6 Best Hotels in Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic

This stylish marina complex smack on the Bay of Samaná has changed the face of tourism in this area and become the social center for the upscale residents, a safe harbor for visiting yacht owners, and a deluxe, yet reasonably priced option for international visitors. The open lobby area that segues to the marina is dramatic, with contemporary pillars, a proliferation of white and neutral shells, and commodious white seating facing forward. It's a stunner. The cuisine is memorable, from an exceptional alfresco Italian lunch at Le Regata trattoria to a gourmet lobster dinner at Ocean Club. The Bannister has an ambient spa, which is as relaxing as the chill music that gently plays and the massages (moderately priced) that put you on another plane.

With dramatic, contemporary architecture that allows each suite water views, this resort offers one-bedroom suites and large two- and three-bedroom condo accommodations with designer kitchens and living rooms, two flat-screen TVs, and a balcony that looks down upon the inviting labyrinth of swimming pools lined with draped sun beds. Larger groups can take advantage of the many villas available at this location; almost all have balconies and Jacuzzis. Service is attentive, caring, and efficient, and most staffers are relatively fluent in English. The golden Atlantic beachfront is dramatic and unspoiled, and guests vie for a beachfront massage by a professional therapist, sheltered by a bamboo privacy wall. Yoga in the gazebo is free, as is Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the property. Water sports equipment is complimentary (paddleboards, kayaks, bodyboards, snorkeling equipment).

This family-owned eco-aparthotel offers fully equipped bungalows made of stone and wood and decorated in colors that evoke tropical fruits, flowers, and the sun without being overwhelming. All options include Jacuzzi-style pools with mini waterfalls, but the villas have pools that are more private (since they're not as close together as the ones in the bungalows). Breakfast can be included for a fee, but other amenities like Wi-Fi are free. Owner-manager Sarah and her husband can help organize activities and provide restaurant recommendations. Though this property is within walking distance to La Playita and Las Galeras, guests will feel like they're tucked away in the middle of a small jungle. From here you can walk to the center to find small supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants offering everything from traditional food to pizza.

New life has been breathed into this small beachfront hotel, where all rooms in the two-story main house, including a full-floor suite with a canopy bed and luxurious bath, have balconies; some have ocean views. Other rooms are in separate buildings, including two theme bungalows (Casa Bali and Casita Mexican) that are well-suited to families or groups. Guests have use of a convivial bar and restaurant called Cafe Cosón, an inviting pool, an outdoor massage kiosk, and a wide lawn set with tables under coconut trees leading to the sands. Prices include breakfast, taxes, and Wi-Fi.

This condotel on a large tract of virgin land offers beautifully designed, spacious apartments with dreamy bedding and private Jacuzzis on terraces that are basically outdoor rooms. If a kitchen can be sexy, the European designer kitchens here are just that, with top-of-the-line appliances. However, if you don't want to cook, the resort's glamorous beachfront restaurant, Porto, is right across the road. One of the pools is lake-size, with a waterfall midway that separates the children's shallows from the deeper adult waters. A fitness facility houses a gym; massages are given in beach cabanas. The initial welcome at the handsome reception building is genuine; citrus-scented towels refresh travel-weary visitors, and golf carts whisk them to their new homes. Weekends, when Dominican families arrive, can be busy, but midweek (especially in the off-season) is very quiet.