Samana Vacations

Rating:
"Our package was all inclusive from Vancouver to Samana at the Bahia Principe Cayo Lavatado.
The total cost including tax was under $1600.00 which was a great deal for this property.
Our room was elegant and luxurious and would likely cost $1000.00 a night in Vancouver.
The jacuzzi, huge balcony, furnishings, and space were incredible. The room was 3 times the size
of other all inclusive resorts I have visited. Normally, I don't spend much time in the room when taking a sun vacation, However, I came back a little early every day from the beach just to enjoy
the accommodations. At night, we would sit out on our deck and just appreciate the beauty of this location.

The Island where the hotel is located is absolutely stunning. It's like an unspoiled tropical parkland where you can walk or ride around this vast property. The hotel provides a free shuttle service for those who wish to ride. Visually, it's a tropical paradise complete with thousands of plants, trees, palms, birds, and even Whale watching from January to March.

There are two private beaches to choose from. The first is quite calm and great
for snorkeling (included) and general swimming. The one just around the corner faces the open sea so it's wavy / choppy for those that prefer more action. You can take a kayak (included) to either beach.

There's a public beach that is easily accessible through a hotel gate / exit and it's also very nice and safe. Here's where some locals from Samana come on their day off. But there's also excursions from other resorts, and apparently cruise ship clientele come once a month in the low season, and twice in high. The local vendors couldn't be more polite or respectful. There's an area / walking path just off the beach that has food and souvenirs. Sometimes, the hotel has a show on public beach at night. It was very well done and I appreciated their hard work. Ironically, it was Michael Jackson the night before he died. But don't expect a huge show theatre. Rather, it was gracefully done on a small makeshift stage with some lighting. It worked for me :) and I enjoyed the informal Caribbean atmosphere and night sky.

As for the pools, many to choose from. Off the beach, near the beach, away from the beach etc..
Tons and tons of options and room. It was never crowded and if I wanted be secluded, the jacuzzi / pool area is completely quiet and built around or in the jungle.

The food is outstanding. My favorite Al a Carte was the Mediterranean. But it's really just a matter of personal taste. The Gourmet was also fabulous, but I really loved the garlic spaghetti, Greek or Cabarase salads, and fish. The soups were incredible in both. I never made it to the seafood al a carte but heard it was great as well.

As for the buffet, I tended to enjoy the fresh cooking stations where the chef will make you
chicken, pork, fish, beef, and even kabobs. Fresh made to order pasta is also available.
Otherwise, the chooses are endless and will meet anyone's expectations. Lots for everyone, and those with children won't have any problems getting them to eat.

The beach bar restaurant was also very very good with a wide range of offerings. So if you don't want to completely dry off and just stay near the beach and/or pool, you'll enjoy it.

The animation crew offer lots of games and activities. This is by the beach area and kept relatively
on the quite side. I mean the music is never blasting and it's really kept in perspective ... not intrusive. So if you like beach exercise, volleyball, and a few games, they do a great job. I played darts and horse-racing ... which I lost by a wide margin, LOL! And it's easy to find complete seclusion by other beach or pool areas.

The staff couldn't have done enough to make for a better vacation. They were positive, helpful,
incredibly hard working, friendly, and more than pleasant.

This is a diamond quality resort designed for the nature lover who wants to spoiled by the location, beauty of the island, and experience how royalty live :)

There are no direct flights from Vancouver to Samana in the summer. I'd recommend spending a night in Toronto rather than the 10:30 PM red-eye with a 8:30 AM Toronto to Samana flight.
I believe Air Canada gives the option.















"
Reviewer: michaeladrian
Date: Jun. 29, 2009

Rating:
"Samana was a small interesting town. Not much shopping but I did buy the local Larimar stone jewelery. A jeep side trip was interesting. The local countryside with its palms, coconut, banana, etc and many views of different coastlines stopping at a volcanic shoreline. Weather the beginning of March was great with only a few hours of rain a couple of mornings."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 13, 2008