MICHES, DR — AMResorts has broken ground on two brand new all-inclusive resorts in Miches on the northeast coast of the D.R.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana are the first AMResorts-branded properties in the region, and bring the total number of AMResorts properties in the Caribbean to 20.

The site of AMResorts’ new-build in Miches, DR

The adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana will feature four bar concepts, four snack bars and a private lounge for Preferred Club members.

Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana, aimed at families, will offer three snack bars, four bars, as well as its own Preferred Club lounge, an Explorer’s Club for Kids with activities for children between the ages of three and 12, and a Core Zone Teen’s Club with entertainment for teenagers ages 13 to 17.

Many visitors to the D.R. are familiar with the Miches area thanks to the famous swings at Montana Redonda.

“Miches is poised to become one of the Dominican Republic’s top markets for all-inclusive resorts,” said Javier Coll, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of ALG. “This area has been largely overlooked, despite its significant attributes; however, our team’s long history and proven experience in this market has allowed us to identify and move on this opportunity.”

The President of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina; Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia; and Javier Luque, President of Inversora Playa Esmeralda & Fuerte Group, joined ALG Executive Chairman Alex Zozaya at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Alex Zozaya, Executive Chairman, Apple Leisure Group

AMResorts says the two new resorts form the backbone of its US$400-million Playa Esmeralda development. Once complete, Playa Esmeralda will comprise nearly 1,500 hotel units, as well as a shared promenade, where guests from all hotels can mingle and enjoy a convention centre, a theatre for live entertainment, retail offerings, and a fitness centre and spa.

Playa Esmeralda’s promenade will also serve as the property’s main culinary hub, featuring gourmet restaurants and high-end buffets.

On the initial phase, the Secrets and Dreams-branded properties will each offer 750 rooms and suites, with 250 accommodations at each resort allocated exclusively for Preferred Club guests.

“These new deals underscore ALG’s unwavering commitment to the Dominican Republic and the goal of participating in unique projects that benefit our investors as well as the surrounding communities,” said Alejandro Reynal, CEO of ALG. “We will be working closely with our partners, as well as Miches residents, to ensure we exceed the expectations of the guests, while also bringing true, long-term value to the area.”

During the last decade, AMResorts has increased its branded room inventory by nearly 300%. The company wrapped up 2019 with over 24,000 rooms.

Once open, the new Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana will join Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in the newest hot spot in the D.R.

Club Med, known as a pioneer when it comes to developing new destinations especially in Mexico and the Caribbean, opened Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in December 2019.