Sometimes you need a moment to reset and recharge after the holiday season. In search of peace, I booked a zenful week in the Dominican Republic, and GIRL, did I enjoy myself!
In need of a temporary hideout for some peace and quiet, I stayed at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda— a Club Med that’s famous for its all-inclusive accommodations. It’s safe to say that their resorts are designed with us soft girlies in mind.
During my four-night stay, I took advantage of all the amenities that I could, from the spa and zen pool to its three-meal buffet. Continue reading for deets on my winter getaway and why you should add this place to your “must-visit” list as you prepare for the upcoming seasons.
My Travel Experience
Last December, I landed in Punta Cana for a self-prescribed wellcation. Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the resort being an hour and a half away from the airport, but the drive turned out to be a straight shot to the remote property. (Sidebar: If you prefer staying closer to the airport, Club Med has another resort in Punta Cana.)
Met with some drizzle on the way there, I began to question whether it was an ideal time to visit. (If I had to do it all over again, I’d probably schedule a Spring or Summer trip instead.)
My Accommodations At Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda
ClubMed Michès Playa Esmeralda is tucked off in the earthy coastal town of Michès, secluded from the capital city. My suite was tucked away in the adults-only Zen Oasis area, offering that calm and serene environment that I craved.
While there, I made it a point to get active every day. It became a priority to participate in as many on-site activities as possible, ranging from basketball and tennis to archery.
I spent most of my leisure time at their emerald-colored zen pool, directly attached to a swim-up bar where I ordered my usual on repeat: morning green smoothies and afternoon mocktails.
On one golden hour, I managed to wake up at sunrise for tree-top yoga and meditation, led by a certified instructor who resided on the resort. Set against the backdrop of a jungle-like setting, I couldn’t have thought of a better place to get grounded and clear my conscience.
In the evenings, after dinner, guests would gather on the dance floor in the common area, jamming out to live music. Rather than participate, I ordered mocktails from the nearby bar and gladly sat and watched. One night during a Dominican-themed celebration, the resort’s entertainment crew went all out with a live Cirque du Soleil-style performance. I highly recommend!
My Spa Experience
The property offers spa services to its resort guests, and I was lucky enough to squeeze in a last-minute massage. I prefer to schedule my treatments earlier in the day, so after my AM appointment, it felt heavenly as I laid at the palm tree-covered spa pool while sipping on herbal tea and curling up with a book.
Dining In At Club Med
I never missed a meal during this trip, considering that breakfast, lunch, and dinner were included with my room package. Here’s where I ate, along with some of my favorite dishes.
✨ Cayuco – The Buffet
Cayuco is an expansive rooftop buffet located near the main lobby. It’s easy to get lost in this maze of a food hall, stocked with a variety of international cuisine favorites. At breakfast, I grabbed some fresh Caribbean fruit with waffles and skillet potatoes.
My go-to for lunch was the buffet’s made-for-you salad station, where I requested a tossed spring salad with quinoa, grilled chicken, and veggies. Dinners were a wild card with all the available options, but I typically settled for lamb plates or similar dishes.
For the most part, I was satisfied with my choices! If you’re in the mood to try something that you don’t see, I recommend asking the chefs to whip it up for you. My +1 did this in hopes of getting an authentic taste of the island, and they were happy to accommodate.
During one lunch outing at the buffet, I was surprised to witness the chefs deliver on their promise, arriving at our table with two shrimp mofongos.
✨ Coco Plum – The Beach Lounge
Coco Plum is another resort eatery that’s just steps away from the ocean shore, offering mesmerizing beachside views with your meal.
The chicly decorated restaurant has both a buffet room and tableside service. I only ate here a couple of times, but both dining experiences were 10/10.
Eager to order something from their menu, I thoroughly enjoyed the grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, deciding to finish it off with a virgin piña colada. On separate occasions, I also got a poke bowl, a salad, and chips and guacamole from the buffet.
✨ Coal and Copper – The Steakhouse
Coal and Copper is a reservation-only steakhouse, located across from the Cayuco buffet. Known for their tender-cut steaks and flame-grilled barbecue, this fine dining establishment is the perfect dining choice if you’re feeling fancy.
I’m not a big steak eater, so I went the vegan route for this outing and ordered the cauliflower steak with veggies. If I were to eat it with my eyes closed, I would have thought that the well-seasoned entree was an actual steak. I also appreciated the attention to detail that my server put into the overall experience.
Dining in at this spot gives you an excuse to pull out a fancy dress or suit and tie. The dimly lit interiors also make for an ideal date night setting.
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Overall, I highly recommend visiting Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda if you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
