Family-friendly Hotels in Samana

WHALES! We returned to this resort after a marvelous 1st experience in March 2023. This year, as we sat on our terrace, lounged at the two luxurious swimming pools and even at the resort's restaurant, we watched mother Humpback whales and their one month old calves frolicking in the Samana Bay Whale Sanctuary, the third largest in the world. The view from the apt. is simply breathtaking whether it's of the full Bay from the mountain-top buildings or closer to the seashore by the beach front apartments. All apartments are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay including laundry equipment. We arranged to have a local cook come to prepare a full meal with local produce and freshly caught fish. We enjoyed her homemade coconut rice & peas, tossed green salad, fried plantains and deliciously crispy fried fish followed by a most velvety smooth vanilla custard a.k.a. ”flan”. Total cost for both of us to eat for at least two nights: $60 (US). The stay, available through Airbnb and other travel search engines was also incredibly reasonably priced. They have accommodations for couples and families with condominiums for up to 8 guests with 2 & 3 bedrooms. We decided to make it an annual tradition! We will return to Xeliter Vista Mare to enjoy the sunsets, the view of Samana Bay, the Humpback Whales, and, the most wonderful local dishes. Hasta el 2025!

We stayed at the Bahia Principe Luxury Samana March 11-18. Here is our feedback There are some potential “negatives” about this resort, although they were not issues for us (except perhaps the last one) 1) Resort is a small boutique 140 room resort, if you are looking for nightlife and party atmosphere, go elsewhere 2) The beach is rather small and little washed out, but nonetheless very accommodating and private 3) The resort has a lot of stairs, there are elevators in certain areas but be advised that you may need to use your legs! That’s good since the food and drinks are so excellent you need to burn off calories 4) The road is close to the resort, depending where you are you can sometimes hear the noise. Thankfully the rooms have soundproof doors that work well to hide the noise 5) There is nowhere to walk outside the resort, road is not safe to walk As for the positive, there are so many to list I don’t know where to starts 1) The Food – So EXCELLENT, really (like really!) good, at both buffet and “a la carte” restaurants. They are all really good, and great attention to service by staff. I loved the option of pre-booking all our restaurants 5 days before our arrival, very nice 2) The views are amazing, from every location, all you see is the sea, absolutely stunning. Our favorite was the view at breakfast and lunch from the buffet, we even saw whales swimming in the bay in front of the resort 3) The drinks and bar service are superb, we enjoyed the “Drink of the day” every day. They always use fresh ingredients (fruits etc) and top shelf spirits for mixing. So good!!! 4) All the staff are so nice, I can’t compliment them all personally here, but special shout-out to Dario (Mamajuana!) and Rosa at lobby bar, Ingrid was our favorite server, Daurelin at front desk was always smiling, and Leandro for his Yoga/Pilates/Workouts. Really amazing people 5) Free Day-trip to Cayo Leventado was really pleasurable, beach there is amazing (but public) 6) Rooms are nice and comfortable, we paid for Junior Suite upgrade and honestly, I think the standard Balcony Room would be great 7) The resort is so small that you get to know all the guests, which was very nice. Met some very nice people from Canada, France and Germany. Adults-only is also nice! We definitely recommend this resort for those looking for a peaceful, relaxing and intimate holiday with great food, good drinks and panoramic views.

When you stay at Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive in Samaná, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Cayo Levantado and 5 minutes by foot from Cayo La Farola. This all-inclusive property is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Playa Las Flechas and 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Cayo Levantado Beach.Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You can soak up the sun at the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Additional features at this Victorian property include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.This property is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. Enjoy international cuisine at Palma Real, one of the property's 5 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/cafe. Relax with a refreshing drink at the beach bar, the poolside bar, or one of 6 bars/lounges.Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the 218 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

With a stay at Nilka Hotel Boutique in Samaná (Samaná Centro), you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Cayo Levantado and Whale Museum of Samana. This hotel is 0.8 mi (1.4 km) from Playa Cayacoa and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Samana Bay.Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. This hotel also features concierge services and a banquet hall.Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, Don Pachiro, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the 18 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.

With a stay at Figaro Hotel Boutique in Samaná (María Luisa), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Cayo Levantado and Whale Museum of Samana. This hotel is 1.5 mi (2.3 km) from Samana Bay and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Playa Cayacoa.Pamper yourself with onsite massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and bicycles to rent. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a picnic area.Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the coffee shop/cafe. The hotel also offers room service (during limited hours). Unwind at the end of the day with a drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8 AM to 10:30 AM.Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).Stay in one of 37 guestrooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms with showers are provided. Conveniences include complimentary bottled water and ceiling fans, and housekeeping is provided daily.

With a stay at Casa Docia Samana, you'll be centrally located in Samaná, within a 15-minute drive of Cayo Levantado and Whale Museum of Samana. This guesthouse is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Playa Cayacoa and 1 mi (1.6 km) from Samana Bay.Enjoy recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this Art Deco guesthouse include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a communal living room.Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the poolside bar.Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and luggage storage.Make yourself at home in one of the 15 air-conditioned rooms featuring plasma televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include ceiling fans and blackout drapes/curtains, and housekeeping is provided daily.