In fact, an exceptional getaway is exactly what you’ll find at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, set on the untouched northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. Opening December 2019, this newest outpost of the iconic all-inclusive pioneer is not only luxurious—it’s Club Med’s first Exclusive Collection resort in the Caribbean—but it’s also your chance to experience a lush landscape away from the crowds. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family, this secret hideaway makes for a stay that’s novel, yet backed by the storied legacy of Club Med, which has been welcoming travelers to the Dominican Republic since 1980.
Here’s what to expect:
The Resort
Set in a lush palm grove, on an unspoiled beach just steps from the crystal-clear sea, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is a 93-acre haven of eco-chic luxury, featuring four boutique villages designed for romantics, adventurers, and wellness seekers alike. Dramatic curved roofs bring a modern design aesthetic to common areas, while four pools pepper the resort, giving kids, families, and adults their own areas for freshwater fun.
The Rooms
Each boutique village features rooms designed for every type of traveler in mind. In Archipelago, romantics can stay in a room just steps from the beach with a private pool and outdoor shower, while couples can enjoy the adult-exclusive Emerald Jungle, a secluded Zen Oasis with health and wellness-focused activities. Families can choose to stay in Explorer Cove or Caribbean Paradise for an adventurous, family-friendly retreat. Wherever you stay, you’ll find spacious surroundings and luxurious modern furnishings with a Caribbean feel.
The Restaurants
Restaurants are tailored to the guests’ tastes and let you take full advantage of the resort’s all-inclusive aspect. Dine with a view of the water at the beach lounge, slip into a leather booth at the full-service steak house, and enjoy international cuisine at the main restaurant. Families can take the kids to the family restaurant, where they can enjoy the sweet treasures of the secret caramel dessert room at the end of their meal.
The Activities
As with each Club Med, you decide how active you want to be. Relax on the beach and wade in the clear, warm water, and unwind with a treatment at the Cinq Monde spa. Bringing the kids? Give them a memorable experience with their own activities in the children’s clubs and community garden. Up the adrenaline level by going kayaking, kitesurfing, snorkeling, or try your hand at the electric JetSurf. Need a quiet moment? Guests will be able to take a beachfront or treetop yoga class, learn archery, play tennis, or go horseback riding on the beach.
And if you can bear to tear yourself away from the resort, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda offers an ideal opportunity to experience the Dominican Republic as never before. Head to the mountaintop of Montaña Redonda, where you can hop on swings while taking in the 360-degree views of the sea and jungle. Go on an expedition to Laguna Limόn, a lush nature reserve with waterfalls. Or travel to Samaná Bay, where protected islands feature gorgeous native flora and wildlife; you’ll even have the chance to spot humpback whales along the way.
