JUST THE FACTS

ARRIVING Air Canada flies direct from Toronto to the Samana El Catey International Airport on Saturdays beginning in December. Beginning in November, Westjet offers Saturday flights from Toronto, then Tuesdays and Saturdays beginning in January.

DINING Cayo Levantado is a popular pit-stop en route for visitors to Los Haitises from the mainland. It sports a gorgeous, white-sand beach and several vendors offering a variety of typico lunches and the requisite Presidente beer. $20-30 USD depending on the Presidentes.

SLEEPING Cayo Levantado: you can stay at this gorgeous resort, which sports elegant cottages scattered through landscaped and forested grounds. Part of the Grand Bahia Principe chain, the Cayo Levantado is considered its premier property in the Dominican Republic. bahia-principe.com. The Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa is located on a dramatic bluff looking down on the town of Samana itself. It’s a perfect base to sign up for other mainland excursions, such as jeep safaris, horseback riding at El Limon Falls or visits to Las Terrenas. Both properties are offered by Westjet Vacations and Air Canada Vacations. Air Canada offers Levantado for $1,500, all-inclusive with flight. Westjet’s Cayacoa allinclusive high-season package is $1,200.

BOATING To book the fast boat to Los Haitises, you need to contact your Air Canada Vacations rep at the hotel. There are, however, several companies offering this excursion, from sailboats to larger, pontoon boats. Check in at the excursions desk. $65 USD including lunch.