The grounds are beautiful - rooms modern and clean - beach beautiful. Food is quite good - you can always find something delicious. We have gone two years in a row and it is HUMID. Expect to sweat. Love that there is no towel card, and you can always exchange for a fresh one. The vibe rooms are worth it.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Kirk15 -
Verified Purchaser
Amazing resort
Staff, food, grounds, pool, beach, rooms. Everything was awesome and clean and well taken care of. Great activities in the day time, also close to towns and excursions. 25 mins from airport! Such a nice resort
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Nice and quiet
It was à nice and quiet hôtel. The room was comfortable but unfurtunatly had a bad humidity smell. The food was fine but nothing spectacular. The beach was the best feature. Always chairs available. Lots of shade. Safety can be an issue but the hotel mad sure there was security gards all the time
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Elena P. -
Verified Purchaser
Acceptable resort - not a real 4*
First impression is nice. The resort is small and easy to walk around. The grounds are well kept. The rooms are small but modern and clean. Mosquito nets are not available in all rooms. The food is good but there are less choices than other resorts are offering. The swimming pool is beautiful but it could use more sun umbrellas. Safety is compromised when raining, as the pavement becomes very slippery when wet. Sloped beach with strong waves. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. We real[... read more]ly enjoyed the evening concerts. During our stay there were a lot of mosquitoes and sand flies that have given us a lot of bites and restless nights. It would be nice and fair to provide some warning for the tourists when they arrive so that the ones who are sensitive can protect themselves better.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Nice small resort
My friends and I stayed a week at this resort. It is very small and no matter where you are you do not have more than a walk of a couple of minutes. The rooms are clean with nice showers however the pillows are awful and then beds are hard. The pool area is beautiful but small. They do have beds and igloos along with lounge chairs and a couple of umbrellas. If you want a bed or igloo you must get up at 6:30 to lay claim. Otherwise enjoy the scorching hot sun all day. It is the same situation dow[... read more]n at the beach. Towels are not an issue and you can take as many as you like.
The drinks are great - not watered down and many options. Food is fine. The buffet has decent choices for breakfast and lunch but it does not change much day to day. The coffee is awful. Service is good but you cannot get your own drinks and often you wait half your meal until you get a drink - even just water.
There are 3 restaurants - Mediterranean, fusion and seafood. We did not like the seafood one except for the dessert. You do not need a reservation and can go as many times as you like. The food is much better than the buffet and you have 4-5 choices of appetizers, first, second courses and dessert.
Most of the workers are extremely friendly, the grounds are immaculate and the entire effect is paradise.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Very nice place!
We were very happy with our stay here. Beautiful location! Resort very clean and beautifully decorated. Staff were amazing and so friendly! Mix of guests, most expecting quiet...some need to be friendlier and relax and have fun!!! Loved being on ground floor with patio and plunge pool. Food was very good, we do not agree with other complaints of food, as many options including the 3 a la carte restaurants. Air Canada was only complaint, issues travelling both ways and would seek out diffe[... read more]rent airline next trip.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Marcel -
Verified Purchaser
Very poor manage hotel
We arrived at 3.30 pm room not ready till 5.00 pm ,
Hotel management no help
Buffet food very cold
Ask for money exchange at front desk got the run around for 3 days before I could get but only 100.00 peso .
Only one bar open for guest the front bar was only for the buffet staff
Management staff very un friendly
Will not return to this resort
Poor service at this hotel
And the weatjet rep. NOT HELPFUL
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
The worst resort I've been to
the reception area very small nothing but a long hallway . The staff in reception very oncoperative and rude you go and ask for change and they never have any or tell you to come back at at certain time and the same thing no change and they will not change canadian money. They have two public washrooms cleaned once a day not very clean and never having tissue. The buffet restaurant has very little choice in food and always cold. The rooms cleaned not before 4 and the shower never cleaned in the [... read more]2 weeks we were there. The first 3 days the fridge was never stocked and when we called there answer was it's not the cleaning that fill the fridge which was incorrect because it was the cleaning staff which we saw. The staff barely speak english you have a hard time communicating with them. It rained the whole time we were there my husband was covered in bug bites.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Paradise!!
Modern rooms. Tranquil environment. Super beach. Friendly staff. Great food.In the middle of the jungle with palm trees on the beach. Enough loungers for everyone. Small enough to get to know other guests and staff.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Loved this place!
We just returned from this zen paradise and are already planning a return visit. We have travelled extensively and been to many Caribbean islands and resorts and Viva Wyndham Samaná is in our top 3 experiences of all time.
Being only 20mins from the Samaná Airport makes it even better, no long transfer after the long flight(s).
Despite it being so wonderful I am unfortunately prone to bug bites - sand fleas/flies - whatever. I brought deet from home (Canada) - don’t bother - buy the [... read more]stuff from the lobby shop (Deporte). It works.
