Vista Mare Samana on the secluded Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic offers guests a front-row seat during whale-watching season this winter.
Samana is ranked by the World Wildlife Fund as a top viewing spot for humpback whales, which return by the thousands to Samana Bay and surrounding waters from January through March, to give birth and mate for the following year.
From the balconies of Vista Mare's 87 apartments and its two beaches, guests can observe the whale activity. Excursions that take visitors out on the waters to view the whales up close can be arranged through the hotel.
On-site facilities include a pool with waiter service, two beaches and a beach club, a fitness center, the full-service Xaixu Spa and El Cayo restaurant.
WiFi is available in the public areas.
Rates during whale season range from $140 per night for a one-bedroom unit to $395 per night for a four-bedroom unit.
Getting to Samana from the New York area is easier with the recent launch of JetBlue's twice-weekly nonstop service from JFK to Samana.
Follow Gay Nagle Myers on Twitter @gnmtravelweekly.