As you think about the kind of wellness you want to lean into in this new year, whether it's more rest, more movement, or simply more intention, Cayo Levantado Resort deserves a spot at the top of your list. It’s a rare place that makes taking care of yourself feel effortless, even luxurious. And it’s not just guests who say so: in 2025, the resort earned a prestigious Four Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, securing its place among the world’s best wellness hotels.
There are getaways—and then there are vacations you actually return from feeling rested and even energized. Cayo Levantado Resort, perched on its own private island just off the coast of Samaná in the Dominican Republic, is designed for the latter. Tucked among lush palm groves and enveloped in turquoise water, this hideaway is a holistic retreat rooted deeply in the art of restoration.
At the heart of the property is Yubarta, the resort’s guiding philosophy inspired by the gentle, fluid power of the humpback whale. Yubarta is about reconnecting your mind, body, and spirit with your truest self. It informs everything from the design of the suites to the culinary program to the spa rituals that anchor your stay. The result is an experience that feels as serene as it is sophisticated.
Cayo Levantado Resort’s wellness philosophy also comes to life through four guided “paths” that help shape your stay: Refresh, Restore, Relax, and Renew. Each path meets you exactly where you are. If you’re craving an energy boost, Refresh offers energizing movement to boost strength and vitality, while Restore focuses on slower, nourishing practices that help your body rebound. Relax melts stress away through breathwork and soothing treatments, and Renew provides a deeper emotional and spiritual reset for meaningful realignment. No matter which path you choose, the resort weaves it seamlessly into your days, creating a wellness experience that feels personal, intuitive, and entirely your own.
And while wellness is the heartbeat of the island, guests are encouraged to define what that looks like for themselves. For some, it’s a sunrise yoga class or a breathwork session. For others, it’s a freshly blended piña colada enjoyed oceanside; because balance is, after all, a major part of any healthy lifestyle.
The island’s accommodations epitomize barefoot luxury. Airy suites come with coastal-inspired interiors, private terraces, and outdoor soaking tubs that invite lingering mornings. Every space on the property is a perfect sanctuary to retreat to after a day of wellness experiences or beachside lounging.
Dining at Cayo Levantado Resort further enhances the wellness-first approach. The resort’s culinary team highlights fresh, local ingredients prepared with creativity and care including produce harvested right from the on-property garden, which adds a true farm-to-table touch to many of the resort’s most memorable dishes. Menus are vibrant, colorful, and nourishing, with plates that celebrate Dominican flavors through a contemporary lens. Guests can enjoy everything from plant-forward options to sustainably sourced seafood to beautifully crafted cocktails and mocktails.
And of course, the island itself is its finest amenity, greeting you with powder-soft beaches as you approach by boat. Adventurous travelers can snorkel along coral reefs or join guided nature walks but the private beach club is the perfect place to relax and unwind if that’s more your speed. Truly something for everyone. The resort’s setting provides a peaceful backdrop for every moment, amplifying the overall sense of escape.
Cayo Levantado Resort is a place designed to nurture, to inspire, and to remind guests what it feels like to truly rest. Whether you arrive seeking tranquility, adventure, or a meaningful reset, the island meets you exactly where you are and gently guides you toward where you want to be.
"There are getaways—and then there are vacations you actually return from feeling rested and even energized."