Back in January, when the world had no idea that travel would be banned for months, we were lucky enough to visit the first ever resort in Miches, Dominican Republic. We stayed in the new Club Med luxury all-inclusive eco resort of Miches Playa Esmeralda and we had A BLAST.
Club Med was founded 70 years ago by Gerard Blitz in a bid to bring back happiness in people's lives in a post war context. He believed in mixing like-minded people, activities and relaxation as the basis of the perfect holiday. His mantra was simple: 'The aim in life is to be happy. The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now.' Seven decades later, the company still lives by that moto and the newly opened Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda is already a flagship resort for the brand, loved by all and already rocking a 4.5+/5 on TripAdvisor.
The Dominican Republic is famous for its beaches and beautiful scenery. It is in fact the most visited destination in the Caribbean and a favourite of Brits. The new Club Med resort is located near the town of Miches, an idyllic and preserved setting that has been carefully transformed into a holiday spot. This environmentally-driendly beachside hideway tucked away on the north-eastern shore of the island boasts 2,000 feet of beach front - dreamy right?
The accommodation is separated into boutique villages, tailored to suit anyone's holiday dreams and needs. Families can stay in the Explorer Cove, close to the kids' clubs with a dedicated beachfront family pool with waterslides. Young adults can stay as the heart of the resort within the bright colors of Caribbean Paradise. Those looking for a wellness and calm retreat will love the Emerald Jungle, accommodation in a lush jungle next to an eco zen pool and tree top yoga school. Finally, those looking for more privacy and the ultimate luxury experience can stay in the Archipelago, with adult-only suites and private beach front pools. No matter where you decide to stay, every places in the resort is within easy reach.
Even though Club Med is the luxury all-inclusive holiday provider for families, it doesn't forget adults with many spaces dedicated to adults and a huge sports and activities offering. The adults only eco pool is a wonderful heaven with swim bar serving fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails with the freshest fruits. The resort has a tree top yoga school with classes three times a day and a meditation program in partnership with the very exclusive Muse where guests are required to use a brain sensing headband. Relaxation and wellness has really been key for Club Med the past few years and the resort also features a very premium Cinq Mondes Spa offering a range of treatments and massages.
Thanks to its french heritage, the food in Club Med resorts is always delicious and we are very far away from a typical sausage and eggs all-inclusive buffet. The resort boasts several restaurants and experience, all included in the price of the holiday. A beach louge 'Coco Plum' offering delicious avocado on toasts, omelettes and fishes during the day and huge lobsters at night. 'Cayuco' the main restaurant with a sophisticated and gourmet buffet. 'Cacao & co' for families and kids' clubs with a secret Chocolate Room (I was astonished by this) with plenty of sweets, chocolate fountains etc. And finally, at extra costs but well worth it, 'Coal & Copper', a fantastic steak house. The resort also boasts several bars, a wine cellar and (a favourite of mine) a Coffee Shop offering coffees, iced drinks and creamy frozen yogurts.
While Punta Cana is a very overly crowded and uninteresting place to visit, Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda, is the ideal starting points to visit all the most beautiful spots of the Dominican Republic. From swinging at the top of the Montana Redonda, visiting the wonders of Los Haitises National Park, horse riding on the preserved beaches etc. You will have a complete different experience than your friends who went to popular Punta Cana. I would really recommend a stay at this resort and plan to return as soon as borders open again. I was absolutely convinced by the resort approach to holidaying and my time there was memorable.