In a destination as popular as the Dominican Republic, it can be hard to imagine that there are any places that could still be flying under the radar. But there’s one stretch of dreamy white sand with clear, turquoise waters that has been largely overlooked: Playa Costa Esmeralda. Best of all? The area will welcome two new splashy, all-inclusive hotels.
Hyatt is set to open Secrets Playa Esmeralda, an adults-only resort, on August 1, and its family-friendly alternative, Dreams Playa Esmeralda, on September 1. Both resorts are located side-by-side on Playa Costa Esmerelda, on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast.
“What makes Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda truly exceptional is their location, set along the untouched, undiscovered shores of Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic,” said Angel Medina, the resort’s general manager, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. “This area has remained largely under the radar, allowing guests to experience a side of the country few have seen: secluded beaches, lush landscapes, and a sense of serene remoteness that feels worlds away from the typical resort scene.“
Secrets Playa Esmeralda has 500 suites with private balconies or terraces, offering pool, garden, or ocean views. Guests can dine at 10 restaurants, none of which require an advanced reservation. Options range from the casual seaside Beach Club, which serves Latin-Caribbean fusion cuisine, to the upscale Bordeaux, an à la carte French restaurant with a wine cellar. As part of Hyatt’s Unlimited-Luxury inclusions, travelers enjoy top-shelf drinks, whether it’s at the swim-up bar Manatees or at the open-air Piano Bar, where they can listen to live music while enjoying craft cocktails.
If you have little ones in tow, Dreams Playa Esmeralda is located right next to Secrets. It also has 500 suites, many of which have either ocean views or swim-out pool access. Family-friendly highlights include a waterpark with two slides and a splash zone, a supervised kids’ club for children aged three through 12, and a separate hangout program for teens. Babysitting services are available as well.
As for dining, there are nine restaurants and seven bars. Options include Himitsu with teppanyaki-style cuisine, El Patio, a casually elegant Mexican eatery, and Tides, a poolside grill serving kid-friendly fare like burgers and hot dogs. Can’t sleep? Head to Dolce, the coffee shop/ice cream parlor open around the clock and offering late-night bites.
“Whether they’re soaking up a romantic sunset at Secrets or laughing poolside with family at Dreams, the experience should feel effortless, enriching, and unforgettable,” added Medina. “Above all, we want every guest to feel that they’ve discovered something rare and special in Playa Esmeralda, a destination and experience that stays with them long after they return home.”
With the Caribbean Sea to the north and a mountain range to the south, Miches, the nearest town to Playa Costa Esmeralda, has stayed relatively unnoticed and is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more laid-back Caribbean vacation . Nearby attractions include Montaña Ronda, a peaceful mountain where visitors can hike, zip line, or take pictures from a swing that overlooks the valley, and Los Haitises National Park. Visitors to this beautiful corner of the Dominican Republic also enjoy over 30 miles of white-sand beaches, including those at the picture-perfect Samaná Bay.
There’s been a recent surge of hotel openings in this area. Marriott soft-launched Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort in May, Hilton opened Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort at the end of June, and Four Seasons Resort Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is slated to open in 2026. The nearest and most convenient international airport to Playa Costa Esmeralda is Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), a little over 60 miles away.
Nightly rates at Secrets Playa Esmeralda start from $230, and from $190 at Dreams Playa Esmeralda.
