The Dominican Republic was the first island discovered in the Caribbean and has a rich history created by it’s many influences over the years. While the island is massive and can leave you coming back time and again to explore different areas, I recommend checking out this unique experience the first chance you get!
The Hotel
The Bahia Principe Luxury Cayo Levantado is the only hotel located on the tiny island also known as Bacardi Island. You’ll take a short ferry ride from the Samaná Peninsula to get to this otherworldly place and begin enjoying utter tranquility. The small hotel boasts 6 unique restaurants and 4 bars as well as 2 pools, so you’ll never feel bored for a lack of variety! The hotel stay includes not only every meal and drink while on the island, but also kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis, catamarans, and world-class snorkeling. If you’re interested in upping your adventure a bit and really getting to know the marine life, they will also teach you to dive in the pools for free! There’s no such thing as island fever on Cayo Levantado!
The hotel will typically have live music playing as well as themed nights to celebrate the local culture of the Dominican. The island is proud of it’s heritage and happy to immerse guests in their culture with free salsa, zumba, merengue, or bachata lessons to get you on the dance floor and feeling the spirit of the island.
The hotel also offers unique classes such as Tai Chi and Surf Yoga in an effort to focus on reconnecting with yourself and reaching maximum relaxation. If that’s not enough to take the edge off, the full-service spa is sure to get the job done!
Can you just imagine the stargazing?!
The Peninsula
There’s a variety of activities nearby that can be reached by a short ferry ride if you want to explore more local life on the big island. If you picture the perfect rainforest escape with beautiful cliffs dropping off to pristine beaches, you’re picturing the Samaná Peninsula. No need to fight for a spot on a crowded Punta Cana beach. The Samaná Peninsula has more adventure and culture than you could ever imagine!
One of the Top 10 Beaches in the World!
If you need more stunning beaches in your life, check out Playa Rincón described by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The beach is over 3 miles long, offering docile and calm waters for snorkeling and sunbathing on one side and rolling waves for body surfing fun on the other. No need to pack a lunch for this excursion as there’s seafront casual restaurants serving up their freshly caught offerings.
Thousands of Whales
If you visit during the late winter, another favorite activity is to head out to the bay and watch some of the more than 2,000 humpback whales that migrate through the waters every year. These stunning creatures are easy to spot and are plentiful from mid January to late March
Discover El Limón
Take the time to seek out El Limón. You’ll have to hike through a dense jungle to get there (guided hikes available), but at the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with a 130 foot waterfall cascading down a fern-filled grotto. Then, you’ll strip off your hiking boots and jump into the stunning emerald pool below and let the waters wash away the day.
There’s activities to keep you busy for days on the peninsula! For more information about the incredible ziplining, the stunning national park, the many cliffside restaurants or enjoying the local countryside on ATVs click here!
