CHICAGO — Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially opened Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located on the untouched shores of Playa Esmeralda in the Miches region of the Dominican Republic.
Situated along a rare stretch of coastline where dense rainforest meets powder-soft beaches, Secrets Playa Esmeralda offers guests a unique opportunity to connect with one of the Caribbean’s most pristine natural environments. The location remains largely undiscovered, providing a tranquil retreat far from more developed tourist areas.
“We’ve created Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa to be more than an indulgent escape – it’s a celebration of romance, wellbeing, and the unique spirit of Playa Esmeralda,” said Angel Medina, general manager of Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. “Every detail, from the design of our suites to textures, colours, and curated experiences throughout the property, is inspired by the richness of this region. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience this extraordinary destination and our unwavering commitment to exceptional service.”
The resort features 500 elegantly appointed suites, each with a private terrace or balcony, many with ocean views and swim-out access. In-room details include spacious bathrooms with rain showers and double vanities while other resort offerings include 24-hour room and concierge service and a full calendar of entertainment and activities. Preferred Club accommodations provide additional perks such as personalised check-in and checkout, upgraded minibars, exclusive pools and beach areas, pillow menus and dedicated butler service. The Preferred Club Presidential Suite offers expansive oceanfront luxury including a private kitchen and jet pool terrace.
Dining at Secrets Playa Esmeralda is curated by Executive Chef Carlos Quijano, with 11 restaurants and seven bars offering diverse culinary options. The signature restaurant, Doña Altagracia, celebrates Dominican culinary heritage with elevated dishes like risotto featuring stewed goat and mofongo.
The resort’s Secrets Spa offers treatments ranging from body renewal rituals to customised facials and vitamin-rich manicures and pedicures using locally sourced ingredients such as coconut powder and concentrated aloe vera. Facilities include a hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, whirlpool, cold plunge, bridal suite and a Master Spa Cabin with a terrace for full-service treatments.
For active travellers, Secrets Playa Esmeralda provides a fitness centre, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, water sports, aerobics, dance and Spanish classes, kayaking, snorkelling and introductory scuba lessons.
Guests can also explore the Miches region through excursions like a mountaintop swing at Montaña Redonda, mangrove kayaking in Los Haitises National Park, hiking to Salto La Jalda waterfall, seasonal whale watching and observing sea turtle hatchlings on protected nesting beaches. The resort supports conservation efforts through collaboration with Promiches, a local organisation promoting sustainable development in Miches, including installing a protected sea turtle nest on the beachfront.
Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers more than leisure stays, providing over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space ideal for destination weddings, executive retreats and private occasions. The resort features three wedding venues, including a beachfront gazebo, and a grand ballroom with dedicated planners to ensure flawless celebrations. Business groups benefit from eleven versatile meeting venues, including the 1,440-seat Miches Ballroom and breakout rooms, with onsite planners supporting personalised team-building and dining experiences.
A vibrant Public Square serves as a social hub shared with the adjacent family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. Guests of Secrets Playa Esmeralda have full access to Dreams’ dining, entertainment and amenities, creating a complementary experience across both resorts.
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is scheduled to open Sept. 1, 2025, offering 500 suites, a waterpark, kids and teen clubs, ten restaurants and seven bars. Designed for families and multigenerational travellers, it will also be a prime destination wedding venue.
For more information on Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, click here.
