Samana is considered to be the prettiest part of the Dominican Republic. On a peninsula jutting off the north coast, Samana has a unique combination of quiet beaches, lush rainforests, inviting coral reefs. It's the perfect place for a quiet, low-key vacation in the sun.
Stroll the quiet beaches or hike the jungle forests in Los Haitises national park. Look for humpback whales playing in Samana Bay or take a boat over to Cayo Levantado to explore an island of swaying palms and soft white sand.
Samana is less developed so the small-scale resorts bring you closer to the island's natural beauty. Hotels dot the peninsula and aren't usually close to a town, so you'll probably end up spending most of your time on the resort property.
Local dining options are limited, so most packages include flight, hotel, meals and drinks. Some tour companies offer a "roulette" option where, for a cheaper price, you find out your hotel shortly before you depart. Since all hotels are at least four-star or better, this option can be an excellent deal.