20 Years in the Making: The Story Behind Samana Group

What looks like overnight success is often years in the making.

While some may see the Samaná Group as a breakout star on the Dominican Republic’s development scene, the truth is far more layered. This is not a story of sudden triumph, but one of quiet determination, methodical work, and visionary foresight. The journey spans nearly two decades, each stage building purposefully on the last. Let’s explore how this ambitious and distinctive project came to life.

Stage I – Land Assembly Expertise (2007)

The story begins in 2007, with the founding of De Maria – a land titling and surveying company established by Shannon Robertson and Tomas Avogadro. At the time, the Samaná region was known for its untouched beauty, but land ownership was a legal maze. De Maria stepped in to bring order to the chaos, working to clarify and formalize property rights in the area.

Over 17 years, they did far more than just survey plots: they assembled thousands of hectares, processed over 1,500 ownership titles, and forged relationships essential to everything that would come next. This work became the backbone of what would eventually become the Samaná Masterplan.

Stage II – Hospitality Proof of Concept (2012)

By 2012, it was time to see if the region could support more than just beautiful landscapes. Could it thrive as a destination? The answer came through a proof-of-concept strategy focused on boutique, eco-conscious hospitality.

De Maria contributed land for equity and partnered to help launch six distinct eco-hotels: Hacienda Cocuyo, El Valle Lodge, Dominican Tree House Village, Ganesh Hostel, Taino Beach Lofts, and Unique Exotic Hotel. These properties welcomed thousands of guests, offering immersive experiences rooted in nature and authenticity. The success of these ventures confirmed a demand for an alternative kind of tourism – one that would inspire the future residential vision.

Stage III – Samana Group Holding Formation

The turning point came in 2020, when entrepreneur Marek Zmysłowski joined as Co-founder, investor, and CEO. With a $5 million capital injection, a formal holding company was established, and a new leadership team came onboard.

This was the beginning of Samaná Group as we know it today. The team began preparing projects, securing necessary permits, and laying the groundwork for residential development. With energy, capital, and strategic focus in place, the vision was ready to scale.

Stage IV – First Residential Project Proof of Concept (2024)

Just four years later, Samaná Group reached another milestone. Its first residential project, Nomad City I, hit a 100% sell-out rate for its first 100 units – in just nine months. The star of the show? The Flat House: a low-profile villa concept that seamlessly integrates with the Monte Rojo hillsides.

These homes offer sweeping ocean views, private pools, gardens, and access to urban services and longevity-focused infrastructure. It’s a design that doesn’t just fit the land – it honors it. With construction already underway, the first residents are expected to move in by early 2026.

Where we are now – and what’s next

With a solid foundation and proof of concept in hand, Samaná Group is now moving into its most ambitious phase: expansion. Nomad City is evolving into a multi-phase development, with sales for Nomad City II already open.

Meanwhile, new residential and commercial concepts are in the pipeline, carrying the momentum forward. After nearly 20 years of quiet progress, the road ahead is wide open – and this story is only just beginning.