Playa Bonita refers to a kilometre-long stretch of spectacular beach shore about 3 km west of the fishing 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 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 traffic 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 a 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 (sounds a little expensive - try negotiating if you have pesos).

Motoconchos also go to Play Bonita from anywhere in Las Terrenas. In September 2020, the standard price was RD$100 per person each way.

It is possible to walk to Playa Bonita from Las Terrenas, but not along the beach. You have to take the back roads, and it will take an hour or two.

Get around

Once you're in the Playa Bonita area, everything is within walking distance.

Buy

Most shopping is in Las Terrenas, so see that article for more info.

Sleep

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

• 1 Coyamar Hotel Restaurant, Mariano Vanderhorst, ☏ +1 809 240-5130. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Restaurant, garden-like setting, little bathtub-like pool. 
• 2 Playa Bonita Beach Residences, ☏ +1 829 222-1111. Gargantuan pool and beach access and large accommodation units.