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.
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.
Middle of the road perfectly describes Hotel Alisei. The three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offers 54 apartments that are rich in amenities though just shy of luxurious. The feature list checks many of the boxes for an affordable resort getaway -- a solid on-site restaurant, ample pool area with a swim-up bar, a full-service spa, and a small, clean, quiet beach across the street. The wide variety of room layouts makes the hotel as attractive for couples as it does for families. Albachiara Hotel is another upper-middle-range option in the neighborhood with full kitchens in its apartment-style rooms and a bit more style.
Middle of the road perfectly describes Hotel Alisei. The three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offers 54 apartments that are rich in amenities though just shy of luxurious. The feature list checks many of the boxes for an affordable resort getaway -- a solid on-site restaurant, ample pool area with a swim-up bar, a full-service spa, and a small, clean, quiet beach across the street. The wide variety of room layouts makes the hotel as attractive for couples as it does for families. Albachiara Hotel is another upper-middle-range option in the neighborhood with full kitchens in its apartment-style rooms and a bit more style.
With multiple pools, a full kilometer of pristine, white sand beach, and one of the largest, most beautiful open air restaurants in the area, the four-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Balcones del Atlantico looks more like a resort than the individually owned condominium complex that it actually is. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 10 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. 35 huge villa suites are among the largest and most luxurious in the area and include gourmet kitchens and large terraces. Note that there's a daily resort fee that covers Wi-Fi and sports equipment, and an additional fee to use the fitness center. For more of a bed-and-breakfast vibe, check rates at Casa La Nouba, but lose the beach access.
With multiple pools, a full kilometer of pristine, white sand beach, and one of the largest, most beautiful open air restaurants in the area, the four-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Balcones del Atlantico looks more like a resort than the individually owned condominium complex that it actually is. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 10 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. 35 huge villa suites are among the largest and most luxurious in the area and include gourmet kitchens and large terraces. Note that there's a daily resort fee that covers Wi-Fi and sports equipment, and an additional fee to use the fitness center. For more of a bed-and-breakfast vibe, check rates at Casa La Nouba, but lose the beach access.
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.
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.
Everything about the Albachiara Hotel is two notches above basic, but well shy of full-on luxury. All 36 rooms in this three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offer apartment-style amenities that include full kitchens and private terraces. Limited features include a large, clean pool and a prime location across the street from the beach that’s also within walking distance to the nightlife, shopping, and beaches of Las Terrenas. The distinct lack of additional features, like a full restaurant or spa, may leave some guests wanting more. Check rates at Hotel Alisei for a similar location and excellent spa.
Everything about the Albachiara Hotel is two notches above basic, but well shy of full-on luxury. All 36 rooms in this three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offer apartment-style amenities that include full kitchens and private terraces. Limited features include a large, clean pool and a prime location across the street from the beach that’s also within walking distance to the nightlife, shopping, and beaches of Las Terrenas. The distinct lack of additional features, like a full restaurant or spa, may leave some guests wanting more. Check rates at Hotel Alisei for a similar location and excellent spa.
Located on a sandy beach and accessed via a rough, dirt road less than five miles from Las Terrenas, the mid-range Casa Coson feels an entire ocean away from civilization. The vibe is relaxed rustic, with just the right amount of modern amenities to confirm that guests are indeed on vacation: free Wi-Fi in the lobby, a swimming pool, morning yoga sessions, and a waterfront massage hut. Colonial-meets-Caribbean decor is found in all 10 guest rooms. Standard Rooms are clean and bright with modest amenities, while the larger Casita guest houses provide living areas and full kitchens. Nearby Hotel Residence Playa Colibri has a similar price tag, amenities, and a beach.
Located on a sandy beach and accessed via a rough, dirt road less than five miles from Las Terrenas, the mid-range Casa Coson feels an entire ocean away from civilization. The vibe is relaxed rustic, with just the right amount of modern amenities to confirm that guests are indeed on vacation: free Wi-Fi in the lobby, a swimming pool, morning yoga sessions, and a waterfront massage hut. Colonial-meets-Caribbean decor is found in all 10 guest rooms. Standard Rooms are clean and bright with modest amenities, while the larger Casita guest houses provide living areas and full kitchens. Nearby Hotel Residence Playa Colibri has a similar price tag, amenities, and a beach.
The four-and-a-half pearl Sublime Samana looks and feels like one of the most exclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and it does a wonderful job of catering to both romance-seeking couples and fun-loving families. The 27 villa-style suites include full kitchens with Viking appliances and multiple flat-screen TVs, though not all have ocean views. Features include two al fresco restaurants, a pristine white sand beach, a rustic spa, and a nearly 500-foot long outdoor pool. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of downtown Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 15 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. If Sublime Samana isn't remote enough, Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, located on a private island, provides a good alternative.
The four-and-a-half pearl Sublime Samana looks and feels like one of the most exclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and it does a wonderful job of catering to both romance-seeking couples and fun-loving families. The 27 villa-style suites include full kitchens with Viking appliances and multiple flat-screen TVs, though not all have ocean views. Features include two al fresco restaurants, a pristine white sand beach, a rustic spa, and a nearly 500-foot long outdoor pool. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of downtown Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 15 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. If Sublime Samana isn't remote enough, Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, located on a private island, provides a good alternative.
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.