Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa makes its debut in the Dominican Republic

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the grand opening of the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa , further strengthening the presence of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection brand in the Dominican Republic. This opening marks the continued expansion of the Secrets Resorts & Spas brand, underscoring Hyatt’s commitment to offering seamless, holistic travel experiences for every traveler.

Located on the unexplored coast of Playa Esmeralda, in the emerging Miches region, this new resort redefines romantic travel with a blend of privacy, indulgence, and an immersive connection to one of the Caribbean's most pristine natural landscapes. Still largely unexplored, Playa Esmeralda is a place where dense jungle meets soft, sandy beaches, and the rhythms of daily life are guided by nature. Off the beaten path, Playa Esmeralda is a rare stretch of coastline that invites visitors to experience the Caribbean at its most radiant.

“We created Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa to be more than an indulgent getaway: it’s a celebration of romance, wellness, and the unique spirit of Playa Esmeralda,” said Ángel Medina, the resort’s general manager. “Every detail, from the design of our suites to the textures, colors, 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 commitment to exceptional service.”

A serene Caribbean retreat, for adults only

Situated on a private stretch of palm-fringed Playa Esmeralda and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation in Miches, one of the Dominican Republic's best-kept secrets, Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa features 500 elegantly appointed suites, each with a private terrace or balcony, many with ocean views, swim-out access, and furnished balconies. Inside, guests will find plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers and double sinks, and Pharmacopia Natural Bodycare bath products. They will also enjoy 24-hour room and concierge service, and a full schedule of entertainment and activities that thoughtfully redefine the all-inclusive experience.

Preferred Club rooms elevate the experience even further, with personalized check-in and check-out, upgraded minibars, access to a private lounge, exclusive beach and pool areas, a pillow menu, and butler service. The Preferred Club Presidential Suite is the crown jewel with a spacious layout, a private kitchen, a terrace with a Jacuzzi, and panoramic ocean views.

Flavors for all travelers

Under the direction of Executive Chef Carlos Quijano, the resort's eleven restaurants and seven bars  offer a range of culinary journeys that combine international influences with local inspiration. At the heart of the experience is Doña Altagracia, a signature restaurant that pays homage to the Dominican Republic's rich culinary heritage, reinterpreting traditional dishes such as stewed goat risotto and mofongo, masterfully prepared and rooted in tradition.

Relaxation and rejuvenation

At the heart of the resort is Secrets Spa , a world-class wellness and beauty sanctuary led by Jenny Castillo, who began her career in 2009 as a therapist at Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana. Treatments range from the Total Body Renewal Ritual to customized facials and vitamin-rich manicures/pedicures. Guests can enhance their experience by crafting scrubs and masks with natural ingredients like coconut powder, brown sugar, rose petals, and concentrated aloe vera from the spa's extensive storage room. The spa also includes a hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, whirlpool, cold plunge pool, bridal suite, and the exclusive Master Spa Cabin—with 49 m² of interior space and a 30 m² terrace—offering holistic treatments in a luxurious setting.

For active travelers, the resort offers a full fitness center, tennis and beach volleyball courts, water sports, aerobics, dance and Spanish classes, kayaking, snorkeling, and introductory scuba diving lessons in the pool.

Beyond the beach

Guests can explore the Miches region through immersive excursions such as the swing at the top of Redonda Mountain, kayaking through the mangroves of Los Haitises National Park, hiking to the hidden La Jalda waterfall, and seasonal whale watching in Samaná Bay. They can also witness the release of newborn sea turtles on the beach.

In collaboration with Promiches, a local organization promoting sustainable development in Miches, and in line with Hyatt’s World of Care sustainability platform , the resort has installed a protected nesting site for sea turtles recognized as a vital nesting area at Playa Esmeralda.

Meetings and celebrations

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers the perfect setting for both romantic celebrations and corporate meetings. With over 1,500 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, it's ideal for destination weddings, executive retreats, and private events of all sizes.

Couples can exchange vows in three spectacular locations, including a romantic oceanfront gazebo, and celebrate in the grand ballroom or under the stars. Dedicated wedding planners ensure every detail is executed to perfection, combining natural beauty with refined service to create unforgettable moments.

For corporate groups, the resort features eleven versatile rooms, including the Miches Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,440 people theater-style. Smaller rooms offer intimate spaces for workshops and executive sessions. On-site organizers provide personalized attention, from networking activities to curated dinners, ensuring a productive experience in a space designed to inspire.

Public Square

At the heart of Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and the adjacent family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa  is the vibrant Public Plaza, a shared village-like hub featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment. This social plaza creates a lively atmosphere where guests can explore diverse options. Both properties share this space, allowing Secrets guests full access to Dreams' restaurants, family amenities, and scheduled entertainment.

Coming soon: Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa

Scheduled to open September 1, 2025, this resort will offer a unique experience for families and multigenerational travelers, ideal for destination weddings. With 500 suites, a water park, an Explorer's Club for kids, a Core Zone Teen Club, ten restaurants, and seven bars, this new resort will offer inclusive amenities and oceanfront fun.

Once open, Secrets guests will enjoy full access to Dreams, seamlessly expanding the experience across both resorts.

World of Hyatt members can earn 500 bonus points for qualifying nights with the New Hotels Bonus Offer at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. 

Source: Hyatt Hotels Corporation.