For the first time ever, I’ve visited a resort twice—and Cayo Levantado Resort did not disappoint. It still has all the features I loved from my first stay, but somehow, it’s actually improved. Cayo Levantado is STILL, without a doubt, the best hotel I have ever visited. It completely exceeded my expectations (again!) in every way.
This isn’t just another generic all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic; it’s a unique, wellness-focused, and luxurious escape. Every dollar spent and the long journey to get there was 100% worth it. In fact, it’s the only resort I’d return to for a third time without hesitation. Here is my updated, in-depth review of Cayo Levantado Resort—with all the new 2026 insights you need to know before you book.
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General Information on Cayo Levantado Resort
Cayo Levantado Resort is a luxury, all inclusive and eco-conscious escape set on a private island in the Dominican Republic. It is located off Samana which is a bit more of an hidden gem then places like Punta Cana. Unlike typical all-inclusives, this resort focuses on wellness, sustainability, and culture, offering a peaceful, elevated experience. Think incredible dining, top-tier cocktails, stunning beaches, and thoughtful activities—all without the overcrowded, party-resort vibe. With gorgeous accommodations, exceptional service, and a true focus on sustainability, Cayo Levantado is worth every penny. If you’re looking for something special, this is it.
How to get to Cayo Levantado Resort?
Cayo Levantado is a private island just off the town of Samaná. The two closest airports to Cayo Levantado Resort are Santo Domingo (Las Américas International Airport – SDQ) and Samaná (El Catey International Airport – AZS). Santo Domingo is much larger, offering more flight options than Samaná, though still not as many as Punta Cana (PUJ). If you’re flying from Canada, Samaná is your best bet, as it’s the only international destination with direct flights there.
Since we were coming from a work event in Chicago for our first trip, we flew into Santo Domingo, which required a layover and a long transfer. However, if you are flying from the East Coast, you can usually find a much easier route.
2026 UPDATE: For our second trip, we flew direct from New York (JFK) to Santo Domingo (SDQ) on JetBlue. It was great not having a layover, and while the drive to the pier is still a haul, skipping the extra airport wait made the journey feel much more manageable. If you’re coming from New York, this direct flight is definitely the way to go!
Once you land, the transfer times to the pier (where you take the boat to Cayo Levantado) vary:
- From Santo Domingo: 2.5 to 3 hours by car, cutting across the island.
- From Samaná: Just 45 minutes—a much quicker and easier option.
- From Punta Cana: While you can fly here and arrange transportation, it will take over 5 hours—and you’ll literally pass Santo Domingo on the way to the island.
If convenience matters, Samaná is the best choice if you can get a flight. Otherwise, Santo Domingo is the next best option with more flexibility.
Transportation from Santo Domingo Airport to Cayo Levantado
Getting to Cayo Levantado Resort was absolutely worth it, but let me tell you—that drive from Santo Domingo still sucks.
First Trip (Hotel Transfer): On our first visit, we arranged our transfer directly through the resort. The drivers were friendly, the vehicles were spotless, and they provided great perks like WiFi and bottled water. But it wasn’t cheap—$300 round trip. After some research, that seems to be the standard “resort rate” for the 3-hour journey.
2026 UPDATE (Dominican Airport Transfer): For our second trip, we decided to try Dominican Airport Transfer (DAT), which is one of the highest-rated private transfers on the island.
The Verdict: While the car wasn’t as pristine as the hotel’s partner company, the communication was far superior. We had to change our flight information last minute, and their team handled it seamlessly. If you value flexibility and easy booking over a “luxury” car smell, DAT is a great pragmatic alternative.
The Drive Itself: Don’t get me wrong—parts of the drive are beautiful, especially when passing through the national parks. But wow, it is long. Between the chaotic traffic and the endless turns, my stomach was not a fan. The drive back to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) felt like it took forever. Trust me: if you can find a direct flight to Samaná instead, take it!
Cayo Levantado App
I still have mixed feelings about the app. While it’s designed to be a luxury convenience, it can be a bit of a “planner’s nightmare” when it doesn’t work.
First Trip: Checking in 10 days prior was a breeze. However, despite the app claiming you can reserve dining 5–10 days in advance, I couldn’t actually book a table until 2 days before arrival. Once on the property, it worked fine for checking the daily activity schedule.
