The Dominican Tree House Village -- a two-pearl little gem -- sits high in Samana's jungle. The property includes zip-line tours, a pool, bar and restaurant, and a 20 cabins, all of which require clambering up winding wooden steps to sleep. The travelers who stay here are a self-selecting crowd. Not everyone can deal with the rustic accommodations (most rooms lack private bathrooms) and some might get bored without Wi-Fi or cell-phone service. However, sleeping high above the tree line in the depths of the Dominican jungle isn't a thing to be missed. Those wanting a bit more comfort could also consider the hand-built wooden villas at Chalet Tropical Village, which has more modern amenities but an equally eco-friendly focus.
The Dominican Tree House Village -- a two-pearl little gem -- sits high in Samana's jungle. The property includes zip-line tours, a pool, bar and restaurant, and a 20 cabins, all of which require clambering up winding wooden steps to sleep. The travelers who stay here are a self-selecting crowd. Not everyone can deal with the rustic accommodations (most rooms lack private bathrooms) and some might get bored without Wi-Fi or cell-phone service. However, sleeping high above the tree line in the depths of the Dominican jungle isn't a thing to be missed. Those wanting a bit more comfort could also consider the hand-built wooden villas at Chalet Tropical Village, which has more modern amenities but an equally eco-friendly focus.
At the end of a rough, residential dirt road, the rustic, two-pearl La Loma-Cita sits high atop a hill with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling landscape of Las Galeras. Surrounded by local fruit trees and a well-tended garden, the vibe is akin to staying at a rural farmhouse. However, it's still a proper bed-and-breakfast where the French owners are hands-on -- serving home-cooked meals throughout the day and chatting with guests in the common areas. Five rooms and villas incorporate rustic design and modern bathrooms. The owners are clear that they offer no-frills, off-the-beaten-path accommodations, so expect few traditional hotel amenities. For those who require beach access, check rates at Chalet Tropical Village.
At the end of a rough, residential dirt road, the rustic, two-pearl La Loma-Cita sits high atop a hill with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling landscape of Las Galeras. Surrounded by local fruit trees and a well-tended garden, the vibe is akin to staying at a rural farmhouse. However, it's still a proper bed-and-breakfast where the French owners are hands-on -- serving home-cooked meals throughout the day and chatting with guests in the common areas. Five rooms and villas incorporate rustic design and modern bathrooms. The owners are clear that they offer no-frills, off-the-beaten-path accommodations, so expect few traditional hotel amenities. For those who require beach access, check rates at Chalet Tropical Village.
The mid-range Grand Paradise Samana is an all-inclusive, beachfront hotel with three outdoor pools, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, and fun extras like bikes and kayaks to borrow. Its 420 guest rooms are definitely dated with tube-style TV and ugly striped bedspreads. Some rooms have kitchenettes and beautiful ocean views from private balconies. It's a five-minute drive to the resort area of Las Galeras and a slew of restaurants. Wi-Fi is pricey and there's an extra charge for use of the in-room safe, though tips, buffet meals, alcohol, and access to the kids' club are included with the all-inclusive rate. This is a family-friendly resort with a raucous and party vibe. For a more luxurious beach resort, check out the nearby Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo.
The mid-range Grand Paradise Samana is an all-inclusive, beachfront hotel with three outdoor pools, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, and fun extras like bikes and kayaks to borrow. Its 420 guest rooms are definitely dated with tube-style TV and ugly striped bedspreads. Some rooms have kitchenettes and beautiful ocean views from private balconies. It's a five-minute drive to the resort area of Las Galeras and a slew of restaurants. Wi-Fi is pricey and there's an extra charge for use of the in-room safe, though tips, buffet meals, alcohol, and access to the kids' club are included with the all-inclusive rate. This is a family-friendly resort with a raucous and party vibe. For a more luxurious beach resort, check out the nearby Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo.
The three-pearl Chalet Tropical Village perfectly matches its sleepy, tropical surroundings. The property consists of handful of wooden villas perched on grassy slopes with hammocks scattered all about, just begging guests to take a nap. The owner’s touch reaches every corner, not just in the quirky eco-lodge design of the five villas -- each of which has its own kitchen -- but also in helping guests choose their activities. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are nice perks, but other features are limited. The hotel is rustic and ecological -- there’s no plastic anywhere in sight, few TVs, and air-conditioning is only available in one villa. For something right on the ocean with a pool in Las Galeras, travelers should consider Villa Serena Hotel, though rates may be higher.
The three-pearl Chalet Tropical Village perfectly matches its sleepy, tropical surroundings. The property consists of handful of wooden villas perched on grassy slopes with hammocks scattered all about, just begging guests to take a nap. The owner’s touch reaches every corner, not just in the quirky eco-lodge design of the five villas -- each of which has its own kitchen -- but also in helping guests choose their activities. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are nice perks, but other features are limited. The hotel is rustic and ecological -- there’s no plastic anywhere in sight, few TVs, and air-conditioning is only available in one villa. For something right on the ocean with a pool in Las Galeras, travelers should consider Villa Serena Hotel, though rates may be higher.
On a quiet, nondescript road, the small, three-and-a-half-pearl Villa Serena Hotel sits on a rough and rocky beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along with an outdoor pool, meticulously tended garden grounds, and an all-day restaurant, the hotel checks most of the expected boxes for a solid waterfront hotel getaway. While many rooms look dated, they all offer amenities like ocean views, balconies, air-conditioning, and free bottled water. The property is certainly kid-friendly, but there are more honeymooning couples than vacationing families. For those who want a quiet bed-and-breakfast experience, check rates La Loma-Cita, but lose the beach access.
On a quiet, nondescript road, the small, three-and-a-half-pearl Villa Serena Hotel sits on a rough and rocky beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along with an outdoor pool, meticulously tended garden grounds, and an all-day restaurant, the hotel checks most of the expected boxes for a solid waterfront hotel getaway. While many rooms look dated, they all offer amenities like ocean views, balconies, air-conditioning, and free bottled water. The property is certainly kid-friendly, but there are more honeymooning couples than vacationing families. For those who want a quiet bed-and-breakfast experience, check rates La Loma-Cita, but lose the beach access.
With two cliffside infinity pools, a pristine, white sand beach, and a hilltop restaurant with stunning views of Cayo Levantado, the three-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Vista Mare Samana ticks many of the must-have boxes for an essential beachfront getaway. 87 apartments are among the largest, most luxurious, and feature-rich accommodations in Samana province. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Samana, though it’s only 20 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Families may want to check out the nearby Grand Paradise Samana, it has a kids' pool and calm beach.
With two cliffside infinity pools, a pristine, white sand beach, and a hilltop restaurant with stunning views of Cayo Levantado, the three-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Vista Mare Samana ticks many of the must-have boxes for an essential beachfront getaway. 87 apartments are among the largest, most luxurious, and feature-rich accommodations in Samana province. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Samana, though it’s only 20 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Families may want to check out the nearby Grand Paradise Samana, it has a kids' pool and calm beach.