Cayo Levantado Resort: A Luxurious Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
Originally opened in the 1990s as a Bahia Principe property, the resort was fully refurbished and rebranded in 2023.
Photo: Cayo Levantado Resort
Located on the idyllic island of the same name, just off the coast of Samaná in the Dominican Republic, Cayo Levantado Resort is a luxury, all-inclusive, wellness-focused resort catering to travelers who want to completely disconnect in order to better reconnect with themselves.
Originally opened in the 1990s as a Bahia Principe property, the resort was fully refurbished and rebranded in 2023 and has quickly become one of only five properties in the Dominican Republic to earn a prestigious four-star Forbes rating. Spread across a 2-kilometer private island, the resort offers an all-inclusive experience that blends boutique luxury with family-friendly charm. Intimate and sophisticated, Cayo Levantado Resort is designed with wellness and sustainability at its core—two of the most sought-after pillars in modern travel.
While reaching the island of Cayo Levantado requires some effort, the experience is well worth it. The closest airport, Samaná, currently offers only seasonal direct flights to Canada, and Santo Domingo’s airport is nearly three hours away. After arrival, guests take a short 10-minute boat ride before being welcomed in true “White Lotus” fashion—greeted at the dock by the team with welcome cocktails and hot towels.
The resort boasts 218 tropical, elegantly designed rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas. For families seeking a more elevated experience, a section of the resort is dedicated to family rooms and villas, some featuring full-size kitchens, outdoor dining areas, and connecting doors.
As the resort spans the entire island, guests can enjoy peace and quiet throughout their stay. The villa section is secluded and set at a comfortable distance from the main building—designed in the style of a plantation house—where most of the rooms and suites are located.
An Offer Designed with Wellness in Mind
With four restaurants, two bars, two pools, a coffee bar, a smoothie bar, a spa, and a dedicated wellness sanctuary, the resort offers a refined escape into relaxation and indulgence.
The distinction between the spa and the wellness sanctuary is intentional. While some guests seek spa treatments, others desire more spiritual experiences, like sound healing and yoga. By creating separate spaces, the resort can cater to a range of wellness preferences. The spa features a hydrotherapy circuit, while the wellness sanctuary offers an intensive workshop schedule—most included with the stay—that includes meditation, yoga, energy cleansing, and more.
Wellness is central to the Cayo Levantado Resort experience, reflected in a diverse daily schedule of activities. Guests can enjoy meditation, yoga, sound healing, and other holistic workshops—all part of the resort’s all-inclusive offerings. The spa features hydrotherapy and body treatments, complemented by an on-site beauty salon available for an additional fee. The well-equipped fitness center accommodates both indoor and outdoor workouts.
To further enhance well-being, a resident nutritionist, on-site personal trainer, and wellness concierge offer personalized guidance. Each guest is assigned an “ambassador” to coordinate schedules and special requests. Sustainability is also a priority—the resort operates with its own water filtration system and solar power. Local culture is celebrated throughout, from locally crafted art to in-room amenities like homemade bath salts and body butter. Thoughtful touches, including refillable water bottles and a selection of healthy snacks in the complimentary minibar, complete the experience.
The resort offers two pools—one overlooking the ocean and another dedicated to relaxation. The wellness pool, located near the smoothie bar and fitness center, offers a jungle-inspired atmosphere.
The beach is small but quaint, with Bali beds, comfy chairs, food and beverage service, and light entertainment. Given that the island is private, it offers a peaceful and exclusive experience.
Cayo Levantado is more than just a resort; it’s a sanctuary where luxury, wellness, and sustainability harmoniously converge to create a custom experience. Whether guests prefer to focus on relaxation, fitness, or nutrition, the resort ensures that they leave feeling rejuvenated—both mentally and physically.
The resort at a glance:
- 4 stars-Forbes travel guide
- Reopened/Refurbished in 2023
- Luxury/Wellness Resort
- 218 rooms and suites, up to 2-bedroom villas
- Family-friendly
- All inclusive
- 4 restaurants (steakhouse, healthy, local, asian fusion)
- 1 coffee shop/1 smoothie bar
- 2 pools
- 1 wellness center/ 1 full-service spa
- 1 indoor/outdoor fitness center
- 2 bars