2026 UPDATE: On our second trip, the app was a total struggle. It simply wouldn’t let me check in for days. I really fought with it, but this is where the Cayo Levantado service shines: The staff was wonderful. Even though the technology failed, the humans stepped in immediately to help me figure it out.
Pragmatic Verdict: Download the app for the schedules and access to restaurant reservations, but don’t panic if it glitches. The ambassadors and staff are far more reliable than the software.
Check-in
Check-in at Cayo Levantado is still a masterclass in luxury. Your transportation drops you off at Simi Baez, a gorgeous Victorian-style welcome center on the mainland where your bags are whisked away immediately.
Inside, you’re greeted by a stunning lounge with plenty of seating, a full bar, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the pier. A Cayo representative starts the process, which remains incredibly fast if you’ve already used the app. Then, it’s straight to the bar—drinks are included, of course. We sipped cocktails, soaked up the sun, and were on a boat in under 20 minutes.
2026 UPDATE: On our second trip, the experience felt even more exclusive. While our first trip had a small group, this time we actually had the entire boat to ourselves. There is nothing quite like pulling up to a private island on your own private shuttle to make you feel like a VIP. It was the perfect, peaceful start to the stay.
Boat Ride to Cayo Levantado
The boat ride to Cayo Levantado Resort is the perfect way to kick off your trip. It’s quick, easy, and scenic, taking just 10 minutes to reach the island. Along the way, you’ll sail past the stunning public beach, soaking in the turquoise waters before arriving at the resort’s private dock. The ride can be a bit bumpy—open waters, after all—but nothing too crazy. Once you arrive, a staff member will be waiting to unload your bags and whisk you up the hill to the lobby via golf cart, making the entire process effortless. A smooth start to paradise!
Lobby
The lobby is absolutely stunning, with deep greens, dark woods, and plenty of comfortable seating. Designed to reflect Santo Domingo, it has a rich, elegant feel. Inside, you’ll find the front desk, a small shop, and the Coa Bar—a fantastic spot for cocktails (more on that later).
In the evenings, a pianist often plays, making it the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Just outside, there’s a beautiful open-air plaza with a fountain and amazing seating overlooking the ocean. This is often the location for music in the evening. This is also where you’ll find the coffee shop (details below). The lobby is located in the same building as most of the standard rooms, making it a central hub for your stay.
Ambassadors at Cayo Levantado Resort
Cayo Levantado uses a unique service model—instead of a traditional butler, you’re assigned two Ambassadors who act as your personal concierges via WhatsApp. Each morning, they send a curated list of resort activities and restaurant availability. They seem to tailor these suggestions based on your pre-arrival survey—since I mentioned an interest in wellness, my feed was full of sound healing and yoga sessions.
You can message them in your home language and they respond almost instantly. They were incredibly helpful for managing dining reservations and answering quick logistical questions.
The “Above and Beyond” Factor Our ambassadors completely blew me away with their attention to detail. My husband casually mentioned a craving for fresh coconuts to a bartender. We didn’t think much of it until we returned to our room to find two fresh, chilled coconuts waiting for us. The next day, they surprised us at the pool with more coconuts (this time pre-cut with the meat inside) and even arranged a special lunch featuring a local fish in coconut sauce. It was next-level hospitality.
2026 UPDATE: Celebrating a 40th Birthday For our second trip in 2026, we were celebrating my husband’s 40th birthday, and the team went all out. From a birthday cake waiting in the room to surprise champagne and small decorative touches, they made the milestone feel truly special. If you are planning a celebration or anniversary trip, the Ambassador service here is one of the resort’s strongest selling points.
Cayo Levantado Resort: Grounds/Property
Oh man, this is where I completely fell in love with Cayo Levantado. The grounds are beyond stunning and almost impossible to describe accurately. Unlike many Caribbean all-inclusives that feature manicured, overly stylized English gardens, this resort has allowed the island to remain lush, wild, and rich with tropical biodiversity. Towering palm trees, vibrant flowers, and winding garden paths make every morning walk feel special.
The island’s hilly terrain keeps things interesting (especially for a pre-breakfast workout), and the views from the beach club elevator are simply unreal. Those morning walks remain my absolute favorite part of the trip—it is pure, quiet paradise.
The Biologist Tour Pro Tip: Do not skip the biologist tour! It’s the best way to learn about the specific plants and animals that call this private island home.
