The Ultimate Dominican Republic Spring Break: From Santo Domingo to Cayo Levantado
Spring Break 2026 was all about balancing local culture, incredible dining, off-the-beaten-path road trips, and pure island luxury. Instead of sticking strictly to standard resort strips, we trekked across the country—from dining out with family in Santo Domingo to glamping near Bahía de las Águilas, and finishing with total relaxation on a private island.
Quick Trip Details
Dates: March 27 – April 5, 2026
Route: Santo Domingo → Barahona/Pedernales → Santo Domingo → Samaná/Cayo Levantado
Vibe: Foodie hotspots, family catch-ups, coastal road trips, eco-glamping, and luxury resort living.
Day 1: Travel Day & Dinner at Mila Restaurant
We officially kicked off our spring break journey on Friday, March 27, flying into Santo Domingo (SDQ) with a brief connection along the way. After picking up our Avis rental car, we checked into the Hilton in Santo Domingo to drop off our bags and refresh.
To kick off our first night in town, we met up for a dinner at Mila Restaurant, enjoying its chic atmosphere, great cocktail selection, and fresh local-meets-international dishes before resting up for the weekend ahead.
Day 2: Connecting with Friends & Family + Dinner at Vuelve a la Vida SDQ
Saturday, March 28 was dedicated entirely to quality time with family and close friends:
Daytime: Reconnecting and catching up over lunch and relaxed hangs throughout the city.
Evening: In the late afternoon, we gathered the whole crew for drinks and dinner at Vuelve a la Vida SDQ—a vibrant rooftop spot combining Mexican-Japanese fusion, incredible energy, and views over Santo Domingo.
Days 3–5: Coastal Road Trip to Pedernales & Glamping
On Sunday, March 29, we checked out and began the scenic drive southwest toward Barahona and Pedernales.
Late Lunch Spot: Stopped at Los Patos for fresh local food right by the river and sea.
The Stay: Checked into Glamping Ecolodge Cueva de las Águilas right on the coast.
Monday (March 30): Private Boat Excursion in Bahía de las Águilas We leveled up our beach day by chartering a private boat out to a secluded stretch of Bahía de las Águilas. The water was unreal—completely crystal clear, calm, and stunningly blue. The charter included freshly prepared lunch and cold drinks delivered right to us directly on our hidden patch of sand. It was pure paradise spending the entire day lounging on the shore with zero crowds. We finished the night back at the eco-lodge, glamping under the stars.
Tuesday (March 31): Packed up and made the 5-hour drive back to Santo Domingo. After checking into our Airbnb, we spent the evening grabbing dinner and late drinks around the city with family and friends.
Days 6–9: Island Luxury at Cayo Levantado
On Wednesday, April 1, after a relaxed morning catching up over coffee and brunch in Santo Domingo, we hit the road and drove north across the peninsula to Samaná.
April 1–4: Checked into the stunning Cayo Levantado Resort for three days of complete bliss, sunbathing, and luxury island living.
Saturday, April 4: Checked out of Cayo Levantado, returned to Santo Domingo, and spent our final evening staying with family.
