Pretty, peaceful and as friendly as they come, you won't want to leave the Bahia Principe La Romana. Sitting in tropical green countryside, you're wonderfully secluded here, but not too far off the beaten track. In fact, you're close to some of the south coast's top attractions here, like the artists' village of Altos de Chavon.

When you want to getaway from the hustle and bustle though, this Dominican-style hotel is a welcome oasis. Sitting right on a sweep of brilliant-white sands, you couldn't get any nearer to the beach if you tried. It curls right around the coastline too, so there are plenty of tranquil spots under the shade of nodding palms. And because it's so close, you can flit between here and the hotel as much as you like.

The style here is laid-back luxury, and from the moment you step into the chic lobby with its polished floors, vaulted ceiling and plump sofas, you know you're in for something special. One place that doesn't need to fight for any attention is the lagoon-shaped pool. Sunk into a roomy terrace that's accessorised with stripy sunbeds, thatched parasols and crowds of palm trees, it looks out over the diamond-clear seas.

It's not all sitting still stuff here though. There's a state-of-the-art gym in the sumptuous spa complex. The all inclusive watersports include scuba diving and kayaking. And if terra firma is more your style, tennis and a games room are just some of the other offerings. Of course, if the afternoon heat gets too much, treat yourself to a siesta in your air-conditioned bedroom. With cool tiled floors, neutral decor and a whirlpool bath, they're as restful as they come.

After dark, kick your evening off at one of the restaurants. Whether you opt for the main buffet restaurant or go for one of the Italian, seafood or gourmet a la carte options, you can't go wrong. Then head for Pueblo Principe, the hotel's colourful strip of shops and bars where you'll find the nightly entertainment. With everything from Merengue dancing to Caribbean shows – it's not to be missed.

Location

Montero beach, located between Santo Domingo and La Romana, 50km from Santa Domingo airport, 25km from La Romana airport.

Hotel Facilities

, A La Carte Meals, Air Conditioning, Amphitheatre, Bathroom, Beach Bar, Beach Towels, Beauty Treatments, Billiards, Buffet Service, Ceiling Fan, Daytime/Evening Entertainment, Disco, Diving Centre, Double bed, Games Room, Gym, Hair Dryer, Hydromassage, Italian Restaurant, Laundry Service, Lobby Bar, Massage, Mini-Bar, Non-Smoking Areas, Pool Bar, Restaurant, Safety Deposit Box, Satellite TV, Seafood, Shopping Arcade, Shower, Snack Bar, Sofa Beds, Solarium, Spa, Swimming Pool, Table Tennis, Telephone

Accomodation

2 double beds or 1 king-size bed, Air-conditioning, Ceiling fan, Bathroom with hydromassage tub and jet shower, Hairdryer, Sofa bed, Satellite TV, Telephone, Alarm clock, Minibar, refilled once a day, Safety deposit box.