On our second trip in 2026, we had an incredible sighting: a Dwarf Boa (Tropidophis haetianus). Seeing this small, elusive snake in the wild was a total highlight and really proves how successful their sustainability and conservation efforts are. It’s rare to find a luxury resort that feels this “connected” to the actual local environment.
Rooms: Jr. Suite
There is a wide range of room types at Cayo Levantado Resort, from the entry-level Jr. Suite to expansive multi-bedroom villas. As usual, I booked the most budget-friendly category again since we prefer spending our time exploring the island—but that didn’t mean sacrificing luxury. It was bloody amazing.
We stayed in Room 305 for a second time, located on the third floor of the main building. The location is incredibly convenient for the lobby and the coffee shop. The room features a massive balcony with plenty of seating and a partial ocean view overlooking the plaza.
Design & Tech: The decor is stunning and unique—a refreshing break from the “millennial gray” trend found in most modern resorts. Tech-wise, the room is impressive: you can control the climate and lighting via the TV or your phone and easily cast your own shows. Most importantly, there were zero humidity or “musty” issues—the room felt fresh and comfortable the entire stay.
Amenities that Matter:
- The Bed: Insanely comfortable with a selection of pillows we pre-picked in our arrival survey.
- The Bathroom: Massive, with a double vanity, an excellent shower, and a fully enclosed toilet for actual privacy.
- The Mini-Bar: Stocked with rum, soft drinks, water and healthy snacks (granola bars).
- Pragmatic Note: Sometimes they don’t refill; you just have to shoot a quick WhatsApp message to your ambassador.
- The Toiletries: They provide upscale, locally made lotions and scrubs that smell like vacation. You must try this!
Overall, this room is the perfect “home base”—cozy, stylish, and exactly where I’d choose to stay for a third trip.
Warning: This room is just above the plaza, while I did love it, it got very loud whenever there were outdoor bands or music. This always stopped around 10:30. We were usually out and about so it wasn’t an issue but it could be if you are an early-to-bed kinda person.
Food/Restaurants
You will eat well at Cayo Levantado Resort—and I don’t mean “well for an all-inclusive.” I mean actual, high-quality, chef-led cuisine. I honestly didn’t think the food could get much better after our first visit, but our 2026 trip proved me wrong. The quality has leveled up.
Unlike most resorts that lean on heavy, fried buffets, Cayo’s menu reflects its wellness focus. This means top-notch ingredients, fresh seafood, and beautifully prepared dishes that leave you feeling energized rather than sluggish.
Now, that doesn’t mean you won’t have a “dud” meal here or there—it happens, even in paradise. (I’m looking at you, steak from Carey). But honestly? These misses were few and far between.
A Note on Restaurant Rotation & Crowds: One thing I truly appreciate is how Cayo Levantado manages their restaurants when the resort isn’t at full capacity:
- The Buffet (Palma Real): If the resort is quiet, they don’t open the buffet restaurant. I actually love this. It significantly cuts down on food waste, and let’s be real—I much prefer a meal freshly prepared to order over something that has been sitting under a heat lamp for an hour.
- Nightly Options: They typically limit the openings to two dining options per night plus 24-hour room service.
- On our 2026 stay, Carey was the only option for both breakfast and lunch. While the food was bloody amazing and the ocean views are top-tier, eating at the same spot got repetitive. I really missed the variety of having Santa Yuca in the mix.
Pragmatic Tip: Because of the rotation, check the Cayo App or message your Ambassador to see which spots are open for dinner. You’ll want to snag your preferred reservation time early!
Carey
Located right on the sand with stellar ocean views, Carey was open daily for breakfast and lunch, plus a few nights a week for dinner. This remained my favorite spot on the island. There is nothing like starting your day overlooking the turquoise water while enjoying fresh fruit, avocado toast, and perfectly poached eggs.
The 2026 Food Update: If I thought the food was good on my first trip, this second visit proved it has only gotten better.
- The Pizza: I couldn’t believe it, but the pizza is EVEN better than before. It is a seriously solid pie. Pragmatic Recommendation: Do not miss the Mushroom Truffle Pizza—it is absolute heaven.
- The Sushi: Fresh, flavorful, and definitely leveled up since my first visit. I got it nearly everyday.
- The Burger: Massive and great, but if you want something lighter, the Tropical Greek Salad is a “must-order”—it’s incredibly fresh.
