Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, Samana - Everything You Need to Know

[@dpstrainer712]

By far the best review of this resort we have seen thank you

[@whatweredoing]

We watched a few reviews before going and still had questions lol. We wanted to fix that. Thank you so much for watching!

[@MauriceMelanson]

Hi guys... I am from Moncton, N.B. and stayed at that resort during the covid and plans on going back in May.... and have stayed in very nearby Las Terrenas 3 other times. I just love that area and that resort also. You guys were just a 10 minutes taxi van to bring just you two or the whole family to the town of Las Terrenas and the most beautiful beaches which you can walk for more than 1 hour. Nothing like that here in Canada. There are all kinds of restaurants , pharmacies ,money exchange , grocery stores , bars and clubs in town also.The most spectacular sight you will ever experience is called the El Limon Waterfall... just breath taking and only about 15 to 20 minutes from there... but you will have to go a few hundred meters by horseback... so it is not recommended for kids or older people... by the way , I am 67 and made it and planning on going to see it again.. from a different route this time, from across the little river.

[@whatweredoing]

That’s so great! We definitely plan on exploring some of the surrounding sights when we return. The El Limón Waterfall sounds like a true treasure. Although admittedly, Courtney is afraid of horses which might make this a challenging adventure. Thank you so much for watching our video and taking the time to leave us a comment.

[@MauriceMelanson]

You are welcome. I understand about the horse back riding. Since you have youtube and can connect to your tv, you should watch MichealRicoRico Samana-Las Terrenas-Playa Las Ballenas ( It was downloaded about 13 yrs ago ) , which is the beach about 10 minutes taxi ride from where you are .On the left hand side is the beach and on the right are the villas and hotels ( most are not all- inclusive )You only see about 4 minutes of the beach but it give you an idea of how beautiful it is. You can walk for about 1 hour one way on that beach , which means Whale Beach in english and right before is Playa Punta Popy. I hope you two can get to see and enjoy these 2 beautiful beaches .They are really worth seeing . We have nothing like that in Canada.Hope you will enjoy the rest of your vacation. @@whatweredoing

[@superx9619]

Hi! Was this an excursion you did? Sounds like fun!

[@nadiak9099]

Thank you for this honest & informative review! I am looking to book this & appreciated this.

[@whatweredoing]

Enjoy your vacation!

[@Kersoka]

great review im going by the end of march excited to be there and taste the lovely food !

[@robertabell8549]

Thanks so much for the review! Going in April and you answered lots of questions!

[@whatweredoing]

Hey there, thanks for watching our review and taking the time to comment! We hope you enjoy your vacation!

[@Fantasie4]

Hi! Thank you very much for your review. We are from Ottawa, booked this hotel for February. We picked this place specifically because of the beach. And your video just proved that the choice was correct. Thank you!

[@whatweredoing]

Thanks so much for your comment, we’re happy to help! You picked a good time of year for a trip with all this snow we’ve been getting lol. Enjoy your vacation, the beach will not disappoint!

[@lynnnettleship5043]

Well done to the both of you, thank you you both have answered all my questions and some info I did not even knew that I needed

[@whatweredoing]

Thanks so much for your comment! We hope you enjoy your vacation!

[@lisawilken9026]

Did you have a chance to see any night shows? A lot of activity on the resort; shows, music etc? Loved your review!! Thank you!

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there, thanks for this question! We did get out to see some of the evening entertainment, there was always lots going on! Our favourite was the circus performance they brought in for one of the nights. Here is a link to a short snippet of that event: kzbin.infoek9loIpwU1U?si=8xwtP3QbJAln_YRI

[@Totallynotsamantha_]

I am so excited to go in 2 weeks ❤❤

[@whatweredoing]

You’re going to have the best time! Enjoy! 😊

[@elainekiss9853]

Thanks for sharing all your information-much appreciated. Questions: Any issues getting a spot on the beach? How early do folks need to put their towels down for chairs/umbrella? Also, does the resort supply snorkeling gear and is there coral and opportunities to snorkel? THANK YOU again for posting this, I have just booked to stay in April.

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there, thanks for your questions. The beach is definitely one of the busier spots. We would recommend putting down a towel or chair saver before going for breakfast (we usually did breakfast around 8:30AM and things started to get busy around this time). To our knowledge the resort does not offer snorkelling gear but there was a shop on the beach where you could purchase gear if you don’t want to bring these items from home. There wasn’t much for coral directly at the beach but still plenty of stuff to see (fish and shells). If you are looking for a premium snorkelling experience we would recommend booking an excursion with your airline representative in the resort lobby. Enjoy your vacation, you are going to have a wonderful time!

