Santo Domingo, August 18, 2025. 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 among an elite of properties worldwide that demonstrate a solid commitment to environmental sustainability, the well-being of its human team and the positive impact on the communities where they operate.
The badge, recently launched by Forbes Travel Guide, independently validates responsible hospitality best practices, through a rigorous evaluation process that spans all hotel operational areas: from rooms, food and beverage to spa and reception.
This new approach marks a shift in Forbes’ criteria, which for the first time incorporates 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) governance principles.
An assessment with global requirements
The VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality program is based on a detailed self-assessment that includes questionnaires, photo documentation, and standards specific to each hotel department. A perfect score is not required, but it does require reaching a defined threshold, which Forbes validates with technical criteria and random controls.
In addition to eco-friendly 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 environment’s natural resources.
This distinction comes at a time when the Dominican tourism industry faces the challenge of consolidating a more balanced and conscious model, in tune with the new demands of the global traveler. The incorporation of international certifications such as Forbes not only represents an achievement for recognized hotels but also raises the country’s standards in terms of competitiveness and reputation.
The badge earned by Cayo Levantado Resort will also influence its overall star rating within the Forbes system and position 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 that are leading a transformation towards more ethical tourism, without sacrificing excellence.
International recognitions that reinforce their leadership
Throughout 2024, Cayo Levantado Resort was recognized by different international organizations for its excellence in wellness, hospitality, and sustainability, which makes it one of the most outstanding destinations in the region.
Among the main awards obtained are the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating, the Samaná Business Tourism Sustainability Award, and its inclusion in highly prestigious selections such as National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2024’ list and Travel + Leisure’s It List 2024, which highlight it as one of the best new hotels of the year.
Likewise, the guest experience was recognized through the Traveller Review Awards 2024 in Booking.com, 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.
