I have to admit before writing this review, Las Terrenas was not the first choice on our list for a little family getaway but a friend recommended it to us and we were pleasantly surprised!
We arrived late afternoon and we were greeted by 2 very friendly gentlemen, Ricardo and David. They made the check in process very easy and it took less than 5 minutes for us to be taken to what I call,"Better than Home".
The condo/villa was truly spectacular! We were assigned a 3 bedroom, first floor unit, with a jacuzzi in the garden. Upon entering the first thing I noticed was the kitchen, WOW, I love to cook and this was like heaven. All Viking appliances and high end utensils, better than I could ever have at home. The rooms were spacious but not too big. The beds were so COMFORTABLE, I even googled the bed and linens when I got home...
We spent a little bit of time at the beach but the water was very rough, so we ended up spending more time in the jacuzzi. There was a pool just around the corner of the villa, but we did not use it as we were with 2 little children and it was easier to stay in.
Although I like to cook, we decided to visit the on property restaurant named "Porto" and we were very pleasantly surprised of the quality of the food. The first meal we had was dinner, and my husband and I went by ourselves and left the children with my parents (much needed). When we arrived, we were greeted by the restaurant manager, Franklin. He brought us to our table and presented the menu. At this time he also told us that unfortunately not everything in the menu was available. Usually this would upset us, but he proceeded to explain that because the ocean was rough it was hard to get all of the seafood ingredients as the fish was brought in daily by the local fisherman. So we ended up asking him to recommend was he thought was the best he had to offer, and he did indeed. We had the most amazing fish on a bed of mashed potatoes and topped with squid. Needless to say, we ended up using the kitchen less than anticipated, as we returned for breakfast the next day!.
We really had a great time and the resort offered exactly what we wanted, a relaxing vacation at a place that did not feel like a resort. This place felt like home but better.
If I may, I would like to add something regarding the previous comment: My husband is more adventurous than I and he decided we have lunch in the little adjacent town. Unfortunately it seemed like everything closes for lunch at the time we like to eat and we ended up stopping a little beachside restaurant called Mojito. We asked if the fish was fresh and the waitress assured us it was, so we ordered "Mero" to our awful surprise, the fish that was served to us was a farm grown fish that was of very bad quality, they called it "Mero Basa" We ended up returning it and eating chicken, which was alright. Julio G mentions helping the local community and I agree but what from what I can determine, most of the restaurants and business' have French or Itallian names, and Mojito was owned by a Cuban. So if we are looking at local economy, I would much rather pay a little more for a great meal at a place that helps the locals by serving REAL fish, than paying less for a fish bought at the local supermarket...
Room Tip: Ask for building 14, it's close to the beach and pool but not right on the main road, so very pe...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
3 February 2012
Saludos Jennifer!
Thank you for having chosen Balcones as your place in Las Terrenas!, we appreciate your comments!
We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your gastronomic experience at Porto as we understand that a real holiday must be attached to a great culinary experience, and it’s great to get your feedback and appreciation.
Hope to see you back at Balcones!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC