Since the mid-1960s, the Dominican Republic has focused tourism development in several regions, including Puerto Plata on the north coast, Punta Cana in the east, and La Romana to the south.
Recently, the spotlight has shifted to Miches, a quaint town nestled along Samana Bay, located approximately an hour and a half west of Punta Cana. The area’s tourism potential began to be unveiled in 2019 with the opening of a Club Med property on Playa Costa Esmeralda. While the pandemic temporarily stymied development, the landscape is now transforming as new resorts are emerging.
Viva Miches: A New Gem in Dominican Republic Tourism
Among the notable new developments is the Viva Miches by Wyndham, a sizable 538-room resort that has already opened its doors. Located on a 3-mile stretch of tranquil beach, the resort offers a retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of modern civilization. Dominique Colussi, the resort’s vice president of development, emphasized Miches’ reputation as an uncharted destination in the Dominican Republic during the official unveiling in December.
The resort, which comes with a hefty $130 million price tag, features a carefully designed layout. The front area boasts restaurants, shops, an outdoor theater, disco, and children’s facilities, while the guest accommodations are positioned in a spacious four-story building that envelops a lawn and swimming pool area.
Luxurious Accommodations
The rooms at Viva Miches are designed with modern aesthetics, featuring a palette of turquoise and tan. Each first-floor room boasts its own patio equipped with a plunge pool. Amenities include a spacious bathroom with dual showerheads—ideal for families—ensuring maximum comfort and relaxation for guests.
Culinary Delights and Dining Variety
As an all-inclusive resort, Viva Miches upholds the standards of the Wyndham brand, offering a plethora of dining options across nine properties in the Caribbean, with a tenth on the horizon in Jamaica. Guests can enjoy a vibrant buffet featuring fresh-cooked stations for pasta, meats, and breakfast staples, as well as four a la carte dining venues. Each specialty restaurant features unique cuisines, with reservations limited to one visit per stay.
The beverage selection is varied but has room for improvement; while the red wine is touted as decent, some mixed drinks may lack distinct flavor. For instance, the pina colada was critiqued for being overly sweet without a strong taste of pineapple or coconut.
Activities and Entertainment
The resort provides ample opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Guests can partake in yoga classes, dance activities, and beach sports including Hobie Cat rentals. For those interested in fitness, the well-equipped gym offers breathtaking views from its fourth floor. Evening entertainment includes productions that have been noted for their impressive quality, including a lively rendition of “The Lion King.”
The demographic mix at Viva Miches varies; the resort attracts partygoers, couples, families, and retirees from diverse backgrounds including the Dominican Republic, the U.S., Canada, and several European and South American nations.
Excursions and Local Attractions
An excursion desk is available for guests wishing to explore the region further. An intriguing tour option includes a scenic boat ride coupled with a visit to a local rice plantation, where guests can learn about the many benefits of the coconut. Another highlight is Montana Redonda, known for its zip line park, although weather conditions may affect this experience.
ATV tours also offer adventure seekers an exhilarating way to discover the surrounding areas, leading to untouched beaches that showcase the natural beauty of the Dominican coast.
Conclusion
While the serenity of Miches offers an appealing escape, it’s important to note that the drive from Punta Cana International Airport is a considerable 90 minutes. The resort provides shuttle services at a rate of $140 per person each way, which could impact travel budgets, particularly for larger groups.
For those considering a stay, daily rates at Viva Miches begin at $129 per person, available for booking through the Viva Resorts by Wyndham website. This resort promises not only a tranquil escape but also an exciting blend of activities, dining, and accommodation, marking it as a noteworthy addition to the Dominican Republic’s flourishing tourism landscape.
