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Reviews of ZÂRIA Hotel & Retreat Center

El Valle, 32000 El Valle, Dominican Republic

#2 of 5 hotels in El Valle

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 31 hotel reviews

8.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.2

  • Comfort

    8.1

  • Location

    8.9

  • Facilities

    8.3

  • Staff

    9.5

  • Value for money

    7.7

  • Free WiFi

    8.1

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 19 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything about the stay was on point. Exceptional view from the pool, beautiful beach 5 minutes away, very nice rooms -makes you feel like you re in a treehouse. We’ll be back for sure!!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    The staff was incredibly kind and the property was breathtaking! I would highly recommend to stay here! The location is also close to the most beautiful beach I have seen in my life: playa ermitaño. Can’t recommend enough!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 April 2025

    8.0
    Beautiful Jungle Stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 5 nights

    One thing to note: the roads in El Valle definitely need reconstruction and work. Although this isn’t an issue with the hotel itself, better roads would make getting there much easier and more accessible. Also, it would be nice to have warm or hot water available in the showers.

    The staff was incredibly warm, accommodating, and friendly. They always responded promptly and provided excellent customer service. The area was secluded, not many restaurants nearby, but we enjoyed the easy drive and walk to the beach. Breakfast was delicious, with pancakes, bread, bacon, fresh fruit, and eggs. The view from the top of the hotel was amazing. The property was always clean, including the walkways and bathrooms, and it was beautifully set in the jungle. Our room was stunning, and we loved having a little balcony to relax on.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2025

    10
    i love it
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    everything is perfect

    super cute super clean

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 March 2025

    10
    Great experience at El Valle at Zaria Hotel. Awesome staff, great views, and very relaxed atmosphere. Will definitely re
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The scenic views, pool, staff, and location. Three minute drive to the El Valle Beach.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 February 2025

    9.0
    This is going to be my go to place.
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Parts of the hotel is being renovated for improvements. I can’t wait to experience the results.

    The chef is exceptional, delivering a diverse selection of expertly prepared meals, complemented by fresh fruits, pure juices, and vibrant vegetables. The hospitality is outstanding, reflecting a deep-rooted warmth and generosity that define the local community. The surrounding natural environment, with its lush jungle ambiance, adds to the immersive and enriching experience.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 February 2025

    9.0
    Jungle experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Access road is not in a very good condition so I would recommend to have a 4x4 car

    Jungle experience, I would reccomend to book a dinner at Zaria, it was delicious, close to beach, we enjoyed the pool view

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 January 2025

    10
    A PLACE WE CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Family Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights

    Keep in mind that the area tends to be quite humid, making it challenging to dry your bathing clothes after rinsing them. Occasionally, there are brief power outages, but we found this to be no issue at all; in fact, it was ideal for fully immersing ourselves in nature.

    ZÂRIA Hotel & Retreat Center is a remarkable destination where nature's splendor seamlessly blends with exceptional hospitality. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and kindness, instantly feeling like cherished members of a vibrant family. The location is absolutely stunning, just a short stroll from Playa El Valle, enveloped by a lush jungle that feels like paradise. The breakfast was not just delicious; it was a delightful experience that surpassed all expectations. The open-air kitchen exuded an inviting charm. The breathtaking infinity pool is undoubtedly one of the standout features, offering spectacular panoramic views of the jungle that will leave you in awe. What truly distinguishes ZÂRIA is its extraordinary staff. From our very first interaction, we felt genuinely valued and cared for. The entire team consistently went above and beyond to ensure we felt at home, always greeting us with warm smiles and engaging conversations. Their kindness, attentiveness, and unwavering passion for creating an exceptional experience were apparent in every detail. The love and dedication from the staff made our stay unforgettable, leaving us with hearts brimming with gratitude.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2024

    9.0
    Amazing place with some considerations
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Did not like the beds, which were very soft. Had a “queen bed” but was really two single mattresses, which made it uncomfortable. There are some areas that could be amazing but looked abandoned. Our biggest “but” was that rooms are close to the road, with periodic noisy bikes that ruined the experience of being surrounded by nature.

