Perched on a cliff above the city with spectacular views of the bay (and maybe even of humpbacks during whale season), this 295-room resort is Samaná town's fanciest. Standard rooms boast vanilla accents, and there are three pools, three restaurants (Italian, French and seafood), a casino, a spa, a watersports center, a discotheque and two beaches.
The more intimate, 23-room Villa Playa section is best for those seeking a less resorty feel. Elsewhere, the main beach is accessed via a handy outdoor elevator. Wi-fi is free in the lobby only and guests are shuttled back and forth to town hourly. Though food and rooms are less attractive than at the sister property on Cayo Levantado, it's a pleasant escape above town. Cheaper rates are available when booked with tour packages.