Latest news with #PuntaCana
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Meet Miches, The Punta Cana Alternative Shaking Up Travel To The Dominican Republic
Playa Esmeralda in Miches, Dominican Republic. getty The Dominican Republic didn't invent the all-inclusive vacation, but it certainly perfected it. Springing from the soft white sands of Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana, lines of oversized all-inclusive resorts have long shaped the conversation when it comes to Caribbean travel, making the Dominican Republic the most visited Caribbean island nation—by far. Now, a newer coastal enclave in the Dominican Republic is drawing visitors to a number of brand new all-inclusive resorts debuting this year: Miches. Just a few years ago, Miches was little more than a small beachfront town located a short drive north of Punta Cana on the island's picturesque Samaná Bay. Suddenly, it's the destination on everyone's mind. With Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton debuting earlier this summer, Miches feels poised to be the next place to be in the Caribbean. Locals and a new generation of all-inclusive travelers alike are left wondering whether Miches is the next Punta Cana. Or, perhaps, its antithesis. Playa Esmeralda in Miches, Dominican Republic. Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton Located on the far eastern coast of the island, Punta Cana is the hub of tourism in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean mecca for resort vacations home to the second busiest airport in the entire region. With Punta Cana's convenience and relative affordability comes commercialization at one of the largest scales in the Caribbean. Here, there is nary a sliver of beach that doesn't have an oversized resort or pulsing beach bar occupying its sands. Meanwhile, Miches feels worlds away, still raw, real tropical paradise that feels straight out of a postcard. Touching down in Punta Cana and heading just and hour and a half north, travelers are soon greeted with soaring mountains coated in lush greenery that kiss the Caribbean Sea. Miches' stunning Playa Esmeralda. Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton Miches is nestled among untouched tropical forest, not far from mythical destination like Los Haitises National Park, where indigenous tribes once gathered and left cave paintings behind. In the cooler winter months, humpback whales travel to the protected waters near Miches to give birth to and nourish their young. 'Miches sits along the shores of a largely protected cove, giving its calm, clear waters. They also happen to be totally free from the sargassum seaweed that has become an increasingly impossible problem across much of the rest of the Caribbean,' said Manuela Fahringer, General Manager of Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, in an interview. An aerial view of the new Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton The Punta Cana Precedent Amidst the excitement of a flurry of new resorts debuting in Miches, many wonder if we're witnessing the birth of the next Punta Cana. It's a fair question; at the start of the year, Viva Miches by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort opened its doors, and on June 30th, Hilton's Zemi Miches property, its first all-inclusive Curio Collection resort, follow suit from its location along 800 meteres of coastline. Later this year, Hyatt will touch down in Miches, too. Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and Dream Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa are set to debut, side-by-side adults-only and family-friendly resorts from the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. When taken together, it's a significant amount of development for a destination that lacked even a main road connecting it to Punta Cana until just ten years ago. To compare Miches to Punta Cana feels even more unavoidable considering that much of the investment in Miches comes from Grupo Puntacana. A Dominican business conglomerate with a sustainable tourism focus, Grupo Puntacana helped turn Punta Cana into what it is today, and continues to play a significant role in the destination and its management. Frank Elías Rainieri, CEO of Grupo Puntacana and the son of one of Grupo Puntacana's founders, Frank Rainieri, spearheaded the new Zemi Miches property from start to finish. Taking in the view from the brand new Zemi Miches property. Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton All Its Own Even with all the development, Miches still hasn't changed all that much. That's just what makes it so attractive in the first place. "Miches benefits from being just a 90-minute drive from Punta Cana's well-served international airport, but it feels totally untouched and unbothered, and that's a huge part of why travelers come here in the first place," says Fahringer. "They want that escape from the Punta Cana that many of them already know well.' Erika Sordo, Corporate Director of Marketing & Publications at Viva Resorts by Wyndham, echoes the same sentiment. "[Viva Miches by Wyndham] was thoughtfully designed to showcase the area's untouched natural beauty," she says. It's not just an extension of Punta Cana, it's something unique, "offering ocean-front, diverse dining, and memorable experiences for every type of traveler," and that's what makes it so special. Wyndham's Viva Miches property. Viva Miches by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive All New All-Inclusive To position this new destination as something all its own aligns with the shifting priorities of the modern-day all-inclusive traveler. At a time when all-inclusive travel is trending in a big way, this new generation of travelers aren't looking for a cookie-cutter experience; they're seeking something special. At the heart of the new all-inclusive experience is 'a growing desire to feel immersed in a new destination, rather