Dominican Republic | Samaná – One Week at Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo (April 2022 and December 2023)
A True Favorite
For my husband and me, the months of November and March have long been turning points in the year. Moments when the need to take a break feels stronger than ever. Looking back, we realize these trips have always been our true “sunshine reboots.”
Late November or early December marks that precise moment when autumn comes to an end and winter quietly settles in here in Quebec. Traveling somewhere sunny during that time allows us to refill our reserves of light, warmth, and energy before the long cold months ahead. Then, a few months later, between the end of winter and the arrival of spring, a second trip gently closes out the season. One last dose of sunshine before everything begins to turn green again back home. A true “win-win“, year after year.
It was in this context that we first discovered Samaná, in the Dominican Republic, during a stay in April 2022, and then returned in December 2023. Two different times of year, but driven by the same intention: to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect with a sense of ease and softness that we deeply needed.
Our first trip to Samaná took place in a very particular context, as travel was gradually resuming after the pandemic. Traveling still required more preparation: proof of vaccination, COVID tests before returning home, uncertainty… A reality that discouraged many travelers, but that also offered certain advantages, particularly in terms of pricing and lower occupancy levels. For us, in 2022, the conditions were ideal.
We chose the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, a resort my mother had previously visited and recommended to me, knowing how much I love taking long walks on the beach. Known for its location and the beauty of its setting, El Portillo offered everything we were looking for – at a particularly attractive price at the time. We thought, why not? And decided to give it a try.
We returned to Samaná in December 2023 simply because that first stay had been a true favorite. When we saw El Portillo once again available at a great value, the decision came naturally. We already knew what to expect – and we wanted to relive that feeling.
In this article, I’m sharing our experience in Samaná through these two distinct stays, and the reasons why the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo has become, for us, a reliable choice for an all-inclusive getaway in the sun.
When to Go to Samaná
The Samaná region in the Dominican Republic can be visited year-round. However, some periods are clearly more pleasant than others, especially when it comes to the weather.
In general, the best time to travel to Samaná is between November and April, which corresponds to the dry season. During these months, you can expect mostly sunny days, warm but slightly milder temperatures than in summer, and more comfortable humidity levels. These conditions are ideal for fully enjoying the beach, the ocean, and the amenities of an all-inclusive resort.
In contrast, the period from May to October is considered the wetter season. Temperatures tend to be higher, humidity more noticeable, and rain showers more frequent. This is also hurricane season, which can make travel conditions somewhat more unpredictable – although it certainly doesn’t mean it rains nonstop.
As for us, we were fortunate to experience Samaná at two key moments during the dry season:
- early April
- and early December
In April, the weather was simply perfect: wall-to-wall sunshine, pleasant warmth, and very little humidity. In December, since it falls toward the end of the wetter period, we did experience a few showers, mainly late in the day or overnight. Nothing dramatic at all. Most days remained largely sunny, allowing us to fully enjoy the beach and the resort facilities. Only one day brought heavier rain, but these tropical downpours are usually short-lived.
In both cases, the conditions were excellent and allowed us to fully enjoy the experience. If you’re unsure about the best time to visit, November through April remains a safe choice, with a slight preference for March and April if you’re looking for maximum sunshine.
Entry Requirements for Dominican Republic
For Canadian Travelers, entering the Dominican Republic for a tourist stay is generally simple and straightforward. However, there are a few important formalities to keep in mind before departure.
Visa and Passport
- Good news: no visa is required for short tourist stays (up to 30 days).
- Until December 31, 2026, Canadians may enter the Dominican Republic with a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay only.
However, if you are traveling for reasons other than tourism or planning a longer stay, a visa may be required. Be sure to verify the specific requirements based on your personal situation.
In addition, for stays that are not short-term tourism visits, it is generally recommended to have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in the Dominican Republic.
Entry and Exit Form (E-Ticket)
- Even though no visa is required, the Dominican Republic requires visitors to complete an electronic entry and exit form called the E-Ticket.
- This form is free of charge, but it must be completed before departure. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code that will be requested at the airport.
