PUNTA CANA — The Dominican Republic continues to evolve, offering a wealth of new experiences for visitors, regardless of their familiarity with this beloved Caribbean destination. With an increasing number of developments, particularly focusing on luxury and ecotourism, the D.R. aims to attract both seasoned travelers and newcomers drawn by geopolitical factors.
A recent showcase by Air Canada Vacations highlighted various innovative projects reshaping the landscape of Dominican tourism. “26% of our visitors are Canadian, and that number is on the rise,” noted Carlos Batista, a guide from the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism. Although not explicitly emphasized, there’s a growing consensus that current circumstances in the U.S. will guide more Canadians to the Dominican Republic for holidays or extended stays.
To meet this rising demand, exciting new developments are underway in popular regions, including Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, and Miches. The Dominican Republic is also intensifying its focus on ecotourism to elevate luxury offerings, making Miches a focal point for growth with several large hotel brands planned to enhance this unspoiled paradise.
Discovering New Resorts in the Dominican Republic
1. ZEMI MICHES
Scheduled to open on June 30, the Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort will be the first Curio Collection all-inclusive resort in the country, developed by Hilton. This luxurious beachfront property features 500 rooms and suites, including beachfront bungalows, all designed to resonate with the culture of the indigenous Taíno people.
Marketing director Hairo Galindez emphasizes the resort’s dedication to showcasing Dominican history, culture, and gastronomy. In total, the property will host six bars and six restaurants, offering an array of cuisines, along with family-friendly amenities like water slides and separate clubs for kids and teens. The stunning location along 800 meters of beach is another major draw for guests.
2. SECRETS PLAYA ESMERALDA MICHES
Opening its doors on July 1, the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Miches will be an adults-only sanctuary featuring 500 ocean-facing rooms, three pools, and a variety of dining options across 11 restaurants. This resort also caters to the wedding market, with plans to host 150 ceremonies in its inaugural year, taking full advantage of the region’s idyllic scenery.
3. VIVA MICHES
The family-friendly Viva Miches by Wyndham, which opened in December 2024, boasts 535 rooms across three buildings, focusing on creating a vibrant environment for families. The hotel provides various amenities including a kids’ club, facilitating both on-site entertainment and adventures such as whale watching and excursions to local attractions.
4. RESERVA REAL BY HARPER
In Punta Cana’s Bavaro area, the Reserva Real by Harper condo-hotel opened in April. With 193 apartments circling enchanting pools, the hotel offers a localized living experience near local restaurants and markets, ideal for longer stays. This trend reflects the increasing interest in vacation options that allow travelers to immerse themselves in local culture.
5. BAHIA PRINCIPE LUXURY ESMERALDA
The constantly evolving Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda in Punta Cana now brings an extra flair to its offerings following a renovation aimed at enhancing the guest experience. The 570-room property promotes the culture of the Taíno people, providing enriching entertainment options for both families and couples.
6. ZEL PUNTA CANA
Recently rebranded from Garden Suites by Melia, Zel Punta Cana is the first Caribbean property introduced under Rafael Nadal’s Zel brand. This Mediterranean-style hotel features 190 rooms and emphasizes wellness, with on-site gym facilities and spa services.
Emphasizing Ecotourism and Luxury
The Dominican Republic aims to redefine luxury beach resorts while integrating principles of sustainability. As more travelers seek unique experiences, distinguishing features—such as the untouched landscape of Miches—become increasingly valuable.
During a recent exploratory trip, it became clear that the demand for Dominican experiences continues to grow, with services adapting swiftly to meet the evolving preferences of travelers. As flights increase and new accommodations thrive, the Dominican Republic is set to remain a vibrant destination in the Caribbean landscape.
For real-time updates on travel deals and packages in the Dominican Republic, consider checking [Air Canada Vacations](https://www.aircanadavacations.com/) for offerings that align with your travel goals.
