Awesome Glamping Sites and Eco-lodges in the Dominican Republic
In a fast-paced world of conspicuous consumption, it's heartening to know that some people and places embody the very opposite. The Dominican Republic is filled with establishments that encourage slowing down for the good of patrons, the environment, and the communities that call vacation destinations home. You can lay your head down in eco-lodge bungalows made from sustainable materials, participate in activities that respect nature, and support initiatives that improve locals' quality of life.
If you're interested in relatively guilt-free traveling, the Dominican Republic is a biodiverse oasis where you can glamp at the meeting of mountain and sea and dine on organic gourmet fare.
01 Domescape glamping: Ocean views and luxury tents
Pair futuristic dome accommodations with stunning seaside views, and you get this glamping experience in Miches, complete with WiFi and air conditioning. Expect clean, spacious, and luxurious tents with kitchenettes, seating and dining areas, and smart Alexa of the Amazon tribe. Domescape is within walking distance from the beach, so you can explore the coastline, and the ranch offers activities like kayaking and quad biking if your idea of relaxation is a little more active. Have a BBQ, savor the privacy and tranquility, and watch the sunset. You might also want to carry insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
02 Samaná Eco-Lodge: Waterfalls and whale-watching adventures
This is another rustic treehouse gem with thatched huts and romantic vibes. Samaná Eco-lodge in El Limon is staffed with the friendliest people and offers delicious breakfast buffets spotlighting the local cuisine. It's super close to beautiful waterfalls like the 130-foot El Limon Waterfall, which you can get to by horse or hiking. The lodge's location allows visitors to take advantage of the whale-watching season with boat tours to view humpback whales during migration. When you're done with your excursions, retreat to your room for star-gazing—the glittering skies will take your breath away.
03 El Valle Eco Lodge: Jungle adventures in Samaná
Back in Samana, the remote El Valle Lodge's seclusion is ideal for a private getaway. This pet-friendly boutique lodge uses sustainable construction materials such as bamboo and eco-friendly practices to ensure harmony with its surroundings. Some rooms have river views, and all rooms have hot showers, which isn't necessarily the norm in these parts. If you're feeling social, you can participate in game nights or sit around a bonfire chatting. A minute's walk from El Valle Beach, El Valle Lodge provides easy access to coastal hiking trails, or you can visit nearby caves.
Enquire about opportunities to join the local community in regenerative projects. After a tiring day, flop onto beds that feel like cloud nine or make use of a lovely yoga space to practice your asanas. Fireflies may just add to the magical ambiance.
04 Ocoa Bay Eco-Lodge: Vineyard glamping in Azua
Welcome to the only winery resort in the Caribbean. Here, an hour and a half from Santo Domingo, experience a unique socially conscious agritourism resort. Founded by doctors, Ocoa Bay has a wellness bent, and the health of the environment and local community play a huge role.
Take a vineyard tour to see how tropical wine is produced without pesticides, and explore 10 acres of organic gardens featuring cacti, herbs, exotic fruits, and veggies for farm-to-table dining. Wine connoisseurs can sample the tropical KiBay with its hints of mango and passionfruit during tastings.
Or skip the alcohol and sip on fresh watermelon juice while eating mahi mahi ceviche. Ocoa Bay boasts modern architecture offset against ocean and mountain backdrops, and you can take it all in from the infinity pool or a well-appointed villa.
05 Dominican Tree House Village: A jungle paradise
If you were one of those kids who dreamed of having a treehouse in their backyard, you could supersize the fantasy at Dominican Tree House Village. Call the canopy home for a few nights and enjoy an immersive jungle atmosphere with lush views from your balcony. Keep a running tally of the wildlife you see, which could include frogs, lizards, bats, and colorful birds, and sink into a restful sleep with the sounds of the rainforest taking over from your regular Spotify nature playlist.
This is the place to set your devices aside and unplug. Feel your worries ebb away while cycling in El Valle or indulging in a massage on-site. The restaurant caters to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal, and there's lots of organic fresh produce to choose from. Dominican Treehouse Village is perfect for couples, and facilities like the pool and zip-lining get a thumbs-up from families with kids, too.
