Discover the All-Inclusive Bliss at Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda

The Dominican Republic is renowned for its vibrant all-inclusive resorts, particularly in bustling areas like Punta Cana. However, if you’re seeking a tranquil escape away from the crowds, look no further than the emerging destination of Miches, where two new all-inclusive resorts are redefining vacationing: Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. Located just a 90-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport, these resorts offer unique experiences for both adults and families.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda is the area’s first adults-only all-inclusive resort, while Dreams Playa Esmeralda caters to families, making it an ideal choice for travelers of all kinds. As part of the World of Hyatt program, both resorts can be booked using points, which contributed to their recognition as some of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025.

Upon arriving at the resort complex, I checked in at Secrets and was welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine. A golf cart whisked me away to a designated area for Preferred Club guests, who enjoy several perks, including a personalized check-in experience. Here, I met my personal concierge, who guided me to my room and provided an overview of the resort’s features. Each resort has its own lobby and Preferred Club check-in area, though many shared amenities connect the two properties.

The interior design of both resorts is a standout feature. Secrets and Dreams each boast stunning open-air lobbies with chic bar spaces, ample seating, and breathtaking ocean views.

Each resort offers 500 guest rooms and suites, with 125 rooms designated for Preferred Club guests. The layout of the accommodations forms a horseshoe shape facing the ocean, ensuring that most rooms enjoy at least a partial sea view.

During my stay at Secrets, I indulged in a beautifully designed Preferred Club master suite oceanfront room. This spacious suite featured a comfortable king-size bed, a separate living area, a luxurious bathroom with dual sinks and a soaking tub, and a balcony with loungers and another soaking tub. The decor was elegant, with neutral tones and natural materials like wood and rattan, complemented by subtle patterns that added a bohemian touch.

At Dreams, I experienced a junior suite swim-up room with two queen beds. This spacious setup was perfect for families, complete with a desk, a love seat, and an outdoor terrace with seating that provided direct access to the pool. The swim-up concept was particularly appealing for parents wanting to keep an eye on young children during nap time. However, the downside of being on the ground floor was the potential for noise from the pool area.

The decor at Dreams was more playful, featuring vibrant colors and patterned tiles that enhanced the family-friendly atmosphere. Both rooms came equipped with Bluetooth speaker systems, allowing for music enjoyment throughout the suites.

While dining options at both Secrets and Dreams are abundant—Secrets offers 11 dining outlets and Dreams has 10, including six a la carte restaurants—there is room for improvement in terms of quality and overall dining experience. Breakfast and lunch options were somewhat underwhelming, and I encountered issues with room service, including an undercooked pizza. Despite these hiccups, the staff was friendly and responsive, quickly rectifying any mistakes. It’s worth noting that menus did not clearly indicate dietary restrictions, which posed a challenge for vegetarian options.

Dinner, however, was a highlight, with several dishes exceeding expectations. The Dominican restaurant Dona Altagracia at Secrets was particularly memorable, as were the alfajores (cookies filled with dulce de leche) at the resort’s coffee bar, Coco. Each restaurant was beautifully designed, contributing to a unique dining atmosphere, even in the buffet areas.

As the resorts are newly opened, I anticipate that many of these dining challenges will improve over time. During my two visits to Secrets’ Mediterranean restaurant, Meraki, I noticed a marked improvement in food quality.

Guests at Secrets have access to all dining options at Dreams, but children are not permitted in the adults-only Secrets restaurants. Currently, only select restaurants operate each day on a rotating basis, but all venues will eventually be open daily as occupancy increases.

Amenities at both resorts were also a highlight of my stay. Secrets guests can enjoy the amenities at Dreams, but the reverse is not true, meaning the adults-only gym is located at Secrets, while family-friendly amenities like basketball and tennis courts are found at Dreams.

One of the most appealing aspects of this resort complex is its secluded beach. I found the beach to be pleasantly uncrowded during my stay, a refreshing change from the busy beaches often found at other resorts. The water was a stunning turquoise, warm and inviting for swimming. Loungers and daybeds were strategically placed to offer unobstructed views while being set back slightly from the water’s edge, as the beach serves as a sanctuary for leatherback turtles that nest there each year.

Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda are situated about 63 miles northwest of Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the nearest airport. Flights from the U.S. to Punta Cana are frequent, and the drive to the resort takes approximately 90 minutes. The resorts arrange transfers through their sister company, Amstar, which I used for my journey. While the rides were comfortable, they are not the cheapest option, costing around $174 each way (prices may vary depending on booking methods). Ride-hailing apps are not currently available in the Miches area, though parking at the resorts is complimentary for guests who choose to rent a car.

As part of Hyatt’s all-inclusive collection, both Secrets and Dreams allow guests to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points. Room types available for booking with points include Preferred Club accommodations and premium suites. Secrets is classified as a Category C all-inclusive, with standard rooms starting at 21,000 points during off-peak nights, while premium suites can reach 58,000 points during peak times. Dreams, classified as a Category B all-inclusive, has rates ranging from 17,000 to 46,000 points per night.

In terms of cash rates, expect to pay mid-$300s to around $500 for a non-Preferred Club room at Secrets this year, with prices spiking during the holiday season. At Dreams, room rates can often be found below $300 on many nights.

Both resorts offer accessible rooms, with four available at each hotel and one in the Preferred Club. These accommodations include large bathrooms designed for wheelchair access, and the property features ramps and elevators. However, none of the pools are equipped with lifts, and service dogs are permitted.

For those seeking a peaceful all-inclusive experience paired with pristine beaches, spacious accommodations, and beautiful amenities, Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda are excellent choices. If exceptional dining is a top priority, it may be wise to wait a few months to allow the restaurants to refine their offerings. This beachside duo is a remarkable addition to Hyatt’s all-inclusive portfolio, set in a stunning, lesser-known corner of the Dominican Republic.