The Dominican Republic’s Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores) recently hosted the 25th edition of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE). I attended and was pleasantly surprised to experience a new and improved destination with more exciting updates coming soon!
I arrived at the Punta Cana airport on American Airlines to the recently opened terminal B. The immigration process was fast and easy with biometric verification. I simply looked at a camera and was admitted. It was so nice not to have to wait in a long line in a hot room. My airport experience upon departure was smooth as well, again with no long lines to wait in and a spacious, comfortable VIP lounge to enjoy before my flight. I have always enjoyed the lounge in terminal A thanks to Priority Pass, but the new one in terminal B is even more impressive, and yes, it also features an outdoor infinity pool so you can enjoy one last swim before going back home.
During my time in the Dominican Republic, I was able to get a sneak peek at two incredible new resorts: Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton and W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive.
Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Zemi Miches Punta Cana is officially opening its doors on June 30, 2025, but the hotel welcomed us for one of its first site inspections. There has been a lot of industry buzz about this resort, so I was excited to see it for myself, and WOW, it did not disappoint! I could not believe the incredible views it offers with a long palm tree-lined beach, azure blue water and mountain views in the distance. I’ve been to the DR about eight times and have stayed at/visited many resorts, and must say that the views from Zemi blew every other vista away. I felt like I was looking at a scene in Hawaii.
I’ve heard concerns that it takes about 90 minutes to reach Miches from Punta Cana. Our group’s transportation was a large coach bus, and I was a little concerned since I am prone to motion sickness, but I had no issues. The highway to reach Miches is smooth and modern, and I enjoyed seeing the lush tropical countryside. National parks and nature reserves in the area offer hiking to waterfalls through tropical rainforests and tours of caves with Taino petroglyphs. I think most travel advisors who visit Miches will agree that it is well worth the time it takes to get there, for travelers who appreciate nature, tranquility and million-dollar views.
The resort is still under construction, but we visited a couple of rooms, including the One Bedroom Suite Jacuzzi Terrace, which was expansive inside and out. Of course, it featured incredible views too, and I was impressed that it looked exactly like the renderings. I can’t wait to return to Zemi to experience all it will offer: 13 dining options, four unique pools and a massive spa and gym.
Travel advisors can experience Zemi Miches with exclusive rates.
W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive
In La Altagracia, W Hotels from Marriott Bonvoy is launching its first all-inclusive property, which is also for adults only. In a destination that can feel saturated with adults-only all-inclusive resorts, the W Punta Cana stands apart from the crowd thanks to its sophisticated, modern design and focus on innovative cuisine.
I visited the resort just weeks before its opening on June 15, 2025, and was immediately impressed. The staff gave me a warm welcome and introduced me to the property’s focus on guests’ physical and spiritual wellbeing with an aromatherapy treatment, healing sound bath and fresh juice mocktail. The spa wasn’t available to preview yet, but it will feature two hydrotherapy circuits, a relaxation area, 10 treatment rooms, a beauty salon and a large fitness studio. Combined with the chill pool and numerous locations throughout the resort to relax and enjoy calming scenery, the W Punta Cana will be the resort to stay at if you need to recharge and reconnect.
If chilling out isn’t on your vacation agenda, worry not! The W also has plenty to offer those who are looking for a more active and social getaway. The property’s focal point is a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the ocean, which will feature energizing music from both DJs and local musicians. There are also numerous bars, including a swim up bar, taproom and a speakeasy rum club featuring a humidor and offering artisan-curated rum and tobacco rituals.
During my visit, we sampled a large variety of delicious small plates and spoke with the executive chef. I loved both the artful presentation (some dishes were almost too pretty to eat!) and the taste of everything I tried. Each bite was creatively prepared, combining a variety of textures and flavors which were unexpected but melded perfectly together to wow my tastebuds.
The guest rooms are spacious with a sleek, modern design that feels warm and welcoming instead of sterile. I loved the large soaking tubs, tasteful pops of color, including a gorgeous multi-hued rug that reminded me of the ocean, and the well-stocked minibar with a Nespresso machine.
If you’re making recommendations to clients who want the ease and flexibility of an all-inclusive, you’ll want to take a closer look at the W Punta Cana. Whether it’s a romantic vacation, group getaway or girls/guys trip, the property will wow a variety of travelers.
Travel advisors can earn incentives when booking W Punta Cana.
While I didn’t have time to visit every resort I would have liked to see, there are several others which travel advisors will want to keep on their radar this year:
Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort opened earlier this year with much fanfare. This expansive resort features experiences for both adults only as well as families, including a large waterpark, 17 restaurants and a beautiful beach. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Punta Cana to somewhere more serene and want a property that offers diverse options for everyone, Marriott Miches might be the perfect spot for you.
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort also just opened, bringing the brand’s much-lauded standards of luxury to the exclusive Cap Cana community. Guests seeking an elevated beachfront vacation near the Punta Cana airport at a European plan resort will want to consider The St. Regis, which is also home to a restaurant created by an award-winning Peruvian chef and surrounded by the Caribbean’s #1 golf course.
Fiesta Americana Funeeq is anticipated to begin welcoming guests later this year, combining “fun” and “unique” for families and groups. This property will be located next to its sister resort Live Aqua Punta Cana in Uvero Alto. Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection also announced several additional properties in the works so keep an eye out for more to come in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection will soon debut two new resorts in the Dominican Republic’s up-and-coming destination of Miches: Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa for adults only and the next door neighbor, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa for guests of all ages. Playa Esmeralda is a large, pristine beach with calm waters. Combining the impeccable beach with the proximity to Los Haitises National Park, El Limon waterfall and Laguna Limon, Secrets and Dreams are sure to attract nature-lovers and groups seeking accommodations for both adults and children.
Carey Driscoll
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