Noticias

Dominican Republic to the Rhythm of Merengue: The Story of an Unforgettable Journey through Miches and Punta Cana

“Nature like when Columbus arrived,” says Carlos Rafael Batista Velázquez, International Relations analyst for the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism and national tour guide, enthusiastically describing the Miches region.. 

-República Dominicana a ritmo de merengue-

His words accurately summarize the experience of the group of Argentine journalists who participated in an unforgettable press trip to this emerging destination, under his expert guidance.

From the warm welcome to the rhythm of merengue in the Punta Cana International Airport —a private airport managed by the Rainieri family— began an intense, diverse, and profoundly revealing journey.

After a little over an hour’s journey, the group arrived at MichesA natural gem nestled in the new province of El Seibo, north of Punta Cana. There, Dominican hospitality merges with exuberant biodiversity: pristine beaches, nesting areas of sea ​​turtles and protected areas They surround this corner that is beginning to consolidate itself as a sustainable tourist hub.

 

Miches: an emerging paradise among beaches, mountains, cacao and turtles
From the warm welcome to the rhythm of merengue in the Punta Cana International Airport —a private airport managed by the Rainieri family— began an intense, diverse, and profoundly revealing journey. After a little over an hour’s flight, the group arrived in Miches, a natural gem nestled in the new province of The SeiboNorth of Punta Cana, all group transfers were carried out by Cana Transferswith Wi-Fi in all their vehicles, very comfortable and with excellent drivers.

In Miches we stayed at the recently opened Secrets Hotel at Emerald BeachAfter lunch, we toured the hotel facilities, followed by a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. We also participated in several activities offered by the entertainment team, such as Pilates, aqua gym, and salsa classes.

There, Dominican hospitality merges with exuberant biodiversity: pristine beaches, sea turtle nesting areas and protected areas surround this corner that is beginning to consolidate itself as a sustainable tourism hub.

The third day in Miches began with a departure on a comfortable catamaran from the new dock in the center of Miches, sailing towards the natural pool and sandbanks of Half Moon where we were able to enjoy warm waters, snorkel, and an open bar with @TheCarpiaToursexperts to enjoy at sea.
Fam Press República Dominicana

Then we created a website in Club Med Miches First hotel at the destination where we had lunch, enjoyed its facilities and beaches, and visited the sea turtle nursery ProtortoiseThe sea turtle conservation program, promoted by the hotel sector and the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and present at the Club Med complex, where newborn releases take place between March and October.

Miches is home to three species of sea turtles that come to its beaches to nest: Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Green. Through the program ProtortoiseVisitors can participate in educational experiences and controlled releases of newborn marine mammals, strengthening the link between tourism and conservation. This experience transforms their stay into an act of commitment to marine life and to a destination that strives to protect what makes it unique.
Fam Press República Dominicana
From there we moved to Viva Wyndham MichesWe discovered this property, which opened its doors last December and boasts an excellent product for families and couples, with a beach that resembles a natural swimming pool.

Late in the afternoon we had a Site Inspection and Dinner at the hotel Zemí Miches Curio By Hilton which opened its doors on June 30th and where we were able to experience luxury with touches of Taíno culture throughout the hotel.

The stay in Miches unfolded amidst unforgettable landscapes and activities. The tour included a cultural immersion in the Cocoa Route, we moved to “Cacao de Conducito” A family farm established since 1947, one of the most locally rich tourist initiatives, where we were able to learn about the entire production process of cocoa.

Miches is one of the country’s main organic cacao-producing regions. At the Canducito farm, visitors can explore the history of this farming family, learn about the traditional cacao process, and participate in chocolate-making workshops. More than just a visit, it’s a cultural and agricultural immersion that enriches both the palate and the spirit, connecting visitors with rural life in Miches.

“We also have the Rice Route”, he adds Cambric, highlighting the region’s productive diversity.

Fam Press República Dominicana

From there we moved to the Round MountainWith 360° panoramic views over Laguna Redonda, Laguna Limón, the coast, and the eastern mountain range, you can see the contrasts of the sea, the rivers, and the forested hills that characterize this region.
Located between the sea and the lagoon, Montaña Redonda is a natural viewpoint that offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Micha landscape: the blue of the Atlantic, the green mountains and the lagoons that meander among the mangroves.

Climbing Montaña Redonda is a sensory experience: the gentle breeze, the swings suspended in the sky and the silence interrupted only by nature make this place a living postcard.
Continuing with the natural environment, from Miches you can access by sea the iconic Los Haitises National Park, one of the most amazing ecological environments in the Caribbean. Its karst formations, rainforests, and caves with Taíno art create a mystical setting.

Navigating through its mangroves is like stepping into a parallel universe where nature reigns in harmony. An unforgettable excursion for lovers of biodiversity and ancient history.
Fam Press República Dominicana

In addition, from January to March, Miches is the setting for humpback whale watching tours, as these whales arrive from the North Atlantic to give birth in Dominican waters:They are Dominican whales, they are born here.”“The guide points out.”

