There’s a reason this small village is considered the Dominican Republic’s hidden gem; it has an unpolished charm, but it’s safe enough to go solo and feel completely comfortable. Río San Juan has stunning lagoons, unbelievable beaches, and delicious food spots. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your visit, this family-owned property is the perfect place.
Vista al Manglar has two private villas, Villa Gri Gri, and Villa Coquera. Each villa features a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen, private parking, and two comfortable bedrooms. You can really tell that the bedrooms were thoughfully designed with comfort in mind, with clean and spacious en-suite facilities and air conditioning.
The villas are set in the heart of Rio San Juan, just around the corner from some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Playa Grande is lined with palm trees, beach bars, and charming stalls selling everything from jewelry to local artwork. The two miles of beach are clean, spacious, and not overly crowded. The water is excellent for surfing and swimming, and the vibe here is top-tier. Then, just a stone’s throw away, down a small dirt road, you will find Playa Preciosa – a smaller and quieter stretch of beach that gives you the feeling of being on a beautiful remote island despite neighboring the lively Playa Grande.
Our stay at Vista al Manglar really was one of the best in the Dominican Republic. The comfort, privacy, and kindness of the hosts made it perfect, and we’re already planning our next stay there!
