This picture-perfect beach on the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula stretches for eight miles, its powdery soft sand and sparkling blue waters providing an idyllic Caribbean setting. Since it’s mostly undeveloped except for a few small hotels and privately owned vacation villas, it’s possible to have entire days where just you and a handful of other people will share the sand. Playa Bonita looks out onto Bahía de las Ballenas, where every year from mid-January to the end of March humpback whales frolic through during mating season. Calm waters and picturesque reefs make for excellent snorkeling.
Photos: Aerial: Gilles Boudot; Sunset: Mayka Rodriguez