Last Updated on August 13, 2023
I needed a tropical holiday. Samana in the Dominican Republic came to my rescue…
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
By Carla Marie Rupp
After months of bitter cold, I needed a tropical holiday. Samana in the Dominican Republic came to my rescue.
After a direct flight from New York I arrived in Santo Domingo. After landing I found independence-day celebrations in the capital city of Santo Domingo in full swing. But I couldn’t join in the festivities since my goal was to reach Samana. Samana is an eco-tourism area in the eastern Dominican Republic, to enjoy a time of renewal.
I also wanted to experience the richness of quaint village culture and the magnificent beauty of the Samana Peninsula. It’s where nature and a small-town, friendly island atmosphere predominate, and eco-tourism offerings are amazing and fun.
In Samana, DR – Rejuvenation Beyond Expectations
In an extra-long five-day weekend I found rejuvenation beyond my expectations. I went speed-boating through a national park, horseback riding to waterfalls, and explored caves containing ancient pictographs. I went whale-watching during the best time to see them (whale watching season runs Jan. 15-March 15, but tours operate as long as whales are seen in the area). And, of course, I went and beach combing, many things that would have astounded Christopher Columbus. He was, after all, the first tourist to arrive here centuries ago.
Our group guide, Carlos Batista, told us that like Columbus we were also lucky to be visiting here. “Samana is the getaway place for Dominicans,” he said, “a very diverse place, so green and so beautiful. It’s the only place where one can be with whales so close to a large number of natural attractions.” Those attractions included Rincón Beach, rated among the 10 finest beaches in the world. There are also, as you might expect, several other unspoiled, hidden white-sand beaches, as well.
Batista loves his fellow Dominicans, as well as the country’s sun and sand, its dances, music, food and festivities. His love of the place is infectious. You only need to be there a few days and you begin asking yourself “what’s not to love?”
A Hotel Oasis in Samana
I found that love soon after our mini-bus ride from the airport reached home base, the Bannister Hotel in Puerto Bahia.
It was a wonderful oasis, cozy yet sophisticated, featuring chic architecture and an open-air, spacious lobby in which to relax with friends. Being a musician, at night I enjoyed meeting members of the hotel’s Boogie Band who play classic rock (the Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones) and Latin (Santana and Soda Stereo) on various Saturdays.
During the day I swam in the Bannister’s two infinity pools. I also ate in the hotel’s three restaurants, enjoying majestic sunset views of the sea at Cafe del Mar, and the delicious fish in coconut sauce at La Regatta.
Delicious Food
I enjoyed another pleasant dining experience at Balcones del Atlantico’s Porto, an airy restaurant on a pristine beach in Las Terrenas, the most touristic of the nearby towns and perfect for picture-taking, during a stroll. In Samana city, La Mata Rosada provides delicious food with local flavors, with salsa clubs nearby.
A satisfying, delicious reward at the end of excursions is the authentic Dominican food, and in addition to fine dining, you’ll find food made by locals all over Samana. I enjoyed the all-you-can-eat lunch buffets featuring specialties such as fresh seafood caught by locals, rice and beans, fried plantains, the sweetest-ever pineapples, plus maybe mangoes, papayas, bananas, and always salads of various kinds. Coconut cake was a favorite from a local bakery.
A Variety of Excursions
Our excursions were always fun. One day we explored the maze of mangroves in lovely Los Haitises National Park (one of 11 in the small country), with its maze of vegetation, mangroves, and little islands and birds, before setting off to gorgeous Playa Rincón.
Another day for horseback riding I was paired with local guide Francisca Morel (“just call me Anna,” she said), who helped me every step of the way as we went through the little village of El Café and into the rolling tropical hills. It was paradise as Anna and I moved through shallow water and rocky terrain and I felt right at home atop my horse Relámpago.
