Jose Lopez

This mile-long beach runs the length of Las Terrenas proper (a resort enclave serving mostly young hip Europeans) and, due to an exuberant nightlife, is mostly deserted during the day except for a few resort staff members entertaining guests on the sands.  Even quieter options are nearby.  Punta Popy and Playa Las Ballenas – located on [...]

Located in always tranquil Las Galeras, this sweeping curve of beach bends around gentle blue waters.  Visitors can either pass a quiet day on a towel spread out on the sand or enjoy the facilities at Casa Marina Bay Resort (809.571.3535), for a fee if you’re not registered there.   Las Galeras is also a good launching [...]

Lovely Playa Frontón certainly owes its picturesque undisturbed setting to a not so easy to reach location.  Situated way off the beaten path at the tip of Cape Samaná, to get here you’ll have to take a boat from the center of Las Galeras, about a fifteen minute ride in calm waters, or trek for two [...]

Cosón is another stretch of beautiful sands, even less populated than neighboring Playa Bonita.  Beginning north of Playa Bonita and continuing for another four miles, the powdery sands end at the base of rugged cliffs forming a protected area for safe snorkeling.    

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 [...]

Television commercials decades ago celebrated this gleaming white-sand island as an ideal paradise – a characterization that this party-hearty island has yet to shake. The island remains among the top places residents go for fun in the sun; visitors enjoy it during pit stops on tours during the winter whale-watching months. Photo: Gilles Boudot    

The Olympic-sized swimming pool and deck area here peeks through surrounding palms to views of the seaside boulevard, while the deck-side bar and grill invites casual al fresco dining.  

The pool area at this 300-room hotel situated in an upscale residential neighborhood is naturally shaded with paurotis palms and other dense tropical flora.  You can relax there after brunch under the poolside pavilion.  Amenities include poolside service, separate children’s area with pool, and showers.