The Lechler Crew

The Northern part of the Dominican Republic is lush, mountainous, covered in palm trees, has many waterfalls and beautiful beaches. It’s a place not popular with American tourist, Europeans frequent this area. It’s a very boho beach vibe. Like a Tulum style but not as hipster ( Thank GOD).

We stayed at the Puerto Bahia Marina in Samana. We also stay a few nights in Las Galeras at the Chalet Tropical. We rented a car and explored much of the area.

Where to stay:

Tree House Village. True tree house experience. Pricey. Very lush and unique. There is a “jungle gym” with fresh fruit down the road for your workout of the day. El Valle beach is truly spectacular, so jungle meets ocean! https://dominicantreehousevillage.com/

Paraiso Caño Hondo eco-lodge in the Los Haitises National Park. This is easily accessible from Punta Cana. Very cool! There are several spring feed pools, waterfalls and slides. https://paraisocanohondo.com/en/

El Enuentro Surf Lodge. Love, this hip hotel near Caberta off the beat path. Walk to Bobo’s to catch the surf. El Encuentro Surf Lodge

Hotel Atlantis. Beach front, European boutique property. Super chill with amazing food. No pool. http://hotel-atlantis-lasterrenas.com/

Playa Grande Golf and Ocean Club. I have been dreaming of vacationing here for years, it’s in between Puerto Plata and Las Terrenas so I never got to check it out. I think this would be an amazing chill girls trip, couples trip or honeymoon resort. https://www.playagrande.com/

How to get here: It depends on what hotel you pick. I believe the airport in Samana is open now (it wasn’t because of covid when we were there), that’s a great option. If you are doing a split stay because you just have to do all inclusive you can fly into Samana spend a few nights in a boutique property, then drive to Punta Cana and stay in the all inclusive and fly out of there. Or out of Santo Domingo if you want another boutique and historic hotel.

What to do:

Take a surf lesson at Bobo’s beach. Kite surfing is very popular in Cabarete. Whale Watching. Zip Lining. Waterfall exploring (we weren’t crazy about Limon, it was packed and one of the more touristy things to do here). If you are close enough to do the 27 Waterfalls DO IT! Its really amazing. ATV Tours. Ride the Trolley in Puerto Plata, also check out the street art in Puerta Plata, the pink alley and umbrellas street are very cool. Hang at Playa Bonita, I loved it here! Very upscale European. If you can please get a tour to boat around the The Haitios National park. Paraiso Caño Hondo eco-lodge in the Los Haitises National Park is very, very cool. I wasn’t crazy about Cayo Levantado also known as Bacardi Island, it was packed and not great but the water was very pretty there!

Where to shop:

Being that there are lots of Europeans there are some great boutiques. I suggest looking in Las Terrennas and La Bonita.

What to eat:

Oh man! So, so many great and affordable options in Las Terrennas. We also had oysters from a vendor on the beach that were pretty amazing! The prices are great for nice European food but the taxes are 28%. I think that’s a 18% tip and 10% DR tax included in the cost. There is nice affordable seafood everywhere! I love eating whole fried fish.

Who is this trip for:

This is for someone that’s traveled a lot and likes boutique properties and eating off property but still wants to be on the beach with beach service and good food. Maybe a laid back girls trip. Someone that wants to get away from the typical All Inclusive vacation and get out and explore. Driving can be a bit tricky because of the other drivers and tons of motorcycles. The cars are propane, when you pull up to get gas you must get out of the car and stand to the side, you know…incase the car blows up. I suggest a split stay, fly into Punta Cana, drive up to the Las Terrenas/Samana area and then end your trip at a all inclusive if that’s your thing. The topography is much, much prettier in the North than the East.

Pros:

The North is very Unique. When most people think of Dominican Republic they think Punta Cana which is a shame. After exploring the country that is my least favorite area of all. Get out and explore, the Northern coast line is stunning.

Cons:

Honestly the only con I see is the driving, its really crowded and can be a bit scary. If my husband wasn’t with me I would hire a driver, sit back and relax. Just like any country, don’t stay out too late, don’t flash expensive jewelry or cash and be smart.