Are you looking to escape the ravages of a Canadian winter and find yourself in an extraordinary Caribbean paradise? Of course, you are. Then look no further than Cayo Levantado Resort, an exquisite haven nestled on a breathtakingly picturesque island in the Dominican Republic. This enchanting destination promises a vacation like no other, where lush tropical landscapes meet azure waters, and every day feels like a rejuvenating dream come true.
Getting to Cayo Levantado Resort
The Cayo Levantado Resort guest experience begins the minute you step out of Santo Domingo airport. I walked out the door and was greeted by a driver who was hired by the resort to take me on the 1.5-hour trip to Samaná. The resort’s lobby is a separate building located on the mainland, where I was greeted by radiant smiles as sunny as the day. A quick check-in was followed by a 10-minute boat shuttle from the Simi Baez jetty to the island. That’s when things began to feel very, very special as the outside world faded into the distance.
The island of Cayo Levantado itself lay before me like a scene from a myth, a world unto itself where the cares of life dissolve in the warm embrace of an imagined paradise. But this is not the stuff of the imagination. Cayo Levantado Resort is a real place dedicated to ensuring your stay is not just comfortable, but truly unforgettable. Off the boat, more friendly smiles and I knew that this was all actually happening. Before long, I met my ‘ambassador’ who attended to my every wish. Once a tropical drink was placed in my hand, Jimmy Buffett’s words came to mind. “If there’s heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.”
The Cayo Levantado Resort Luxury Environment
Cayo Levantado Resort offers luxurious accommodations to suit every traveller’s preferences. The resort has 218 rooms across multiple buildings that fit a wide range of requirements, whether you’re seeking a romantic hideaway, a family-friendly suite, or a spacious villa for up to eight guests. You’ll wake up to breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from your private balcony or terrace, and enjoy such comforts as plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and all the modern conveniences you’ll ever need.
Like all things Cayo Levantado, the architecture and design of every specially-curated space is rooted in the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Dominican Republic. The prestigious DR design firm of ARQUIMILIO, known for its innovative and world-class work, was commissioned to create the environment. Founded in 2014 and led by architect Ramón Emilio Jiménez Vicens, ARQUIMILIO has established a reputation for bringing a keen eye and creative sensibility to every project.
The design mandate reflects what Cayo refers to as “a triple regeneration approach,” meaning an authentic guest experience, respect for and protection of the environment, and the celebration of local culture. Interior spaces feature details that are crafted by skilled Dominican artisans in traditional workshops from locally-sourced materials, creating an ambience with a strong sense of place. Look for tables made with beautiful larimar stone, and lamps, trays, and coasters made from yagumbro leaves, all wrapped in tropical island motifs.
Cayo Levantado Resort Luxury Meets Stewardship
In addition to the values expressed in its physical design, Cayo Levantado Resort works hard in its programming to integrate local culture into every aspect of its offerings, including gastronomy and mixology. Produce is grown on site, and all gardening and landscaping uses native species of the island.
Waste management and renewable energy strategies employ a biodigester that helps make Cayo a self-sufficient property, by no means an easy task on an island. It’s all very brilliant. Water production and bottling utilizes condensation technology. Paper and plastic have all but been eliminated. A futuristic control system called “RoomXperience” allows guests to actively monitor their energy consumption through advanced room controls. And, Grupo Piñero (the Spanish family-owned company behind Cayo) and its Eco-Bahía Foundation work closely with local NGOs such as CEBSE and FUNDEMAR to actively conserve and restore the delicate coral reefs that thrive in the area’s waters. So, you can feel good about feeling good.
The Cayo Levantado Resort Wellness Experience
Cayo offers four wellness paths designed around the integrated themes of REFRESH, RESTORE, RELAX, and RENEW. Experience a range of invigorating, custom-designed workout routines that will get your heart pumping. Feel revitalized through higher intensity activities coupled with metabolic and cross-training programs. Relax with a menu selection that combines mindfulness with nervous and muscular system recovery using heat therapies and massages. And, re-balance your mind from the hectic world that at this point will seem very far way.
