Villa Rosabaya

Better by the Dozen

This 12-bedroom beachfront home reigns supreme on the palm-backed, aquamarine-hued coastline of the DR’s sundrenched, enticingly remote Samaná Peninsula.

Twelve suites look out over a private, waterfront palm garden and dark-bottomed reflective pool, then beyond, where windswept talcum-powder sands meet the shimmering, see-through sea. Created for a crowd, the expansive contemporary villa boomerangs around its exclusive, palm-fronded beachfront and offers 24-hour security, an oversized jacuzzi, two chef-quality kitchens for feasting, and a luxuriously open-air, tropical breeze vibe that places you only steps from the water.

Located on Cosón Beach, one of the prettiest around Las Terrenas that’s well known for its fiery sunsets, the home occupies a secluded spot on the Samaná Peninsula’s north coast watched over by skyscraper-sized palm and coconut trees, and flanked by fine, talcum white sands extending mostly undeveloped for miles in both directions.

AROUND

In recent years, with the arrival of a regional airport and a highway to the peninsula from Santo Domingo, the community of Las Terrenas has become one of the country’s go-to beach destinations, particularly loved by adventurous souls and wealthy residents of the capital city who head here on weekends. Las Terrenas is a favorite destination of wind and kite surfers since it’s home to strong, constant tradewinds. Snorkelers also love the area’s crystalline waters and smooth, gentle waves on protected beaches, and the Dominican Republic’s spectacularly scenic Samaná Peninsula extends into the Atlantic from the country’s northeastern corner. 

The peninsula boasts miles of near virgin coastline and fewer crowds than better known Punta Cana. Secluded and relatively undeveloped, it offers world-class whale watching, when thousands of migrating humpbacks come to three protected bays between January and March. Another must-see is Salto El Limón Waterfall, the country’s largest, reachable on foot or horseback through forests of fragrant orchids, royal palms, mango and pineapple trees. A boat ride takes you to Los Haitises National Park, a protected offshore island chain of verdant cliffs where vultures, pelicans and herons nest against the limestone outcroppings. 

The peninsula’s interior is far less known than its beaches and bays due to its inpenetrable vegetation. The mountain range, known locally as the Cordilliera Samaná, is said to support more than 60 different species of palm trees. Other highlights include Santa Barbara de Samaná, a harbor city with a series of small islets offshore, the Bacardi Rum resort isle Cayo Levantado, and tiny Las Galeras with its postcard perfect cove and lonely road leading to the “land’s end,” the astonishingly pretty Playa Rincón.

LOCATION

Samaná, Dominican Republic. Nearest airport: Samaná El Catey (25km); Santo Domingo (100km); Punta Cana (150km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to April for best weather, with a less crowded shoulder season April to May.