Dinner at Carey: When Carey transforms for dinner, it’s a total win. The atmosphere with the waves crashing nearby is perfect.
- Standout Dishes: The poached lobster, ceviche, crispy rice, and bao buns were all 10/10.
- The “Skip” List: Honestly? Skip the pastas. They were the only “not great” part of the menu.
Overall Verdict: Between the high-quality food and the ocean breeze, Carey is a fantastic spot any time of day.
Manaya
This is the resort’s signature steakhouse, open for dinner only a few nights a week. The vibe? High-end Miami steakhouse—the architecture and open kitchen are absolutely gorgeous. They start you off with a welcome drink that was so good it set the tone for the entire night.
What to Know About the Menu: While Manaya offers some ultra-premium cuts an extra cost, the two prime ribeye options included in the all-inclusive were just plain wonderful. You really don’t need to pay extra to have an incredible meal here.
2026 UPDATE: Better Than Ever I honestly couldn’t believe it, but everything has gotten better since my first stay. From the cheese fondue to the shrimp, every dish tasted like it was made with higher-quality ingredients.
- The Standout: The prime ribeye is a must-order. It was perfectly grilled and seasoned.
- The “Meh”: Skip the foie gras. It was a bit underwhelming and didn’t match the quality of the rest of the meal.
Pragmatic Verdict: Manaya is a fantastic spot for a special dinner. Between the dark, moody atmosphere and the fire-grilled steaks, it’s a 10/10 experience.
Santa Yuca
Santa Yuca is the resort’s slow-cooking, wellness-focused restaurant, and it’s a dream if you’re looking for healthy, fresh options. On our first visit, it was open daily for breakfast and lunch, with occasional dinner service.
The Breakfast Highlights: This is where Santa Yuca truly shines. Mornings here were fantastic, and I became officially obsessed with the keto pancakes.
- The “Four Paths” Smoothies: Do not skip these! They come in fun, unique cups and are delicious. My personal favorite was Renew.
- Other Wins: The freshly squeezed juices, the corn pancakes, and the filo pastry were all great.
Lunch & Dinner Verdict: To be honest, these meals are still not our favorite compared to the other options on the island. While the quality is there, the menu just didn’t hit the same high for us.
The “Pragmatic” Take: If you’re a wellness junkie, you’ll love it, but for a more indulgent meal, we usually preferred heading back to Carey.
The Standout: The garlic shrimp was delicious and definitely the highlight of the lunch menu.
Senda
Senda is truly one-of-a-kind and remains a standout experience for an all-inclusive. The evening is choreographed beautifully: you start outdoors with a welcome cocktail before moving inside for a five-course tasting menu that celebrates the unique flavors and history of the Dominican Republic. The presentation is as incredible as the taste—it’s high-concept dining at its best.
The bar at Senda is equally impressive. Instead of a standard menu, you simply tell the bartender your flavor profile, and they craft a custom cocktail on the spot. To finish, you head back outside for a small buffet of traditional Dominican sweets—a memorable and cool way to end the night.
The Pragmatic Critique: While the experience is a “must-do,” keep in mind that the menu didn’t change during our stay. If you book it twice, you’ll be eating the exact same courses. It’s a bit of a bummer, and I’d love to see them rotate a few dishes to keep it fresh for repeat visitors.
Room Service
Wowww. Room service here was next level—so much incredible food. We half-jokingly asked for lobsters, and sure enough, they delivered two amazing lobsters along with sandwiches, fresh fruit, and desserts. The quality was outstanding, way beyond typical room service standards. Honestly, this might be the best room service experience I’ve ever had.
Drinks
The drinks at Cayo Levantado Resort still completely blow me away. We’re talking high-quality, craft-level cocktails where nothing is watered down and fresh fruit is the standard across the property.
While they do offer a premium wine list for purchase, the included house wines are fantastic—easily the best I’ve had at any all-inclusive. Each bar features its own specialized cocktail list, but since they have a fully stocked bar, everything is customizable. For those skipping the alcohol, the mocktail game is equally strong, featuring freshly squeezed juices and gourmet smoothies.
The Consistency Catch (Coa Bar): If I have one “pragmatic” complaint, it’s the consistency. This was an issue on our first trip and remained the same in 2026. It’s particularly noticeable at Coa, which is arguably the best bar on the property.
