Hotel berhampiran Samaná, 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!

Overall the experience was very positive. The animation team was friendly and taking care well of the guests. Bernardo did a great job, such as Joan and Rachel, always smiling and inviting to various activities. The restaurants have nice dishes, there is qualitative food and they even offer gluten free options at times which is unusual for all inclusive restaurants. However, currently there are only single a la carte restaurants open in the evening, with up to 5 choices each for starter, main dish etc. which means there is not a lot to chose from. Especially when you go to the same restaurant every 3 days. Assumingly this will change soon as soon the hotel starts operating at its full capacity. What I saw is that they have a lot of cameras everywhere. I understand this is for security reasons, but they also know at all times where every tourists is and what they are doing, which made me feel like in a reality tv show. I would prefer to have more cameras in the corridors that lead to the rooms instead of the pool area. The rooms are spacious and the beds super comfy. It’s modern and everything is renovated. However, they didn’t install international plugs and they also don’t have adapters at the hotel, hence guests need to bring their own. Overall the hotel was very clean. All common areas were spotless. Sometimes there were some things missing in the room, such as spoons for stirring the coffee, water, and I think that they didn’t exchange the towel every day. Smoking is prohibited in all hotel area except for some single parts in the garden. People are threatened with a fine of 250 dollars when they some somewhere else. The beach is wonderful. One of the most beautiful beaches. They are cleaning the beach every day. The sand is fine and the water is calm since it is a bay. Overall it’s a great hotel to relax since also the town, las Galeras, is small and there is few activities over here.