Celebrate Somewhere That Feels Entirely Yours
Intimate weddings, retreats, and private gatherings above the beauty of Samaná Bay.”
with “Intimate weddings, elopements, wellness retreats, and private celebrations above the beauty of Samaná
A Celebration With Space to Be Present” with “Intimate”. Design-led. Entirely yours.
Araya is a boutique resort perched on a hillside above Samaná Bay in Las Galeras, Dominican Republic, one of the most naturally beautiful and least developed corners of the Caribbean.
When you host your event here, you are not choosing a venue from a list.
You are choosing a place.
A place where panoramic ocean views frame your ceremony. Where dinner at Las Estrellas stretches long into the evening under open sky. Where your guests wake to the sound of the hills, swim in an infinity pool above the bay, and experience something they could not have found anywhere else.
Araya is not competing with the large all-inclusive resort wedding. It is the alternative that couples who have already rejected that option have been looking for.
Weddings + Elopments
For couples who want more than one day.
Invite your guests to stay at Araya and let the celebration unfold for a long weekend with welcome dinners, morning swims, shared breakfasts, the ceremony, and the slow, easy hours after it that nobody wants to rush.
The entire property can be privately reserved for your group, accommodating up to 24 villa guests with Las Estrellas available for additional event guests.
Wellness and Yoga Retreats
For retreat leaders seeking a destination that feels undiscovered, authentic, and genuinely transformational.
Araya offers what Tulum was ten years ago, before the crowds arrived. Seclusion, natural beauty, a yoga sala surrounded by open views, spa and wellness facilities, and a setting that does the heavy lifting before your first session even begins.
We work with retreat leaders to design a full program experience, accommodation, shared meals, wellness sessions, and local excursions, around your vision and your group.
Private and Creative Retreats
For founders, leadership teams, creative agencies, and organizations seeking an inspiring environment for strategic thinking, connection, and renewal.
Araya offers complete privacy, exceptional dining, wellness facilities, and a natural setting that encourages the kind of reflection and creativity that a conference room never could.
Milestone Celebrations
Birthdays. Anniversaries. Proposals. The moments that deserve a setting worthy of them.
Our team can help you design a private dining experience at Las Estrellas, a gathering on the Luna Terraza, or a full stay celebration for the people closest to you.
Spaces Designed for Beautiful Moments
Ocean-View Ceremony Setting
Exchange vows or host a meaningful gathering with the natural beauty of Araya as the backdrop.
Beach Ceremony.
La Luna Terraza
Max Capacity
30 guests
Seating Type
Theater or banquet style
Weather Backup
Indoor reception space available
Stunning panoramic ocean views, perfect for sunset ceremonies
Beach Ceremony
Tropical Garden
Elegant Reception & Dining Options
Celebrate with exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views
Restaurant Las Estrellas
Las Estrellas Restaurant, perched above Araya Resort, is a beautifully designed circular platform that offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Samaná. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by the deep blue of the sea and sky, it provides a truly spectacular setting. A unique place where you’ll never want to leave, Las Estrellas is a haven of relaxation, tranquility, and peace.
Capacity
Up to 40 guests
Seating Options
Flexible configurations available
Private Events
Full venue buyout available
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Inquire to host your event
Exclusive Accommodation for Your Event
Luxurious villas designed for comfort and privacy, with capacity for up to 34 guests
10 Villas for 2
Double occupancy rooms with ocean views and modern amenities
20 guests
1 Villa for 4
Spacious family villa with premium furnishings
4 guests
Monte y Cielo
Nearby Airbnb house, 1 min walk from Araya
4 guests
Enrique’s House
Nearby Airbnb house, 1 min walk from Araya
6 guests
34
Total Capacity
24
Guests at Araya
2 nights
Minimum Stay
Walkable Distance
Property Buyout
Araya can be experienced in its entirety for your upcoming event. For larger groups + celebrations, we offer full property buyouts, creating a private and immersive setting for you and your guests. Our team will work closely with you to curate the ideal accommodation experience for your event.
Food That Becomes Part of the Story.
From welcome dinners and celebration meals to post-event brunches and relaxed group dining, Las Estrellas helps make food part of the memory.