than removed from it,' said Nicole Tilzer, Vice president of Hilton's All-Inclusive & Resort Strategy, in an interview last year. With an enhanced focus on activities and excursions that make the most of the rich coastal and mountainous landscapes surrounding the resort, plus an exciting, first-of-its-kind indigenous Dominican Taino cuisine-focused restaurant, Zemi Miches is out to do just that, and much more. "Travelers want to feel like they're part of something special that they can't find elsewhere, and that's what they'll get here," says Fahringer. Playa Esmeralda near Miches, Dominican Republic. getty Sustainable Solutions As the destinations grows, Miches is built on a foundation of lessons learned from its neighbor. That means making an effort to focus on sustainable and ethical development, right from the start. "We've been intimately involved with local associations like ProMiches and ProTortuga to support sustainable growth locally as Miches continues to grow, explains Fahringer. These Dominican-led organizations support everything from promoting local small businesses to protecting the fragile coastal ecosystem and supporting turtle nesting sites along beaches. With more development expected soon, including a Four Seasons property with plans to open its doors in 2026, the future of Miches continues to look bright. With the history of Punta Cana's successes, and excesses, as a foundation, Miches charts an impressive course entirely its own.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Wife Shares 1 Thing She, Husband Refuse to Give Up After He's Diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer's at 55 (Exclusive)
Despite a devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis, one couple refuses to give up on their love for adventure and each other NEED TO KNOW Anthony and Karen Sandone are avid travelers who tied the knot in Punta Cana in June 2009 In 2023, Anthony was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's In the last two years, Anthony's condition has progressed "to moderate/severe," but that hasn't stopped them from enjoying time together abroad What began as occasional forgetfulness slowly turned into persistent memory and language issues that couldn't be ignored for Anthony Sandone. Concerned, Sandone and his wife, Karen, began seeking answers in March 2022, visiting numerous doctors in search of an explanation. Due to Anthony's age and overall good health, dementia wasn't initially suspected, and the process of ruling out other conditions was long and emotionally exhausting. By May 2023, Anthony was forced to retire from his 35-year career in chemical sales due to his progressing symptoms. Four months later, on Sept. 7, 2023, their suspicions were confirmed. Anthony was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at just 55 years old – changing their life forever. Anthony, now 57, lives with a form of the disease called primary progressive aphasia, which severely affects his ability to speak and understand language. Once the picture of vitality – he, a former collegiate athlete, and Karen, a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader – truly believed they would be the couple to ride out the disease until there was a cure. They even enlisted support from Mano Wellness, a health coaching platform, to help Anthony maintain his fitness, diet, and nutrition. But Alzheimer's had other plans. 'In less than two years, Anthony's condition has progressed from mild/moderate to moderate/severe and there is no one in control of this progression but Alzheimer's,' Karen, 58, tells PEOPLE exclusively. Conversations, remembering names, and even everyday tasks like using a phone or remote control are a struggle. Following instructions is difficult, so Karen limits his tasks and ensures those around him are patient and help guide him through the confusion. 'It was heartbreaking to tell Anthony he could no longer drive,' Karen recalls of a turning point in November 2024. 'A moment that made him feel like everything was being taken from him.' As his condition progressed, so did the impact on their blended family of six adult children. Anthony struggles with short-term memory, making unfamiliar places and sudden changes to his routine especially difficult and stressful. He can no longer use electronic devices like phones, so Karen has taken on full responsibility for managing everything – appointments, finances, and household needs – while also working full-time and serving as his primary caregiver. While he once handled all their travel planning, from booking flights to organizing cruise itineraries, it's been an emotional adjustment for Karen to take on the extra tasks. 'The little things,' she says, are what she misses most – things she realizes she once took for granted and that are no longer possible for him. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Yet despite these challenges, Karen and Anthony have made a conscious choice not to let the disease stop them from living. Travel, a passion they've shared for years, especially after becoming empty nesters, continues to be a cornerstone of their time together. Their favorite destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and their most unforgettable trips – Italy and Greece. Cruises, however, have proven to be the most manageable type of travel given Anthony's current needs. 'He did really well on the most recent cruise and the crew team was very helpful,' Karen reveals. To make travel safer and more comfortable, Karen upgraded their cabin to an enclosed room with private amenities, informed the cruise staff of Anthony's condition, and equipped him with a dementia ID lanyard and a medical-alert Apple Watch. 'I was scared,' she admits. 'People discouraged me from going alone with Anthony.' Still, she stayed by his side the entire time. They laughed and soaked in every moment. Even with the repeated questions, the confusion, and the difficulty communicating, they found joy in the little things that matter most: simply being together. 