Paradise has a way of encouraging idleness. At Donoma Las Terrenas Resort & Villas, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, days can disappear between a dip in the turquoise ocean, a leisurely lunch, and an afternoon spent poolside. As tempting as it is to spend your entire getaway on property, the resort also makes an appealing home base for exploring the Dominican Republic beyond its grounds. The Samaná Peninsula offers pristine stretches of sand, lush tropical landscapes, and the lively coastal town of Las Terrenas.
Situated on the peninsula’s northeastern coast, Las Terrenas is home to Donoma and blends Dominican character with an international sensibility. Seafood restaurants, European-style bakeries, gelato shops, casual bars, and wine stores lend the town a cosmopolitan air, while locals zip around on foot, scooters, and ATVs. The energy feels a world away from the self-contained resort experience—and serves as a reminder that some of the most memorable parts of a trip happen beyond the hotel gates.
For guests ready to trade poolside lounging for a little adventure, Donoma can help arrange local experiences, from seasonal whale-watching trips and catamaran excursions to horseback riding, kite surfing, and ATV tours. Whether you prefer a leisurely day on the water or something a little more adrenaline-fueled, there are plenty of ways to experience the peninsula beyond the resort. Donoma can also organize a boat excursion to Playa Ermitaño, a remote stretch of white sand framed by dense jungle and dramatic cliffs.
Courtesy of Donoma Las Terrenas Resort & Villas
Roughly 45 minutes by boat from Donoma, Playa Ermitaño feels delightfully off the grid and blissfully removed from the busier tourist spots. The Knockturnal made the journey to this remote stretch of coastline, where crystal-clear water practically begs for a swim and vivid blue hues and lush coastal scenery make a strong case for keeping your phone handy. Local lore connects the beach to a French castaway known as Juan the Hermit, who is said to have spent 22 years living in splendid isolation. Not a bad place to disappear, all things considered.
With its peaceful shoreline and postcard-worthy views, Playa Ermitaño is also an ideal spot for a picnic. Lunch during the excursion was an open-fire affair, with fish, rice, and shrimp cooked right on the sand, just steps from the water. For a little tropical refreshment, a local wielded a machete to crack open fresh coconuts, serving up coconut water that hit the spot after time in the sun. Between the freshly cooked seafood and drinks straight from the shell, it’s hard to imagine a better lunch setting. Who needs a reservation when the view is this good?
The peninsula’s natural wonders extend well beyond the coast. At Los Haitises National Park, limestone karsts rise dramatically from the water, mangrove forests stretch for miles, and caves preserve ancient Taíno petroglyphs and pictographs.
Inland, El Limón Waterfall delivers a different kind of spectacle, with the jungle providing a dramatic backdrop. Getting there is half the fun: the roughly 1.5-mile journey winds through lush, hilly forest on horseback or on foot, with tropical flora and fauna to spot along the way. Feeling more adventurous? Canyoning along the El Limón River offers another route to the falls. The payoff is a spectacular 130-foot cascade tumbling into an emerald freshwater pool. After the trek, take a dip, soak up the untamed scenery, and let the roar of the falling water drown out whatever notifications are still making it through. Consider it nature’s version of do not disturb.
After a day of exploring, there’s no shame in returning to the art of doing absolutely nothing. Back at Donoma Las Terrenas Resort & Villas, the pool and ocean will be waiting, with a lounger calling your name. Discover the peninsula or let the hours drift by poolside. Either way, you’re doing paradise right.
