The 2012 Family Travel Conferences report that the family travel market segment is larger and more influential than ever, predicting that families will take more frequent, shorter vacations in 2013.
Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences has named the top five family bonding activities on the Dominican Republic’s newly accessible Samaná Peninsula. As an added bonus, the hotel is offering a 10 percent discount off of regular room rates for families, if booked by March 15, 2013.
From whale watching and snorkeling to horseback riding and healthy group cooking courses, here is Sublime Samana’s list of the most memorable activities to spice up your family vacation this year.
1. Wondrous Whale Watching
Coming from the North, spectacular, giant humpback whales choose the Samaná Bay every winter to mate and reproduce. Young children, teens, parents and grandparents, will all delight over the natural spectacle, as they observe the males falling in love, singing and making fantastic leaps to seduce the females.
Families will long cherish the moment they watched the newborn whale calves follow their mother in the deep blue sea. Offered between January 15 and March 15, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind, breathtaking experience.
2. Snorkeling Underwater Discovery
Take your group for an exciting sail along the Cabo Samana cliffs and discover the superb Playa Fronton nestled in lush vegetation and surrounded by magnificent rock formations. While you enjoy snorkeling, a delicious meal will be prepared for you featuring freshly caught fish in a beach side bungalow straight out of Robinson Crusoe. Admire the breathtaking beauty of this exceptional and peaceful natural wonder, before exploring Playa Madame — another wonderful beach rimmed by coconut trees. End this fabulous excursion by snorkeling once again and relaxing on a warm golden sand beach.
3. Hiking Adventure to the El Limon Waterfalls
Enjoy an active adventure through the Dominican rainforest surrounding the Sierra Samaná mountain range to the Samaná Peninsula’s famous Salto de Limon waterfalls. The entire family will marvel as the water cascades down 180 feet into a welcoming swimming hole. Bring lunch and enjoy a rainforest picnic, or splash into the clear water for a refreshing swim.
4. Dominican Beach and Jungle Horseback Riding
An activity that can be enjoyed at home and abroad, horseback riding is always a source of excitement for children and adults alike! Take a relaxing afternoon ride along the beach or opt to trot along the trail leading to the spectacular El Limon waterfall.
5. Family Cooking Course
Within the comforts of an open, casita, enjoy a cooking course led by Sublime Samana’s acclaimed Chef Cristian Baez. While parents and older children participate in preparing light, scrumptious Dominican influenced salads and fresh fish, the young children will take care of dessert, baking everyone’s favorite fun treat – cupcakes! After the cooking lesson, the entire family will sit down to enjoy the well-deserved meal.
Sublime Samana, www.sublimesamana.com