A New Escape in the Dominican Republic
Nestled along the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, the Samaná Peninsula offers a stark contrast to the more developed areas like Punta Cana or the historic capital of Santo Domingo. This 40-mile-long peninsula is known for its tranquil beaches, lush mountainous rainforests, and a prime location for observing humpback whales that migrate here between January and March. The area’s remoteness—accessible via a three-hour drive from the nearest airport—has helped preserve its natural beauty and prevent overdevelopment.
However, even this untouched paradise has seen the arrival of luxury accommodations, with one of the most recent additions being Ocama. This all-villa retreat is situated on 35 acres overlooking Rincón Bay, a coastline that features a nature reserve and a two-mile-long crescent of white sand. The setting is nothing short of enchanting, offering a peaceful escape for those seeking serenity and breathtaking views.
A Passion Project Come to Life
Ocama, which means “to listen” in the indigenous Taíno language, was originally opened in 2023 as a passion project by Mark Andrus, the co-founder of Stacy’s Pita Chips. Inspired by his travels to Bali, Thailand, Africa, and the Caribbean, he designed eight modern glass-and-wood villas, initially listing them on platforms like Airbnb. Each villa spans three levels and includes its own pool, deck, outdoor shower, and full kitchen.
The design of each unit was carefully considered to blend seamlessly into the surrounding lush greenery, maximizing both privacy and panoramic views. To navigate the expansive grounds, guests are provided with golf carts, making it easy to reach Playa del Amor, an intimate beach that feels secluded and private.
A Stay at Casa Kachi
During my visit, I stayed in Casa Kachi, a three-bedroom villa located at the top of the hill. From the moment I entered, the panoramic views of Rincón Bay were stunning. It’s said that humpbacks have been spotted from the large deck, and the two primary bedrooms are positioned on opposite sides of the deck, each featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors that offer unobstructed views of the ocean.
The interior of the villa was elegant and minimalist, with a muted palette of honey-brown woods, earth-toned marble, and sheer white fabrics. However, upon closer inspection, there were signs of wear and tear that seemed out of place for a property that markets itself as new. The bathroom, in particular, showed some issues, including chipped corners, missing outlet plates, hard-water stains, and a door that slammed shut with a loud noise.
Dining and Amenities
Down an open-air flight of stairs, the kitchen and dining room are accompanied by a guest bedroom. Unlike traditional hotels, Ocama does not have a restaurant or bar, but meals can be ordered and delivered directly to the villa. One night, a chef prepared an impressive five-course, Dominican-themed meal in my kitchen, while another evening featured a perfectly cooked seafood risotto and a surprise birthday cake for a visiting friend.
On the lowest level of the villa, there is a plunge pool, lounge chairs, and an outdoor shower, all surrounded by swaying coconut and almond trees. This area is ideal for reading a book, sipping cocktails before dinner arrives, or enjoying a sunset massage after a day of swimming and horseback riding.
Exceptional Service and Experiences
The staff at Ocama was friendly, attentive, and always available via WhatsApp. They were eager to assist with anything from procuring bug spray to offering a golf cart ride to the beach or helping locate a lost luggage tracker.
For those looking for more than just privacy and tranquility, Ocama offers a range of activities, including hikes, ATV excursions, zip lining, climbing, birding, and whale watching. I opted for a boat tour to nearby beaches, which involved a drive to the town of Las Galeras due to choppy waters. Although the roads were unpaved and rocky, the experience turned out to be rewarding once we reached the calm waters of Playa Rincón.
Final Thoughts
Villas at Ocama start at $700 per night and can be booked through ocama.com. While the property has its share of imperfections, it offers a unique and serene escape that is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Dominican Republic.
