Las Terrenas: Sunrise Work Sessions and a Town That Feels Like a Secret

I didn’t pick Las Terrenas. It kind of picked me. A friend sent me a voice note: “You’d love it. French bakeries, empty beaches, and the apartments are way too nice for the price.” Sold.

That’s usually how it goes. Someone recommends a spot, or there’s a collab opportunity, or I find a flight that costs less than dinner in Paris. If there’s a nice place to stay and I don’t have to sell a kidney, I’m in.

Las Terrenas is small. One road in, one road out. But somehow the wifi works, the food is solid, and the town’s calm without being dead. There’s just enough going on—cafés with actual espresso, bars that don’t try too hard, and beach spots where you can swim without stepping on anyone’s TikTok tripod.

The local culture is a mix of Dominican chill and French influence. You can start your morning with a café au lait and a croissant, then eat mofongo for lunch while a guy on a motorbike yells “amigo!” at someone he’s never met. It’s warm, friendly, and no one’s in a rush—which, for someone who can’t sit still, is oddly relaxing.

I was shockingly productive. Like, inbox-zero-before-lunch productive. Maybe it’s the ocean. Maybe it’s the fact that I wasn’t stuck in a café full of people pretending to write screenplays. Either way, my brain actually focused. I worked from the beach most days, took calls barefoot, and even got ahead on some campaign edits. Rare behavior.

There’s more to do than you’d think: kitesurfing in Playa Bonita, riding ATVs through jungle trails, day trips to El Limón waterfall if you’re feeling sporty. I went mostly for beach walks and grilled fish. Kept it simple.

My Airbnb had a pool, ocean view, and a bed that didn’t feel like a punishment. I don’t know who messed up the pricing here, but I hope they never fix it.

Nights were casual. Sunset drinks, occasional bonfire, a salsa night where I clapped on the wrong beat and still got a compliment. You’re never really alone here—people talk to you like they already know you. Which, depending on the day, is either charming or mildly confusing.

The vibe? Quiet in the best way. No pressure, no flexing, no fake hustle. Just good people, good weather, and the kind of place where you can actually hear your own thoughts—if that’s something you’re into.

Would I go back? Definitely.
Would I get more work done than in a co-working space in Mexico City? Absolutely.
Would I finally unpack my suitcase? Let's not push it.