'I do not know if that was our last trip together. But I have no regrets,' she tells PEOPLE. Karen refuses to let fear dictate their life choices. She almost canceled their most recent trip, but after being asked if she would regret not going, her answer was 'yes.' That moment shifted everything. Beyond their personal journey, the couple has become powerful advocates in their community. Karen recently represented the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) in Washington, D.C. as a Congressional Advocate, where she traveled to Capitol Hill to raise awareness about the importance of continued funding for Alzheimer's research and support. Her advice for other couples facing Alzheimer's is simple but profound: 'Meet your loved one where they are, in the moment.' Alzheimer's, without a doubt, has transformed their marriage. And although Anthony is no longer the person he once was, he is still Karen's husband and best friend, and the pair try to cherish every moment they share together. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Nathan Aspinall skips major darts tournament to get slimed on Nickelodeon family holiday in Caribbean
NATHAN ASPINALL skipped the Australian Darts Masters last week to enjoy a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. The 34-year-old has spent the last week in the Caribbean with his wife and two daughters. 2 2 They have been staying at the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana. And darts ace Aspinall shared a video of them getting slimed by staff members at the hotel. The family were guided over to a sheltered bench by a member of staff, where they were then covered in green slime. The Asp also shared a series of photographs on his Instagram. Fans took to the comments to react, with one person writing: "That's some way to spend you holiday is getting slimed." While a third joked: "Mr Slimeside," in reference to his walk-out song, 'Mr. Brightside'. New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland this weekend. The Premier League Darts star missed out on the Australian Darts Masters last week. The event was won by reigning world champion Luke Littler.
Condé Nast Traveler
22-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Villas in Punta Cana for Destination Weddings, Group Trips, & Family Travel
Punta Cana's popularity continues to increase every year, and the busy Dominican Republic resort town is home to plenty of all-inclusive hotels lined across the coastline. But, for those who don't want to share their Caribbean oasis with hordes of other tourists, staying at a private villa in Punta Cana means bypassing the often packed and predictable resort experience for a more tranquil stay. Customizable vacation rentals allow you to kick off your sandals, sprawl out in privacy, and truly relish your wonderful surroundings. As a frequenter of this spectacular city, I've sorted through a seemingly endless sprawl of Airbnb and Plum Guide listings to bring you the best available. From cozy bungalows nestled on the sand to extravagant fortresses tucked amidst the jungle, these villas allow you to escape the Cap Cana crowds while keeping Punta Cana's natural beauty at your fingertips. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly option with a private pool or a romantic getaway with ocean views, these are the best villas in Punta Cana for all occasions. We've vetted these listings based on Superhost or Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Forbes
Inside Playa Grande Beach Club, A Boutique Hotel Reimagining Travel to the Dominican Republic
One of Playa Grande Beach Club's nine standalone villas. Playa Grande Beach Club Few destinations do an over-the-top beach vacation like the Dominican Republic. As all-inclusive travel grows in popularity even with the youngest generation of travelers, this Caribbean nation is drawing record-breaking numbers of travelers year-round, many of whom head straight to the island's oversized resorts. Beachfront development has long since pushed past the sugar-fine sands of Punta Cana and into new regions, with big-name hotels and resorts sprouting up in spots that were once known mostly to locals. Notably, the country's first luxury wellness resort, Cayo Levantado Resort, debuted two years ago on a private island in the less-visited region of Samaná. Meanwhile, the once tiny beach town of Miches is buzzing; Viva Miches by Wyndham, A Trademark All-Inclusive debuted in January, while Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton opening its doors less than a month ago. The less-visited north shore of the Dominican Republic is home to some of the country's few boutique hotels and resorts. Playa Grande Beach Club A mere blip on the map of the Dominican Republic, the area surrounding the small town of Rio San Juan is nearly untouched, even when compared to still growing destinations like Samaná or Miches. But zoom in on Google Maps and you'll start to see the appeal of this less-visited region: brilliantly white stretches of sand stretch right up to the lush foliage of the tropical jungle. This couldn't feel further from Punta Cana, but with beaches that are just as nice. Amidst the larger-than-life developments of other coastlines, the properties here are tiny in comparison. Small, serene, and supremely exclusive, properties like the Aman-branded Amanera and ÀNI Dominican Republic, are quietly rewriting the narrative of the travel to the Dominican Republic as being limited to the oversized and overwhelming. Even more special still is nearby Playa Grande Beach Club, a boutique property the likes of which there are few in the country, let alone the Caribbean. Home to just nine standalone bungalows spread across a spacious swath of beachfront property carved out of the jungle, its one-of-a-kind design and down-to-earth