These all-inclusive resorts have fantastic kids club programs included in your stay.
Thinking about going to the Dominican Republic with your family? Go for it! Just a short flight from the East Coast, this resort offers some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, warm people and delicious food. Club Med is the perfect choice for families because it’s truly all-inclusive. The club will book everything for you, from flights to airport transfers to tours. You don’t have to think about anything but packing your suitcases.
Club Med offers two properties in the Dominican Republic: Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda. Which of these all-inclusive properties is best for your family? Read on to find out more about both properties and get tips on how to enjoy both on the same vacation.
Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med Punta Cana is the brand’s flagship family property, and you’ll see the emphasis on kids even before you arrive. Once you’ve booked and paid in full, you can enroll your children in the Mini Club program for a full-day kids’ club experience. Club Med offers activities for kids ages 4 and up, including crafts, tennis, archery and circus school. On-demand care is available for children under 4 for an additional fee. Child care is also available during dinner time, so you can enjoy a quiet meal with your partner while your kids go out to play with friends.
The hotel’s mini club facilities were very impressive. When the temperature rises you can cool off in the enclosed splash zone. There are also dining and activity rooms and play equipment. While we were there we saw lots of kids taking part in everything from splashing around in the water to pirate treasure hunts.
Club Med Punta Cana Hotels
During our stay at Club Med Punta Cana, we stayed in a two-bedroom family room and it was perfectly equipped for a family of up to five. The parents’ room has a king size bed and bathroom, and also has a sofa that can be used as a bed for the kids if needed. Another bedroom with two twin beds for the kids has plenty of storage space and a door that closes. There is also a second bathroom and balcony down the hallway. The family room is centrally located on the property, with easy access to the mini club and the main restaurant, Hispaniola.
If you are coming with a baby, you can reserve a Club Med Baby Welcome Kit in advance at no extra cost, which includes a baby bath, bottle warmer, changing station, umbrella bed and stroller (also available at Michès).
In addition to family-friendly accommodations, you can also upgrade to an Exclusive Collection space for even more space to relax and unwind. This area of the resort offers room service breakfast, a private pool, and a bar.
While the kids are at the mini club, head to Zen Oasis to relax in the adults-only pool. If you don’t have young children with you, you can also stay in this quiet area.
Dining at Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med Punta Cana has three restaurants available as part of the all-inclusive package. Hispaniola is a staple spot for buffet dining that kids will love. Breakfast is our favorite, with the omelette station rated highest, but the dinner buffet with chocolate fountain is a big hit with the kids. Hispaniola has amazing waterfront views, was recently renovated, and is available for all three meals.
If you want a la carte service with a sea view, Indigo is the place to go. We loved our dinner at Indigo, especially the perfectly grilled meats and delicious sides. The Dominican dishes, such as the curry plate, were also very good. The Samana restaurant was closed during our stay for annual maintenance, but it still serves a variety of cuisines, including Caribbean, French, Italian and Asian.
What to do at Club Med Punta Cana
If you’re looking for a full day of activities, Club Med Punta Cana is the place for you. The Club Med app shows all the activities available for the day, from beach volleyball games to power walking. There are different performances every night, and the Michael Jackson show was particularly fun.
Before you arrive, check out the theme for the night. Themes vary from white night to black/gold to floral. We were surprised at how much the guests embraced the theme during our stay. While it’s not required of course, most people dress up to match the theme of the night before heading out for dinner. It brings a festive atmosphere to the meal and evening activities.
During the day, you can relax on the beach in a lounge chair or enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and sailing. Equipment is available for hire, but if your kids have their own favorite goggles or swim rings, we recommend bringing them with you. The shop in the lobby was well-stocked with any items you forgot.
Adults should plan to spend some time at the hotel’s spa during their stay. Services like massages and facials cost extra, but access to the luxurious indoor/outdoor spa space is definitely worth it. You can even book a couples massage with an ocean view.
How to get to Club Med Punta Cana
If convenience is what you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place. Fly into Punta Cana International Airport and hop on a shuttle bus to the resort. The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from the airport, so there’s no need for a long van ride after your flight. It couldn’t be easier!
Translator
Club Med Punta Cana @Club Med Punta Cana @ClubMed #clubmed #clubmedpuntacana #puntacana #dominican #dominicanrepublic
♬ LALA – Myke Towers
Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda
Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda is an oasis in the Dominican jungle that’s a must-visit destination. Take a 1.5-hour shuttle ride from the airport to this Exclusive Collection property. From the moment you walk through the open-air lobby and sip a refreshing drink, you’ll be impressed with the stunning views of your surroundings.
