Dominican Tree House Village Resort Review: What It’s Really Like to Stay in the Jungle

Last Updated on June 8, 2025 by Sarah Puckett

We spent three nights at the Dominican Tree House Village, tucked in the lush hills of El Valle in the Samaná region of the Dominican Republic, and I can honestly say it was one of the most memorable and unique accommodations we’ve ever experienced.

This was my fourth time visiting the Dominican Republic. Two of those visits, I stayed in a typical all-inclusive resort in one of the big beach tourist cities. But this time, I wanted to stay somewhere more off-the-beaten path. That led me to Samaná and the Dominican Tree House Village.

This Dominican Tree House Village resort review covers what to expect, what we loved, and everything you should know before booking your stay—especially if you’re into nature, adventure, or just want a different kind of Caribbean trip.

Disclosure: The Dominican Tree House Village graciously hosted us during our visit. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely our own!

Dominican Tree House Village Resort Quick Facts

• Location: El Valle, Samaná, DR
• Room types: Open-air tree houses with basic amenities
• All-inclusive: Yes (meals and activities included depending on your room package)
• Wi-Fi: Limited to common areas
• Price: Packages start at about $300 USD per night
• Booking Link: Book the Dominican Tree House Village here!

What Is the Dominican Tree House Village?

The Dominican Tree House Village (DTHV) is a sustainable, off-the-grid resort made up of rustic tree houses connected by swinging bridges and jungle trails. It’s not your average all-inclusive resort—instead of marble floors and infinity pools, you’ll find outdoor showers, thatched roofs, and frogs that sing you to sleep.

Located just 15 minutes from El Valle Beach and 25 minutes from Samaná town, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and slow travel.

Why We Chose to Stay at DTHV

When we first heard about this resort, I was intrigued. Tree houses? Waterfalls? No Wi-Fi? No air conditioning? It sounded wild, but after a few busy weeks of work, the idea of unplugging and staying somewhere truly unique was exactly what we needed.

We’d already explored other parts of the Dominican Republic, but Samaná had this “untouched” feel, and this place seemed like the perfect base.

Plus, they had their own waterfall. More on that in a minute.

Location & Getting to Dominican Tree House Village

The resort is located in El Valle, a quiet region north of Samaná.

You have a few options for which airport to fly into.

• El Catey International Airport (AZS) takes about an hour to get to Dominican Tree House Village.

• Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo is 2 hours and 45 minutes away by car.

We flew into SDQ because there were more flight options at better prices. We knew we wanted to rent a car to have the freedom to explore anyway, so this fit well into our plans even though it meant more driving.

You can also arrange a shuttle directly through the resort, which we’d recommend if you’re not comfortable driving in the DR. The price for this at the time of our visit was $150 USD each way.

If you’re comfortable renting a car and driving, you can save a lot of money on day tours and airport transportation. Our rental car for the entire long weekend was only about $250 USD.

Search for a rental car from SDQ below:

Search for a rental car from AZS below:

Note that the last part of the drive from Samana town to DTHV is unpaved and rough. Our standard car managed great with no issues, but it’s something to keep in mind!

Rooms & Amenities: What the Tree Houses Are Really Like

Each tree house is open-air, with mosquito net-covered beds and basic furnishings. There’s no AC, no TV, and no Wi-Fi in the rooms. It’s just you, the breeze, and the sounds of the jungle. It felt incredibly peaceful, but also a little vulnerable (in a good way).

What we loved at Dominican Tree House Village:

• The treehouses are incredibly beautiful and peaceful. Everything is constructed from natural materials, so you really feel immersed in the environment.
• The hanging bridges between tree houses made it feel like we were in a real-life adventure movie.
• Our room had two swinging chairs overlooking the jungle. They were the perfect place to unwind and read.

What to expect:

• The beds are basic but very comfortable.
• The rooms aren’t soundproof. You’ll hear the jungle nightlife!
• We frequently saw snails and frogs on the property. This is the jungle after all! They are harmless (and adorable) but if animals ick you out, this might not be the place for you.

Check out our Dominican Tree House Village room tour on YouTube below!

On-Site Activities at Dominican Tree House Village

Here’s what we did during our stay—and what we’d recommend most:

1. Swim at Lulu Falls

This waterfall is literally at the resort. We spent a lazy morning here swimming and splashing in the falls. To get there, it’s just a short walk through the resort through some of its most unique features. Think: a stepping stone path in an ankle-deep pool, a swing, and cozy booths lining the walkway.

You’ll pass a red swinging bridge and then, voila, you’ll see Lulu Falls! The water is fairly shallow near the shoreline but as you get closer to the falls, it gets much deeper. When I swam over the falls, I definitely couldn’t touch the bottom anymore. With the force of the waterfall pushing against me, it was somewhat challenging to swim to the rocks. Keep this in mind if you aren’t a strong swimmer!