👉 Official link to complete the form: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/
Tourist Card and Departure Taxes
- A tourist card is required to enter the Dominican Republic. The cost is approximately $10 USD, but it is generally included in the price of your airline ticket or all-inclusive package. Travelers entering the Dominican Republic by sea or land may purchase the tourist card at their point of entry through immigration services.
- A departure tax of $20 USD per person is also required when leaving the country. This tax is usually included in the cost of your package or airline ticket – however, this is not always the case with every airline (for example, Sunwing). It is therefore recommended to confirm with your travel agent whether this tax must be paid at the airport on the day of departure.
For stays longer than 30 days, additional fees may apply depending on the length of your stay.
How to Get to Samaná
For both of our stays in Samaná, we chose an all-inclusive package, a formula we particularly enjoy when traveling to the Caribbean. This type of package generally includes flights, accommodations, meals, and airport-to-hotel transfers, which greatly simplifies the travel planning process.
In our case, we flew with Air Transat for both our April 2022 and December 2023 stays. We typically enjoy flying with this airline for sun destinations, and at the time, it also offered the best value for this specific resort, the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, among the available package options.
Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, the process is very straightforward. Once you collect your luggage, the bus transfer to the hotel is already arranged and included in the package. In Samaná, since the resorts are fairly spread out, transfers are often direct to a single hotel rather than making multiple stops. In our case, the bus was reserved exclusively for guests of the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, which made the ride much more pleasant.
The transfer from El Catey Airport (AZS) to the hotel takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes, which is very reasonable – and the drive offers some beautiful scenery along the way. As soon as we boarded the bus, an Air Transat representative welcomed us and provided helpful information about our stay, including details about the welcome meeting at the hotel and what to expect in the coming days. A small touch that made the arrival feel smooth and reassuring.
Overall, getting to Samaná with an all-inclusive package was simple, efficient, and stress-free – allowing us to shift into vacation mode from the moment we arrived.
Hotel : Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo
The Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo is located directly on the beachfront in the Samaná region of the Dominican Republic. Set in a preserved natural environment, the resort is surrounded by tropical vegetation, giving it a lush and peaceful atmosphere, far from large urban-style complexes.
One of the first things that stood out to us is that the resort feels human-sized. Everything is easily accessible on foot, without having to walk long distances. The beach, pool, restaurants, and common areas are all located close to one another, making it simple and pleasant to move around the property. The main pool is also situated very close to the beach, allowing you to enjoy a view of the ocean even while relaxing poolside – a detail we particularly appreciated.
In Samaná, resorts are generally spaced apart to preserve the natural surroundings and coastline. You won’t find hotels lined up side by side, which greatly contributes to the sense of calm and open space. The Bahia Principe El Portillo is no exception: you truly feel tucked away in a more natural setting, with less concrete and development than in some other regions of the Dominican Republic.
Rooms
During our two stays at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, we had the opportunity to stay in two different room blocks, which allowed us to compare the experience.
In April 2022, we were assigned to Block 2, a smaller building located very close to the beach, the pool, and the main common areas. The location was ideal, especially for those who like having everything within easy reach. This block has fewer rooms and feels a bit more intimate.
In December 2023, we stayed in Block 20, a larger building situated a little farther from the center of the resort. This meant slightly more walking to reach the beach or restaurants, but since the resort is human-sized and easy to navigate, it was never an inconvenience for us.
Differences Between the Blocks
Looking back, and after having experienced two rooms in the same category, we found that the rooms are very similar from one block to another. Some buildings may feel slightly newer or have minor layout differences, but overall, the materials, style, and level of comfort remain comparable.
For example, the bathrooms were quite similar, although the one in Block 20 felt slightly more spacious in its layout.
Room Category and Comfort
In both cases, we stayed in the standard room category. There are higher room categories available that offer a bit more space, including the addition of a sofa or small sitting area. However, for us, that wasn’t necessary. We spend very little time in the room during an all-inclusive stay, so paying extra for a few additional square feet didn’t feel justified.
The rooms are clean, functional, and comfortable, but it’s important to mention that they are not particularly modern. This is not a contemporary five-star luxury resort. The décor feels a bit dated, although everything is well maintained. For us, cleanliness and comfort matter far more than trendy design.
