Jungle Wellness Week: Yoga, Forest Bathing & Treehouse Living in Samaná

The village sits in a tropical valley on the Samaná Peninsula, built from local materials and connected by rope bridges and winding jungle paths. Cabins are raised into the canopy and surrounded by coffee, chocolate and coconut trees. You wake to birdsong rather than traffic. Many cabins have outdoor showers with greenery on all sides, and each has mosquito netting, comfortable beds and fresh linens.

Yoga runs daily in a dome set among the trees, with sunrise and sunset sessions and classes suitable for complete beginners as well as people who've practised for years. Mats and props are provided. Instructors guide gentle stretches, breathing work and poses aimed at releasing tension — the birdsong and moving leaves do the rest. Massage is available too, either in private rooms or shaded outdoor cabanas, with Swedish and deep tissue options plus aromatherapy.

Water is a big part of the week. There's a clean outdoor pool surrounded by trees with loungers for between-swim rest, and a spring-fed natural lagoon that's calm enough for floating and gentle exercise. Beyond the property, guided hikes follow shaded jungle trails to hidden waterfalls and clear streams, and local guides talk about the plants, wildlife and history along the way. El Limón waterfall, a roughly 130-foot drop into a cool pool, is a highlight, and Playa Rincón — regularly called one of the country's best beaches — is close enough for a full day.

For something faster, there are zip-lines running above the canopy and rope bridges connecting treetop platforms, all with equipment and safety briefings included. Horseback riding moves at a gentler pace through forest paths and open fields, while ATV tours cover more ground and reach small villages, river crossings and hillside viewpoints. Group snorkelling trips run from the coast, with shallow reefs that suit beginners, and between January and March there's a chance of seeing humpback whales on their migration.

What separates this from a standard beach resort is the setting itself. You are genuinely in the jungle, above the ground, with the forest as the main event rather than a backdrop. The village is run on sustainable lines — local and renewable building materials, recycling and composting, eco-friendly cleaning products, and ingredients and supplies sourced from nearby. Group sizes are kept small and programmes personalised, so the week feels more like staying with people who know the area than checking into a hotel.

What's included

- Treehouse cabin accommodation with mosquito netting, fresh linens, towels and basic toiletries - Meals throughout the day: breakfast, lunch and dinner - Snacks, tea and coffee available all day - Non-alcoholic drinks - Daily yoga classes in the forest dome (mats and props provided) - Guided forest bathing and jungle therapy sessions - Guided jungle hikes and walks - Access to the outdoor pool and spring-fed lagoon - All-inclusive package option covering lodging, meals, activities and wellness classes - Some packages include zip-lining, horseback riding and beach visits - Use of communal open-air dining and lounge spaces

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Airport transfers unless specified in your package - Travel insurance - Massage and relaxation therapies - Optional ATV tours - Additional excursions not listed in your chosen package - Personal expenses, tips and souvenirs - Alcoholic drinks