Whale Watching and Massages on the Beach
When we reached a place to dismount to allow Relámpago and the other horses to rest, we found refreshments awaiting our Samana group near beautiful little waterfalls. I walked down to the first one where I swam and found peace in each beautiful moment. Then Anna helped me with the climb to the next lever of falls, which were much larger and populated with other tourists enjoying their reward for the journey.
Another day, when we went humpback whale watching, we saw many playful whales close-up in the Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
Everyone in our group took so many pictures that one of our group exclaimed “I feel like we’re whale paparazzi!” From land a good place to see the whales is at the Whale Lookout Post at Punta Balandra, which is well worth the climb. After whale watching it was off to El Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, where we found lounge chairs, strolling musicians, beach massages, crafts and more good food buffets. I had quite an appetite after my last dip in the sea.
A Fantastic Combination of Environments in Samana, DR
In the Dominican Republic you’ll find a fantastic combination of environments to refresh one’s body and soul. With more than 25 percent of its lush land protected as national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, the country is the most bio-diverse country in the Caribbean. And its coconut palm-studded hills and turquoise waters and just everything else gave me new zest for life, a glowing radiance.
In Samana you can have as much relaxation as you want…and as much enhanced activity. I chose both…as well as the very good local chocolate and excellent coffee, I might add. (Smile.)
The Samana Peninsula is a good-value destination especially full of ecological bliss. I had a whale of a time (pun intended) and visions of pelicans, whales, the warmth and love for the great friendly people stay with me. Leaving the cold of winter I went looking for invigoration and a feeling of new life.
In Samana I not only found it, I already want to go back.
You ma also enjoy: Costa Mediterranea’s Caribbean Potpourri / We’ve All Become Citizens of Banana Republic / Sea of Cortez, Mexico – A Galapagos-like Adventure, Closer to Home
If You Go:
Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
www.GoDominicanRepublic.com
The Bannister Hotel at Puerto Bahia
Carretera Sanchez- Samaná KM 5
Samaná, Dominican Republic
(809) 503-6363
www.TheBannisterHotel.com
Whale Samaná
www.WhaleSamana.com
Parada Basilio y Ramona’s horseback excursions to El Limón Waterfalls
El Café-Village, Samaná
(809) 956-5526
Balcones Del Atlantico
www.BalconesdelAtlantico.com.do
I haven’t seriously thought about visiting the Dominican Republic even though I live in Washington Heights where a lot of Dominican people live. The Samaná peninsula sounds like it is a well kept secret with lots of things to do or you can just relax. More and more people are finding out about it. I remember other friends have told me that they had a great time there and I hope to be able to go in the near future.
Louis, your friends who’ve been there are right: it’s really great, the people are so kind, and as you know from your New York City neighborhood, the food is really delicious! You can also go diving, ziplining and all the things I described when you go to the Dominican Republic and more. FYI, there’s a jazz festival and lots of other festivals in the country.
Hi Carla,
Your trip sounds fabulous – and I love your writing style- enthusiastic and full of useful details! I’d love to visit Dominican Republic – your article gave me that extra bit of motivation I need! Hasta La Vista!
Looks fantastic! Thanks Carla.
Yes, it is fantastic! It’s rewarding to see some of the beauty offered in the Dominican Republic. You’re welcome.
Living on the other side of the World, in Melbourne Australia, your story really whet my appetite to travel to the D.R.
What an absolute pleasure it must have been to experience the colorful culture, the beautiful people and all that was on offer. Your adventure was so beautifully written, l could imagine being there myself.
The tropical fruits sounded Amazing! You certainly packed as much as possible into five days…..with Winter just around the corner here, l will definitely consider the D.R. as a future destination.
l look forward to reading about your next travel adventure!
Lisa, you would love all the tropical fruits in the Dominican Republic! Yes, please do consider the Dominican Republic when it gets cold in Australia. I’m glad my story enticed you to travel there and do what I did. I loved every minute!
Found the detailed account of where you can stay and all the activities. very helpful for planning a family trip there.It sounds like a place my sutistic son would enjoy.
