PUNTA CANA — Melia Hotels International execs say Melia Caribe Tropical is 100% operational with the exception of three restaurants after a fire at the resort on New Year’s Day.

The Punta Cana property suffered an unforeseen fire incident on Monday night, says the company. “The fire was limited to our Market Place Buffet Restaurant, La Pagoda & La Gondola and did not cause any further damage. The fire was contained immediately by the Fire Department and our own staff, so the damage was exclusively to the mentioned restaurants.”

While the restaurants affected are now out of service, guests will continue the same services on alternative venues, according to a statement from Daniel P. Schuhmacher, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Dominican Republic, Melia Hotels International, Punta Cana. “We reiterate and reassure you that our foremost priority is the wellbeing of our mutual guests.”