As an up-and-coming destination in the Dominican Republic, travel advisors shouldn’t be surprised if their clients start asking questions about where to stay in Miches, a sunny escape on the country’s northeast coast. And, with a handful of freshly built all-inclusive resorts for vacationers to choose from, one potential answer is Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, a new, adults-only property that opened in 2025.
The Vibe
Reclusive retreat. Over an hour and 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is certainly off the Dominican Republic’s well-trodden tourist path making it a great choice for anyone who wants to escape the crowds. Located in Miches, the area is less developed than others and boasts lush vegetation, distant mountain scenery and a largely undisturbed stretch of white sand beach.
How I Felt
In the zone. I visited Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa as media attending ALGV’s annual Elite Emerald Retreat, so I was in work mode throughout the duration of my visit. Anyone considering this property for an event will be happy to learn the onsite ballroom is spacious and modern and can accommodate up to 1,500 people.
The Digs
Between the moody lighting, beautiful wood details and comfy lounge area perfect for getting some work done, I was a big fan of my accommodations at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. The bed was spacious and cozy, and my fourth-floor balcony overlooked the main plaza and pool area of the Secrets side of the resort, making it a great place for people watching and soaking up some sunshine in the late afternoon. Speaking of the view, the fourth floor offered sweeping lookouts of the surrounding landscape, and I enjoyed gazing at the seemingly endless canopies of palm trees and the distant shoreline and mountains on the horizon every time I stepped out of my room.
The Agenda
As I mentioned above, I visited this property as part of ALGV’s 2026 Elite Emerald Retreat which meant my days were spent sitting in on educational sessions, attending networking events by the pool and celebrating advisors’ success alongside other members of the travel industry. In my free time, I took a stroll down to the beach to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sands and palm trees I heard so much about. I also headed over to the Dreams side of the property to scope out the scene.
The Eats
This property is a joint, Secrets/Dreams complex, and guests staying on the Secrets side have access to all the restaurants and bars across both resorts. I began each morning at the Market Cafe, which was a truly beautiful space, and had a special dinner with my fellow journalists at Capers, an Italian restaurant on the Dreams side. As usual coffee at Coco Cafe was a hit, and an onsite Piano Bar brought a fun touch of ambiance to late nights out.
Why I Would Go Back
This trip was my first time visiting the Dominican Republic and, by extension, Miches. I would return to the area to explore more of the country and dabble in a few off-site excursions as I’m the type of person who goes a little stir-crazy when I spend all my time at a resort. The beach was very pretty, and I wouldn’t mind coming back to see the sea turtles when they nest along Playa Esmeralda between March and November.
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