Hotel Bocaino

Originally, we were to spend just one night at Hotel Bocaino on the way to picking up friends at the Punta Cana airport. Sort of last minute, we added another night before. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! The hotel exudes tranquility ... just the waves crashing against the rocks on the shoreline and in the hoyito/ cenote literally next door to the restaurant. The staff is superior and caring, professional, and very very helpful (we particularly love Melany). The room is fairly basic but comfortable, double/full size bed with another twin/single bed. The pillows were not great for me, but I'm a pillow snob so always bring my own. The doors open to a stunning view of the grassy garden and the ocean. The bathroom is huge; bring your own toiletries. The air conditioner in our room did not have the remote, it was either on or off. I was a little concerned about this because I get very cold in ac, and I was sleeping in the single bed under it. IT WAS DIVINE! Just cool enough to sleep super comfortably, but not biting cold! And the ceiling fan was heavenly. Lots of electrical outlets, reliable generator. Would have sort of liked to have a refrigerator in the room, but for our return trip next week, we'll just bring coolers; the room is ample enough that coolers won't get in the way of navigating around the room. The restaurant? OMG, I've lived in Las Terrenas almost 5 years now and the hotel restaurant was fantastic. Breakfast is plentiful, the coffee fantastic (wish we could reliably get coffee at 7:30am before the restaurant opens at 9am), the menu is entirely seafood, but a friend was able to order a delicious chicken breast. The herbs are grown organically in the gardens at each of the 5 hotel room front doors. I snipped some mint for my evening cocktail made with the homemade limon juice (with a just a pinch of sugar) and vodka I'd brought from home. Honestly people, go there. You will not tire of the wonderful nature explorations. We are going back next week for my birthday to take the river cruise, see the numerous caves, hire a guided walk to a 'secret' and swimmable cenote, explore around the harbor, see the Ponce de Leon home in San Rafael de Yuma, and for me to vanquish my friends at backgammon.