luxury make it a world all its own. Celerie Kembel-designed Playa Grande Beach Club. Playa Grande Beach Club Inside Playa Grande Beach Club Stepping off the golden sands of one of the country's most beautiful beaches and onto the manicured grounds of Playa Grande Beach Club, it's immediately clear that this is a destination all its own. Even from the beachfront, it's visible: the property's meticulously maintained grounds are packed with details to delight visitors. Fringed umbrellas shade beach chairs; vintage furniture fills spaces coated with colorful, handmade tiles; candy-colored drinking glasses for afternoon piña coladas by the pool look like they're straight out of a doll house. Playa Grande Beach Club's praiseworthy design comes as no surprise to those who know its founding story. Among the property's owners is Celerie Kemble, a renowned designer who had a hand in every detail of its creation and design. Her distinctly island-inspired, Palm Beach-informed design touches every corner of the property. Each bungalow evokes its own unique spirit, with colorful pastel palettes paired with one-of-a-kind textiles and art collected from remote corners of the world, including from Kemble's personal travels. The Dominican inspiration of the property is undeniable, calling on classic, colonial-era design in architectural details throughout. Each bungalow at Playa Grande Beach Club is unique crafted and includes handpicked pieces of furniture, art, and decor. Playa Grande Beach Club To step inside your private bungalow, available in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts, feels like stepping inside a gingerbread house with a tropical twist. Mine mixed a rose and lime green color scheme, that started with the handpicked textiles on pillows and continue to the tiles spread across the bathroom floor. My bungalow had its own kitchen, with a vintage-inspired refrigerator stocked with goodies like Dominican beer, local mangoes and freshly-ground coffee should I want to wake for sunrise on the sand. The bathroom was its own separate sanctuary, complete with a massive copper soaking tub as the centerpiece of its design. I marveled at its size: how could the floor hold its weight? Did the house have to be built around its oversized port? It was one of a number of supremely special touches that wove together the visceral visual journey at this one-of-a-kind property. Bungalows each come with kitchens, making it an ideal destination for a longer-term stay. Playa Grande Beach Club Home Away From Home The intentionality of every design detail is Kemble's love for the property made manifest, giving it lived-in, well-loved quality that makes it comfortable rather than imposing. Perhaps it's the small size of the property, apt for less than thirty guests at a time, that enhances its homey feel. However, the family-and-friends-first founding of the property is even more likely the source of its welcoming vibe. While Kemble was the creative mind behind the property's design, she was just one of a close-knit group of owners who initially intentioned Playa Grande Beach Club to be a private destination reserved just for friends and family. Now, guests can book bungalows for their own home-away-from-home feel. In addition to just nine bungalows, Playa Grande Beach Club has a main house with a restaurant and bar, a two-story library and lounge, a beachfront pool with a covered lounge area for lazing, and a small gym. Rio San Juan and Beyond For such a set-apart property far from the tourist crowds, there's surprisingly plenty to do just outside the bounds of the resort. One morning I ventured out with a guide who led me up a mountainside that stands between the coastline and the expanses of the island, cracking open fresh coconuts, pointing out tropical fruit laden trees, and explaining the rich vegetation along our trek. At the end of the path was an incredible viewpoint overlooking the island's north coast, from which he pointed out the area's best beaches and departures for the area's other popular excursions: horseback riding, tours through the forest to swim in millennia-old sinkholes and boat rides through the mangroves. 'Why would anyone want to leave such a precious property?' I had thought, until I realized that I would need to plan a return trip to experience everything there is to do in this still largely untouched region of the country. Playa Grande Beach Club's elegant main house, home to the property's lounge space, bar and restaurant. Playa Grande Beach Club The Playa Grande Secret There is plenty to do during a stay at Playa Grande Beach Club, but noticeable absent is the laundry list of amenities that often feel like a to-do list to modern travelers. Here, the luxury is in the space, the solitude, the stretch of sand that feels almost all your own. It is the serenity of dining in the grand, romantic main house, chatting with friends and family over farm-fresh food highlighting island-inspired flavors. "The biggest benefit of staying at Playa Grande Beach Club is that you feel like you are in a family," says Alexandra Jeronimo, General Manager of Playa Grande Beach Club. "The hotel is a timeless place from yesteryear where generational stories are made," she says, referencing both the intimate feel of the property and high return rate of guests. At this boutique property, bungalows sometimes book up to a year in advance by guests who don't want to skip a season at Playa Grande. It's a destination to be shared with friends and family, but carefully. "A lot of visitors tend to say things like 'I don't know if I should tell anyone about this place, so I've decided to tell no one so I can keep it for myself,'" says Jeronimo. After all, what started as a hideaway for a group of close friends and family never lost its essence. Now, it that same sublime peace and welcoming spirit that makes Playa Grande Beach Club such a singular slice of paradise.
