The region of Samana, originally written Xamaná by the indigenous peoples of the island called Taínos, is located in the Northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. This province carries a curious characteristic which is that it occupies the whole Peninsula of Samana. Its city is formally named Santa Bárbara de Samaná, usually shortened Samana.

This part of the island is unique and revered by most. As such, Hacienda Samana Bay, prioritizes that its guests  gather the full touristic majestic experience of vacationing here. Families, couples or solo travellers can choose to adventure from an endless list of options. Whether the reason is to be in contact with nature, dive into Samana’s fascinating history and paradisiac beaches, everyone is welcomed.

Balaguer, deceased ex-president of the Dominican Republic, continuing with the dream of the construction of the Napoleonic city of Ferrand ordered the construction of this bridge. It was based on a plan designed in the early 1800s, Ferrand’s imperial plan was retaken by Balaguer in the 70s, thus initiating the construction of the “Napoleonic” city with more than 170 years of delay. When one of the engineers was asked the reason for this work, he replied that the bridge appeared on the map of the Napoleonic city of Ferrand. However, that was an indication that there are corals between these 2 points, which makes navigation difficult. Regardless of whether the pedestrian bridge in the Bay of Samaná obeys the wish of ex-president Balaguer or the engineer of the work, today it can be said that it is a tourist attraction of Samaná that serves as a reference point for the city of Santa Bárbara of Samaná. All units at Hacienda Samana Bay have an incredible view towards this bridge. 

Carnival

Despite the fact that a considerable number of cultures have inhabited this coveted peninsula, the first to be known were the Ciguayos. This native tribe was named after other aboriginal groups on the island and it is not known what they called themselves.The mystery that surrounds the Ciguayos is part of the magical air that surrounds Samaná, who were they and where did they come from? To date, we hardly know a few words in his native language.The imminent disappearance of the Ciguayos was already evident when Father Bartolomé de las Casas arrived on the island in 1502.What happened to the Ciguayos? Some say they were defeated by the other tribes that inhabited the island, who were besieged in Samaná until there was no choice but to integrate.But is that the whole story? During your visit to Samaná you will have the opportunity to explore this and other mysteries.

Hispaniola

En Santa Bárbara de Samaná, tienes que hacer una visita  a una de las joyas arquitectónicas  de esta ciudad: La Cuhrcha (del inglés “church”). Y es que, además de ser patrimonio cultural, es un punto de encuentro y referente histórico para su descendencia de afro estadounidenses, radicados allí en tiempos pasados. La Churcha tiene un estilo victoriano y su estructura exterior es de zinc, está sostenida por unos angulares metálicos y su interior está cubierto completamente de madera. Fue construida en 1901 y traída en barco desde Inglaterra. Esta, denominada Iglesia Metodista Africana Episcopal (AME), es hoy Evangélica Dominicana.  Además, como dato curioso esta es la única edificación que se conserva intacta luego de un incendio que destruyó a Samaná en 1946. 

When you are there, you will observe something particular in the zinc sheets that cover it, some perforations resulting from gunfire between supporters and opponents of the regime of Ulises Heureaux, president of this country between 1889 and 1899. And the church is it was used by some opponents as a place of protection.The Churcha is 5 minutes, walking, from our Hacienda Samana Bay project.The Churcha served as a community school where they taught English, French and Spanish and represents the freedom of a population that arrived with the hope of building a new life.If you plan to go in the summer, you will arrive at the best time, as you will be part of the traditional harvest festivals that take place on the church grounds between June and October.

Diverse Culture