Each time, we had a king-size bed, a bathroom with a shower-tub combination (which made it easy to shower without water spilling everywhere), a safe, and Wi-Fi included in the room. Everything worked well and fully met our needs.
Overall Impression
In summary, the rooms at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo are simple, well maintained, and comfortable, without being luxurious or recently renovated. They serve their purpose very well, especially when considering the overall value of the stay.
For us, they were more than sufficient, and we never felt the need to upgrade to a higher room category. For the price we paid and the limited time we actually spend in the room during an all-inclusive vacation, the experience was entirely satisfactory.
Restaurants & Food
One of the highlights of our stay at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo was clearly the quality and variety of the food. Whether at the buffet or in the à la carte restaurants, we consistently ate very well.
El Limón Buffet
The main buffet restaurant, El Limón, is spacious, bright, and well designed. It features both a large air-conditioned indoor dining area and an outdoor terrace.
In the evenings, we particularly enjoyed dining outside, where the atmosphere felt softer and more relaxed. At lunchtime, however, the air-conditioned section was very welcome – especially in the heat.
The buffet offers a wide selection of dishes, both international and local, with varied stations and a good rotation of menu options. The quality was consistent, and we always easily found something we enjoyed.
À la Carte Restaurants
During our stays, we tried several à la carte restaurants, each offering a different atmosphere and dining experience:
- Portofino – Italian Restaurant
Portofino features an Italian à la carte menu. The dishes were very good, well presented, and flavorful. A great option for a quieter, more “classic” dinner. - The Greek – Mediterranean Cuisine
The Greek restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. One of its biggest highlights is the outdoor terrace located near the beach, which creates a very pleasant evening atmosphere. A lovely experience both for the food and the setting. - Boa Vista – Brazilian Grill (our favorite)
Boa Vista, located directly by the sea, was without hesitation our favorite. This restaurant serves Brazilian-style grilled meats, brought directly to your table on skewers. The quality of the meat, the cooking, and the variety were excellent. For us, this is the restaurant not to miss during a stay at El Portillo.
The resort also offers other à la carte restaurants that we did not have the chance to try during our stays:
- La Terrienne – French cuisine
- Fish Market – Mediterranean cuisine focused on seafood
These options provide even more variety for guests staying several nights who want to mix up their dining experiences.
Bars & Relaxation Areas
At the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, guests also have access to three main bars, conveniently spread throughout the resort.
- The pool bar, perfect for cooling off between swims.
- The beach bar, ideal for enjoying a cocktail with your feet almost in the sand while taking in the ocean views.
- The sports bar, located near the lobby, which offers an air-conditioned indoor space with multiple screens to follow sporting events.
The sports bar is also a friendly gathering spot where you’ll find a pool table, making it a pleasant place to relax in the evening or during quieter moments of the day.
Overall, the layout of the bars ensures there’s always an easy and accessible place to grab a drink – whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or looking for a more lively indoor setting.
Beach & Pool
The Main Pool
The main pool at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo was completely rebuilt after the fire that occurred in 2019 and is, reportedly, now larger and more modern than before. Regardless, the result is very successful: the pool is beautiful, spacious, and very pleasant for relaxing during the day.
Another major highlight is its proximity to the beach. Even while lounging by the pool, you can often enjoy a partial view of the ocean, which creates a lovely atmosphere and helps you feel connected to the surrounding natural landscape.
The “Quiet” Pool
In addition to the main pool, the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo also features a quieter pool, located slightly away from the busier areas of the resort.
This pool is set in a more peaceful section of the property, surrounded by some of the room blocks, and is mainly suited for travelers looking for a calmer atmosphere away from the main entertainment areas.
We personally only passed by briefly and didn’t spend much time there, simply because we preferred spending our days at the beach. Still, it’s a great option for those who want to alternate between the ocean and the pool in a more tranquil setting.
Areas for Children and Families
The resort also offers facilities designed for children, including a splash and water play area. These spaces are located away from the main sections of the property, which helps maintain a quieter atmosphere around the main pool and beach.
Since we were not traveling with children, we did not use these facilities and therefore cannot provide a detailed review of this aspect. That said, the presence of these areas shows that the resort is well suited for families, while still preserving calmer zones for couples and travelers seeking relaxation.
