My 5-Month Stay at The Dominican Treehouse Village: A Comprehensive Review
If you’re considering a stay at The Dominican Treehouse Village, I can confidently say you’re in for a truly unique experience. Having lived there for five months, I’ve come to know the ins and outs of this magical place. Whether you're an adventure seeker or just looking to unwind, this review will help you decide if it's the right spot for your next getaway.
The Treehouses
The Dominican Treehouse Village offers a variety of treehouses, each with its own charm and appeal:
Coffee Treehouse: This is the lowest level of treehouses and provides a cozy retreat with a queen-sized bed draped in a bug net. The room also includes two bedside tables, two hammock chairs, and a bathroom with cool water. It’s a great option for those who want to be close to the ground and surrounded by lush greenery.
PS. There are communal showers that have hot water just below the lobby.
Treetop Treehouses: Positioned higher up, these treehouses offer a similar setup to the Coffee Treehouse but with a bit more elevation. The higher vantage point allows for better views and a bit more seclusion.
Family Treehouse: Perfect for those traveling with kids, the Family Treehouse is identical to the Treetop Treehouses but includes an adjoining room with twin-sized bunk beds. This setup is ideal for families who want to stay together but still have some privacy.
VIP Rooms: My personal favorite! The VIP rooms come with a large king-sized bed, a more spacious floor plan, and a bathroom with an outdoor shower featuring hot water. The views from these treehouses are spectacular, but be prepared for a bit of a hike to get there. The effort is well worth it, though!
All-Inclusive Experience
One of the standout features of The Dominican Treehouse Village is the all-inclusive package. All meals and alcohol are included, which takes a lot of the stress out of vacation planning. Breakfast and dinner are served at the treehouse, with a wide variety of fresh and delicious options. The cooks here are incredible—everything they make is mouthwateringly good, from the fresh fruit to the homemade bread. Even when guests arrive late, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure everyone is well-fed.
Lunch is a bit more flexible, with vouchers provided that can be used at a restaurant on the beach or one just outside the treehouse village. This gives you the chance to explore a bit while still enjoying the convenience of an all-inclusive stay.
Disconnect to Reconnect
One thing to note: there’s no WiFi at the treehouse. This is intentional—they want you to truly disconnect and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. It’s a refreshing change of pace and really allows you to have a stress-free vacation. If you need WiFi in case of an emergency, it’s available at the restaurant just outside the treehouse for $10.
Excursions and Activities
Without WiFi, you might wonder what there is to do. Don’t worry—The Dominican Treehouse Village offers plenty of activities and excursions to keep you entertained:
Ziplining: Located on the property, this is an absolute must-do. It’s thrilling, fun, and only takes about 2.5 hours, leaving you plenty of time to relax afterward. Sometimes, ziplining is even included in your package, so make sure to check.
Ziplining at the Dominican Treehouse Village Video
Day Trips: You can ride four-wheelers and horses to the El Limon Waterfall, go snorkeling at Bacardi Island, or enjoy whale watching during the season. There’s also a day trip to Playa Rincon, which is rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. I recommend being selective with your excursions to ensure you have time to relax. Many people try to fit in too many activities and end up missing out on the tranquility of the village.
Bike Rides: The village offers bikes for free, and the beach is just a short 10-minute ride away. I loved biking down to the beach—seeing how the locals live is eye-opening, especially since this area is far less touristy than places like Punta Cana. The beach itself is stunning, with clear water, beautiful views, and local restaurants right on the sand.
Relaxation: If you’re in the mood to just kick back, there’s plenty to do without leaving the village. There’s a half-octagon-shaped pool where you can cool off, though it does lose sunlight by 1:30 PM due to the surrounding mountains. You can also head to the yoga dome for some yoga, meditation, or a workout. The lobby area is another great spot to hang out—it’s usually quiet during the day and features hammocks, games like Jenga and Connect Four, and a bar.
Safety and Language Barrier
Safety was a concern of mine before arriving, but I felt completely safe during my stay. Yes, you’ll see locals walking around with machetes or trying to sell you things, but that’s just part of the travel experience. Embrace it, keep an eye on your belongings, and you’ll be fine. The staff at the front desk all speak English, which is helpful since not many people in the area do. The guides for the excursions speak some English as well, and everyone is incredibly willing to assist.
My Recommendations for other Excursions
If you’re looking for something a bit different, here are a few of my top picks:
Discover Samana, Playa Rincón, Bacardi Island, El Limon Waterfall, and Whale Watching
Playa El Valle Adrenaline Adventure on Buggy from Samana
Final Thoughts
The Dominican Treehouse Village is a place like no other. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, you’ll find it here. Just be prepared to disconnect, embrace the local culture, and soak in every moment of this unique experience.
