The Dominican Republic’s Newest Luxury Resort Is a Jungle Hideaway With Private Villas, Plunge Pools and Personal Chefs
A new all-villa resort has debuted on the Samaná Peninsula, bringing a rare mix of luxury, privacy and sustainability to one of the Dominican Republic’s most unspoiled destinations. It’s called Ocama, and it’s officially open, Caribbean Journal has learned. Tucked into 35 acres of lush, untouched landscape above Rincón Bay, Ocama is a quiet luxury escape made up of just eight private villas, each with a full kitchen, a private pool, and expansive jungle or ocean views. The resort is located at the tip of the peninsula in the laid-back beach town of Las Galeras, far from the high-density beach scenes of Punta Cana — and that’s exactly the point.
If you’ haven’t been following, Samaná is the buzziest place in the Dominican Republic right now, with a large concentration of new resorts either already open or on the way.
As for this one, it’s, well, not a large property. There is no lobby, no crowds, no main building. Ocama is designed for travelers looking for high-end autonomy — the freedom of villa living paired with full-service amenities like concierge support, room service, daily housekeeping, and private chef dining.
A Private Villa Resort Built for Peace — and Purpose
Each villa at Ocama was built with sustainability in mind. Local marble quarried just a few miles from the site lines the interiors. Hand-finished hardwoods from regional craftsmen shape the furnishings. Living green roofs reduce cooling needs and help each structure disappear into the jungle canopy. The resort is fully plastic-free, and all organic kitchen waste is composted.
Guests can cook for themselves in their villas or tap into the resort’s in-house culinary team. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be delivered directly to the villa, enjoyed down by the beach, or served in the Kai Pavilion, a casual gathering space that also offers cocktails and light bites.
The menu is locally rooted and seasonal. Highlights include mofongo with crispy pork belly, freshly prepared ceviches, seafood risotto, and light tropical salads with shrimp tartar. For guests celebrating a special occasion, the chef can prepare a personalized multi-course tasting menu with wine or cocktail pairings, served in the privacy of the villa.
Nature, Spa, and Slow Travel Experiences
Ocama is designed for travelers who want more than relaxation — they want reconnection. The resort’s 24/7 conciergeteam arranges both on-property and off-site experiences, from in-villa massages and facials to guided hikes through Ocama’s 35-acre private reserve.
Snorkeling gear is available to borrow, and guests can explore jungle trails that lead from the villas down toward the water. Spa services range from deep tissue massage to lymphatic drainage and body scrubs, offered either in the villa or in open-air beachfront spaces.
Nearby experiences include horseback riding along the Seven Hidden Beaches Trail, humpback whale watching(from January 15 to March 15), and birding tours that spot regional species like the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and Tricolored Heron. There’s also ziplining for the adventurous.
Where It Is — and How to Get There
Ocama is located between two protected national parks: Cabo Samaná and Cabo Cabrón. It’s about 20 minutes from the coastal town of Las Galeras, a quiet community known for its cultural mix. Guests can venture into town for local bars and eateries, including Raquel Sunset Bar on Playa Grande.
The closest airport is Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, with direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Miami, Boston, and Atlanta. From SDQ, it’s a 3- to 3.5-hour drive, or guests can opt for a 30-minute helicopter transfer, which Ocama can arrange.
A Different Kind of Dominican Republic Vacation
Ocama represents a new kind of Caribbean resort: one that prioritizes low-impact design, authentic regional sourcing, and ultra-private hospitality. For travelers looking to step off the grid — without sacrificing comfort or connection — this villa-only retreat offers a new way to experience the Dominican Republic.
And with just eight villas available, the experience is never duplicated. It’s just you, the landscape, and the space to reconnect with both.
What about prices?
Rates for the villas start at $700 per night at Ocama.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