2. Zip Lining Through the Jungle

The Dominican Tree House Village offers the tallest zip line in the Caribbean (Samana Zipline) on-site, and we absolutely loved it. You start high in the hills and zip right over the resort. This was actually how we first saw Lulu Falls – from the zipline looking down!

Tim and I have both ziplined a few times, but I was still a little nervous! The team guiding you along the route clips you in and checks your harness and clips before every ride, so while still a pretty safe activity, it nevertheless feels scary to me to look down and know if anything malfunctioned it would be certain death.

After 12 exhilarating zipline runs, I was so glad I did it despite my nerves! Tim on the other hand was not worried at all. He jumped off the platform for the first line without hesitation, and with the Insta360 in his hand to boot.

3. Relax in the Common Area

This open-air, jungle lounge is the heart of the property. There’s Wi-Fi here (though it’s slow!), cozy hammocks, long wooden tables, a bar, and a jungle-vibe coffee corner with Dominican coffee always on tap. Most guests hang out here before and after dinner to play games, share stories, or just lounge after a day of adventure.

We loved curling up in the hammocks and watching the rain move across the tree canopy. It’s also where you’ll find dinner served each night—buffet-style with long communal tables under the stars and string lights.

4. Join a Yoga Class in the Jungle

There’s a peaceful little yoga platform tucked into the trees, and the resort offers yoga classes several times a week. It’s nothing fancy—no high-end studio amenities—but the setting is what makes it special. Birds chirping, leaves rustling, and sunlight filtering through the trees.

5. Get a Massage in an Open-Air Cabana

Massages are offered in rustic, open-air huts surrounded by palm trees and jungle vines. It’s peaceful, relaxing, and pretty affordable by U.S. standards. We didn’t get a chance to book one ourselves, but if you have time you should look into it!

6. Take a Dip in the Jungle Pool

The pool is located in the main area and is surrounded by palms, gardens, and thatched-roof loungers. It’s not huge, but it’s a refreshing break from the tropical heat—especially in the afternoons after hiking or beach time. The pool is about chest height on me (and I’m 5 feet 5 inches) and perfect for lounging with a drink or floating around in peace.

7. Bike to El Valle Beach

One of the best features of the resort is its location just a short ride from El Valle Beach. The resort offers complimentary bikes you can use to ride the ~10-minute path to the coast. The ride is bumpy and a bit muddy in spots (especially after rain), but it’s scenic and doable for most fitness levels.

Meals & Dining Experience

All meals are included, and breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style. The resort’s private chef prepares authentic Dominican dishes for every breakfast and dinner. The food was fresh and simple—rice, chicken, vegetables, fruit—but what made it memorable was the atmosphere. You eat with other travelers, swap stories, and plan your next adventures.

Our meal package at the DTHV also included lunch at one of the vendors on the beach, or at Emma’s Restaurant by the resort parking area.

We opted to have lunch at Emma’s Restaurant. We had chicken, rice, and a salad with a flavorful vinegar dressing. We also soaked our chicken in their home-made hot sauce and are still dreaming of. Tucked away in the jungle, Emma’s ended up being one of our favorite meals of the entire trip!

What to Pack for a Stay at Dominican Tree House Village

Pack light and casual. You’ll be walking on dirt trails and swinging bridges, so leave the heels at home.

We recommend:

• Quick-dry clothes
• Hiking sandals or grippy shoes
• Ear plugs (for the late-night jungle noises!)
• Bug spray (we never used any, but just in case)
• Anti-itch cream (in case you do get bit)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunscreen (we like Sun Bum)
• Dry bag for waterfall hikes
• Battery pack for charging devices
• Swimsuit
• Lightweight robe or cover-up for walking to/from the pool
• Camera
• A good book

Basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and soap are provided, but bring anything specific you want to use from home!

And last but most importantly – don’t forget your passport!

Things to Know Before You Go

• No A/C or Wi-Fi in rooms: Be ready to unplug and open to learning that you don’t actually need what you think you need.
• Hot water only in communal (but private) showers: The shower in your treehouse has cool water, and if you want a hot shower you will need to use one of the private communal shower stalls near reception.
• It’s rustic, not luxury: If you want marble tubs and concierge service, this isn’t your place. But if you want waterfalls, stars, and a slower pace, it’s magic.

Who the Dominican Tree House Village is Best For

• Couples looking for something romantic and different
• Nature lovers
• Digital detox seekers
• Adventurous travelers who don’t mind a little humidity and wildlife

Final Thoughts: Our Honest Dominican Tree House Village Resort Review

Is sleeping in the jungle canopy at the Dominican Tree House Village ACTUALLY worth It?

Absolutely. The Dominican Tree House Village is not for everyone—but for the right kind of traveler, it’s unforgettable. We left feeling rested, inspired, and totally recharged. In a world of cookie-cutter hotels, this place is a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Samaná or looking to unplug and reconnect with nature (and each other), this stay was easily one of the highlights of our time in the Dominican Republic.

Have questions about staying here? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram @organized_adventurer!