The beach, food and staff are all wonderful. Wifi is good throughout the resort but can drop at the beach. Rooms are basic, but comfortable. We booked a Vibe room which had a nice patio at ground level with 2 chairs and a lounge bed. Also had a small plunge pool that we never used. There is good water pressure in shower and the AC worked great. You get a 25% off voucher for the spa with booking the vibe rooms. I had a massage at the spa and the pressure was VERY firm, almost painful. I know I have a lot of knots in my back but I stated at least twice that I wanted a relaxing treatment. Unfortunately, it was not.
The ocean is beautiful but can be quite rough some days. This makes for fun boogie boarding or fun watching waves - whatever your preference. Although we are from the East Coast of Canada and are used to a vigorous surf it was still pretty rough for us to swim a couple of days. We saw green, yellow, and red flags up during our 7 day visit. We walked on the beach in both directions for 20-30 mins. There are calmer waters for swimming to the right of the resort facing the ocean, and good snorkeling about 20 mins to the right, around the bend.
We spent one afternoon at the pool and although we are not “pool people†it was pretty nice. A very chill vibe with cocktail service as well.
Memorable staff include Santo at the beach restaurant, Yinginfyns (sp?), Victor, Yvonne, and Sammy at the beach bar, Jordan, Choolate and Carlos from the entertainment crew, Carlos at the breakfast omelette station, all breakfast servers, Juan and Marisela at Fusion, and housekeeping was excellent. I can’t remember all the names of the staff but everyone was so helpful and friendly.
Please, please, TIP for the amazing service the crew at this resort provides. They deserve it!! Bring small bills from home as it isn’t easy to get change once you’re there.
There are 3 a la carte restaurants. The ones that are open each eve are posted on a sign at the Guest Services desk in the lobby. Some yummy dishes we had at the restaurants include the minestrone soup, seafood risotto, chicken entree with apples, and tiramisu at the Mediterranean. The spring roll and chow mein appetizers, plus the salmon and chicken entrees at Fusion. Carlos makes amazing omelettes at breakfast and the fresh fruit is delicious - papaya especially.
The pizza and the fried chicken for lunch at the beach restaurant were awesome and they will make a pizza with your preferred toppings if you ask.
We did not visit the seafood a la carte restaurant.
For drinks - Caipirinhas are to die for and the pina coladas, melon balls and Cuba libres are also tasty. The white wine is horrible (IMO) but I must admit I am a bit of a wine snob. I do prefer white over red at home. At this resort, however, I drank the house red with dinner since it was much better than the white. I’m not sure if they change up the house wines or not but while we were there the brand was “Joyeux†something.
Friday night entertainment in the lobby is fun. Starts off with a local jazz entertainer then proceeds into a bit of a dance fiesta with the recreation crew. It’s white night on Fridays so bring something white to wear. We didn’t realize this til we were there.
Overall we would have no hesitation recommending this resort for a peaceful, adults only getaway.
Please remember to tip the hard working staff.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
DebD -
Verified Purchaser
Cozy resort on great beach location
This is a small adults only resort located on amazing beach. Rooms and grounds are immaculate. Every room has a view. The buffet restaurant has limited options but they are fresh and well prepared. The a la carte restaurants lack sophistication, however all food was well prepared, they lacked finesse. Vibe rooms with plunge pools are fantastic. The additional terrace space includes a lounge where you can relax on return from the beach, or enjoy after dinner drinks while still listening to e[... read more]vening entertainment from the plaza. As my vibe room was not available on my first night, the resort offered a free massage as compensation in their intimate spa. Spa experience was excellent and professional. Overall, an intimate resort for total relaxation.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Stelman -
Verified Purchaser
If you want peace and quiet with little crowds....
Viva Wyndham Samana is the resort for you. Only 144 rooms. Everything within walking distance. Beautiful beaches, clean property. Basic but clean rooms. Main floor rooms have a small 'pool' included, worth the extra. They have a few activities, but not the place to go for nightlife, or shows. Food is alright but not outstanding. Staff is friendly. If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, read, or walk the beach without the rush of having to get up at dawn to get a prime spo[... read more]t on the beach, this is a good resort to choose. We would go back again.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
HulaHooper -
Verified Purchaser
Would go back in a heart beat
Cant say enough about this small, quiet relaxing resort.
Rooms were clean with a great bathroom. Bright clean shower, with lots of hot water and pressure.
Even with plenty food in tolerances I never went hungry. Only issues with food is never hot enough temperature wise.
Staff were warm and friendly.
Grounds were immaculate. No shortage of beds, loungers or chairs. Loved the hammocks down by the beach.
Loved the fact it was small and quaint. Loved the peacefulness of it all. [... read more] No loud parties or drunks. Everyone was there to have a good time and relax.
Will go back for sure.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Xxxx -
Verified Purchaser
Viva Wyndham
The grounds were immaculate at all times.Never once heard a leaf blower, all raking was done manually.
Tile pathways around pool and other area's were very slippery with even the slightest amount of water.
outdoor beds tended to be damp most of the time, sheets were not changed after overnight rain.
Towels frequently in short supply
Beach area was very clean
waiters at the beach only came around if you tipped them ( we learned that pretty fast).
