Samaná Bay is located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, where the crystalline waters are ideal for boating, the beaches perfect for lounging in the sun, and whale and dolphin sightings are frequent. But these days there is another frequent sighting in Samaná Bay: construction workers.

A new luxury real estate development, the Angsana Samaná Bay, is under construction in this once remote corner of the island, hoping to attract second home buyers to a slice of the Caribbean that isn’t yet overrun with tourists. Samaná Bay has remained so pristine, in part, because of it’s somewhat isolated location, but that is set to change this year. A 68-mile highway linking the capital, Santo Domingo, to Samaná is scheduled for completion this year. The region is also experiencing growing interest due to the recent opening of a new international airport in Samaná that is served by American Eagle flights, making the once remote region even easier to reach.

What’s for Sale

Angsana, the sister brand of luxury hotel virtuoso, Banyan Tree, has big plans for the area. Angsana Samaná Bay will offer approximately 470 full-ownership residences, most of which will be condo units; 31 villas and townhouses will round out the inventory. Prices for condominiums start at $180,000 and range up to $600,000, while the more secluded single-family residences, which feature private infinity pools, run from $1.2 million to $1.6 million. All units will offer private terraces, and condos housed in the low-rise buildings at the marina will include whirlpools. Top of the line kitchens, security systems, washer and dryer, hardwood floors, and Internet access are among available amenities. The first units are slated to open their doors in 2010.

What You Get

Angsana Resort and Spa Samaná Bay, housed in the center of the community, will be a full-service luxury hotel offering spa facilities, fitness center, concierge service and a property management team to assist owners with maintaining and renting out their units. Angsana Samaná Bay is also developing a commercial district that will be home to a casino, several gourmet restaurants and boutique shopping. And since Samaná Bay is a haven for boaters, the community will offer a 280-slip marina for boats of up to 120 feet in length. A yacht club will be available to residents, and will feature trip planning services that can arrange a day of sailing, fishing or diving.

The Halogen Guides Take

The Dominican Republic is extremely temperate, with winter weather averaging 68 degrees and summers hovering in the 90s. This makes Samaná Bay an ideal location for those seeking a year-round retreat, and Angsana seems well equipped to bring high luxury to this, until now, relatively unknown area. The brand’s other resorts are consistently rated highly by guests, not to mention the nearly universal praise garnered by their sister brand, Banyan Tree.

It remains to be seen if Samaná Bay, like so many sleepy, hidden gems boasting perfect weather and friendly locals, will face the same challenges that best-kept secrets turned major tourist destinations like San Miguel de Allende have dealt with in recent years. Will the presence of big resorts and greater access strip the area of what made it so charming in the first place? Angsana is no doubt crossing its fingers that the answer is no.