[@chantellekuhn]

Thank you so much for this! It was such and incredibly helpful review. We’ve booked for March this year! Can I ask about the snack bar/bars? Where they are and what kind of food they serve though the day? Thanks🥳

[@whatweredoing]

Hey, thanks for your question! Outside of buffet times, there is a great snack bar between the big pool and the ocean. They were serving bbq foods like burgers and hot dogs throughout the day. There is also snacks available at the splash pad like popcorn and chips. In the later evening they offer snack foods at the buffet like nachos, pizza, etc. Enjoy your vacation! You’re gonna have a blast!

[@danielaanzini3642]

Wow a real review ,so helpful pls do others thx😊

[@whatweredoing]

More to come!

[@whodatjt]

Thumbs up and thank you for your detailed honest review! Quick question......when I'm currently attempting to book, the only transportation I can find available is a private van for $600 USD roundtrip. How did you get to the hotel from Puerto Plata and what was the cost? I think $600 USD is a little steep. That's the price of 1 roundtrip flight to Puerto Plata lol

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there, thanks so much for your question. For this trip because we were traveling with all our family, we booked through a travel agent. Included in our package was shuttle to and from the airport.

[@jjburns8762]

A little steep ??? That's a lot ! OMG it sounds like frigg'in trying to use & book with Air Miles in Canada who have the exact same itinerary trip via Air Transat vacations but do not include your 1 free bag ( $60 each way ) or airport transportation ( $600 ) and is 35% more then booking direct with Air Transat Vacations. Robbers.

[@stuartnicholl7344]

Love your review! Going next week! Silly question, but do they sell beer on the bus? Or do have to buy at airport?

[@whatweredoing]

Hey, great question! They were selling beer for the bus ride right outside the bus. So if you want a few cruisin’ brews grab them before you board the bus! I forget the brand and price but they were the big 40oz bottles! Enjoy your vacation!

[@marleneivazian7612]

Hi Guys, great video thanks for the information. Did you guys go off the resort? Or book any excursions? Would love to know. Thank you

[@whatweredoing]

Hey! Thanks for your question. We actually didn’t go off resort or do any excursions this time. We just chilled and took in all the resort had to offer ☺️

[@user-nt5cj3fo3s]

Hi there! Thanks for review, going there in a couple of weeks so it was very helpful. Just downloaded the app but I'm beyond the 10 day threshold still. Wondering if there were some organized activities by an animation crew? Stuff like fitness, tennis, yoga, etc. Maybe some fun shows at night?

[@whatweredoing]

Hey, there was some great activities going on around the resort pretty much all hours of the day. A few things we observed were water aerobics, dancing lessons, water polo, and all kinds of games. In the evenings there is a DJ and more games/dancing at the bar near the lobby. There is also a theatre that puts on fun shows in the evenings. We attended a Circus performance that was very fun as well as a talent show. Thanks so much for watching our video and taking the time to leave a comment! Enjoy your vacation!!

[@AkashPatel-lo7vg]

Do you know how does it in sept? and Did you guys had sightseen or excursion? How's surrounding as we like to explore new places around ?

[@whatweredoing]

I’ve heard from a few other people who have gone around September/October. It rains a little more often but other than that it’s great! We didn’t do any excursions or sightseeing during our stay as we were just looking to lay low and relax. But the surrounding area is full of great opportunities to explore with lots to see. Thanks for your question!

[@elenachkaroubo2574]

Thank you for your video guys. How was WI-Fi service?

[@whatweredoing]

The wifi was actually great! You could access it all over the resort. The quality was good enough to FaceTime family back home!

[@KishanKamal]

Thanks for posting ! headed there in a few hours !

[@whatweredoing]

That’s so great, thanks for watching! Enjoy your vacation!!

[@josebalbilaleyenda5355]

Mi Primer Viaje Será Para Ese Hotel

[@whatweredoing]

🎉🎉🎉

[@carmelaastolfi1067]

Hi , Thanks for your helpful review! is it too far a walk to beach for an older person with mobility issues if we get stuck in a room at far end of resort (which looks like the entrance area) . Can't really tell from the site map. You guys mention that it is super easy to navigate around.

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there, thanks for your question. The beach is not too far of a walk, maybe 5-10 minutes from the furthest rooms. There is also very helpful staff driving around in the trolleys who would be more than happy to give you a lift from the rooms to the resort lobby. The beach is practically beside the buffet so we think an older individual would do just fine to get around this resort ☺️

[@superx9619]

Hi! I really enjoyed this review and I'm looking at booking at this resort... Are there any good excursions in Samana?

[@whatweredoing]

Hey! Thanks so much for checking out our video! There are tons of excursions in Samana! Tours, snorkelling, catamaran, zip line, etc, there is a town very close by too. Excursions are offered by both the resort and the airline if you book a trip package though somewhere like WestJet or Sunwing. We didn’t book any excursions this time around because we were just looking to chill by the pool. Also if you are into snorkelling, there is a ton to see right at the beach. Hope you have a great vacation!

