Ocama feels more like a luxury Airbnb than all-inclusive, so stays can require a little bit of planning.Courtesy of Ocama/Supplied
If your idea of shutting out the world leans more toward luxury in the jungle than off-grid in the woods, Ocama boutique hotel fits the bill.
The property, which opened last summer, comprises eight secluded villas on a sprawling 35-acre property in the jungle of Las Galeras, Samana – an up-and-coming part of the Dominican Republic, tourism-wise. Each villa has a striking ocean view and is set far enough apart from its neighbours to give the sense of near-complete isolation.
Why you should visit
In a word: retreat. Samana is a peninsula located on the Dominican Republic’s north side, a far cry from the tourist hotspots of Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. It’s a relatively underdeveloped part of the island, which makes it a strategic location for a resort focused on true escape. And since Ocama doesn’t have a conventional front desk or reception area, fitness centre or restaurant (though this is in the works), the focus is on making the most of your stunning villa.
Samana is located on the Dominican Republic’s north side, a far cry from the tourist hotspots of Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana.Courtesy of Ocama/Supplied
And, really, they are stunning. Each has indoor-outdoor living spaces, with a long, outdoor staircase bisecting the floors, leading to the ground-level patio and infinity pool. Bedrooms, most of which have an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower, open up via floor-to-ceiling windows to wraparound patios, and the furnishings are a sharp mix of rustic wood and breezy natural fibres. Since it’s so open, you’re going to end up sharing the space with the local fauna — frogs and geckos are frequent visitors — but the Dominican boasts no venomous amphibians, so you can feel comfortable with the occasional itinerant roommate.
Samana is a relatively underdeveloped part of the island, which makes it a strategic location for a resort focused on true escape.Courtesy of Ocama/Supplied
All of which is to say: there’s not much motivation to leave. Ocama leans into this with its operations. For every request, from booking excursions and ordering meals to scheduling in-room spa and wellness services, guests are added to a WhatsApp group chat with the property staff. If you’re accustomed to the relatively impersonal nature of hotels – or are, like this writer, not exactly an expert at asking for what you need – this luxury-on-literal-demand may take some getting used to.
Ocama feels more like a luxury Airbnb than all-inclusive, so stays here can require a little bit of planning. For food, visitors have two options: the well-appointed and outfitted kitchen includes everything from cookware to small appliances to prepare meals. But those who wish to do so will need to stock up en route from the airport, as there are no supermarkets within a short drive of the resort itself. If ordering in every meal – ranging in price from $10 for smaller appetizers to $32 for entrees which, frankly, these days is a steal – it could get expensive. But plan for one at least one prepared meal a day because the food, ranging from Dominican classics such as mofongo, to risottos, pasta dishes, burgers, wraps and salads, is delicious.
Ocama also offers in-room wellness offerings. I won’t soon forget ending a day with a sunset massage on my rooftop, ocean-view patio.
Room for improvement
Ocama could do a better job of reflecting the culture of its surroundings. The menu, as noted above, leans largely on its international influences, which may be good for picky travellers but adds a level of distance between the resort and the country it’s in. Hotel staff can offer information on the environment when asked, but – in an age of increased mindfulness about the impact Western tourism has on developing countries – more opportunities to learn about and experience local culture and history would be enriching.
I won’t soon forget ending a day with a sunset massage on my rooftop, ocean-view patio, writes Rebecca Tucker.Courtesy of Ocama/Supplied
Since you’re in the neighbourhood
Getting off the resort requires a vehicle; you can rent your own and park it near Ocama’s front gate, or arrange for a taxi pickup. Ocama guests can also book off-property excursions with staff, everything from horseback riding and ATV excursions to visits to the small fishing village of Las Galeras, about a 30 minute drive away.
Since you’re in the midst of a jungle, visitors should explore the resort grounds themselves. Stone paths connect each villa to Playa del Amor, a de facto private white-sand beach. Take note, though: the paths are steep; resort staff are always on hand for pick-ups and drop-offs via golf cart.
Ocama comprises eight secluded villas on a sprawling 35-acre property in the jungle of Las Galeras.Courtesy of Ocama/Supplied
The takeaway
Ocama is best designed for vacations that are restful and rejuvenating, and for travellers seeking a true escape. Villas do not have TVs (you read that right, though there is, of course, Wi-Fi). If you’re paying for a stay at Ocama, which starts at about $1,500 per night, you might as well make the most of your stay by, well, staying put. It won’t be a challenge.
Ocama is located in Las Galeras, in the Samana province of the Dominican Republic. Visitors can fly direct to the Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS), which is an approximately one-hour drive from Ocama, or to Santo Domingo (SDQ), which is a three-hour drive. Airport transfers can be arranged by the hotel, but are not included in the cost of the stay. ocama.com
The writer was a guest of the resort. It did not review or approve the story before publication.
