I have a few friends here in the US that are hyping Cotui. Also I may hit Piedra Blanca (Bonao), on my next trip.
Life is fun,
JD
Cotui is fine for maybe a day trip but there is not a whole lot of mongering activity going on there.
Knowing some Spanish or going with someone that knows some Spanish is going to help if you venture out to a place like this
If you chose to drive via Nagua you will find it to be quite scenic but take it during the daytime
There is also a highway route that will be a little quicker that would be better if you happen to be driving during the night time hour. But driving anywhere there at night is not a very good idea.
There is no "beach" there but there is a pretty cool damn with a reservoir that is worth checking out
a couple of shacks there but quiet most of the time
Most of the night time action will be at a car wash there