06 Jarabacoa Glamping: Mountain retreat in the heart of the Dominican Alps
Glamp next to the Jimenoa River in Jarabacoa's cooler climate amidst mountainous terrain and waterfalls. Flowing water soothes the soul, and when you're ready to amp things up, you can choose from a range of outdoor activities available, such as canyoning and hiking. The domes here are kitted out with everything you could need for a comfortable getaway, and the reality looks just as good as the Instagram pictures. The service is excellent.
07 Whale Watching Festival: A natural spectacle in Samaná
Samaná Eco-lodge, El Valle Lodge, and Dominican Tree House Village aren't the only places to base yourself if you're interested in whale watching. The whale watching season takes place between January and March every year, and you can organize tours through accommodations like the five-star Cayo Levantado Resort or Sublime Samana Hotel and Residences. Whale Samana is a well-known operator offering a re-do if you don't see whales on your first outing. You'll learn loads about these magnificent creatures.
08 Playa Rincón: Glamping by one of the world's best beaches
Playa Rincón has an impressive reputation as one of the world's most gorgeous beaches. Aventura Rincon Eco-lodge, or A.R.E, is right on its proverbial doorstep. Glamping here is all about cozy wooden cabins, rainwater showers, multiple pools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and peace and quiet punctured only by nature's soundtrack. Will you see a spider? Probably. But the DR isn't known for being home to too many venomous creatures, so rest assured. Emerge from the cocoon for snorkeling, swimming, and beach picnics.
09 Rancho Baiguate: Eco-Adventures in Jarabacoa
Rancho Baiguate, AKA Baiguate Lodge, is a 3-star, sustainably constructed hotel. It's also an adventure hub with white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, and horseback riding all in the mix. This eco-friendly lodge prioritizes outdoor thrills and a commitment to conservation. The lodge also hosts a summer camp for kids and multi-night treks to the Pico Duarte peak—this is fantastic if you love hiking and birdwatching. If you're not looking for luxe accommodations, consider this lodge, especially if you're traveling with extended family or a large group of friends where the most important factor is being together.
10 Cabarete Glamping: A watersports haven
Cabarete's vibrant energy has more than a little something to do with the water sports lovers that flock to its shores. From the rainbow of kites and windsurfers during the day to the nightlife that roars into gear after the sun sets, this town is a great place to go glamping if you love chilling in between a good party or two. Green Land Bubble Glamping By Mint is a top choice in Cabarete if you're interested in luxury tents and a countryside setting. You won't soon forget the wide expanse of sky above your bubble or the chic design choices.
11 Sustainable cuisine: Farm-to-table dining at eco-lodges
With the beach in such close proximity, you're bound to work up an appetite. Thankfully, foodies will have much to rave about at the eco-lodges in the DR. Many environmentally friendly establishments incorporate organic gardens and focus on farm-to-table dining. At El Gallo Eco Lodge in Puerta Plata, guests can pick and blend herbs for a tailored cup of tea, and the restaurant's Dominican cuisine is prepared over a fire. Natura Cabana and Spa in Cabarete uses fresh, local ingredients to serve up anti-inflammatory meals and nutritious smoothies.
So, if you're seeking a healthy reset or tantalizing Caribbean flavors, you'll be more than satisfied.
12 Los Haitises National Park: A biodiversity hotspot
Los Haitises National Park contains multiple habitats, and these distinct geographical zones make for tremendous biodiversity. Staying at an eco-lodge like Paraiso Caño Hondo allows for easy exploration of this natural treasure, with guided wildlife tours and a chance to see endemic birds such as Hispaniolan amazons. You'll come across mangrove forests, sinkholes, and cave petroglyphs that hint at ancient times. The lodge itself has natural pools and amazing San Lorenzo Bay views.
13 Cultural immersion: Festivals and local traditions at eco-lodges
Staying at an eco-lodge is not just about a harmonious relationship with nature but also about connecting with local people and their heritage. Various eco-lodges help visitors orient themselves culturally with music performances, cooking classes, festivals, and crafting. Near Sosua, Tubagua Eco Lodge is as authentic as it gets. Affordable cultural tours take guests to rural areas, coffee plantations, and amber mines, and the local guides take home the bulk of the fee.
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