    Loved the setting, common areas and rooms. The hotel is set in an incredible place, with lots of effort to make it a special stay. Having dinner there is great. Staff is fantastic.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 December 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The place is beautiful and well located, very close to the beach with lots of lovely local areas to discover - perfect for a nature break to relax and recharge. The view is amazing, everything was perfectly clean, and the entire staff team was highly helpful, friendly and welcoming! Highly recommend.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 November 2024

    10
    We had a great time, the staff was amazing! I’d definitely come back again
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The food was amazing ❤️

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 November 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was perfect and we were so well received by the staff. Anyone needs to try this beautiful and relaxing Hotel. I hope I will be able to come back there.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 September 2024

    10
    Perfect
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This was the best place we stayed in DR. Andrea and Sergio always made us feel welcome and made sure we had everything we needed. The view from the pool is stunning! Big shout out to Willy, best food I had in the country! So so good. Can’t recommend this place enough.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 August 2024

    10
    Very local experience, you won’t regret it
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Authentic place in the middle of the nature, the room is very comfortable and what makes it awesome it’s to hear the living nature. The infinity pool it’s another thing with those views. The staff is amazing and highly recommend to visit Federico’s farm with Jonni the guide.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 August 2024

    9.0
    Probably the best place to stay in El Valle
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    n/a

    Amazing location in the middle of nature, pool with extraordinary view of El Valle and the beach, breakfast and dinner, lovely and helpful staff

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 May 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Idyllic stay in this lodge surrounded by the jungle. Great location (10min walk to the beach), very friendly staff, zen and chilling atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the open kitchen area and the terrasse view.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    An amazing little find in El Valle - perfect relaxing location where we were made to feel right at home. The hosts and owners were extremely accommodating, giving us tips about where to explore and organising excursions if we wished. The food is excellent - lots of options at breakfast, including fresh fruit, avocado, eggs and french toast. Dinner is a three course meal and they take dietary requirements into consideration. The walk to the beach is about 10 mins and is one of the best beaches we have been to so far. Would highly recommend staying here, especially as they plan to continue to upgrade and expand!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night

    One of those rare authentic places located in the middle of the jungle with stunning views and unique atmosphere! Super friendly stuff, healthy and tasty food, specious and very clean room. Perfect place to relax!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely stunning! Loved every minute of my stay. The staff treats you like you're family, the food is incredible and the rooms are the perfect combination of jungle and luxury (the beds are super comfy). The terrasse with the infinity pool, with jungle and ocean view, is the perfect place for some morning quiet or a nice gathering in the evening. The beach is only a short walking distance away, and there is a lot of jungle, beaches and nature to explore around. I definitely recommend staying there!!!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The road to El Vaye is still very local and super unexpectable so getting there in darkness is very challenging.

    Peaceful atmosphere, great location makes you feel living in the jungle between all those palm tress and bamboo houses, walking distance to the closest beach, lovely people. Big thanks for Chris and his family making us feel like at home, Igor for being best guide and Willy for unbelievable food!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 May 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Wonderful environment and a perfect place to relax. Very friendly, kind and helpful staff make you feel at home. Food is delicious. I highly recommend this hotel.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2025

    7.0
    Good but not as comfortable as the final price
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    If it is raining, it is hard to move one place to the other (e.g., from bedroom to dinning room or common room) without getting completely wet. They don’t use regular payment methods you will have to bring cash or they will add 5-10% (on top of taxes) which was an unexpected expense.

    It is close to the beach, dinners were delicious, and the hotel has a charming vibe.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double or Twin Room with View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    A bit noisy from the streets and you can follow the conversations in the other rooms. You can’t pay with a debit card, so you have to pay cash or with Revolut

    The chef was amazing! Nice location in the jungle

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 January 2025

    7.0
    Incredible staff, and incredible surroundings. Place will be amazing after renovation
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The hotel is under new management and I think they are planning a renovation of the property in the future, so once that is complete I am sure this place will be spectacular. The place just overall needs some love and attention. Simple fixes like improved bedding, upgraded bathrooms, shades for the windows, etc. would just make this place a lot better. For example, they have what could be a spectacular pool and patio at the top of the proerty, but there was just two lawn chairs sitting there and nothing else. The pool seemed very dirty with two side pools with sitting water. Place is really in the middle of nowhere so would be good if the kitchen had some snacks available or something during the day. Again, slight improvements will make this place incredible.

    The two most important things in a hotel they have right: the atmosphere and the staff. As people have said, the staff is incredible. They are all super kind, friendly, interesting people that go out of their way to do anything to make sure you have a great stay. The surroundings and location are very magical. The room was a good size.

    Stayed in December 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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