Cayo Levantado Resort has been distinguished by Forbes Travel Guide with the new VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge, becoming one of only two hotels in the Dominican Republic to obtain this certification in 2025. This recognition positions the resort within an elite group of properties worldwide that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the well-being of their staff, and a positive impact on the communities where they operate.
The badge, recently launched by Forbes Travel Guide, independently validates best practices in responsible hospitality through a rigorous evaluation process that covers all operational areas of hotels: from rooms, food and beverages, to spa and reception, a press release highlights.
This new approach marks a change in Forbes' criteria, which for the first time incorporates formal environmental standards as part of its global assessment, aligned with frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and other ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles.
An assessment with global standards
The VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality program is based on a detailed self-assessment that includes questionnaires, photographic documentation, and specific standards for each hotel department. A perfect score is not required, but a defined threshold must be met, which Forbes validates using technical criteria and random checks.
In addition to ecological practices, the program evaluates how the guest experience is integrated into the sustainability model, from environmental education to connection with local culture and respect for the natural resources of the environment.
This distinction comes at a time when the Dominican tourism industry faces the challenge of consolidating a more balanced and conscious model, in line with the new demands of the global traveler. The incorporation of international certifications such as Forbes' not only represents an achievement for the recognized hotels, but also raises the country's standards in terms of competitiveness and reputation.
The award obtained by Cayo Levantado Resort will also influence its overall star rating within the Forbes system, and positions the resort as a benchmark for regenerative hospitality in the Caribbean region.
Forbes Travel Guide, globally recognized for its star rating system, independently evaluates luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas through anonymous visits by professional inspectors. Its new Responsible Hospitality collection brings together establishments leading the transformation toward more ethical tourism without compromising on excellence.
International recognitions that reinforce their leadership
Throughout 2024, Cayo Levantado Resort was recognized by various international organizations for its excellence in wellness, hospitality and sustainability, which consolidates it as one of the most outstanding destinations in the region.
Among the main awards obtained are the Four Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, the Samaná Business Tourism Sustainability award, and its inclusion in prestigious selections such as the 'Best of the World 2024' list by National Geographic and the It List 2024 by Travel + Leisure, which highlight it as one of the best new hotels of the year.
Furthermore, the guest experience was recognized through Booking.com's Traveller Review Awards 2024, with an outstanding score of 9.8, and the Roca Award in the Hotel Wellness & Sport Experiences category, which valued its holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