From pre-arrival concierge service to premium in-room amenities, Michele offers superior service. Breakfast room service is available in all rooms, making it convenient for families traveling with children.
Club Med Michès is committed to sustainability and even has an on-site water bottling facility, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. Glass bottles are provided in rooms and will be replaced during your stay as you use them, and there are also bottle-filling stations located around the property.
Club Med Miches Accommodation
The accommodation is made up of 4 villages, each with a different atmosphere. We stayed in Explorer Cove, which has good access to the main area of the resort with the pool, the mini club and the beach. The Deluxe Family Room is recommended for families, with an en-suite room for the adults and a separate room with 2 twin beds for the children, plus a second bathroom. There is a small stock of snacks and drinks in the in-room fridge and a Nespresso machine.
The property also has areas such as Caribbean Paradise (a colorful area for families and couples), Zen Oasis (an area for everyone to relax) and Archipelago (an adults-only area with suites). No matter where you stay, adults have access to the Zen Pool (pictured above). Once you see this area, you’ll never want to leave. This beautiful green pool has plenty of great spots for sunbathing or reading in the shade, and the swim-up bar offers freshly made smoothies and cocktails at your disposal. Grab one of the hammocks and you’ll feel like you’re in heaven.
Club Med Miches Mini Club
Similar to the Punta Cana location, children ages 4 and up can participate in Miches’ Mini Club program, which offers similar programming, including circus school, water play, crafts, and theater. Infants 4 months and older can book childcare for an additional fee. The splash pad in the Mini Club area is available for families to use, even if they’re not using the Mini Club that day. As you can imagine, the dump bucket was a big hit.
Dining at Club Med Miches
Miches’ gourmet cuisine is truly amazing and you’ll notice it from the moment you wake up. Visit the coffee shop and enjoy hot or cold coffee, frozen yogurt, pastries, small sandwiches and more.
Cayuco’s buffet has just about everything you could want, from fresh fruit to Asian bowls to freshly baked pancakes. Adults without kids can dine in the adults-only area if they wish. Don’t miss out on Club Med’s signature white chocolate bread! Be sure to check the night schedule for the Secret Chocolate Room experience. Kids will be thrilled to know they can eat as much chocolate as they can fit on their plate.
Coco Plum focuses on local specialties and offers a variety of seafood and non-meat dishes – try the fish tacos while watching the surf crash nearby.
Coal & Copper is the resort’s steakhouse and is open to guests for an additional fee. We enjoyed a fantastic meal here and the staff was very friendly. Portions are large so be sure to be hungry when you arrive.
What to do at Club Med Miches
Club Med Michès has something for everyone, so be sure to check it out. The treetop palapa is the perfect spot for morning yoga before heading to the nearby Zen Pool. There are plenty of activities on offer, including tennis lessons, fitness classes, water sports and circus lessons. The challenge is balancing it all while staying relaxed.
Club Med Miches has a fantastic spa that I was able to visit during my stay. Before or after your treatment, you can relax in the three plunge pools, which range from refreshingly cold to hot water – however you choose to relax, there’s something for everyone here.
In the evenings, there are a variety of performances, including traditional Dominican dancers and circuses – check the Club Med app for the day’s schedule to see what to expect.
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Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda #clubmed #clubmedmiches #clubmedmichesplayaesmeralda #dominicanrepublic #travel
♬ Paradise – Bazzi
What to Know When Visiting Club Med in the Dominican Republic
You can arrange a day trip from Miches to Club Med Punta Cana so you can check out the other properties. Some people switch between the two properties for a bit of variety. Mosquitoes come out at dusk in Miches; the resort provides bug spray and sprays on the property, but be careful if you are sensitive. The Mini Club can book up, so if you want to use it during your stay, make a reservation as soon as you arrive at the resort, preferably in advance. Many families bring strollers or foldable wagons. Pool floats are also allowed (they are sold in the gift shops at both locations).
Club Med is great because it welcomes families, provides spaces for parents to relax without the kids, and brings visitors together with shows and parties – a truly fun all-inclusive family getaway!
—Images by author unless otherwise noted.
Editor’s note: This trip was sponsored by Club Med, but all opinions are my own.
