2 Best Hotels in Santa Barbara de Samana, Samana Peninsula

Of the four Grand Bahías on the peninsula, only this one is just a five-minute walk to town, but it's a mediocre resort for the most part. As you might expect of an all-inclusive built in the middle of immense natural beauty, this place combines the best and worst of everything: mesmerizing views of the ocean and the rolling green landscape before you but dated decor and not very good food. Day visitors and cruise passengers can purchase an all-inclusive pass and enjoy the petite beach, where they can snorkel and kayak. With the minimum stay of three nights (sometimes two), one can dine at the nonbuffet restaurants, but the food isn't generally any better. Families are welcomed.

This stylish marina complex smack on the Bay of Samaná has changed the face of tourism in this area and become the social center for the upscale residents, a safe harbor for visiting yacht owners, and a deluxe, yet reasonably priced option for international visitors. The open lobby area that segues to the marina is dramatic, with contemporary pillars, a proliferation of white and neutral shells, and commodious white seating facing forward. It's a stunner. The cuisine is memorable, from an exceptional alfresco Italian lunch at Le Regata trattoria to a gourmet lobster dinner at Ocean Club. The Bannister has an ambient spa, which is as relaxing as the chill music that gently plays and the massages (moderately priced) that put you on another plane.