Chances are, you’ve never heard of Miches in the Dominican Republic; most head straight to Punta Cana. But on the country’s northeastern coast, just south of Samaná Bay, lies Playa Esmeralda, a turquoise ocean like the Caribbean before mass tourism. Until recently, Miches was little more than a fishing village sustained by cacao, coconut, and livestock farming. Now, this secluded stretch has the debut of two new all-inclusive resorts: the family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda and the adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda.
The Public Square, a lively hub of shops, dining, and entertainment, connects the two properties. Adult guests have access to both resorts, featuring over 20 dining venues, multiple pools, a water park, and bars. Secrets Playa Esmeralda is also the only adults-only resort in the area.
Junior Suite King- RENDER
Accommodations
The highest level of stay is at the Preferred Club, which includes a private lobby, exclusive pool and lounge, upgraded suites, and butler-level service. I stayed in the Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean Front at Secrets, a 1,184-square-foot space featuring a king-size bed, a separate living area with a sofa bed, and a kitchenette.
Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean Front Bedroom
After a red-eye flight and a tight connection, I arrived at the resort exhausted and starving. Instead of heading to one of the restaurants, I was able to unwind in my suite thanks to an extravagant welcome amenity: a generous charcuterie board, a lavish chocolate spread with white- and milk-chocolate–dipped strawberries, and a chilled bottle of champagne. The all-inclusive rate also meant my refrigerator was restocked daily with sodas, juices, and light snacks.
Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean Front Living Room
Dining
With so many dining options, you won’t likely get to them all, but make sure to check out these standouts:
Casava with avocado mousse
Doña Altagracia
Named after the Virgin of Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic, the design aesthetic at Doña Altagracia showcases the Caribbean warmth. At the same time, the menu celebrates the country’s distinctive specialties. Try the cassava and avocado mousse served atop cassabe (crisp flatbread made from yuca), recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and a legacy of the indigenous Taíno people. The braised goat risotto, cooked slowly with Dominican oregano and wine, is another highlight.
Market Café buffet lunch seafood spread
Other standouts included:
Meraki: Secrets’ Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant.
Bluewater: Dreams’ poolside grill with salads, meat, and vegetarian options.
Capers: a classic Italian trattoria at Dreams.
Coco Café & Dolce: espresso, cappuccinos, and Dominican ice cream flavors like dulce de leche, best enjoyed as an affogato.
Himitsu: Dreams’ asian à la carte restaurant with Teppanyaki grills.
Piano Bar: At night, many gather at the Piano Bar for live jazz, piano, and expert cocktails, including a Dominican twist on a Negroni made with Mamajuana, the local elixir of rum, wine, honey, and herbs.
Secrets Spa RENDER
Activities
Resort activities go far beyond the pool. At the Secrets Entertainment Center, sign up to paint a faceless doll (a traditional Dominican craft). I created jewelry from larimar, the rare blue stone found only in the Dominican Republic. Guests were invited to choose a larimar cut and a selection of accompanying beads to make necklaces or bracelets. I opted to make an anklet. The Secrets Spa offered Natura Bissé treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, salon, and massages. I also took a scrub-making class, where we created our own custom body scrubs to use immediately in the shower before our massages.
Aerial Infinity Pool and Beach View
At the beach, snorkeling with schools of bright fish and small octopuses. Further offshore, you might encounter sea turtles and manatees. Playa Esmeralda serves as a protected turtle nesting sanctuary, and during nesting season, guests can participate in the release of turtles. Unlike many Caribbean beaches, this coastline is nearly free of the sargassum blooms plaguing other beachy destinations.
Sunsets here sometimes create what’s called the Divided Sky, when the mountains partially block the horizon, splitting it into glowing light on one side and shadow on the other.
Families love the Dreams Water Park, where the tallest tower offers panoramic views of Playa Esmeralda and Montaña Redonda behind it.
Montaña Redonda views
Off-Site Adventures
We joined an excursion with El Cedro Eco Tours, exploring the region’s agricultural roots, which included a stop at a coconut plantation with fresh coconut juice tastings.
Cacao tour
Along the Cacao Route, we learned every step of chocolate-making, from planting and fermentation to tasting the finished treats. Finally, we visited Montaña Redonda, where 360° views of Miches and Samaná Bay offered plenty of Instagram-worthy moments with specially built swings and photographers on-site. Nearby attractions include Los Haitises National Park and whale-watching season in Samaná Bay.
Luxury development has arrived in the once-sleepy town of Miches, yet it remains an incredibly special place: a Caribbean beauty minus the crowds, an increasingly rare find. Visit now, before the secrets out.