During those months the warm waters of Silver Banks Marine Mammal Sanctuary and the Christmas They become the stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the arrival of humpback whales.

From Miches, and via The Carpia ToursIt is possible to embark on an exclusive excursion to witness their jumps, songs and mating rituals, all under strict responsible observation protocols that guarantee the protection of this species and its environment.
Fam Press República Dominicana

From 2025, the El Seibo-Miches Promiches Hotel and Tourism Association, implements its initiative to Whale Watching in Miches OBMwhose objective is to conserve whales from Miches, protecting the sanctuary through scientific monitoring, community awareness and responsible tourism.

Another must-do activity is visiting the workshops with artisans The cultural richness of Miches is manifested in its handicrafts. Through the workshops of ARTEMI (Artisans of Miches), visitors can learn traditional techniques in an intimate setting of cultural exchange. These workshops allow tourists to connect with the soul of the town and, at the same time, directly support the local economy and the preservation of ancestral knowledge.

The cultural immersion extended to the city of The Seibowhere bullfights are held every May as part of the patron saint festivities, while in February the traditional carnivals take place, with masks, costumes and the emblematic limping devils.

New hotels and luxury on the rise
Miches currently has around 3,000 hotel rooms, but growth continues. Batista highlights projects such as the Four Seasons Tropicalia, scheduled for mid-2026, and the Hotel Dreams Playa Esmeralda, with an imminent opening on August 1st.

During the press familiarization trip, the journalists visited some of the area’s most outstanding resorts: Zemi Miches (Curio Collection by Hilton), Club Med Miches Playa Costa Esmeralda, Viva Miches by Wyndham and Secrets Playa Esmeralda (where they stayed for three nights) All of them located within the 7 kilometers of Emerald Coast Beach, a paradisiacal coastline, free of sargassum and bathed by crystal clear waters.

Emerald Beach 
It’s a hidden gem of the Caribbean, stretching along more than seven kilometers of pristine coastline. Its fine white sand, untouched vegetation, and mesmerizing turquoise waters make this place a sanctuary of tranquility. Here, luxury is found in the essentials: peace, privacy, and the privilege of contemplating a nearly untouched landscape. Ideal for those who wish to disconnect and reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Fam Press República Dominicana

Punta Cana: vibrant nightlife, nature and adventure
Before arriving in Punta Cana, we visited the Macao beachWe arrived at the hotel, a public beach known for its white sands and very popular for surfing, buggy rides, and horseback riding. Serenade All Suites Adults Only Resort, which opened in October 2023, is a successor to the Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort, both belonging to Best Hotels., which are located on the famous beaches of Bull’s Headwhere we were able to see both properties and their comfortable facilities, then enjoy excellent cuisine in one of their specialty restaurants, and in the evening travel to Downtown Punta Cana and experience the magical spectacle of Cocobongo, considered a must-see if you visit the destination, where every night, more than 40 artists on stage revive music legends such as Michael Jackson, Axel Rose, Freddy Mercury, Britney Spears, among others who thrill thousands of tourists over 18 years old who sing and dance in a spectacular show.

Explore the local nightlife in nightclubs like Imagine (inside a cave), Mangú and the popular Drinks or Liquor Stores, where salsa, merengue and bachata invite you to dance with the locals.
Fam Press República Dominicana

For the last day we visited Authentic World in Downtown where we were able to learn details of the Cigar Experience With the production process carried out in the place where more than 700 cigars are produced daily, you can also make purchases of the famous Dominican tobaccos and coffee, rum, cocoa and souvenirs.

We also toured the Bibijagua market square, an open-air market with more than 100 stalls, opposite the beaches of the same name.

Fam Press República Dominicana

For families and couples, Punta Cana offers a wide range of parks and attractions: Bávaro Adventure Park, Dorado Park, Scape Park, Hacienda Park Enjoy experiences on offshore platforms with dolphins, manta rays, sea lions, and sharks. Also available are excursions in buggies, ATVs, horseback riding, zip lines, and sport fishing.

Santo Domingo: an essential chapter
Before saying goodbye, Batista left a special invitation: to visit Santo Domingo, the first city of America, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. “That’s where it all began”“He states with pride. Monuments such as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Las Damas Street, the Alcázar de Colón, or the Columbus Lighthouse coexist with a modern and cosmopolitan city, with shopping centers, two metro lines, a Chinatown, the Malecón, markets, and vibrant urban life.”

An open invitation
With a perfect blend of luxury, pristine nature, culture, and history, the Dominican Republic stands out as much more than just a sun and beach destination. The hospitality of its people, the richness of its landscapes, and the warmth of guides like Carlos Batista, who left no detail overlooked throughout the entire tour, make this an unforgettable experience.

“There’s a little bit of everything here. And that’s what makes this country so special.”, concludes the guide, with a smile as wide as the one the beaches of Miches left on each visitor.

Scroll to Top