samana is not the same city i fell in love with in 1984. i married a lady from samana and we have a house there and visit about two months a year. we just returned on june 30 after a three week visit. there were three murders and some rapes numerous breakins. samana has grown up like the big cities and violence is a way of life now. i still love samana and will retire there shortly but it has changed forever. the new shopping area is coming along and should be ready by the fall. the hotel cayacoa is about to open under a new name it looks like it will be a beautiful hotel just some electrical work to be done on it. the hotel on cayo leventado has a long way to go and i dont see it opening this year. one of the best beaches in the dominican is rincon about 40 minutes from samana, if you have not visited rincon it is a must if you are in the area. visit samana enjoy samana, just show common sense when going out.