While staying at the new Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná, I had the opportunity to visit the sister property, Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado for most of one day.
This other resort was just named #1 All-Inclusive Resort for 2015 by TripAdvisor, and since I was pleased with my current choice of property, I was excited to see what the fuss was about.
It was mentioned during our orientation that we can obtain a free pass for boat transport to the nearby island with 24 hours notice.
What they DIDN'T mention is that you can also purchase a day pass for $100 U.S. per person ($120 U.S. for those not staying at a Bahia Principe property). This allowed you full access to the resort beaches, pools, buffet and snack bar and all bar services until 6pm.
Here, in side-by-side photos, are what we noticed between the two resorts...
Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado
Bahia Principe Samana
The Cayo Levantado property is definitely bigger and more spread out. There is a golf cart (car, they call it) to take you to the beach, your room, the buffet...and with the steep hills, stairs and "panoramic" elevator, nothing is close. BUT...it does feel like there are less people around than there are. With 2 pools and several beaches (as well as a large public beach at one end), guests are well spread out so the mood is calm and VERY quiet. With double the number of rooms than the Samana property, more guests can join in the fun, but you may not notice them.
In comparison, the other Samana property is very condensed. Everything is close to everything else and with only 147 rooms (or so), the guest count is smaller than other resorts. BUT close proximity means that you see everyone, all the time, which can get congested and a little noisy when you don't want it to be. BUT it can be a lot more fun if you are looking to meet other guests and get involved in the resort's activities.
Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado
Bahia Principe Samana
Here are quick pictures of both lobby bars. Both are about the same size with 90% of the same menu and offerings (even the cover and fonts are the same) but the Samaná one is more modern and recently refurbished.
Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado
Bahia Principe Samana
Furnishings and decor in the Samaná property are more luxurious and cozy, as well - especially in the lobby. The Cayo Levantado lobby is about 4 times the size with classic furnishings...but I wouldn't be surprised that their recent win with TripAdvisor.com will allow them additional budget for a few well-deserved upgrades.
Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado
Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná
Main buffets at both properties were nearly identical. Lunch offered a grill station, pastas to order, deli meats and cheeses, perfectly cut desserts, a few extra snack-type dishes and a basic salad bar. The only things I noticed that were different were the canapé display at the Cayo Levantado property and its Vegetarian section where all of the hot buffet items there were set aside for their veggie-loving guests. (However, as a flexitarian myself, I was excited to see it, but then dismayed that 3 of the 4 items were very heavy, sauce-laden veggie pastas.)
A quick chat with Anielby Diaz at Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná.
I returned to my own resort later that day and was met by Anielby Diaz, our Guest Services Coordinator, who chided us on leaving "THIS paradise" for the other resort. (He had already heard through the grapevine of our Day Pass purchase.
I explained to him that I visited only out of curiosity and then offered to let him explain the differences between the two places in his own words - since he had worked at the new Bahia resort before its final re-construction earlier this fall.
Here is the full interview in audio format...