The Beach – Our Biggest Highlight
And now… the beach.
Without a doubt, it’s the greatest asset of this resort.
The beach in this part of Samaná is long, wide, and perfect for walking. You can stroll for a long time – and then some – without ever feeling like you’re going in circles. For me, as someone who absolutely loves long beach walks, it felt like a little paradise.
If you walk farther away from the hotel toward one side of the bay, you can also spot kitesurfers taking advantage of the wind and waves to perform impressive maneuvers. It’s fascinating to watch and adds a lively, dynamic touch to the scenery.
Depending on the area and conditions, it’s also possible to do some snorkeling and spot fish near the coral formations. While it may not be the most famous snorkeling spot in the Dominican Republic, it’s still a nice bonus for those who enjoy exploring underwater.
Overall, between the beauty of the setting, the length of the beach, the opportunity for long walks, and its direct access from the hotel, the beach at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo is, in our opinion, one of the true highlights of a stay in Samaná.
Atmosphere & Evenings on the Resort
Daytime Entertainment
During the day, the entertainment team does a great job creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere around the pool and on the beach. A variety of activities are offered, both in the water and on land, and the schedule changes from one day to the next.
There’s something for everyone: games, light sports activities, music, and interactive moments with guests. The vibe remains pleasant and never overwhelming, which also allows you to enjoy the resort at your own pace.
Evening Entertainment
In the evenings, there was definitely an atmosphere, but it felt more low-key compared to some other resorts in the Caribbean that we’ve visited.
During our stays, the evening activities were mainly centered around the lobby and the sports bar area, where there was music and a friendly, relaxed vibe. We didn’t experience large-scale dance shows or stage productions like those you sometimes see at other resorts. That said, this may have been influenced by the post-COVID travel recovery period, as my brother – who stayed there in January 2026 – did attend shows held in the Village Bahia Principe area near the resort entrance.
We still enjoyed a few special themed evenings, including a silent disco and a White Party on the beach, both of which were fun and different experiences. Even so, overall, we found the evening entertainment to be more modest compared to other all-inclusive resorts.
That being said, for travelers who are mainly looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere focused on unwinding rather than big nightly productions, the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo remains a very pleasant choice.
Activities & Excursions
What We Did
During our first stay in April 2022, we booked an excursion directly through the Air Transat representative at the hotel. This excursion included a boat tour to Los Haitises National Park, where we explored the mangroves and caves, as well as a stop on Cayo Levantado Island.
👉 To book a similar excursion, you can reserve here.
The Los Haitises National Park portion was the most interesting part for us. Cruising through the mangroves and exploring the caves allows you to experience a completely different side of the Dominican Republic – one that feels much more natural and untouched. We appreciated the excursion for its educational aspect and the sense of escape it provided.
On the other hand, we were less impressed by the stop at Cayo Levantado. The main activity there is essentially enjoying the beach, which is relatively small and quite crowded – and honestly, it didn’t compare to the beach at our hotel. In addition, you generally have to pay to rent a lounge chair, which takes away some of the spontaneity of the experience. Personally, I found the time spent on the island a bit long compared to the overall interest of the site.
Fortunately, the Los Haitises portion balanced out the excursion as a whole.
During that stay, we also attempted a walk along the beach, covering about an hour on foot to reach Las Terrenas.
At the time, we weren’t yet used to venturing outside resorts during our trips to the Caribbean, and we felt a bit unsure. On top of that, the weather started to turn with some light rain, which led us to head back after only briefly passing through the town without truly exploring it.
Looking back, and with the travel experience we have today, we wouldn’t hesitate to return and properly discover Las Terrenas – a town that is very popular among many travelers, especially Quebecers, for its atmosphere, restaurants, and more local feel.
Other Popular Excursions (That We Did Not Try)
Several other excursions are offered either directly through the resort or by local tour operators.
- El Limón Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It allows you to discover a beautiful waterfall nestled in the heart of nature. However, we have heard mixed feedback regarding the treatment of the horses used to transport visitors to the site, which personally made us hesitant to book this activity. 👉 Book this excursion here.