Yes, Margalit. Your son and your family would love the places I wrote about here! I’m glad my account was helpful.
Dear Carla,
I enjoyed reading about the beautiful time you had at the Dominican Republic. It was great timing for you to get away from the NY winter and snow. All my friends who have been to the Dominican Republic tell me what a great place it is to visit. Hopefully, I will have the chance to go there one day soon.
Wishing you all the best
Love & blessings
Katia
Katia, wishing you the best, too. Thank you for your beautiful wishes. Also hoping you make it also to the Dominican Republic.
I was able to stop in the Dominican Republic for a day visit from a Cruise Ship.
We only was able to see the main city and not see the beautiful places you write about.
This wants me to go back to The Dominican Republic to see the beautiful places Carla Rupp has written about.
Thanks for the story.
Larry
Larry, I enjoyed writing the story and happy that you read it. I’m sure you loved your day in Santo Domingo, and someday you’ll explore further into this wonderful island nation.
Carla, another winner! The way you describe your wonderful adventures makes me feel like I’m there and you have definitely sold me. Would love to go there! I learned many things and I would especially like to see the whales. The food sounds delicious and horseback riding is something I would like to do also. I’m not so lucky to travel out of New York, but reading your stories with such detail and color really brings me there in a splendid way. I know you really enjoyed yourself and greatly appreciate your sharing.
I am so happy to share my experiences and make recommendations. This trip was tops! Thank you, John, for the compliments.
Carla,
Nice job!! After watching yet more snow falling tonight reading your story
helped to banish the winter blues. Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip with the rest of us.
Candace, thank you for reading my story–and I’m glad it relieved you of the winter blues.
It was great traveling with you Carla! Love the write up and reliving it all through your words. Hope we see each other again soon!
I hope so, too! Isn’t traveling great? It’s nice to remember through writing about great times. Thank you. Carol.
Carla this looks like a terrific time away from our snow filled winter in New York. The last time I saw the Dominican Republic was well over 10 years ago. Thanks to your review, it will definitely be on our list of places to see in the future. All the best.
Carla, I really enjoyed reading about your adventure in the Dominican Republic! It made me want to travel there myself!! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Becky, for letting me know: It’s adventurous and you would like it all, being a nature-love from Colorado. Yes, the Dominican Republic is worth a trip from anywhere. Now that you and Dave are retired, you can travel more.
#EcoSamana is the hashtag for this trip for those reading here who use Twitter, by the way.
Hi Carla,
what a great trip you made. And what a great read for us. I also have friends from the Dominican Republic here in New York, so now I really have to get over there and see what they are talking about. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Tomas,
Yes, it was great and I’m happy you enjoyed reading about my experience… what your friends talk about the DR is true. Let me know when you visit there so I can hear about what you did there, too. Maybe you can bring your guitar!
Waaaoo Carla Marie that was a real “Scape” to the paradise island of Dominicana. I am glad you had a wonderful and rejuvenating time in my country!….Me alegro porque tuviste un tiempo muy bueno en Samana y en otros lugares de la Republica Dominicana.
That’s a real scape to the good life!!!!
Congratulation, my friend Carla Rupp.
Your Friend Omar Perdomo
Hi Carla, great story! And great trip, right? It was really nice to meet you and happy to enjoyed all the beautiful places that Samana has to offer. We are glad that you included Gregorio’s picture of the whale. You can find more in our website http://www.todosobrecruceros.com Hope to see you again soon!
Hi Raisa, thanks! Yes, the trip was great and I’m happy that you and Gregorio supplied the amazing whale picture. We’ll all be checking out your website, too! I also want to see you both again, too. We had fun together enjoying the view from the lobby while we were relaxing and going on some sight-seeing and action-filled excursions. See you
You make me feel as if I were on the trip with you. Sure wish I had been mobile so I could have visited you. Thank you for sharing your traveling adventures.