The Samaná Peninsula, bathed by the Atlantic, is establishing itself as the dream paradise for travellers seeking nature, a break from it all and exclusivity.
A visit to Samaná, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a journey of discovery into the authentic Caribbean, where every experience is lived with both intensity and tranquillity, and where sustainable and conscious luxury – the latest trend among travellers seeking exclusivity – is finding its finest expression.
Three to five days are the absolute minimum needed to explore bays, waterfalls and beaches of extraordinary beauty. Although the whale-watching season between January and March is the highlight for visitors, the summer months we are currently in offer an irresistible combination: tropical weather and fewer visitors. In this idyllic destination, there is no room for rushing; only the natural rhythm of the sea, the mountains and the characteristic hospitality of the Dominicans.
Among the recommended experiences are enjoying stunning white-sand beaches, such as Cayo Levantado or Playa Rincón, and walking along jungle trails to reach the famous Salto El Limón, where you’ll hear the roar of water plunging from a height of 40 metres, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Another unforgettable adventure to enjoy in Samaná is sailing amongst mangroves and mogotes in Los Haitises National Park, marvelling at one of the world’s most spectacular karst landscapes. This sight alone more than justifies the journey to the island that the Spanish named ‘La Española’ over five centuries ago and where they established the first European settlement in the New World: Ciudad Colonial.
Samaná’s development as a tourist destination has, from the very beginning, been underpinned by respect for nature and local culture. In recent years, it has also established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for sustainable luxury tourism – also known as ‘conscious luxury’ – particularly prized by travellers seeking to unwind, with space, nature, authenticity, tranquillity and privacy, free from overcrowding or hustle and bustle. And Samaná offers all of this: a sanctuary of tranquillity where prestigious hotel brands have found the perfect setting for their most exclusive resorts.
It is in this context that we can interpret the forthcoming arrival of brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, which have projects under development in the Playa Jackson area, or the Donoma Las Terrenas Hotel Beach & Spa, which already operates under the Autograph Collection by Marriott brand. An eye for design, meticulous service and high-quality facilities set all these resorts apart; they are transforming Samaná without it losing a jot of its natural charm.
Among the hotel companies firmly established in the Dominican Republic that are also committed to sustainable luxury, the Spanish Grupo Piñero stands out. Its Cayo Levantado complex is the only one on the islet from which it takes its name and, following its latest refurbishment and partnership with Hyatt, has evolved into an ultra-luxury wellness resort. In line with state-of-the-art, high-end spas, it offers holistic wellbeing programmes that combine nutrition, spirituality and physical health to take personal care to a whole new level.
As for connectivity, it is worth noting that Samaná has its own airfield, a key factor that facilitates seasonal scheduling and charter operations. El Catey International Airport has the capacity to handle over a million passengers a year, although its actual throughput is well below this figure, as this Dominican province is clear that its best guarantee for the future lies in sensible and sustained growth. In this way, Samaná will continue to be the wonderful haven it is for future generations of travellers.