On a holiday to Samana in the Dominican Republic, you’ll see what happens when a region takes a soft approach to tourism.
Puento Cana and Puerto Plata are swimming with tourists, but the the beaches, rainforests and tropical islands are all the way nature-intended. When visiting the Samana peninsula, there is one luxury beach resort you must experience: Sublime Samana. Once I stepped foot onto the property we were greeted by the friendly staff with fresh passion fruit juice! It was the perfect welcoming.
Sublime Samana’s concept is simple, but flawless: a smallish resort with the amenities of a big one. The hotel’s small private beach is one of the prettiest on the island. Soft sand with the warm crystalline Atlantic waters, and rows of swaying coconut palms on the other. you come here if you want a break from the built up world and into the natural one, not one where you take trips to the town centre. Just to the spa, or a beach chair, or a day bed by the pool.
The property is located on a private beach and surrounded by lush, tropical jungle and a dozen of beautiful cabanas. The resort is seven-acres and has twenty-five stunning 1-3 bedroom suites and villas available to rent. Each room has a private balcony or terrace, kitchen and beautiful views of the pool or Atlantic Ocean. With a spa, gym, pro basketball and tennis courts, a playground and two restaurants, you really won’t want to go far.
THE ROOMS
I stayed in one of the two bedroom suites which had a total of three bathrooms with a jacuzzi in the master bedroom. The room had a kitchen, living area, dining area, private patio and outdoor jacuzzi. The décor is simple and contemporary, with plenty of sunlight flooding in through floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of fresh white paint, and the occasional pop of Caribbean turquoise or blue. The jacuzzi was a great touch, especially if you didn’t want to leave the room, with all amenities made by the White Company.
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY SUBLIME SAMANA
Wake up early for sunrise and walk along the beach. I woke up every morning just to see the sunrise and it was worth it! If you’re not a morning person, you won’t be missing out as the sunsets are equally mesmerising. Spend time to soak it in by the pool which stretches nearly 500 feet from end-to-end.
For those who are active travellers, the resort has a gym open 24 hours a day (no AC but relies on tradewinds and a ceiling fan), a basketball and pro tennis courts. They also have a playground for children, so its family friendly. Complimentary yoga every Thursday and Sunday at 8:30am at the gazebo by the main pool are a good one to add in if you’re there for a few days.
THE SPA
Looking for some relaxation? Book a spa day at Coconut Whispers Spa. I had a 30 minute relaxation massage and it was truly one of the most relaxing massages I had in awhile. At the end of each treatment, guests are treated with a fresh coconut to help rehydrate and replenish the body. (I would have had 2-3 more coconuts though.)
The treatment most recommended at this spa is called Coconut Whispers. It starts out with a hair mask and face mask followed by an exfoliation and massage to help strengthen your immune system. Definitely one to revitalise on a trip away, your hair, skin and immune system boosted!
THE FOOD & DRINK
The resort offers two restaurants, the essence of Caribbean dining – The Bistro and Beachside Grill. The Bistro offers delicious breakfast and dinner. It’s also connected to the lounge where you can enjoy the delicious cocktails. Again, its got families in mind so offers a comprehensive children’s menu. The Beachside Grill is open for lunch and dinner with weekly changing menus, and as the name describes, is right on the beach. Both restaurant menus are determined by what the fishermen catches. Don’t forget to try the local favourite Cocos Fríos!
In summary, its got our Citizen Femme stamp of approval. Sublime by name – sublime by nature.
With thanks to http://tourdelust.com
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