R&R&R&R

When one path to wellness simply isn’t enough, there’s a place in paradise that offers … four. —Noa Nichol

Set on a lush private island off the coast of the Dominican Republic (a very short boat ride gets you there and back), Cayo Levantado Resort redefines barefoot luxury with a dazzling collection of 200-plus suites and villas that feel more like personal sanctuaries than, well, hotel rooms. Nestled between swaying palms and world-renowned powdery white-sand beaches, each space is a seamless blend of refined Caribbean elegance, natural beauty and elevated design. Whether it’s the whisper of linen curtains in the ocean breeze or the soothing palette of sandy neutrals and oceanic blues, the ambiance is as serene as it is sumptuous, boasting luxurious bedding, expansive spa-like bathrooms and personalized touches throughout to elevate the experience into something truly transcendent. Whether you’re tucked away in a secluded garden villa (with a private plunge pool, to boot) or gazing out at the turquoise sea from a beachfront suite, your time at Cayo Levantado promises more than just a place to stay—it offers a deep sense of escape, intimacy and harmony with the island itself.

From sea-to-table delights to wellness-forward fare, the resort’s collection of thoughtfully curated restaurants and bars ensures every palate is indulged, and every moment is savoured. At Palma Real Restaurant, the vibrant heart of the resort, graze your way from fresh ceviche and just-baked coconut bread to chef-prepared stations featuring dishes like grilled mahi-mahi with mango salsa or rosemary-rubbed roast chicken. Don’t miss the passionfruit panna cotta for dessert—a sweet, tropical finish. Tucked inside the resort’s serene wellness area, Santa Yuca is a sanctuary for mindful eaters. Embracing the slow-food philosophy, signature plates like the roasted beet and quinoa salad with tamarind vinaigrette or the plantain and lentil stew nourish both body and spirit. Pair your meal with a cold-pressed tropical juice or herbal infusion for a fully restorative experience. For Mediterranean-Japanese fusion, Carey Restaurant is a study in contrast—light and fresh by day, sleek and seductive by night. Start with the watermelon and feta carpaccio or the sushi trio featuring yellowfin tuna, tamarind eel and avocado cream. For dinner, indulge in the saffron lobster risotto or the seared miso-marinated black cod. The cocktail program is equally inspired—try the lemongrass mojito or the yuzu-lychee martini. Meantime, Senda Restaurant is an ode to Dominican heritage, serving slow-braised goat with coconut milk and cassava purée, delicate pastel en hoja (a tamale-like dish wrapped in banana leaves) and, for dessert, a modern take on Dominican cake infused with rum and guava. Finally, at Manaya Restaurant, fire and flavour converge. Known for its premium meats and open-fire cooking, this refined grillhouse features dishes like Japanese A5 Wagyu striploin, Australian lamb chops with rosemary jus and wood-fired Caribbean lobster tails. The ambiance—earthy yet elegant—sets the tone for a dinner that feels both primal and polished.

The resort’s seven distinct bars elevate every sunset and starlit evening. At the Coa Lobby Bar, try the smoked tamarind old fashioned. Over at Jaiba Beach Bar, a frozen guava daiquiri hits just right post-swim. Each cocktail is a nod to the island’s vibrant spirit, blending local ingredients and international finesse.

The spa at Cayo Levantado Resort offers a tranquil haven where wellness and nature intertwine. Drawing inspiration from the island’s rhythms, the spa presents a curated selection of treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.​ A good way to enjoy the spa solo is through the hydrotherapy circuit, an immersive experience that guides guests through a series of thermal therapies, including a sauna, cold plunge and relaxation areas, promoting circulation and inner balance. Therapists are also on hand to provide treatments, like the 90-minute Forest Therapy session, combining guided breathing, deep massage and a warm mud mask for hands and feet, culminating in a soothing head massage., or the hour-long Volcano Lift, featuring a detoxifying facial utilizing volcanic glass and activated charcoal, complemented by hand and foot reflexology and lymphatic drainage massage.​

Perhaps most uniquely, Cayo Levantado Resort invites guests to embark on a personalized wellness journey through its innovative program, “Discover Your Inner Rhythm.” This program offers four distinct paths—Refresh, Restore, Relax and Renew—each designed to cater to individual wellness goals and preferences.​ Upon arrival (or before, via email), take a brief quiz to determine the wellness path that best aligns with your aspirations, whether it’s recharging energy, achieving balance, alleviating stress or pursuing spiritual growth. Your path can be applied to specific or all aspects of your stay, from spa offerings to dining experiences. Central to this transformative experience is Yubarta, the resort’s exclusive wellness sanctuary that offers a serene environment for self-discovery and rejuvenation. Facilities include a meditation temple, creative workshops and a cenote for aquatic therapies, all designed to foster a deep connection with oneself and the surrounding nature.​ Try one of the resort’s signature experiences, like a plant concert, casabe making or sound healing; whether seeking tranquility, vitality or spiritual awakening, you’ll be guided on a path to rediscover your inner rhythm amidst the island’s enchanting beauty.