First look: Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda bring all-inclusive vacationing to a secluded Dominican beach
Editor's Note
The Dominican Republic has no shortage of all-inclusive resorts to choose from in popular areas like Punta Cana. But away from the noise and crowds, there's a new all-inclusive destination emerging in Miches, and two new resorts are ready to show travelers why they should make the 90-minute journey from the airport.
Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is the first adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the area, while Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is its adjoining family-friendly counterpart. And as part of World of Hyatt, both resorts are bookable with points, which helped land them on TPG's list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025.
Here's a quick look at what you can expect at each of these properties.
Related: TPG’s guide to the best all-inclusive resorts you can book with points
First impressions
After arriving at the conjoined property — I checked in at the Secrets side first — I was greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and immediately whisked away by golf cart to a special area for Preferred Club guests, who get several perks with their stay (one of which is a more personalized check-in experience). There, I met my personal concierge — another benefit for Preferred Club guests — who escorted me to my room and gave me a tour of its features. Note that each side of the property, both Secrets and Dreams, have their own lobby and their own Preferred Club check-in area, though many of the main facilities are connected throughout.
Whether or not you opt for the Preferred Club experience during your stay, while checking in, you'll get your first look at one of the most impressive features of the joint resorts: the interior design. Both the Secrets and Dreams sides of the complex have their own beautiful open-air lobbies complete with chic bar spaces, plenty of seating and ocean views.
The rooms
Secrets and Dreams each feature 500 guest rooms and suites, with 125 at each resort earmarked for Preferred Club guests. Rooms on both sides are arranged in a horseshoe configuration facing out toward the respective resort and ocean, giving most rooms at least a partial ocean view.
At Secrets, I stayed in a beautifully designed Preferred Club master suite oceanfront room, complete with a comfortable king-size bed, a full living room area, a spacious bathroom with dual sinks and a soaking tub, and a balcony with loungers and another soaking tub. The decor was sleek, with neutral tones creating a harmonious space. Use of natural materials like wood and rattan, as well as some subtle patterns on the rugs and pillows, brought in a boho touch fitting for an island setting.
At Dreams, I stayed in a junior suite swim-up room with two queen beds. The room had lots of space for a family to spread out, with a desk, a love seat, an outdoor terrace with seating and, of course, direct access to the pool. It was my first time in a swim-up room, and I loved the concept; it would be an especially perfect setup for parents keeping an eye on young children during nap time. The downside to being on the ground floor is easily hearing loud music from the pool.
The decor at Dreams is a bit more playful than on the Secrets side, with pops of color and patterned tiles befitting a family-friendly hotel.
Both rooms I stayed in had Bluetooth speaker systems to pipe music throughout the suite, a feature I appreciated and used frequently.
Dining at Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda
Dining is where both Secrets and Dreams have some room to improve, which is only natural for two brand-new resorts of this size. While restaurant options are plentiful (Secrets has 11 dining outlets and Dreams has 10, with six a la carte restaurants apiece), the quality and experience was mixed. For example, I didn't find the breakfast or lunch options particularly appetizing, and one room service order yielded an undercooked pizza. Several times, confusion led to wrong items getting delivered to my table each night — but servers were always friendly and willing to help, and mistakes were corrected so rapidly that I didn't mind them at all. At the time of my stay, menus were not marked with dietary restrictions, so as a vegetarian, it was tricky to determine what I could and couldn't eat.
At both resorts, though, I found dinners to be good, and some dishes were even great. The food at Dona Altagracia, Secrets' Dominican restaurant, was a highlight, as were the alfajores (cookies with dulce de leche) at Secrets' coffee bar, Coco. And every restaurant was beautifully furnished, each with a distinct decor theme to set the vibe. Even the buffet spaces were designed with care.
Again, given that both resorts are brand-new, I do expect some of the issues I experienced to naturally improve over time. For instance, I dined at Secrets' Mediterranean restaurant, Meraki, twice during my stay, and even in that short time, I noticed that the food had gotten better between visits.
Note that guests at Secrets can enjoy all the dining options at Dreams, but children cannot access the dining options at adults-only Secrets. Currently, only select restaurants are open each day on a rotating basis, but they will eventually all be open daily as occupancy increases.
