The Dominican Republic’s northern coast is gearing up for the opening of the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive resort, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. Overlooking the undeveloped coastline of Playa Esmeralda, Zemi Miches is poised to bring its eco-conscious design and immersive cultural experiences to the Dominican Republic when it opens in the first quarter of 2025.
At the heart of Zemi Miches lies its connection to the land and its people. The name “Zemi” is derived from the Taino word for “sacred place,” and the resort was designed to reflect that ethos.
“We want to bring culture and nature together,” general manager Manuela Fahringer told me in a recent interview. “Playa Esmeralda is not just another beach destination — it’s a sacred place where the sea, the mountains and the history of the Taino people converge.”
The resort’s 500 accommodations — including guestrooms, suites, and 20 exclusive beach bungalows — feature natural materials, open-air layouts and Taino-inspired motifs that create a tranquil space where guests can feel connected to their surroundings.
Dining and entertainment
With more than 11 dining and bar venues, Zemi Miches has plenty to offer culinary travelers. It’s one of the only resorts on the island that has a dedicated Dominican restaurant: Anacaona, the resort’s signature restaurant, is named after a legendary Taino queen and serves locally sourced, locally inspired dishes.
“Not every hotel in the Dominican Republic has a real Dominican restaurant,” Fahringer said. “Our chef, who is Dominican, brings to life the flavors of the region — rice with coconut, fish with coconut and so much more. It’s simple yet elevated, reflecting the culture in every bite.”
“Dominican cuisine is often underrepresented on the global stage. Anacaona … honors the legacy of Taino culture and the vibrant flavors of the island,” she added.
Zemi Miches features an open-air theater for cultural nights and intimate gatherings around poolside fire pits, often accompanied by live saxophone performances.
Amenities for all
Zemi Miches aims to appeal to families, couples and wellness enthusiasts alike. The resort has a sprawling pool complex with a waterpark for kids, a rooftop infinity pool for adults and private plunge pools for those seeking seclusion. Kids and teens can revel in many age-specific activities while parents unwind at the spa, complete with 11 treatment rooms, a salon and a sauna.
The resort also offers yoga classes, a juice bar and a fitness center overlooking the waters of Playa Esmeralda.
For those seeking exclusivity, the 20 beach bungalows are a standout feature. Steps from the sand, these private retreats come with butler service, swim-out pools and panoramic ocean views.
‘These little houses on the beach are where you can wake up to the sound of the waves, step onto your balcony and feel the ocean breeze,” said Fahringer.
Far from the crowds
Located about 90 minutes from the Punta Cana airport, Miches is far removed from the D.R.’s bustling resort zones. Fahringer said guests can arrange their own ground transportation or book a private transfer through the hotel’s preferred partner. She said the ride is safe as well as scenic and sets the tone for a relaxing vacation with “a picturesque journey through lush palm trees and magnificent mountain views.”
The quaint fishing village of Miches is a treasure trove of natural beauty, from the iconic Redonda Mountain to the serene bay of Playa Esmeralda.
“Miches reminds me of Punta Cana 20 years ago — untouched and authentic,” Fahringer said. “It’s a place where you see farmers tending rice fields, locals offering fresh coconuts and manatees swimming freely in the bay.”
Guests at Zemi Miches will have easy access to activities like sunset catamaran tours, wildlife watching and visits to nearby turtle nesting grounds.
Ecofriendly and community-focused
Fahringer said that sustainability is a cornerstone of Zemi Miches. From the preservation of Playa Esmeralda’s natural shade to partnership with local conservation groups, the resort takes pride in minimizing its environmental footprint. (Among the groups it works with is ProTortuga, a collaborative conservation initiative dedicated to protecting sea turtle populations along the beaches of Miches and La Vacama.)
“We have 850 meters of oceanfront that we’ve left as natural as possible,” she said. “No umbrellas — just palm trees and sand. We even have turtles nesting on our beach.”
Rates at Zemi Miches, the Hilton Curio Collection’s first all-inclusive property in the Dominican Republic, will start at $265 per person per night. (https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/Insights/Hilton-Curio-Collection-all-inclusive-resort-Dominican-Republic?ct=carib)