Culinary Excellence
Our expert chefs at Las Estrellas Restaurant create memorable dining experiences featuring international cuisine and gourmet Dominican specialties, all prepared with the finest local and imported ingredients.
Buffet & Plated Options
Choose from elegant buffet service or refined plated dining to match your event style and guest preferences
International & Dominican
Choose from world-class international dishes or authentic gourmet Dominican cuisine prepared with passion
Fully Customizable Menus
Work directly with our culinary team to design a personalized menu that reflects your tastes and vision
Dietary Accommodations
We cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special needs
Comprehensive Event Planning Services
Our dedicated event planner can handle every detail, or we welcome collaboration with your preferred external planner
Flexible Planning Approach
In-House Event Planner
Our experienced event planner is available to manage every aspect of your celebration (additional service available upon request)
Setting and Flow
Plan the atmosphere and order of moments that will shape your celebration.
Dining and Guest Experience
Coordinate meals, welcome moments, book a private band and experiences for the people joining you.
Decor and Creative Details
Discuss styling, floral or special touches based on your vision and available partners.
Local Logistics
Explore support for accommodations, transportation and on-site coordination where available.
- Full-Service Planning
Our team can plan, set up, and manage every aspect of your event. Depending on the size and specific requirements of each client, we may collaborate with trusted external partners when necessary. We carefully assess the unique needs of every event and provide tailored solutions, ensuring a personalized experience that adapts seamlessly to each request.
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Full event coordination and timeline management -
Elegant table settings and linens -
Live music and DJ coordination -
Guest transportation arrangements
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Venue setup and breakdown -
Furniture and equipment rentals -
Entertainment booking -
Wedding cake and catering coordination
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Custom floral arrangements and decor -
Sound system and lighting setup -
Photography and videography recommendations -
Guest accommodation management
Strat planning your event at Araya
Guest Experience
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, luxury, and natural beauty
- What makes hosting an event at Araya unique?
Hosting an event at Araya is a truly immersive experience, where nature, elegance, and intimacy come together. Set in a lush tropical oasis overlooking the bay of Samaná, Araya offers a rare sense of exclusivity and authenticity. Each event is thoughtfully curated to reflect the client’s vision, with a strong focus on detail, atmosphere, and personalized service.
- What kind of experience do guests typically have?
Guests experience a perfect balance between relaxation and refined hospitality. From the moment they arrive, they are welcomed into a serene and intimate environment where time seems to slow down. Whether enjoying a sunset cocktail, a private dinner, or a wellness moment, every experience is designed to feel effortless, warm, and memorable.
- Any standout features (views, nature, privacy, etc.)
Araya stands out for its breathtaking panoramic views over the ocean and surrounding greenery. The property offers multiple unique spaces—from an infinity pool and open-air yoga room to a sea-view massage cabin and a scenic round terrace at Las Estrellas restaurant. Privacy is at the heart of the experience, making it an ideal setting for exclusive events, intimate celebrations, and meaningful gatherings. Surrounded by nature, yet thoughtfully designed, Araya creates a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere unlike any other.
What Our Guests Say
“Our team retreat at Araya Resort was incredibly productive and rejuvenating. The peaceful environment and excellent facilities provided the perfect setting for both work and relaxation.”
David Chen
Corporate Retreat • January 2026
“Hosting our family reunion at Araya was wonderful. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate our group, and the villas were spacious and beautifully appointed.”
Maria Rodriguez
Family Celebration • December 2025
Event Pricing & Packages
Flexible packages designed to suit events of every size and style
Intimate Events
Starting at $1,000
Perfect for elopements and small gatherings
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Up to 20 guests -
Ceremony location -
Basic decor package -
2-hour event duration -
Coordinator assistance
Mid-Size Events
Starting at $10,000
Ideal for weddings and celebrations
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Up to 80 guests -
Multiple venue options -
Premium decor & florals -
Full-day event access -
Complete planning services -
Catering included
Resort Buyout
Up to $50,000
Exclusive access to entire resort
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Up to 100+ guests -
All villas & venues -
Multi-day event option -
Luxury everything -
Dedicated event team -
Custom everything
All packages are customizable to meet your specific needs and preferences. Contact us for a detailed quote.
Prices shown are starting rates and may vary based on season, guest count, and selected services.