- Zipline tours are also available in the area and could be a great option for those who enjoy adventure and outdoor activities. 👉 Book this excursion here.
- It is also possible to go whale watching in Samaná Bay from mid-January to the end of March, when humpback whales migrate through the region. Unfortunately, we were not able to do this excursion since we traveled outside of that period. 👉 If you’re visiting at the right time and would like to book this experience, you can do so here.
Budget & Travel Costs
When it comes to the budget for this trip, it’s important to mention that the April 2022 stay reflects a very particular period in the travel industry. It was during the post-COVID travel recovery phase.
At the time we booked our package, many health restrictions were still in place. We were fortunate, however, as the requirement for a COVID test before returning to Canada had just been lifted on April 1, 2022. This automatically reduced some of our travel expenses.
Because of the post-COVID recovery period, package prices were exceptionally low. Honestly, the price we paid for our stay at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo in 2022 was significantly lower than what we would typically expect under normal market conditions.
By 2023, prices had increased and returned to normal – or even higher – due to strong travel demand. Even so, we were still able to secure what we felt was a good value for our package. During that second trip, we chose not to book any excursions, as we simply wanted to relax and fully enjoy the beach.
Here is a breakdown of the expenses per person:
- ✈️ Flights / All-Inclusive Package: $1,249 (2022) / $1,529 (2023)
- 🛡️ Air Transat Flex Protection Plan: $99
- 🎟️ Excursions: $145 (2022)
- 🚗 Parking: $87 (average of $174 per vehicle, divided between two people, for both 2022 and 2023)
👉 Total: $1,580 per person in April 2022 / $1,715 per person in December 2023
How Much Would a Similar Stay Cost Today?
To give you an idea, the price for a package at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo in Samaná today – for a similar room category and length of stay – generally falls in the range of $1,600 to $2,000 per person, depending on the travel period, duration, and current promotions.
This really highlights how good of a deal our 2022 stay was – an opportunity that was hard for us to pass up at the time.
Currency
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP). However, in tourist areas and at all-inclusive resorts like the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted.
For our part, we mainly used US dollars for tips, which is a common and appreciated practice among the staff. It also avoids having to exchange money specifically for small amounts.
For excursions and activities, we used our credit card, particularly when booking through the on-site representative. It’s simple, secure, and convenient.
If you plan to leave the resort to explore towns like Las Terrenas or to shop locally, having some local currency can be helpful – but it’s not essential for a primarily all-inclusive stay.
In summary, for a resort stay in Samaná:
- 💵 US dollars for tips
- 💳 Credit card for excursions and larger purchases
- 🇩🇴 Dominican pesos mainly useful for local outings
In Conclusion
The Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo is, to this day, the only all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean that I have returned to for a second stay. That alone says a lot.
If we chose to go back, it was first and foremost for the beach, which remains my biggest highlight of this resort. Long, beautiful, and perfect for walks, it offers exactly what I look for in a sunny getaway. The staff – always smiling, attentive, and welcoming – also played a major role in making our stays so enjoyable. And of course, the fact that we ate well, both at the buffet and in the à la carte restaurants, added real value to the overall experience.
As for the rooms, even though they’re starting to show their age in terms of style, that never bothered us. They are clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Since we spend very little time in the room during an all-inclusive vacation, this was not a deciding factor for us.
In our opinion, the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo is especially well suited for travelers who are looking for:
- a beautiful beach with direct ocean access,
- a relaxed and friendly atmosphere,
- a human-sized resort that’s easy to walk around,
- good value for money, without expecting ultra-modern luxury.
It may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a luxury five-star hotel with a lively party atmosphere or large nightly productions, but for a stay focused on relaxation, nature, and the simple pleasure of enjoying the sun, it’s an excellent option.
For us, Samaná and the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo will remain a wonderful memory… and perhaps even a destination we’ll return to one day.
**Some links in this article are affiliate links: they allow me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase through these links, thank you for supporting my work as a travel blogger 🌎🩵
** The photos are from my two stays in 2022 and 2023, but also a great thanks to my brother and his wife who shared me some photos that I was missing, from their trip in January 2026.
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