The Experience: One night, you’ll have a spectacular bartender who makes a world-class espresso martini. The next night, a different bartender might be slow and serve a drink that just isn’t up to the same standard.
- Coa: This lobby bar is easily one of the best on the property. Their signature cocktails are fantastic, often served in unique and creative ways. The Espresso Martini, Café del Luna, Gin Martini and Negroni were all top-notch. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink on the outdoor patio or to sip a cocktail while enjoying live music. An absolute must!
- Jaiba: This is the beach bar, offering wonderful service and great cocktails. Their Caipirinha was a favorite for us. While the drinks were solid, I personally preferred other spots on the property for cocktails. I loved that they brought out fresh fruit in morning and snacks in the late afternoon.
- Savia: This was by far my favorite bar on the property. The bartender was amazing, and we LOVED the Samana cocktail—so freaking good. She also made strawberry caipirinhas with fresh fruit, and OMG, they were incredible. Located next to Santa Yuca and the quiet pool, this bar has covered seating areas with swings, perfect for when it starts raining. It’s also a great spot for mocktails, thanks to the abundance of fresh fruit from Santa Yuca nearby.
Coffee
Oh my goodness, this coffee is still some of the best I have ever had. Period. Full stop. La Molienda only serves Dominican coffee, and unlike most all-inclusive resorts where the coffee is “meh,” everything here was incredible from day one.
Whether you’re ordering an espresso, a latte, or an iced Americano, it is consistently perfect. They even use coffee ice cubes in their iced drinks—a “pragmatic” touch that prevents your coffee from getting watered down in the tropical heat.
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
- The Service: The baristas are incredibly friendly and clearly take pride in their craft.
- The Pastries: Do not skip these—they are fresh, flaky, and the perfect morning companion.
- Souvenirs: They also sell local cigars and coffee beans to take home, which is a great way to bring a piece of the island back with you.
Even as I’m writing this 2026 update, I’m craving another cup. It is an absolute must-visit during your stay.
Barcadi Beach
One part of the island is dedicated to a public beach, with only one entrance and exit to the resort, monitored by a security guard. As resort guests, we could visit anytime, but the public can’t access the resort. Tour groups come in and out between 8am and 6pm.
This beach is world-famous, more commonly known as Bacardi Beach, and it’s incredibly popular. We saw boats coming and going all day long. We only visited a few times during a morning walk while it was still empty, and honestly, it’s gorgeous—I can see why locals and tourists love it.
HOWEVER, it wasn’t the cleanest. There was noticeable trash left on lounge chairs and in the sand, giving it more of an excursion spot vibe. Between the crowds and the mess, I never felt the urge to go back.
Resort Beach
The resort beach at Cayo Levantado was hands down my favorite place to relax. It’s gorgeous, peaceful, and quiet, with stunning turquoise waters perfect for swimming. There are plenty of loungers, couches, and chairs, plus natural shade from beautiful trees and a few umbrellas.
From your lounger, you get a picture-perfect view of two small islands while sipping a drink from the beach bar. The beach was immaculately clean on both of our visits. The first trip was free of seaweed, but our second trip had some seaweed on the island. They were quick to clean it up. And though it’s on the smaller side, taking a stroll along the shore was always enjoyable.
Most days, the water was calm, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. On windier days, it got a little too choppy for me. One thing I loved? No loud music until the end of the day, so it truly felt like a serene escape.
The bartenders were fantastic—they came around in the morning with fresh fruit and in the evening with a small snack. Each lounger even had a bell to call them over for food or drinks, which was such a nice touch.
The best part? It was never crowded, so finding the perfect spot was effortless. I’m completely obsessed with this beach and can’t wait to be back, lounging by its waters again.
Pools
There are two amazing and wonderfully clean and maintained pools on the property. Both are close to bars and restaurants that serve lunch. The first is the Beach Club pool(Ola), located right by the ocean. It offers stunning views, plenty of space to swim, and tons of seating. However, it was pretty windy during our visit, and I much preferred sitting directly on the beach, so I only swam here a few times.
BUT, the pool in front of Santa Yuca? Absolute perfection. It winds beautifully through the area, surrounded by stunning landscaping. The lounger cushions here were way more comfortable than the ones at the beach, making it the perfect place to relax.
This was the quiet pool—no music, just peace and tranquility. The nearby bar was one of the best on the island, with staff constantly coming around to take drink orders. It became my afternoon retreat, and I absolutely loved unwinding here later in the day.