Amenities and service
Amenities at both resorts were a highlight of my visit. As with the restaurants, guests at Secrets can take advantage of amenities at Dreams, but children can't venture over to Secrets. For that reason, the adults-only gym is located on the Secrets side, while the all-ages basketball and tennis courts, for example, are on the Dreams side.
- Service: For the most part, everyone I encountered was very friendly. As the resorts are new, some restaurant waitstaff are still learning English, but that did not impede my experience at all. Instead, I saw it as a great opportunity to practice my Spanish.
- Personal concierge: My personal concierges, Claudio at Secrets and Esteban at Dreams, were the heroes of the trip. They were quickly reachable by WhatsApp, seemingly at all times, helping out with everything from dining recommendations to activity schedules to setting up the Bluetooth speaker system. I highly recommend springing for Preferred Club accommodations for access to the personal concierge benefit.
- Activities: The properties host several free activities and workshops, including jewelry making, hat painting, kayaking and paddleboarding. Water sports company SeaPro has an on-property kiosk and can arrange banana boating, snorkeling excursions and more.
- Pets: Vaccinated dogs weighing 22 pounds or less are welcome at the property for a fee.
- Pools: Each resort has an activity pool, a more serene pool and a Preferred Club pool. I particularly enjoyed using the Preferred Club pools, which were quieter and less crowded.
- Fitness center: The facility is well equipped with free weights and Technogym machines. There's also a private room that will host Pilates classes once occupancy increases.
- Entertainment: The resorts offer live music in the public square and a variety of programming in the theater spaces (think: magic shows at Dreams and cabarets at Secrets).
- Spa: The enormous spa houses a recreational pool, a sauna, a hammam, a steam bath, a beauty salon, locker rooms and more.
- Kids and teens clubs: These no-fee clubs offer an impressive slate of activities and amenities, including a playground for kids ages 3 to 13 and a DJ disco and movie theater for teens.
Beach
One of the big draws to the property is its secluded beach. I didn't see more than a handful of people there at any given time throughout my few days at the property, let alone the overcrowding and persistent sellers I've seen on beaches during other resort stays. The water turns a stunning shade of turquoise around midday, and it's warm and swimmable.
Loungers and daybeds are set back a bit from the water, though they still offer unobstructed views. That's because the beach is protected as a sanctuary for the leatherback turtles that lay eggs there every year.
Location and logistics
Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda sit about 63 miles northwest of Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which is the closest airport option. Flights from the U.S. into Punta Cana are plentiful, and from there, you'll need transportation to the resort, which takes about an hour and a half to reach by car.
The resorts book transfers through their sister company, Amstar, which is what I took to get there, and the rides were easy and pleasant. They're not cheap, however, at about $174 each way (though that figure can vary depending on how and when you book). While ride-hailing apps are used widely in other parts of the Dominican Republic, they're not currently used in the more remote Miches area. Parking at the resorts is free for guests who choose to rent a car.
What it costs to stay at Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda and how to book
Secrets and Dreams are part of Hyatt's all-inclusive collection, meaning you can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points for a stay. Several room types are available to book with points, including Preferred Club accommodations and premium suites.
Secrets is part of Hyatt's all-inclusive Category C, meaning standard rooms on off-peak nights go for as little as 21,000 points, while premium suites on peak nights are priced at 58,000 points. At Dreams, a Category B all-inclusive, those prices range from 17,000 to 46,000 points per night, respectively.
In cash, expect to pay rates in the mid-$300s up to about $500 for a non-Preferred Club room at Secrets this year until the holidays, when prices skyrocket. At Dreams, you can find room rates below $300 on many nights.
Accessibility
Both Secrets and Dreams offer accessible rooms, with four per hotel and one each in the Preferred Club. These rooms include large bathrooms outfitted for wheelchair access, among other features. There are ramps and elevators throughout the property, but none of the pools have a lift. Service dogs are allowed.
TPG always recommends contacting the hotel directly to confirm how well the property can accommodate specific needs, particularly with resorts outside the U.S., where accessibility laws may be different.
Bottom line
If you're in search of a more peaceful all-inclusive experience paired with pristine beaches, spacious rooms and beautiful amenities — and your trip is long enough to support the three-hour round-trip drive from the airport — Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda are great options. If excellent food is really important to you, I'd suggest waiting a couple of months to book just to give the restaurants time to hit their stride. The conjoined beachside resorts are a solid addition to Hyatt's all-inclusive collection in a stunning, lesser-known Dominican destination.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.