That faraway feeling envelopes you when you enter Yubarta, a meditation temple situated at the heart of the wellness area. I can still see the path through the island’s tropical gardens framed by the embrace of otherworldly trees deeply rooted into the earth.
Yubarta is staffed by the best talent in the world of wellness, with each highly-skilled ‘collaborator’ trained in the region to provide the best in mindfulness, neuroscience, metaphysics, biology, yoga, and ancestral energetic initiations. Guests can experience some remarkable offerings. Sound healing uses resonant bowls to transport the mind into a state of deep relaxation. A yoga menu includes practices like aeroyoga, wimhof, and hatha. The temple also offers a journey into ancient spiritual rituals that combine cocoa, mate, and coffee ceremonies with local herbs, roots and other plant substances that help tired bodies manage stress and restore balance.
Refreshing Pools, Pristine Beaches and Plenty of Activities
The Dominican Republic is famous for baby-powder soft sand that is cool on the feet. Cayo Levantado island has three such sensual beaches, two of which are reserved exclusively for resort guests. The resort also features two stunning swimming pools, both with their own unique ambience. Take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the cerulean waters and golden sands of Samaná Bay, or enjoy a more relaxed vibe at the quieter pool area.
Cayo Levantado Resort is an absolute paradise for sports and activities enthusiasts. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking for some relaxation, this place has something for everyone. You can start your day with a refreshing game of beach volleyball or test your skills with some paddle boarding in the crystal-clear waters. For those who prefer land-based activities, there’s a well-equipped gym and tennis courts available. And remember the Caribbean has some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.
Weddings at Cayo Levantado
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with close family and a few friends or a grand celebration, this resort offers the perfect backdrop for your special day. The dedicated wedding team at Cayo Levantado Resort will work hard to ensure every detail is taken care of, from the decor to the cuisine, so you can relax and enjoy every moment leading up to your special celebration. With stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and sumptuous accommodations, your wedding here is guaranteed to become a memory you and your love will cherish forever.
Dining in Paradise
Indulge your taste buds at the resort’s diverse dining options, all overseen by Executive Chef Antonio Tridenti. His team includes renowned Chef Carlos Romero, who brings his wealth of experience from top-ranked restaurants in the US and Dominican Republic, and Beverage Director and Sommelier Aneley Caceres, who developed her wine skills in London UK. There are several cuisines and dining scenes to choose from.
The Palma Real features international cuisine. Dominican specialties are served up alongside Italian favourites, fresh seafood including sushi, sashimi, and ceviche, meats, and a tasty selection of French pastries. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in an informal atmosphere.
Located in the Olah Beach Club, CAREY International offers lunch and snacks along with an international á la carte selection, including Mediterranean and Asian specialties. It’s a great place to lounge in the afternoon with a drink. Come evening, CAREY transforms into a gourmet dining experience, with a contemporary menu of world-class cuisine featuring Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) delicacies and cocktails.
Breakfast, lunch and healthy snacks are available poolside at Santa Yuca Slow Food Restaurant. It’s located within the Yubarta wellness area, and offers sustainably sourced, fresh produce and time-honoured, slow cooking traditions.
There are two options available for additional cost, but well worth it. Manaya Steak House has a laid back, chic vibe and features grilled meats and top-quality cuts imported from Spain, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, as well as fresh fish, all expertly paired with an extensive wine list.
A very special experience awaits diners in Senda, a Dominican restaurant in which a room-to-room journey takes guests on a sensory experience through the geography and customs of the island. It is unquestionably Cayo’s signature dining experience, inspired by the work of the legendary Dominican poet Pedro Mir, who wrote, “there is a country in the world situated right in the sun’s path.” When you set foot on Cayo Levantado for the first time, you’ll understand Mir’s lyrical affection for his beautiful homeland.
Cayo Levantado Resort operates in accordance with the premium standards laid out in the Forbes Travel Guide, recognized as the world’s leading authority on excellence in hospitality. Forbes is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas.
Life in the sun’s path awaits you. For more information, check out this article or go to: www.bahia-principe.com/en/resorts-in-dominican-republic/cayo-levantado-resort/
PHOTOS: Courtesy Grupo Piñero
