First Look: Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda
by Jessica Montevago /Boutique villages at the property will cater to adults-only or families, each with unique environments, activities and accommodations. Photos: Club Med
Nestled in an untouched region of the Dominican Republic, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda will introduce a new resort concept featuring four boutique villages, when it opens December 2019.
The property will also be the company's first Exclusive Collection in the Americas, a dedicated category of the brand’s most premium resorts. Other Exclusive Collection resorts include the Finolhu Villas in the Maldives, the recently opened Cefalù resort in Sicily, and the Valmorel Chalets in the French Alps.
Spanning 93 acres, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda will feature four boutique villages. Each one – Archipelago, Caribbean Paradise, Emerald Jungle and Explorer Cove – will present its own unique environment, activities and accommodations.
The adults-only Archipelago village is a hideaway that is ideal for couples and honeymooners. Oceanfront suites offer a private pool, personal outdoor shower, and personal oceanfront daybeds.
Archipelago
Caribbean Paradise is the heart of the resort, where guests will participate in poolside activities and nightly shows, and dine at one of the property’s restaurants. Rooms are inspired by local flora and the island's vibrant colors.
Caribbean Paradise
Emerald Jungle is a “relaxing eco-chic retreat,” housing the resort’s spa. Within Emerald Jungle, the accommodations and natural pool will be part of Club Med's Zen Oasis concept, an adults-exclusive escape designed with serenity, tranquility and health in mind. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the greenery of Michès — and can even enjoy a treetop yoga class.
Emerald Jungle
Specifically created for families, Explorer Cove offers children's clubs for children from 4 months to 17 years old. At night, families can come together for a movie under the stars.
Explorer Cove
Environmentally friendly positioning
Club Med said it is devoting its design, activities and elements to the surrounding region. Prior to construction, Club Med worked with local government agencies to perform an in-depth environmental impact study on the resort's plans to ensure a minimal footprint and impact.
As construction begins, Club Med has enacted a tree replanting program. Every tree removed to make way for the resort's foundation will be replanted in or around the resort area.
The infrastructure of the project has undergone a series of assessments on its environmental, social and economic sustainability performance to earn its BREEAM certification for the construction process. Once finished, the resort's daily operations will operate under the Green Globe certification to meet the highest standards of sustainability.
Educational mini-sessions and a community garden for guests will also be available to learn about gardening, recycling and other sustainable actions.