[@superx9619]

@@whatweredoing thanks!!

[@mybeautifulmonster03]

love this video, thank you, is this an all inclusive resort or the a la carte are a separate fee, also what excursions are available. We were planning on going to a resort in Puerto Plata because of all of the excursions available but the beach here resembles more like the ones in Punta Cana 😍, I will be traveling with a 13 year old and an 18 year old, do they have live entertainment like the other resorts and last, is wifi included, Thanks in advance

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there! Thanks so much for checking out our video! This is an all inclusive resort including meals at the a la carte restaurants. The beach is lovely, a real treasure of this resort. There are many excursion options like catamaran, snorkeling, horseback riding, side by side atv, local shopping, and much more. There was also a ton of live entertainment options as this resort has a theatre near the beach open in the evenings. There was also lots of outdoor games and activities happening on the beach and at the pool everyday. Wifi was actually quite good and available all over the resort. We hope you enjoy your vacation!

[@Zeus.8487]

Did you happen to see anyone fiahing? Also with the beach, how early was a security guard around to sign off the beach with? Thanks

[@whatweredoing]

Thanks for taking the time to ask a question! We did see people fishing. We chatted with one guy who was staying in the same building as us who was out fishing every morning - said he caught a few! The security guard seemed to be out fairly early, I’m not sure the exact time but he was out there after we finished breakfast each day.

[@Zeus.8487]

@@whatweredoing awesome, thanks for the reply. Loved the video

[@roxanneg1909]

Is there yogourt at breakfast? Salade with grill chicken to make a cesar salad for dinner ?

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there! We dont recall seeing yogurt on its own at the breakfast but there was a mixed yogurt/fruit type of dish. Also, there was an awesome salad bar. Lots of options for salad dressings (Caesar included) and toppings. The more creative you get, the better the salad. Can go around the buffet and collect bonus ingredients like fresh grilled chicken, and bacon/parmesan from near the pasta bar! During our dinner at the Brazilian steakhouse restaurant we found premade Caesar Salad! Thanks so much for your question!

[@robertabell8549]

Is there a beach bar be cue? I know there is a restaurant on the beach. Thanks

[@whatweredoing]

Thanks so much for your question! There is a BBQ in the afternoons right near the beach. It’s a great place to grab a snack like a burger or hot dog between meal times!

[@robertabell8549]

@@whatweredoing thanks so much!

[@KarenRepac-dp8oz]

How were the mosquitos?

[@whatweredoing]

@@KarenRepac-dp8oz there were none around December 👌🏻

[@MakingHealthyChoices]

Do they offer room service?

[@whatweredoing]

Hi there, thanks for your question. Unfortunately, room service was not offered at this resort.

[@dekidekinovic1112]

Why do you was surprised and what was the greatest surprise ?

[@whatweredoing]

Thanks for asking! We think our greatest surprise was how the resort didn’t feel over crowded as we were able to get great pool access and a spot on the beach anytime we wanted.

[@dekidekinovic1112]

@@whatweredoing thank you,which Villa would you recommanding (not to far from anywhere and more quiet)?

[@ChillWaveASMR]

Lots of FedEx packages washing up on shore?? 🤣 8:09

[@whatweredoing]

A few but thankfully Tom Hanks was out there scooping them up lol

[@AkashPatel-hs6ul]

Did you guys find any hookah place near by?

[@whatweredoing]

That’s a great question! Unfortunately, we didn’t go exploring outside of the resort. We spent our entire week relaxing at the pool.

[@therealericnelson]

17:08 lmfaoooo terrifying

[@whatweredoing]

Just our imagination running wild. We definitely felt safe on resort 👍🏻

[@heliastein1998]

Appreciate the information but not enough video of the resort itself you guys should talk more over actual footage of the resort not so much of you on screen 🤷

[@whatweredoing]

Thanks for the feedback, that’s very helpful 😊

[@jjburns8762]

Is your mini fridge stocked every day with 2 beers , water and a couple of pops ? Also why do you have to tell security your name & room # when walking out of the resorts property line ? Sounds like a set to rob your room since you are "not around" You have resort wristband for identity.

[@whatweredoing]

Hey, thanks so much for your question! Yes the mini fridge was stocked up daily with water, pop, and beer. We often put the do not disturb sign on the door as we don’t need to have our room cleaned every day or people in our room. In that case, we were able to ask staff for beverages and got them from the carts outside our room. Also good point about telling security you won’t be around, I think it is more so a release of liability as the resort isn’t responsible for anything that happens to you if you leave on your own free will.