Blending the comfort of a private villa with the attentiveness of a concierge service, Ocama is the perfect setting for quiet reflection, special moments, or a tranquil, personal retreat.
A bucolic villa-only retreat nestled on thirty-five
secluded acres at the tip of the Dominican Republic’s northeastern Samana Peninsula, Ocama is in a very special, private place that overlooks Rincon Bay in Las Galeras.
The magical enclave that’s home to Ocama sits in between two nationally protected areas – Cabo Samaná and Cabo Cabrón. It’s owned by Mark Andrus, co-founder of the wildly popular Stacy’s Pita Chips. As the story goes, after Stacy’s was acquired by PepsiCo, Andros combined his lifelong passion for the tropics with his appreciation for sustainability and high-end hospitality and began a decade long quest to discover the perfect piece of property.
Discreet by design
Envisioned by Andros as a place to have minimal impact on the surroundings the plans called for the collaboration with nature rather than disrupting it. The restorative retreat has eight fully-equipped custom villas in a collection that ranges from one to three bedrooms with incredible views, full kitchens, comfortable living areas, grand decks and private pools. Carved into the hillside, each villa offers guests the unique autonomy of unparalleled privacy and discreet living in a holistic, healthy environment that blends contemporary Caribbean architecture with raw natural beauty.
Built using local earth-toned marble quarried just a few miles away, along with sustainably sourced hardwoods hand finished by regional craftsmen, the multi-level villas are well-thought out, eco-friendly gems. Living green roofs top every villa so as to reduce the need for mechanical cooling and to help them blend seamlessly into the jungle canopy. Andros has also included many other earth-friendly features, made the property a plastic-free zone, and ensures that all organic waste from the kitchen is composted.
Ocama’s dedicated 24/7 concierge offers us personalized recommendations and seamlessly arranges a wide array of activities, both on and off property to enhance our day-to-day experiences. Paired with hotel amenities and ultra-personalized service, alongside hands-on concierge, daily housekeeping, room service and there’s also the option for locally inspired spa treatments and private chef-cooked meals.
All locally sourced Ingredients used by Chef Fierro Perez Castillo for breakfast, lunch or dinner are grown in the property’s small garden or sourced from local farmers, fisherman, and artisans. For a more celebratory meal, the chef actually comes to prepare a multi course dinner in-villa. Want a tasting menu with cocktail and wine pairings? No problem. Guests are also welcome to load up on supplies and cook for themselves or dine in the Kai Pavillion—Ocama’s gathering space – for meals and cocktails.
Freshly made cocktails to be savoured on the beach with a book while gazing at the water and relaxing on the deck after a dreamy massage on the beach become our main occupations. But, lest we forget, there is snorkeling gear to borrow, horseback riding, birding and whale watching tours to enjoy and great places to zipline nearby. On property there are also several lovely hiking trails and the Seven Beaches Walking Trail that promises to take us along the beautiful seaside coast.
After spending a few days here, it’s hard to imagine returning to the hustle and bustle of city life. But leave we must, with the hope of returning when nature calls.
Lost then found
Located on the on the trail of what’s known as the “7 hidden beaches of Samaná,” considered one of the best-kept secrets of the peninsula, guests can enjoy a hiking adventure that takes them through isolated virgin beaches, river systems, amazing scenery, and a number of perfect spots for swimming and snorkeling.
Twenty minutes from the property the charming town of Las Galeras has a rich history, having been home to indigenous people known as Ciguaÿos, local “criollos” (a mix of indigenous, African, and European),
The closest airport is Las Americas (SDQ) which has direct flights from many US cities including New York, Miami, Boston and Atlanta. From there, it is a three- to three-and-a-half-hour drive or 30 minutes via helicopter. Ocama can arrange car or helicopter transfers, or guests can rent a car. There are also seasonal flights from Toronto and Montreal to Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS).
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Hundreds of humpbacks
The protected waters of El Banco de la Plata y la Navidad are a sanctuary for the protection of humpbacks and other mammalian animals. During the winter, these giants of the sea migrate from the cold North into the warm Caribbean waters to mate and breed. This makes the Bay of Samaná one of the best places in the world for whale-watching from January to March when humpback whales visit these waters.
