To visit Samaná is to experience the Dominican Republic differently. Greener. Wilder. More authentic. Tucked away in the country’s northeast, this peninsula stands in stark contrast to the legendary resort towns found elsewhere. Here, you won’t find endless rows of hotels blocking the horizon. Instead, you are greeted by hills blanketed in tropical rainforest, coconut groves that seem to stretch forever, winding rivers, and beaches so isolated you’ll feel as though you’ve discovered them by chance.
The expansive, protected bay plays a unique role: every winter, from January to March, it welcomes humpback whales arriving to breed—one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Caribbean.
Choosing Samaná means agreeing to slow down. It means exploring without rushing and discovering a truer side of the Dominican Republic. To help you experience Samaná your way, here are five all-inclusive resorts that each offer a distinct vibe.
The perks of an Air Transat all-inclusive Dominican Republic package at the best resorts in Samaná
- Round-trip transfers between the airport and the hotel.
- Round-trip flight in Economy Class.
- Hotel service fees and taxes.
- Accommodation for the chosen period.
- And if you add Option Plus, you get even more exclusive perks!
Hotel Bahia Principe Samana El Portillo Las Terrenas
Set on the expansive shores of Playa El Portillo, the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo is frequently cited as one of Samaná’s most versatile resorts. Here, the sea is generally calm, the beach stretches for miles, and personal space is never an issue. Low-rise buildings scattered throughout vast tropical gardens evoke the atmosphere of a small Caribbean village rather than a massive hotel complex.
If you love balancing relaxation with discovery, this is the place for you. Days often begin around the large central pool—lined with palm trees and surprisingly close to the beach—making it easy to hop between the fresh water and the ocean. Then, it’s time for action: snorkeling right off the shore, water sports, cycling, or Dominican dance lessons.
The location is also ideal for exploring the peninsula’s interior. The El Limón waterfall, one of Samaná’s most iconic natural sites, is easily accessible via excursions that take you through the rainforest and cacao plantations. As the day winds down, returning for dinner is a delight. On the menu? Fresh fish, grilled to order!
Bahia Principe Grand Samaná
Clinging to a cliff overlooking the bay, the Bahia Principe Grand Samaná doesn’t just offer a view—it elevates it. Its unique layout offers an experience completely different from other Dominican all-inclusives. This intimate, adults-only sanctuary is an ode to serenity, far from the crowds, where colonial architecture steps back to let the ocean take center stage.
Another unique feature is the beach: a small private cove below, accessible by elevator or stairs. It guarantees a true tropical paradise vibe.
Here, the Atlantic stretches as far as the eye can see. The pool, suspended facing the sea, quickly becomes the central gathering spot. It is the perfect place to settle in at the end of the day to watch the light change and, in season, to spot the spout of whales in the distance. Between January and March, you can observe them easily without ever leaving the comfort of a restaurant or your ocean-view balcony.
Cayo Levantado Resort
A stay at Cayo Levantado Resort is in a league of its own. Your journey into luxury begins the moment you board the private boat to this island sanctuary, leaving the ordinary world behind for a tropical Eden.
Here, excellence is the standard. Your days unfold between pristine white sands and sumptuous villas hidden within the lush jungle. But it is at the table that the experience becomes truly breathtaking: forget everything you know about all-inclusive dining.
With culinary offerings often cited as the best in the Caribbean, every meal is a gastronomic masterpiece, celebrating local flavors with a refinement worthy of the world’s top tables.
What’s more, crystal-clear waters and tropical vegetation envelop the villas and suites, where luxury is found in the smallest details. Breakfasts served facing the sea, featuring freshly cut tropical fruit and dishes prepared à la minute. These are moments you will cherish long after you leave! To perfect this enchanted interlude, the spa acts as a sacred ritual, blending holistic wellness with local treasures like cacao and coffee. Ideally positioned on the water, this island jewel offers the ultimate privilege: watching the ballet of whales from the front row, in total privacy. It is, undeniably, the dream address to mark a grand occasion.
When is the best time to travel to Samaná?
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The best time to visit Samaná is from January to March. This is the dry season, guaranteeing sunny, warm weather (around 29°C)—perfect for beach days.
Above all, it is the only time of year to observe the famous humpback whales that come to breed in the bay. Peak activity occurs in February.
Viva V Samaná by Wyndham
Calling all lovers of sweeping golden sands: the stunning Playa Cosón is one of the wildest and most photogenic beaches in Samaná. And the Viva V Samaná by Wyndham sits right at its edge. The hotel exudes a distinct personality, offering a decidedly relaxed and contemporary experience. Its sleek design creates an elegant contrast with the preserved natural environment surrounding it.
If you love feeling immersed in nature, you will quickly be seduced by the direct access to a wide, undeveloped, and uncrowded beach, where you can walk for miles without seeing a soul. Mornings often begin with yoga sessions facing the sea—what a beautiful way to start your day in the sun!
Wyndham Alltra Samaná All-Inclusive Resort
Located directly on the white sands of Las Galeras in Samaná Bay, the Wyndham Alltra Samaná All-Inclusive Resort charms with its simplicity and strategic location. Everything here is designed to make exploring the region—between sea and mountains—effortless.
Looking for an unforgettable family vacation? Set your sights on the Wyndham Alltra Samaná! It is the perfect address to disconnect from the daily grind and create magical memories together, stress-free. On the itinerary: free kayak rentals, treatments at the outdoor spa, afternoons of games at the Miniclub, and splashing in the magnificent main pool.
Moreover, thanks to its shallow waters, it is also the perfect playground for families with young children enjoying their first dip in the Caribbean Sea.
