Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences ★★★★★

There's some places on earth where you need to pinch yourself to check you aren't dreaming, and one of those is when walking along a picture perfect beach in the Caribbean. Sublime Samana Hotel & Residencies is aptly named; surrounded by green mountains and the turquoise sea, it blends in effortlessly with its incredible surroundings. The entrance is through a 'green' carpet, as luxurious as a red one in this case; a stone path set in lush grass and lined with bright blue water canals and palm trees.

We were met by the friendly and obliging staff who escorted us to our rooms and helped with our bags. The first impression upon entering was of airy spaciousness and fresh luxury. Our one-bedroom suite came with a great big bed, a separate living space with a sofa, a well equipped kitchenette and dining table. Floor to ceiling windows let in an abundance of light and French doors opened onto a terrace with outdoor furniture and an amazing sea view. We were thrilled. I was delighted when I went into the bathroom and saw the elegant room with oversized features and walk-in shower in natural tones, marble, wood and porcelain. We unpacked and just sat on the terrace for a while, absorbing the ambience, being caressed by the warm sea breeze, watching the palm trees gently swaying and hearing the rhythmic swoosh of the waves on the shore.

Then we went to explore the seven-acre grounds. We went to the beach-side grill for lunch, a gorgeous space, on wooden decking with a white canopy providing shade, where a bar stocks an array of drinks and the menu boasts fresh local fish dishes. Palm trees stand like sculptures just beyond and the horizon glistens with blue. The whole of Sublime Samana feels like a delicate touch upon this pristine world, and the line between the hotel and the world outside is deliciously blurred.

We went for a barefoot walk along the beach to watch the colours change at sunset. Great sweeps of pinks and reds illuminated the sky and were mirrored in the sea. That evening we had dinner on the terrace of the art-adorned Bistro, where white gossamer fabric hangs in swathes, as if a cloud under the ceiling. Everything was magical and serene.

The next morning heralded my birthday. We ordered breakfast in our room, and then I was surprised by my first birthday treat – a massage in the beach-side spa! Made totally from natural materials, it has a pure, rustic feel, and literally stands the sand. It was one of the best massages I had, aided by the sound of the waves. The final surprise of the day also stood on sand. A solitary candle-lit table for two, set just metres away from the shore line, fairy lights strung between two palm trees above. This was certainly a birthday to remember, thanks to my romantic husband and the paradise at the Sublime Samara Hotel!