Cayo Levantado Resort earns Forbes VERIFIED™ Badge for responsible hospitality

Samaná.- Cayo Levantado Resort has been awarded the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge by Forbes Travel Guide, becoming one of only two hotels in the Dominican Republic to receive this prestigious recognition by 2025. The award places the resort among a select group of global properties recognized for their commitment to sustainability, staff well-being, and positive community impact.

This new badge is part of Forbes’ expanded criteria that, for the first time, integrates environmental and social responsibility into its global evaluations—aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and ESG standards. The assessment includes detailed questionnaires, photo documentation, and cross-checks of sustainable practices across all hotel operations, from guest services to spa and dining.

Beyond environmental performance, the program measures how well sustainability is woven into the guest experience, including cultural connections, environmental education, and the preservation of local resources. Achieving the VERIFIED™ badge strengthens Cayo Levantado Resort’s status as a leader in regenerative hospitality in the Caribbean.

This recognition also contributes to the resort’s overall Forbes star rating and enhances the Dominican Republic’s international image as a competitive and responsible tourism destination.

In 2024, Cayo Levantado Resort garnered multiple accolades, including:

• Forbes Four-Star Rating

• Samaná Sustainable Tourism Business Award

• National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2024”

• Travel + Leisure’s It List 2024 (Best New Hotels)

• Booking.com’s Traveler Review Award (9.8 score)

• Roca Award for Wellness & Sport Experiences