Note: The water temperature at both pools could be a bit chilly. It wasn’t an issue for me but just something to keep in mind.
Loungers and Seating
There are plenty of places to relax at the resort. Both pools and the beach have tons of loungers, and I loved that they offered different types of seating—it was nice to switch things up from just sun loungers. Seating is scattered all over the property, giving you endless ways to soak in the island’s beauty and unwind. We never had trouble finding a great spot to relax, whether in the sun or shade.
Pragmatic Note: It was very slow during both of our visits, so this might be different during major holidays!
Activities at the Resort
I loved the activities at Cayo Levantado—they felt so much more elevated than your standard all-inclusive. You won’t find loud pool games, foam parties, or cheesy, soul-crushing big-production shows here. Instead, everything revolves around the resort’s three pillars: wellness, culture, and sustainability. The activities are thoughtfully designed, making the experience feel enriching and intentional, rather than just filler entertainment.
Wellness
As part of their wellness focus, Cayo Levantado offers four different wellness paths: Renew, Relax, Refresh, and Restore. Each path comes with curated activities, meals, and even small details—like specially crafted cookies at the coffee shop! You don’t have to commit to just one; you can mix and match, which is exactly what we did.
Pro tip: Fill out your pre-arrival survey to customize your experience and get recommendations tailored to your wellness journey.
Fitness: They offer a small but attractive indoor gym and a large outdoor workout space, giving you plenty of options to stay active. Classes run throughout the day, covering everything from stretching to core workouts, with something for all fitness levels. It is always staffed by trainer. Plus, it was almost always empty, making it feel like you had a personal trainer—without the extra cost. I especially loved the stretching and Pilates classes!
Nutrition: They offered classes on the nutritional benefits of local ingredients like tea, coffee, cassava, and herbs from their garden. So interesting!
Yubarta: In the heart of the island, surrounded by dense vegetation, you’ll find Yubarta, a breathtaking wellness space. It features multiple bodies of water, a small pool, and large open-air thatched rooms—just stunning and incredibly peaceful. They host wellness activities here like sound healing, yoga, and journaling. I absolutely loved my sound healing session—it was deeply relaxing, and since it happened during a downpour, it felt even more magical. During my second visit, I went to an early morning yoga class and it was particularly special. The way the sun rose through the trees was just magic.
Pragmatic tip: Try something new! You never know what experience might surprise you.
Spa: The resort also has a spa, and while we didn’t book any treatments, we did enjoy the hydrotherapy circuit—which I absolutely loved. The space is small but incredibly relaxing, featuring a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and pool. The heated chairs and hot tub loungers were a definite highlight. It was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon and unwind in total comfort.
Culture
They offered several amazing activities focused on Dominican culture, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated that. It’s always baffled me how some resorts, like Excellence, barely incorporate local culture and even have a Mexican restaurant instead of a Dominican one (but I digress).
Here, you could join a Dominican rum tasting (which I highly recommend), make bracelets on the beach, or weave palm hats—all simple but meaningful ways to connect with the culture.
Their focus on music really stood out. Instead of watered-down, Americanized Broadway-style performances, they brought in local bands playing Dominican music, bachata, and more. It felt authentic, vibrant, and so refreshing.
Sustainability
I LOVE everything Cayo Levantado is doing to become more sustainable. I learned so much from their tours, and I cannot recommend the biologist tour enough. They offer it in both English and Spanish, and a hotel biologist walks you through the property, explaining their efforts to restore native plants, protect island wildlife, and even revive a coral reef. It was so worth the walk, and I loved it so much that I signed up for their sustainability tour too. That one was extra special—they take you behind the scenes to see how the resort operates sustainably, from harvesting humidity to create drinking water to turning organic food waste into biofuel.
This is an absolute must when visiting the resort. Seriously, don’t skip it!
Just for Fun
There are plenty of just-for-fun activities at Cayo Levantado! The Sip & Paint on Monday nights is a must—live music, plenty of drinks, and a relaxed vibe while you paint. Most nights, there’s a disco on the public beach, which I love because they keep the loud music away from the hotel rooms. They also host silent discos, live piano performances, and even a DJ on the beach to celebrate the sunset. While this isn’t a party resort, there are definitely a few chances to dance and let loose—just the right balance!
