If you had asked me about Club Med last year, I would have told you that the brand was going down the dial-up and tanning bed path. The concept died or was close to dying. Fortunately, I had a complete misunderstanding about the 1975-year-old French-born company known for its all-inclusive resorts around the world.
Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at one of Club Med Miches’ newest properties in Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic. A scenic 90-minute drive from the airport, this 93-acre beachfront resort is located on pristine coastline and combines ecotourism with luxury accommodations. It’s also Club Med’s first fully Exclusive Collection resort in the Americas, meaning everything is premium.
Why stay at Club Med Miches?
Opened in 2019, Club Med Miches attracts guests for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’ve already been to Club Med Punta Cana and want to try another 5-star option. You may want something secluded and environmentally friendly, but you may not want to do anything wild. Maybe you’re interested in an all-inclusive, or maybe you’re planning a family trip and everyone needs something different. Or maybe the beach is just calling.
Parents love Club Med’s built-in family-friendly programs, including day camps for all ages and even nighttime babysitting. Everyone is taking a break here.
What are the rooms like at Club Med Miches?
The resort is divided into four boutique ‘villages’, each with its own unique personality. The Archipelago features 18 beachfront villas with private plunge pools. Caribbean Paradise is closest to the main pool and features 111 deluxe rooms and junior suites with ocean views. Explorer Cove is the largest, with 158 family accommodations located near the resort’s kids clubs and activities. The adults-only Emerald Jungle features a Zen pool, spa, fitness center and wellness bar. (Also available to spa guests.)
We stayed in a beachfront junior suite at Caribbean Paradise. It was steps from the ocean and within earshot of the lounge DJ (bad for FOMO, but great for the atmosphere). It had 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a terrace with a view and very powerful air conditioning (everything we needed as a family of 3). Plus, all snacks and drinks are included, freeing you from expensive minibar life.
What are the best restaurants and bars in Club Med Miches?
As part of the all-inclusive rate, the resort offers several restaurants and one specialty steakhouse, Cole and Copper. This costs an additional fee and is only open on certain nights.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the main restaurant, Cayuco. The atmosphere is more like a gourmet food court than a messy buffet. Think made-to-order pasta with your choice of sauce and toppings, and hangover-fighting chilaquiles topped with the perfect fried egg. The menu changes daily, so with the exception of the burgers, chicken tenders, and hot dog station, no two things are the same (because Americans, like my husband, like what they like). Servers come over with drinks and don’t hesitate to refill wine glasses.
In between meals, the cafe offers simple sandwiches, baked goods, and hot or iced coffee drinks. Fresh juices are also available at the adults-only wellness bar.
Beachfront restaurant Coco Plum serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner by reservation. (Pro tip: Book as soon as you arrive; spots book up quickly.) We had a sumptuous lunch of fish tacos, Dominican ceviche (which can be customized at Raw Bar), and chilled French rosé.
Bars are everywhere. There’s a Beach Shack for mojitos and blended cocktails, a swim-up bar in the adults-only pool, and a main beach bar near the lobby where you can enjoy everything else. You won’t be thirsty.
What services does Club Med Miches offer?
The service is friendly and attentive. Many of the GOs (Friendly Organizers, Club Med’s staff term) are seasonal workers from France, Canada, and other French-speaking countries, and they seem genuinely happy to be at Miche. That joy comes through in every interaction with our guests. No matter what you need, someone will help you right away.
What is the spa at Club Med Miches like?
Cinq Mondes Spa blends nature and wellness in an expansive sanctuary with a zen pool (so quiet you can hear a needle drop), hydrotherapy circuit, plunge bath, steam room, and sauna.
There are both single and double treatment rooms, but even the single rooms feel spacious. I liked that the massage therapist was in the room while I undressed (rather than having an awkward in-and-out routine). My therapist is from Mexico, incredibly talented, very passionate, and even provided post-massage tips to further enhance the results.
What are some of the property amenities at Club Med Miches?
There’s always something to do at Club Med. From yoga and paddleboarding on a treetop palapa to archery, windsurfing, and the famous trapeze experience, there’s a busy schedule of activities. Also located around the facility are ping pong tables, mini-golf and Crazy Signs, Club Med’s popular choreographed dance party, held twice a day with GO leading the fun.
What is the area like around Club Med Miche?
It’s a remote location. Approximately 90 minutes from Punta Cana Airport, this resort is completely self-contained in a hidden location. You must pass through two security gates to gain entry, and there are security guards on site. It feels safe, peaceful, and intentionally isolated from the outside world.
If you’re up for an adventure, eco-focused excursions are available to spots like the Laguna Limón Nature Reserve and the protected islands of Samaná Bay.
Why you should book a stay at Club Med Miches
Family vacations can feel like work, but not at Miche. Relaxation is the default and sustainability is built into the experience. The resort partners with local farmers to minimize single-use plastics and operates partially on solar energy, while offering spa-level luxury and enough activities to satisfy every type of traveler. You’ll leave feeling rested, grounded, and already planning your next Club Med escape.
Address: Miches 24000, Dominican Republic
Prices per night: Prices are all-inclusive and vary depending on season and number of guests. Children under 4 years old are free. For a midsummer stay, expect to pay $560 per night (including food, drinks, and activities) for a double room.
closest Transportation: Approximately 90 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)..
