Arguably the most spectacular strip of beach along the southeast coastline, Playa Bayahibe stretches for several miles – its crystalline water ebbing against a glistening white-sand shore and bent-over palm fronds casting a cooling shade. And precisely for its natural beauty, several resort chains have solidly claimed their share, literally placing stakes in the sand – and the water –effectively creating a puzzling beach apartheid atmosphere. Thankfully, there’s plenty of beach to go around.

Guests of the area’s smaller hotels and local residents mix on Playa Libre (a small swath between the Viva and Iberostar resorts), where facilities include port-a-potty type restrooms and an informal patio restaurant serving moderately priced local dishes. Viva Dominicus Beach (809.686.5658) offers a day pass for US$30. On the far west end of the beach is the Sunscape Casa del Mar (809.221.8880). Its day pass (US$50) includes use of the facilities and an all-inclusive lunch.

 

Photo: Gilles Boudot