Service
Just wow. The service here was exceptional—everyone was friendly, engaging, and incredibly accommodating. They went above and beyond to make every meal special, always willing to help with a smile. Housekeeping was excellent. They cleaned during the day and evening. It was always spotless when we got back to the room. I loved how they organized our toiletries and charger cables. My absolute favorite part was they would leave small locally crafted gifts each night that helped teach you about the Dominican! I was truly blown away by the amazing people who work here.
Note: There were two small service hiccups on our first trip, but nothing major. We were celebrating our birthdays and anniversary, and for our anniversary, they gave us a bottle of champagne and chocolates—such a lovely touch! At check-in, they also offered to send a birthday cake on the first Wednesday of our visit, but that never happened. Not a big deal, just a small miss. The second issue was with our departure meal. Since our journey home was long, they offered to pack us a lunch, which I confirmed the night before and the morning of. But somewhere along the way, the request got lost, and we had to leave without it. A little disappointing, but definitely not a dealbreaker—I’d still go back in a heartbeat!
Price
Listen, this is not a cheap resort, but for what you’re getting, it is bloody fantastic. Between the two trips, we’ve spent quite a bit of time on the island, and the value for money remains high.
On our first visit, we stayed for 9 nights and spent just over $6,000 (including those $300 airport transfers), which we snagged during a Black Friday sale. For our 2026 trip, we spent roughly the same by utilizing a wellness discount.
The Pragmatic Verdict on Value: Yes, $6,000+ is a significant investment. However, you have to remember that you are staying on a luxury private island with world-class dining, top-tier service, and zero crowds.
Pragmatic Tip: Don’t just pay the sticker price! Make sure to check their website for deals. They consistently run promotions like Black Friday sales or wellness-specific discounts that can save you thousands.
The Comparison: If you’re considering spending this kind of money at a more “commercial” luxury chain like Excellence, skip it. Cayo Levantado is leagues ahead in terms of quality, exclusivity, and overall experience. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Child Friendly
This is not an adults-only resort, and we did see a few children during our stay—and honestly, they were so quiet, we barely noticed them! There’s no playground, playroom, or kid-focused amenities, though they do offer a few activities for children. That said, if you have very active kids, this might not be the best fit.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to fill out the prearrival survey! This helped have our room filled with different pillows and they highlighted different activities they thought we would be interested in.
- Check for sales! We got a great deal with a Black Friday special on the first trip and a wellness deal for the second.
- Bring bug spray! I learned the hard way after my first night—got plenty of bites because I didn’t use any.
- No need to overpack sunscreen. They have sunscreen stations throughout the resort, which is super convenient.
- Traveling during peak season? Book your dining reservations before you arrive to secure the best times.
- Don’t skip the biologist and sustainability tours! They’re so fascinating and worth your time.
- Take a walk around the island. It’s incredibly peaceful and a great way to soak in the natural beauty.
- Learn some basic Spanish. Most employees speak English, but there were a few times when basic Spanish was helpful. Plus, you’re in a Spanish-speaking country—just do it!
- Don’t worry about adaptors. Your US chargers etc. will work just fine in the Dominican.
- Make sure to fill out your entrance and exit tickets for the Dominican Republic.
Important Information and Links
- Official Website: Cayo Levantado Resort
- TripAdvisor for Reviews/Prices: Cayo Levantado Resort
- E-Ticket for Dominican Republic
- Looking for more options? Check out Excellence El Carmen
- Another great review: Voyager Guru
Final Thoughts
This has been an incredibly long and detailed review of Cayo Levantado Resort, but honestly, a place this special deserves it.
My final thoughts are simple: Just go. It is rare to find a resort that manages to be this unique, luxurious, and deeply relaxing all at once. Whether you’re there for the world-class coffee at La Molienda, the private island views at Carey, or a milestone like a 40th birthday, it delivers every single time.
I’ve visited twice now, and I can say without a doubt that it is still the best hotel I have ever experienced. I loved my time there, I actually miss it, and I’m already wondering when I can justify a third trip.
The Pragmatic Summary: If you want a generic, cookie-cutter all-inclusive, look elsewhere. But if you want a soul-soothing, high-quality, and unforgettable escape in the Dominican Republic, Cayo Levantado is in a league of its own.
Your Thoughts
What your thoughts on Cayo Levantado Resort? Do you have plans on visiting there? Do you have any questions? Leave your comments below!
