There are two beaches flanking the core of Las Terrenas. The first is Playa Las Ballenas. It hosts plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars. Consequently, it can be crowded. The neighbor on the west side of town is Playa Bonita. You still have access to all of the amenities. Yet at the west end is a sheltered, palm-lined cove with superb sand. Soaking in the shallow, motionless water is a joy of self-indulgence.