Club Med Michès, Dominican Republic: ultimate ease in a secluded corner of the Caribbean

Surrounded by vibrant tropical forest and pristine white sand beaches, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is a hidden paradise with something for every type of traveller.

The luxury resort set in the east of the Dominican Republic has been carefully designed to exist in harmony with its stunning natural surroundings, leading the way in applying a sympathetic and environmentally-friendly approach to all-inclusive tourism.

Made up of four distinct villages designed for families, couples, wellness seekers, or active guests, Club Med Michès offers a truly tailored experience to ensure every guest gets the most out of this beautiful slice of the Caribbean.

Set some 95 km from Punta Cana, Club Med Michès sits in a secluded corner of the island. The only major hotel in the area, it feels a world away from the bustle of the popular tourist region.

The surroundings here are completely unspoiled. Walk beyond the limits of the resort and all you’ll meet is miles of empty white beach. Head inland and the resort is surrounded by lush Dominican palm groves teaming with wildlife.

If keen to venture a little further, several nature reserves are within easy driving distance, including Laguna Limón with stunning waterfalls, Samaná Bay, a known site for whale watching, and Montaña Redonda, a rounded mountain with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

With a tropical climate, the Dominican Republic enjoys year-round high temperatures. Even in rainy seasons, showers clear quickly and most will enjoy clear sunny days, making it a good option for a dose of sun any month of the year.

Made up of 158 rooms spread across 93 acres, the space at Club Med Michès is extremely generous, with the density of guests and buildings far lower than at other resorts. Even when close to full capacity, common areas never feel crowded, maintaining a feel of privacy and exclusivity.

Built to utilise and celebrate the tropical natural surroundings, the resort feels completely at one with its environment, with plenty of greenery throughout. The complex centres around the impressive main pool which, lined with palms, leads directly from reception to the beachfront.

Environmentally certified, the resort runs a huge number of sustainable initiatives, such as its own solar power fields to generate energy, a zero-plastic bottle policy, and close relationships with local suppliers to reduce imports and utilise regional produce.

This thoughtful approach creates a sense of ease that can be felt throughout the resort, which while modern and comfortable, never feels at odds with the quiet beauty of its broader surroundings.

The resort at Michès is divided into four distinct boutique-style villages, each tailored to a different style of traveller.

For families, there’s Explorer Cove, which sits close to the children’s club, family pool, and vast array of sports activities. Here, you can book luxurious yet highly practical family suites with grand master bedrooms, large family bathrooms, and quirky bunkbeds children will love.

Caribbean Paradise welcomes more active guests, and perhaps families with older, more independent children. This village is close to the gym, main pool, and restaurants, with a vibrant atmosphere, still only a short walk from the beach.

In the adult-only Emerald Jungle, visitors are provided with a path to wellness. Nestled deep within the palm groves, this is the quietest area of the resort, with a wonderful feeling of privacy among tropical vegetation. Rooms and suites here sit close to the treetop yoga platform, as well as the adult-only Zen Bar and stunning green freshwater Zen Pool.

Archipelago is the most luxurious of the four villages, and is perfect for couples looking for a private escape. The oceanfront rooms each feature a private pool, and private beach area. Although adjoined, these feel more like individual villas. Here, you could happily spend a week without ever leaving your room.

Morning-to-night all-inclusive food and drink is a big draw to a resort like this, and Club Med Michès does not disappoint. The resort has three restaurants, each with a distinct menu and atmosphere.

In the centre of the complex is Cayuco — the main buffet-style restaurant which features a huge variety of cuisines from around the world, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every evening, alongside staple buffet pasta and burger bars, expect hand-rolled sushi, cooked-to-order ramen, and a huge array of local dishes, including some of the region’s finest fresh fish.

At Coco Plum Beach Lounge, enjoy local specialities and decadent cocktails right on the oceanfront in a bright and modern setting.

While decked in wood and metal, Coal and Copper has more of an urban feel, offering luxury dining on a beautiful outdoor terrace. The menu here features high-end produce, such as age-dried meats, ribeye, caviar, and lobster, served with a selection of fine wines and spirits.

The resort also hosts special events throughout the week, such as beachside barbecues, and exclusive cocktail parties at the Zen pool.

It’s hard to think of many facilities Club Med Michès does not have on-site. On top of four pools, there is a spa, gym, treetop yoga deck, kids’ club for ages four months to 17 years, and a huge range of land and water sports. Every day, at no extra cost, children and adults alike can try their hand at activities including kitesurfing, salsa dance lessons, foil surfing, SUP, archery, tennis, pickleball, and even trapeze.

Allowing for a truly carefree holiday, few of these even need booking, with an extensive timetable available all day on a walk-in basis. One-on-one lessons, and even resort tournaments, also run throughout the week.

A number of organised on-site experiences can also be booked 24 hours in advance, with highlights including sunset kayaking, beachfront horse riding, or cooking lessons to take home the key to your favourite local dish.

With so much incredible natural beauty and a vibrant culture to be experienced beyond the resort, it would be a shame for any guest not to venture beyond the pool. Thankfully, Club Med Michès has made this incredibly easy, with an on-site excursions desk ready to plan any trip, tour, or private experience you desire.

From quad-bike adventures to scuba diving, segway tours, and a visit to a family-run cacao farm, there is a huge amount to see and do.

My personal favourite was the full-day trip to Los Haitises National Park. Onboard a speed boat, with a coconut in hand which was regularly topped up with rum — or ‘Caribbean vitamins’ as our brilliant guide referred to it — we cruised and at some points zoomed through the waters of this stunning reserve, taking in ancient caves, mangrove forests, and an eclectic range of wildlife including dolphins, vultures, and pelicans.

Anyone looking for the ultimate easy getaway. Whether a couple looking for a beachside romantic getaway, or a family travelling with children in need of constant activities, Club Med Michès really does deliver a tailored experience with very little pre-planning needed.

Seven nights all-inclusive stay in November at Club Med Miches Playa Esmerelda costs from £1,390 per adult (based on double occupancy), with transfers included.

Book here or call 03453 676767.