Xeliter Balcones del Atlantico

The hotel’s Porto restaurant is actually a mixed-use space that serves as its de facto social hub and dining area. Equal parts lobby, bar, restaurant, and beach lounge, the massive open air space is bedecked in an upscale shipwreck theme with tasteful driftwood accents, enormous beach-inspired light fixtures, hand-carved hardwood furniture, and flowing teal curtains. A walk-in wine cave, humidor, and large wrap-around bar set a relaxed tone for upscale, beachfront lounging. Unfortunately the hotel’s sole restaurant, pools, and limited on-site watersport offerings collectively make up its entire social, nightlife, and activity scene. Guests looking for more will need to venture to downtown Las Terrenas for additional dining, shopping, and excursion opportunities.

Xeliter Balcones del Atlantico is situated on a well-traveled though quiet stretch of road that runs along the Atlantic Ocean east of Las Terrenas. Numerous restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities, and other essentials are all just a short drive from the hotel. Additionally, the central core of Las Terrenas and numerous other beaches are all less than 10 minutes away by car.The hotel is a 40 minute-drive from Samana’s El Catey International Airport. Alternatively, the hotel can coordinate private (though pricey) shuttle service to and from the airport. With larger groups, this can prove to be a better option as rates are typically determined on a per-vehicle basis. Taxi service is readily available between the hotel and airport, however, rates are typically quite high. Tourists should be cautious of the area’s private cab drivers, particularly at the airport, and always agree on a fixed fare in advance.Renting a car is the most affordable option for travelers landing in Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport. The two-hour drive to Las Terrenas is made via a clean, modern tourist highway with numerous gas and service stations along the way. However, note that tolls must be paid in pesos and the total cost will run in excess of $50 round trip.

Rich, elegant simplicity is consistent throughout the hotel, including the guest rooms. The collective, island-inspired design scheme — including hand-carved furniture, local artwork, and coral and granite surfaces —  is bright, contemporary, and luxurious.Every room is enormous, starting with the entry level 1,100-square-foot One-Bedroom Villa Suites, up to the massive, 4,300-square-foot Town House Villa Suites with private outdoor plunge pools. All are well-appointed with separate living and dining areas, large, private terraces, multiple flat-screen TVs, and state-of-the-art gourmet kitchens with Viking and Cuisinart appliances. Penthouse villas provide a large rooftop deck in addition to the terrace, as well as a private hot tub.Ample bathrooms include upscale features like glass and stone shower stalls, hand-mulled stone wash basins, and teak countertops. Modern, brushed metal fixtures, handles, and accents round out the well-coordinated, professionally designed interior.Expected in-room essentials in a hotel of this caliber — air-conditioning, bottled water, flat-screen TVs, and ceiling fans in most rooms — are all included. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only available via the hotel’s additional resort fee.Confusing descriptions on the hotel’s website seem to indicate that water views are available from some villas. However, villas are located across the street from the beach; numerous trees and shrubs create extremely limited ocean views from any point on the property.

The on-site, waterfront Porto restaurant arguably offers the largest, most beautiful dining space in Las Terrenas. Open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu is varied and heavily influenced by local seafood. Free breakfast includes fruit, bread, and coffee, though hot items can be added for a fee. A walk-in wine cave and cigar humidor add an additional touch of luxury.    The main apartment buildings are centered around several large, well-maintained pools with adjoining hot tubs and a dedicated kids' pool. The surrounding patio offers ample wicker loungers. The adjacent white sand beach along the Atlantic Ocean is clean, calm, and stretches for nearly a kilometer. Massage treatments are available at the on-site waterfront spa cabanas, as are several watersport options. The latter are quite limited, with only a handful of kayaks, a neglected volleyball court, and some snorkel gear. The hotel also charges an additional daily resort fee for use of all of the above, as well as a fee to use the small and neglected fitness center.