I'm not sure exactly where the Catalonia is, but here are a couple of ideas:
1. (easy, close and fast), Hop on a concho, or get a taxi (depending on distance), and just go to the Texico intersection in Friusa. Is it the "real" D.R.??? I dunno... to paraphrase Forrest Gump, "real" is as "real" does. But, plenty of stuff around to see what real life is like as opposed to the resort. Places to eat, but not really the shack experience; bars, "real" people going about their "real" life. At least as so far as Bavaro is "real".
2. (longer, more of a time investment) Rent a car, or get a taxi (could be $$$), and get over to Higuey. Definitely "real", and more of an "immersion" experience.
Hope your Spanish is functional. Have a good time.
btw... neither one is "off the beaten path", but I'm not sure off the path is advisable or what you really want.