If you can't wait to get to the beach, you might enjoy a trip to Rincon Beach located 3.4 mi (5.5 km) from central Las Galeras. Enjoy the sunset by the shore at La Playita Beach, Playa Grande, and Playa Breman.
When the beach is calling your name, you might want to head down to Playa Bonita, located 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from central Las Terrenas. Enjoy the sunset by the shore at Playa Ballenas, Coson Beach, and Punta Popy Beach.
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Cayo Levantado Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Samaná. You'll find more to see and do in this relaxing area.
"This is by far the BEST hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my ENTIRE life. You are welcomed by warm, nice staff who look actually delighted to work there and wanting to ensure your stay is enjoyable. They go out of their way to help, give you recommendations, ask about your day / get to know you more, and do it all with a warm smile on their face!
The place is STUNNING! Whoever designed the place did a fantastic job. The architecture, art, and style of the hotel is simply breathtaking. The rooms are so comfortable cozy and cold! Highly recommend treating yourself to the room with the private patio and tub. My partner and I had an incredible, relaxing, and fun time here — CANT WAIT TO COME BACK TO PARADISE!"
"The room we picked was not very large but was clean and comfortable. Room was not with an ocean view. The whole boutique property is facing Playa Bonita which is an amazing beach. Restaurant food was delicious and staff was hospitable. We would definitely stay here again. "
Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo - All Inclusive
8/10 Good
"This resort stands out as the premier budget-friendly option in the Cibao zone, particularly for families. While it offers high-end dining and exceptional staff service, the aging accommodations are a notable contrast to the high quality of the amenities.
Key Highlights:
Family & Kids: The resort excels with a dedicated kids' club featuring GPS safety trackers and a passionate staff. The water park and pool "bubble parties" are major highlights, though management should consider adding safety barriers on curved slides and a snack station near the gym area.
Dining: Food quality is impressive for the price point. The buffet is well-organized, and the à la carte options—specifically the Greek and Rodizio restaurants—provide a high-end culinary experience.
Amenities & Staff: The staff across all departments (drivers, servers, and entertainment) are supportive and professional. The beach at Portillo remains a top-tier feature for its calm, pristine waters.
Areas for Improvement: The rooms are the primary drawback; they are functional (hot water and comfortable beds) but look dated and are prone to maintenance issues like AC leaks. Additionally, guests should be aware that on-site convenience stores carry high markups.
Verdict: Highly recommended for families or groups seeking a cost-effective, high-service escape in Samaná, provided you prioritize amenities and location over modern room decor."
