Hyatt has announced the grand opening of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive retreat on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. With 10 restaurants, seven bars, and a shared village-style Public Square, the resort places food, beverage and social connection at the centre of the guest experience.

“Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites families and multigenerational travellers to relax, reconnect, and discover the beauty of the Dominican Republic,” says Ángel Medina, general manager, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa.

“Blending warm Dominican hospitality with the all-inclusive ease that defines the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand, we’ve created a place where every detail inspires connection.”

A Scenic Caribbean Escape

Set in a secluded, coastal location, the newly built resort features 500 spacious rooms and suites, with a choice of garden, pool or oceanfront views.

Culinary Discovery and Public Square

The resort offers a range of cuisines. Tierra showcases dishes with bold regional flavours. El Patio serves classic Mexican cuisine à la carte. For a more local culinary adventure, 1844 Dominican Cuisine pays tribute to the island’s roots through reimagined Dominican specialities.

The resort also offers a vibrant Public Square shared with the adjacent adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. The Public Square is a hub filled with dining, shopping and entertainment venues and is a great spot for morning coffee or an evening cocktail.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Beyond its dining and gathering spaces, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites guests to unwind and explore as a family with an on-site waterpark and a dedicated family-friendly pool. The resort also offers a full schedule of supervised activities at the Explorer’s Club (ages 3-12), and the Core Zone Teens Club (ages 13-17), as well as a fitness centre, a spa and a full-service beauty salon.

Playa Esmeralda: the Dominican Republic’s Hidden Gem

Guests are offered a range of excursions into the beautiful surrounding region of Miches. These include: the panoramic views of Montaña Redonda; Los Haitises National Park; and the opportunity to see humpback whales.

More active travellers can hike to Salto La Jalda, the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean, or kayak through the mangrove-lined waters of Laguna Limón.

The resort is said to strike a balance between immersion and sustainability. Partnering with Promiches, Hyatt has established a protected sea turtle nesting zone and claims to actively support reef preservation.

Contributed by Kate Smith for Kitchens Review