On Location: Unpacking new resorts in Miches, the Dominican Republic’s next hotspot

PAX recently visited Miches, a new rising star destination in the Dominican Republic.

During our press trip in collaboration with Air Canada Vacations (ACV), from June 14-19, we spent a day exploring the new hotels in this booming region, which is located an hour and fifteen minutes from Punta Cana.

Still untouched by mass tourism, this promising destination – located on the southern shore of Samaná Bay, on the northeast coast of the D.R. – captivates with its pristine landscapes, the establishment of luxury hotels, and its cultural heritage linked to the Taíno people.

We had the opportunity to visit three new resorts: Zemi Miches Punta Cana, Secrets Esmeralda Miches, and Viva Miches by Wyndham – all offering contemporary design, all-inclusive stays, and a harmonious integration into their natural surroundings.

Zemi Miches Punta Cana

The first hotel we visited in Miches was the Zemi Miches Punta Cana, a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton. It is also the only Curio Collection property in the Dominican Republic to offer an all-inclusive package.

This brand-new resort, opening on June 30, is located on the pristine beach of Playa Esmeralda and offers 500 accommodation units, including bungalows with pool access or ocean views.

It features 11 restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar, four swimming pools (including one with panoramic views), the Acana Spa, inspired by Taíno traditions, kids' and teens' clubs, and a water park.

Designed with sustainability in mind, Zemi Miches caters to a diverse clientele: couples, families, and groups seeking luxury and nature.

Located in a beautiful bay, it offers breathtaking views from its rooftop pool: turquoise sea, majestic mountains... and not a single seaweed in sight.

Secrets Esmeralda Miches

Next, we head to the all-inclusive adults-only Secrets Esmeralda Miches, which will welcome its first Canadian guests on August 1.

The property features 500 spacious suites with private balconies or terraces. Some offer direct access to a pool. Preferred Club suites offer exclusive privileges (private lounge, butler service, and reserved beach and pool areas).

The resort features 10 restaurants, including Rosewater for Preferred Club members, 6 bars, 3 pools, a Secrets Spa by Pevonia, and 24-hour room service.

The atmosphere promises to be peaceful and romantic, enhanced by the proximity of protected tropical forests. It's impossible not to fall under the spell of its long, peaceful beach, bordered by turquoise waters and golden sand.

Viva Miches by Wyndham

The third hotel we visited in Miches is also located on Playa Esmeralda.

Recently inaugurated on June 6th during a ceremony attended by the president of the Dominican Republic, the Viva Miches by Wyndham received an initial investment of $80 million.

This colourful and festive, family-oriented property has 538 rooms spread across three buildings surrounded by tropical vegetation.

A second phase of expansion will increase capacity to 750 rooms, for a total investment of $130 million.

The hotel offers a buffet restaurant, four à la carte restaurants (Latin American, Asian, Mediterranean, and seafood), five pools, a spa, a theater, a fitness center, and a weekly craft market.

Its Viva Vibe themed evenings promise a festive atmosphere for all ages.

A member of the Wyndham Green program, Viva Miches is committed to reducing plastic use, managing water responsibly, and integrating renewable energy sources.

We also appreciated the presence of water dispensers throughout the site, a concrete initiative to limit waste.

Miches: more than resorts

During our visit, we didn't have time to experience any excursions, but several sites came highly recommended, such as the freshwater Laguna Limón and saltwater Laguna Redonda, as well as the Montaña Redonda, renowned for its spectacular views of the region.

Between ecotourism getaways to Los Haitises National Park or the Salto de La Jalda waterfall, and immersion in the local atmosphere—colmados, markets, seafood cuisine, and festivities—the region embodies a Dominican Republic that is both unspoiled, welcoming, and committed to sustainable tourism.

Thanks to Air Canada Vacations, travel agents can now offer their clients Miches, a refined and immersive alternative in the Dominican Republic.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today! Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.