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If you’re looking for a Caribbean vacation that feels like your own private paradise, it’s time to check out Miches!
I remember reading about this new up-and-coming resort zone in the Dominican Republic a few years ago and wondering how it would stack up with Punta Cana. (spoiler alert, it’s awesome!)
This under-the-radar destination in the Dominican Republic is far enough from the crowded resort zones to be a refreshing escape while still being close enough to the airport not to be a hassle to get to.
We recently spent a few days at Viva Miches by Wyndham, a brand-new all-inclusive resort along the untouched shores of Playa Esmeralda. Honestly, it was everything we didn’t know we needed.
I came back feeling more rested, recharged, and inspired than I have in a long time. It was the kind of trip that stays with you after you’ve returned home, and I hope to be able to visit again one day.
This was our view every morning… Remind me why I live in Pennsylvania again?!
A Grand Welcome
From the moment we arrived, Viva Miches felt like stepping into another world. The lobby is grand, open-air, and flooded with natural light.
There’s an instant sense of calm the moment you step inside. Check-in was a breeze. We were welcomed warmly, offered a quick overview of the resort, and were on our way to our room within minutes of arriving.
Even better? Someone brought our luggage straight to the room for us, making that first moment of vacation feel completely stress-free.
Image: Viva Wyndham Miches
A Beach That Reconnects You
The first thing that caught my eyes as we approached our room (and set the tone for everything else) was the beach.
Miles of soft sand, no crowds in sight, and gentle waves stared back at me. I already knew where I’d be spending all my free time before we’d even seen our room.
Later in our trip we would stroll for ages, float in the warm water, and even sail into the bay on a catamaran with one of the resort’s friendly guides. He shared stories about his life split between Italy and the Dominican Republic. It reminded me how travel has this magical way of connecting people from different corners of the world.
On one of our afternoons, we hung out in the ocean with new friends, sipping the drink of the day (a delicious passion fruit cocktail) before lounging in the jacuzzi as the rain started to fall. The vibe was cozy and spontaneous, and it made the afternoon feel like a movie.
But I’m getting ahead of myself here… if you can’t tell, the beach made an impression! But Viva Miches is so much more than just the beach.
Comfortable Rooms with a View
Once we got to our second-floor oceanfront room, we were met with a dreamy setup.
Two queen beds, a massive walk-in shower, and a private balcony where we watched the sunset nearly every evening. It was peaceful, super cozy, and really hard to leave.
If you stay on the first floor, you’ll have a “Splash” room with your private plunge pool.
Each room is decorated with natural textures and calming earth tones that blend in really well with the resort’s eco-conscious vibe.
And while our room was incredible, it was the rest of the resort that really blew us away.
Food That Surprises and Delights
All-inclusive food can be hit or miss, but Viva Miches truly impressed us. Every meal felt well thought out and flavorful, from the buffet to the à la carte restaurants.
Our seafood dinner at Atlantis stands out in my memory. I started with salmon, moved on to a beautifully cooked red snapper, and ended with flan that I wish I had the recipe for.
Another evening, when trying the Fusion Oriental restaurant, the chef dazzled us at the teppanyaki table with his showmanship while cooking right before our eyes. Afterward, dessert was served at a more intimate table right behind us, which added a touch of exclusivity to the experience.
We also tried the Latin Fusion restaurant, where I had a Mexican burrito followed by grilled Brazilian skewers. The food was consistently great, and we loved how each meal felt like an experience.
But the real highlight was our private beach dinner. The sand was lit with candles, string lights twinkled above us, and soft saxophone music being played live added an emotional layer to the night.
It was surreal, intimate, and something I’ll never forget. If you’re celebrating something special, this is the surprise to plan.
One note on dining/drinks: because the resort is so new, some of the staff are still learning the ropes. When ordering drinks, we occasionally had to point at the menu because bartenders weren’t familiar with certain cocktails, or ingredients were missing. It wasn’t a deal-breaker by any means, and their friendliness always made up for it, but it’s worth being patient and going with the flow.
Adventure, Wellness, and Everything in Between
This trip wasn’t just about lounging. We found the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
Our second day started with a tour of the property, including the spa, the sports bar that transforms into a nightclub, and even a sneak peek at the sauna.
We got a couples massage (head, shoulders, and back) and it was one of the most relaxing experiences we’ve had in a long time.
The next morning, we went on a full-day excursion. It started with a scenic boat ride on Laguna Limón, followed by a stop at the rice fields, where we spotted a few adorable kittens.
Then we toured a cacao and coconut farm, tried freshly made hot chocolate, sampled local coffee, and watched a cigar rolling demonstration. We wrapped it up with a trip to Montaña Redonda. Although it rained, we managed to get a few minutes of views before a thick cloud rolled in. Pro tip: if you want to try the zipline at the top, bring extra cash as it’s not included.
We also did an ATV tour through the rice fields and down to the beach. It was exhilarating and gave us some of the best photo ops of the trip. Highly recommend this experience for a fun morning out!
After lunch that day, we took a catamaran out from the resort, guided by staff. It’s free to use if you’re staying there, and if you’re not sure how to sail it yourself, they’ll take you out for a spin.
Even our downtime was special, like watching a stunning sunset from our balcony or playing pool during a quick rainstorm.
Everything felt easy and fun, the way a vacation should be.
A Resort That’s Doing It Right
One thing that was apparent was that Viva Miches is committed to sustainability.
As part of the Wyndham Green Program, you’ll see efforts like solar panels, water refill stations, and support for local conservation, including a sea turtle protection program called Protortuga.
The resort’s design reflects that same care. Open-air spaces, breezy walkways, and a natural color palette that lets the beauty of Miches shine without distraction.
We really appreciated the water refill stations and used them several times a day. It felt way better than having to ring the front desk for plastic water bottles to be brought up.
Getting There Is Easy
We flew into Punta Cana International Airport, and from there it was about a 90-minute drive.
The resort coordinated everything, including a note under our door confirming our departure time. It was seamless.
Punta Cana’s airport was also a pleasant surprise. Security was fast and modern, with no need to take out electronics or liquids, and if you have a Priority Pass, there’s even a lounge with a pool!
It’s a fun, quirky way to end your trip, just be sure to have dry clothes to change into before your flight!
The Reset We Didn’t Know We Needed
There’s a difference between a vacation and a full-blown reset. This was a reset.
Miches, and especially Viva Miches by Wyndham, gave us a break from the rush of everyday life. It gave us time to breathe, to connect, and to remember what matters most. I came home feeling energized, present, and filled with the kind of gratitude you only get from truly meaningful experiences.
So if you’re dreaming of an escape where the beach is quiet, the drinks are cold, and the beauty feels untouched, this is your place.
To learn more or book your stay, visit Viva Miches by Wyndham.
**Travel Off Path was a guest of Viva Miches by Wyndham, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
Tyler Fox
Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.