Playa Bonita refers to a one-km stretch of spectacular beach shore about three km to the west of the fishing village and beach town of Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic. The name appropriately translates to 'beautiful beach' because of the long curve of tan sand, scores of swaying coconut trees and an aquamarine surf that is shallower and prettier than at Las Terrenas. Off the coast but well out of swimming distance are several small palm lined islands.

There is no local community in Playa Bonita and the beaches here have far fewer people on them than those at nearby Las Terrenas. There is also far less traffc noise here. By car, Playa Bonita is reachable by a single road that turns off from the highway between Sanchez and Terrenas.

Get in

There is usually one taxi and a couple of motoconchos at the Playa Bonita turnoff from the Sanchez-Las Terrenas highway. The cost to reach any of the hotels directly on the beach from that turnoff is US$10 by private taxi or $5 by motoconcho.

Sleep

Away from the resort crowds, these hotels offer an individualized experience or a more European flavored resort vacation.

Hotel Acaya, ☏ +1 849 246-3238. Check-in: 1pm, check-out: 12pm. The second place you will observe upon the strip, it offers 16 roomy guest chambers, each with ocean facing private balcony, ceiling fan, cross-ventilation, refrigerator, desk, and a private hot-water bathroom. There's a restaurant as well. This family-run hotel, which has half of its rooms in one building and half in another, is a decent value. Singles/Doubles US$60/70, breakfast included.. 

Hotel Coyamar, ☏ +1 809 240-5130.