The Peninsula House is an exclusive guesthouse located in Las Terrenas on the north side of the Dominican Republic. It is one of those places that seem to emerge from a dream; the perfect choice for a luxurious and very private getaway. It sits perfectly on a hilltop overlooking the ocean – a breathtaking view that can be enjoyed from several places such as the large balcony which wraps around the entire house. The garden surrounding the house is magnificent and well manicured.

The Peninsula House has six junior suites (maximum 2 guests per room), each uniquely decorated with different furniture and antique finds from all over the world. Every painting on the wall, every lamp and every little item on the tables seem to have their own, extraordinary story which the owners of the house are more than willing to share with guests.

The finest bed linens, objects fit for museums and luxurious bath amenities imported from Provence, France, will surely make any guest feel like royalty.

Even though the Peninsula House is only a few years old, it feels like it has been sitting on its hilltop for decades. Upon entering the hall, guests are welcomed by the light dropping directly from the sky through the open rooftop. The house has two floors.

Downstairs you will find the indoor, stone courtyard where breakfast and dinner is served. There is a living room with a fireplace, a library with a selection of books, a pool room, and a large terrace with splendid views of the garden and the ocean. There is also a large kitchen where the house chef prepares breakfast and dinner using only the finest and freshest ingredients.

Upstairs you will find the six suites which each has a sleeping area, a small sitting/sofa area and a bathroom. All rooms have a/c, flat screen TV, DVD player, iPod stereo, Wi-Fi internet and access to the balcony. Dark, wooden floors run throughout the entire house.

The garden is filled with exotic palm trees and pink Bougainvillea flowers. Here you will find the salt water swimming pool and a pool house with bathrooms. It is easy to enjoy a lazy afternoon by this swimming pool while sipping on tropical fruit cocktails and occasionally marveling at the beauty of the ocean which lies ahead.

Breakfast is usually served on the terrace, where guests can view the splendid sunrise, or in the courtyard. Guests can enjoy waking up to the soothing smell of Dominican coffee and enjoy freshly squeezed fruit juices and fruit plates, etc. (room rates include daily breakfast).

Lunch is recommended at the beach restaurant "The Beach" which also belongs to the Peninsula house. The restaurant is decorated in the same style as the Peninsula House, although in a slightly more relaxed manner which is only fit for a beach house. The quality of food and the service is at the same high level as at the house. The term "gourmet" does not really do justice to describe the quality of the meals served at The Beach. The menu is inspired by the ocean and specialties include fresh fish, seafood, local produce and fruits from the surrounding countryside. After lunch, guests can go for a refreshing swim in the ocean and lay out on the beach. Complimentary lounge chairs and towels are available. Another option to spend the day would be to venture into town to explore a bit of the local community.

Dinner is served either in the formal dining room or on the veranda overlooking the ocean. The chef creates the menu daily which is French inspired with a touch of Caribbean flavors. The chef is very accommodating and will take care of guests that have any specific preferences or requests concerning food. The Peninsula House has its own wine cellar with exquisite wines to complement the meals.

The Peninsula House is owned by Marie-Claude Thiebault (French) and Cary Guy (American) and they make sure everything runs smoothly and that every detail is well looked after. The service is unquestionably spot-on. Seven Dominican maids make sure the house is always clean, the beds are made, and towels are washed and also assist with breakfast and dinner service. It is a well organized and tightly run shift, but even so, you will never really notice the staff going about their business within the property.

Even though the Peninsula House is probably one of the most perfect places on Earth, it is not for everyone. The prices are high, although you do get what you pay for in terms of incredible luxury, quality, privacy and service. It is recommended for people looking for a short, romantic getaway (e.g. 3 nights) or perhaps for couples celebrating a wedding anniversary or honeymoon. It would also be perfect for a small group of 6 couples travelling together on vacation or for a special celebration. The Peninsula House is not a place recommended for families as children less than 18 years old are not permitted.

You can fly into El Catey airport which is close by. If you are coming through any other airports, you might consider renting a helicopter and enjoying a very scenic flight directly to the Peninsula House which has its very own helipad.

The Peninsula House has received the Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Award 2010 and has been featured in "Travel + Leasure" Magazine (February 2011), Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report (January 2011), Brides Magazine (January 2011) and Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2011 – to name a few.