ÀNI Dominican Republic is taken by one group at a time: an estate of just over four acres on its own peninsula on the Amber Coast, between Samaná and Cabarete, with views across 270 degrees of the Atlantic. Two villas share 14 suites between them. Villa Larimar faces the sunrise, and Villa Amber looks west over its own beach. The estate takes 12 to 28 guests, and a group needs to book only six suites to have it entirely to itself, with more than 30 staff to look after them. Almost everything is included: a private chef, drinks, up to 12 spa treatments a day, eight hours of childcare a day, airport transfers and laundry. Executive chef Juan Gilberto Mena, who grew up nearby, cooks wherever guests choose to eat, from the oceanfront Events Pavilion to the gardens. The wellness centre has two treatment rooms, a steam room, a jacuzzi and a gym, alongside floodlit tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. Pets are welcome, and evenings can bring Dominican folk dance and cigar rolling. Humpback whales gather off Samaná from January to March.
- Nearest airport
- Gregorio Luperón International Airport, Puerto Plata (POP), 33 Miles / 53 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 14 suites in two villas
Insider tip Ask for an evening of Dominican folk dance, then a lesson in rolling cigars by hand with a glass of local rum.
Why I choose it A whole private resort, staffed and almost fully inclusive, for a family celebration or a group of friends.