Santa Barbara de Samana is located in a cozy bay of Samana Bay. This picturesque town began to develop as a resort in the 1970s. The government of the then President Balaguer implemented the most ambitious projects in this territory. Interesting modern objects were added to the historically formed sights. For example, the bridge connecting the mainland with the islands of Cayo Linares and Cayo Vihia. Much could not be implemented because of the resignation of the president, but the town managed to preserve its beautiful nature and a lot of unique interesting places.
The peak of tourist activity falls on the winter season. At this time, the migration of whales begins. All water sports clubs and local entrepreneurs at this time offer services for the organization of walks in the open sea. Tourists are guaranteed unforgettable impressions and a unique photo shoot. Hotels of the resort offer the organization of hiking routes and trips to other places of interest – the Museum of Dead Ships, El Mon Waterfall, numerous ranches and others. The review includes the best hotel complexes of the resort, in which it provides the best service.
- 1 Xeliter Vista Mare, Samana
- 2 The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club by Mint
- 3 Bahia Principe Luxury Samana – Adults Only All Inclusive
- 4 Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa – All Inclusive
- 5 BlueBay Vacation Rentals at Vista Mare
- 6 Vista Mare Ocean View Top Floor Condo, Samana
- 7 Nilka Hotel Boutique
- 8 La India Bungalows, El Valle
- 9 Selection of hotels Santa Barbara de Samana on map
Xeliter Vista Mare, Samana
The five-star Aparthotel Xeliter Vista Mare offers 87 comfortable rooms. Each has a full kitchen. An American breakfast is served in the morning, and El Cayo Restaurant serves an à la carte menu throughout the day. The lounge bar offers a range of drinks and cocktails. For active recreation of guests there is a modern gym, an outdoor swimming pool with a compartment for bathing children, a SPA center with a wide range of cosmetic and massage procedures. On the territory made an excellent landscape design, emphasizing the beauty of the subtropical garden.
Like all hotels located on the first coastline, this one has its own private beach next to Playa La Mara. It is small in size, pebbly, with always clean and clear water. Because of the sharp deep cliff, children must be constantly looked after. A “goat trail” leads to the beach, so it is worth calculating the forces for the ascent and descent. It is not difficult even for the elderly, but it will be problematic to pass with a stroller. This hotel is a holiday home for people who are tired of the city noise and dream of meeting the sunrise with a magnificent view of the sea. Each room has a spacious balcony with sun loungers and a coffee table.
The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club by Mint
The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club by Mint is a romantic five-star boutique aparthotel offering a luxurious stay overlooking the fabulous Samana Bay. Right under the windows is a marina with moored yachts. From here you can go on a boat trip at any time of the day. For active recreation in the hotel there are: gym, tennis courts, classes in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates. The event team organizes paintball tournaments and excursions to local attractions.
Immediately 4 restaurants offer delicious dishes of different cuisines of the world. Café del Mar Puerto Bahia is located in a place that combines the beauty of nature with chic architecture. It is the center of parties, concerts and other events. Located on the second floor of the Bannister Hotel, Le Deauville Restaurant offers breathtaking views of Puerto Bahia Marina and Samana Bay. It offers an exquisite breakfast and brunch menu. A few steps from the café there is a swimming pool. La Regata Restaurant serves meals in a wood-burning oven. Evenings can be spent in the Compass Rose Lounge Bar.
“Perfect conditions for living and relaxing! I was especially impressed by the SPA salon “Ni”. The name is translated from the ancient Taino language as “water”. The ancestors of the Dominicans believed that water purifies the soul. Thanks to the scholastic approach, the SPA offers interesting procedures aimed at improving the body and the beauty of the skin. I didn’t regret the vacation at all. spent here» Julia
Bahia Principe Luxury Samana – Adults Only All Inclusive
The resort has hotels that accept only adult tourists. The best of them is Bahia Principe Luxury Samana – Adults Only All Inclusive. It is built in an elegant Victorian style, located right on the beach, the atmosphere is created for a good rest of solo travelers and romantically inclined couples. By the pool there is a sun terrace with deep armchairs and shady parasols. Here you can book scuba diving lessons for a fee, as well as take part in water aerobics sessions or play water polo. There is also a poolside bar. All drinks are served on an all-inclusive basis.
All the treatments and services that the SPA offers are designed to relieve tension and pamper your body. The facilities are high-tech and decorated in a traditional Caribbean style, like a “Palapa” (gazebo) on the beach. Here you can relax during a pleasant massage or braid African pigtails in the open air in complete unity with nature. The beach is covered with fine cream-colored sand.
Golf lovers can enjoy their favourite sport on the fantastic golf course, 2 hours’ drive from the resort. The Playa Grande golf course was designed by the famous architect Robert Trent Jones. The 10 holes of the field run along majestic cliffs with one of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean. The hotel also offers sports activities for all tastes, including kayaks, catamaran, boogie boards, windsurfing, snorkelling diving tour, fishing trip, scuba diving (PADI). In the evening, discos and shows are arranged for guests.
Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa – All Inclusive
Another 5-star resort hotel from the Bahía Príncipe Hotels & Resorts chain welcomes everyone who wants to relax in the “All Inclusive” format. Particular attention is paid to couples with children. The complex consists of several hotel buildings, a luxurious tropical garden, numerous areas for active and passive pastime. For those who prefer privacy, there is a club area. It has rooms, lounges and other places for holidays without children and noise.
On the territory there are 3 swimming pools, tennis court, fitness center, night club, shops, free bike rental. The beach is a few metres away. Here you can go windsurfing, snorkeling, diving. The surrounding area is also popular for hiking, with special routes. On the territory there is a unique SPA center “Bahia Spa”. It includes a thermal area and a hydrotherapy area (swimming pool with hydromassage and waterfall). The children’s pool is separate.
The hotel has 295 rooms (165 standards and 130 Junior Suites). Each bathroom has a jacuzzi. The Club Rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, alarm clock, parasol and other VIP accessories. Mini-bars are replenished daily, regardless of the category of comfort. Meals for guests are organized in the “All Inclusive” format. The hotel has three restaurants and 6 bars, two of which are located on the beach.
BlueBay Vacation Rentals at Vista Mare
Apart-hotels are very popular in the resort. One of them – “BlueBay Vacation Rentals at Vista Mare” has not yet been awarded stars, but has a lot of positive reviews from guests. For their stay, there are 1, 2 and 3-room apartments with a balcony and a kitchenette. It offers a full set of household appliances: microwave, oven, refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher. Caring staff tries to make the life of travelers more carefree. Therefore, the rooms are serviced 24 hours a day, on demand food and drinks from the restaurant are brought, the concierge provides services for booking tickets and organizing excursions.
A convenient ladder with railings leads to the private beach. To the sandy shore you will have to go down and pass by the lush tropical garden. Nearby there is a diving center where you can buy snorkeling sessions. Samana, thanks to its unique orography, is an ideal place for mountain biking. For this, all favorable conditions have been created: beautiful weather, exciting routes, various places to enjoy the trip. The hotel staff will provide comprehensive assistance for the organization of memorable leisure.
“Amazing place with a great location on a hill. In the morning, there is a magnificent view of Samana, and once we even noticed a whale jumping out of the water. I liked the landscape design of the hotel territory – everything is green. Very nice. The conditions for living are just gorgeous, there is everything you need, and in the morning breakfast is served in the restaurant, so you do not even think about cooking in the morning” Jenny
Vista Mare Ocean View Top Floor Condo, Samana
Vista Mare Ocean View Top Floor Condo does not provide free breakfast for guests. There are other advantages for which people come here. This is a very convenient point for transit travelers or those who want to get acquainted with the Dominican Republic. There is a car rental desk on site, so here you can stay in a comfortable room with an equipped kitchen, in the morning go on excursions, and spend the evenings in the beautiful conditions created by the hotel owners.
All apartments have sleeping, dining and living areas, a spacious balcony with furniture, in the courtyard there is a swimming pool with a lounge. There is a restaurant and a fitness centre. A convenient path leads to the private beach. You can pre-order the services of a masseur so that by the time he returns from the trip, he is ready to start work. The restaurant provides breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte. Attentive waiters can bring the order to the room and set the table (the service is paid). The hotel has an excellent reputation, as evidenced by numerous guest reviews.
Nilka Hotel Boutique
Nilka Hotel & Boutique is one of the first most luxurious hotels in Santa Barbara de Samana. It is located in the center of the city and all its tourist infrastructure. The sights of Samana, restaurants, beaches, public transport are within walking distance. It offers guests: free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast (included in the price), bar and restaurant, excursions, car rental, mini-bar, room service.
Each room has its own color scheme and other design features. Breakfast is served from 08:00 to 10:00 on the terrace in buffet style. Continental products and dishes are served – white and whole grain bread, eggs to taste, cold cuts, fruits, natural juices, cereals, coffee, tea, hot milk or chocolate. From 12:00 to midnight there is an exclusive restaurant, which is located inside the hotel building. There is no swimming pool on site. The nearest beach is Kayacoa, an 8-minute walk away.
La India Bungalows, El Valle
“La India Bungalows, El Valle” is a comfortable holiday home , marked by numerous positive reviews from the guests. The lodge is located in a natural area and is built with eco-friendly materials. Guests will find a thatched-roof house, a four-poster bed, wicker deep chairs and hammocks hung between palm trees. This is a great hotel for meditation, relaxing for two or with children. A paved path leads to the nearby beach. A wide sandy strip and a smooth entrance to the water guarantees a safe rest for the child and peace of mind to his parents. In the morning, guests can enjoy a continental-style breakfast. The restaurant serves an à la carte meal throughout the day, and the bar serves hot and cold drinks.
In all resorts of the Dominican Republic, hotels of the Bahía Príncipe Hotels & Resorts chain have proven themselves perfectly. Their services are best used during your first visit to the island. The most popular among experienced travelers are loggias, so you should pay attention to “La India Bungalows, El Valle”.