpected connections and become one of the defining memories of a holiday. I have always believed that food plays an important role in how we experience a destination, and increasingly, I see gastronomy becoming one of the reasons people choose where to travel in the first place.
This October, we had the pleasure of bringing that philosophy to life during Culinary Week at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club in Puerto Plata. From October 12–17, we welcomed an exceptional collection of international chefs, culinary personalities and hospitality professionals for six days dedicated to creativity, flavour and the shared enjoyment of remarkable food.
For me, the week represented an exciting opportunity to explore how we can continue elevating the culinary experience for our members while celebrating the remarkable talent and traditions that make the Caribbean such an inspiring part of the world.
Bringing the World’s Culinary Talent to Puerto Plata
One of the most rewarding aspects of Culinary Week was the diversity of talent gathered in one destination. Each participating chef arrived with a distinct culinary background, personal philosophy and creative approach, bringing fresh perspectives to ingredients, techniques and traditions.
We were delighted to welcome Jason Howard, Urvin Croes, Kerth Gumbs, Kelston Moore and Jae-Anthony, whose interpretations of Caribbean cuisine demonstrated the extraordinary versatility and sophistication of the region’s culinary identity. Their creativity was complemented by Andrea Lizárraga, Kareem Roberts and Mathieu Masson-Duceppe, each contributing their own influences and distinctive cooking styles.
The experience extended into the world of pastry and baking through the talents of Shaunte Flatts and William Herrera, adding another dimension to an already impressive culinary programme.
What I particularly enjoyed was seeing how these different personalities and approaches came together. There is something fascinating about watching talented chefs interpret familiar ingredients in completely different ways, drawing inspiration from their heritage while introducing new ideas and contemporary techniques.
That exchange of creativity is precisely what makes events like Culinary Week so valuable.
Six Days of Exceptional Dining
Throughout the week, our restaurants became the setting for a series of carefully curated dining experiences, each offering guests an opportunity to discover something different.
From the atmosphere of Azul and Gourmet to the coastal surroundings of Sea La Vie and the beautiful setting of El Lago at Royal Lake, every venue contributed its own character to the programme. The combination of exceptional food, thoughtful presentation and distinctive environments helped create experiences that extended well beyond the dining table.
Of course, a great meal is also about the details that accompany it. David Guilbault brought his expertise to the wine pairings, while Jhonnatan Mejías introduced creative cocktails that complemented the culinary journey.
The celebrations began with an opportunity to meet the chefs at The Monarch, creating a wonderful sense of anticipation for the days ahead. We concluded the week by the beach at Déjà View, where performances from Brenda M, Jordy Estrella and Frandy Sax brought music and entertainment into the experience.
Looking back at the photographs from the week, what stands out to me is the atmosphere. The creativity in the kitchens, the beautiful presentation of the dishes, the conversations around the tables and the genuine enjoyment of everyone involved are all reminders of what great hospitality can achieve.
The Caribbean’s Extraordinary Culinary Potential
One of the things I find most exciting about the Caribbean is the depth of its culinary heritage. Across the region, distinctive ingredients, generations of tradition and diverse cultural influences have created a food identity that deserves greater international recognition.
Today, a new generation of talented chefs is taking those foundations and expressing them in innovative ways. They are respecting traditional flavours while exploring modern techniques, presentation and combinations that introduce Caribbean cuisine to new audiences.
Puerto Plata has a tremendous opportunity to become part of that wider culinary conversation. We already have the natural beauty, welcoming culture and hospitality infrastructure that attract visitors from around the world. By continuing to develop exceptional food experiences, we can give travellers another compelling reason to discover the destination and, importantly, to return.
I believe gastronomy will play an increasingly important role in the future of destination travel. People are becoming more curious about what they eat, where ingredients originate and the stories behind the dishes they experience. A memorable culinary encounter can create a connection with a place that lasts long after the holiday has ended.
Creating Experiences Worth Travelling For
At Lifestyle, we are continually looking at ways to enrich the experiences we offer our members. Culinary Week reflects that ambition and our belief that memorable holidays are shaped by the quality and variety of experiences available throughout a stay.
Bringing international culinary talent together with our own hospitality teams creates opportunities for inspiration, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. It also allows us to explore new possibilities for our restaurants, special events and the broader dining experience across our resorts.
I see considerable potential in developing this concept further. Events that celebrate food, wine, creativity and entertainment can become important occasions in their own right, giving members something new to anticipate and providing another reason to return to Puerto Plata.
There is also a wider opportunity for the destination. When we invest in experiences that attract attention and celebrate regional talent, we contribute to the growing appeal of Puerto Plata as a place where visitors can enjoy exceptional hospitality, culture and cuisine.
An Experience to Build Upon
As I reflect on Culinary Week, I feel particularly grateful to the chefs who shared their creativity with us and to the many members of our Lifestyle team who worked behind the scenes to bring the programme together.
Events of this nature require tremendous coordination, dedication and attention to detail. From the kitchens and restaurants to the service teams, entertainment and event planning, everyone played an important role in creating an experience our guests could enjoy.
My thanks go to every participating chef, culinary professional and team member who contributed to the success of the week.
I am excited by what we have started and even more enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead. The Caribbean has an extraordinary culinary story to tell, and I believe Lifestyle can play a meaningful role in sharing that story with an international audience.
Because sometimes, the memory of an extraordinary meal is all the inspiration someone needs to plan their next journey.