Re: WestJet: On our return trip, there was n[... read more]o information send to us regarding boarding passes. I was shocked that they would have my girlfriend and I sitting 12 rows apart, there were around 8 empty seats on the plane, they could and should have done better, a real disappointment, especially since I picked this resort because of WestJet, I did not want to fly with AirTransat because of their resent incidents of having people sitting on planes forever, and I did not pick AC because of their louse connections and airport layovers. I ended up buying plus seats, which were a good choice, but it was not part of the plan
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Luella1964 -
Verified Purchaser
Second time better than the first!
This is a small adults only resort directly on Coson beach. This was our second visit within a year and we were very impressed that many of the staff remembered us. No reservations are required for any of the a la carted (3), free wifi throughout the resort as well as being able to change towels whenever you like. Food and drinks are top notch. The beach is beautiful and you can walk for miles in either way. We are already planning our third trip for next summer!
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Enjoyed our vacation
The resort is lovely. We chose it for its being adults-only and small--144 rooms. Also, it's about 20 minutes by bus through gorgeous hills and views of the ocean to arrive from the Samana airport.
The room was on the small side but clean and attractive. Daily the fridge was re-stocked with pop, Presidente, and water. The bathroom had been updated and was pleasing with the glass shower stall. Our king-size bed was comfy. On the balcony were two wicker chairs with cushions. I think mo[... read more]st of the rooms would have a sea-view. We certainly did from our room in Building B, which is behind the buffet.
Food was just satisfactory even in the ala cartes. This was quite a let-down. The wine and 'champagne' were dreadful.
Beach towels were plentiful. The beach had sun loungers pulled up to near the shore so people were very close to one another. However, many people didn't mind being behind, and some even moved their sun beds to the grassy area. No palapas are present, which is sort of problematic since everyone has to move their beds to stay either in the sun or shade from the palm trees. Hence, the over-crowding. The pool was only four feet deep but was nice. A few Bali beds there are reserved early by people.
We had a good time but it just isn't the resort for us.
I must commend Kim Hartlen, our travel agent from Bedford, NS for being just fantastic! She is a total professional with a friendly touch. Despite my having to ask her some simple questions over the course of a few weeks, she was always polite and patient with me. We already have our next trip booked through her! 😀
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Judy -
Verified Purchaser
Wonderful vacation
The viva wyndham Samana is a smaller resort which is exactly what we wanted. It has been beautifully restored. The grounds are well kept and lush. The rooms have plenty of space and storage all have some kind of view of the ocean. The bathrooms look great but are narrow. The showers are very good which to me is important especially after time in the ocean. The beach is great for walking in either direction lots of privacy lots of beautiful homes to look at . The food is good there. There was som[... read more]e items that were very good others not so much.. after a couple days you find what you like best.. you certainly won't starve. They are generous with the drinks they have top shelf liquor and a decent white wine.the service in the restaurants runs from good to awesome. The man who runs the smaller lunch area the turns into the Mediterranean restaurant in the evening is fantastic. He really helped to make your time there a wonderful experience. Look for Santos! I would definitely recommend this place to people who want a relaxing friendly personalized experience. It is the type of place where you can do as little or as much as you want!
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Colin22 -
Verified Purchaser
Amazing Resort and Great People!!!
This hotel had amazing staff and grounds. It is definatly a 5 star resort with all the ammenities. The rooms were super clean and 24 hr room service is another plus. A well needed getaway and super appreciative. Thank you tripcentral.ca
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Private -
Verified Purchaser
Wonderful, relaxing stay
This small resort is for couples that enjoy a quiet, off the beaten path experience for complete relaxation. The staff was attentive and available to accomodate for almost every detail. The rooms are smaller but updated with clean bathrooms, large screen TV's and modern decor. We were able to enjoy free wifi almost anywhere, including the beach! The beach was great for walking but the ocean was wavy our entire time there. For those who may be uncertain swimmers or require a gentle entry fro[... read more]m the beach for mobility, this may not be the ideal location for you to enjoy ocean swimming, you may choose to enjoy the beautiful pool area instead. The food in the buffet and all 3 ala carte's was a pleasant surprise. The head chef from Viva Wyndham Resorts was there at the time and the quality of the food was excellent considering some of the earlier reviews we had read before we went.
The Viva Wyndham V Samana was an excellent resort vacation and would highly recommend to couples who want to get away from it all!
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Rufus13 -
Verified Purchaser
Will Definitely Go Back!
This is the first resort my husband and I have visited that we can't wait to go back to. We have nothing but wonderful things to say about the Viva Wyndham Samana - it is kept spotlessly clean inside and out, perfectly laid out with a view of the ocean no matter where you are, delicious food, fun and friendly staff and a beautiful beach. The rooms are not large, but are all you need with a lovely shower that was always hot with lots of water, the pool is gorgeous with so many places to tuck aw[... read more]ay and relax, no issues finding a lounge whenever or wherever we wanted one and even they are scrubbed daily. The staff always had something going on in the evenings - beach party, stage show, bingo ... it's not a big resort, so mostly low-key, but lots of fun. We traveled with another couple and can't wait to go back next year with more friends.