This stay was part of a collaboration with Viva Miches by Wyndham. However, as always, all opinions are entirely my own and this review reflects our genuine experience during our seven-night stay.
Flying from London Gatwick to Punta Cana
We flew from London Gatwick to Punta Cana with British Airways, with flights costing around £500 per person return. Thanks to using Avios points to reduce the cost slightly, our actual spend came in at under £500 each, which I thought was really reasonable for a long-haul Caribbean destination in the May half term. I was honestly expecting flights to be much more expensive.
One thing to know before travelling to the Dominican Republic is that you’ll need to complete the country’s online entry and exit form. This is completely free to do. Be careful because there are several websites online that try to charge for this service. You only need to complete the official government form.
It’s also worth doing this before you even leave for the airport. British Airways staff asked to see our completed form before allowing us to check in our luggage at Gatwick.
The flight itself is long, so make sure you bring plenty to keep yourself entertained. British Airways offers seatback screens with films, TV shows and games, and WiFi is available onboard for an additional charge. Although British Airways has announced plans to introduce complimentary WiFi in the future, it wasn’t available on our flight.
As with most airlines, food is included, but airline meals are rarely the highlight of any holiday. My advice would be to have a decent meal before you fly and pack some of your favourite snacks for the journey.
Arriving at Punta Cana Airport
Arriving at Punta Cana International Airport was straightforward and stress-free. Passport control queues were fairly long, although families with very young children appeared to be prioritised. Unfortunately, my 10-year-old no longer qualifies for that category, so we joined the regular queue.
As the Dominican Republic is outside the European Union, there is currently no Entry/Exit System (EES) in place. Passports are stamped on arrival and departure, which frequent travellers like myself will appreciate, although it’s important to make sure you have enough blank pages remaining in your passport before travelling.
As always, I recommend checking the latest travel advice on the UK Government website before any international trip and making sure you have comprehensive travel insurance in place. For me, travelling without travel insurance, especially with a child, is completely non-negotiable.
The airport itself is easy to navigate and well organised. Our hotel had arranged a transfer, which made the arrival process even easier. Uber is also available in Punta Cana if you prefer to organise your own transport.
The Journey to Viva Miches by Wyndham
Viva Miches by Wyndham is located approximately 90 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.
While that might sound like quite a long transfer after a long-haul flight, the journey itself is genuinely beautiful. The route takes you through some stunning Dominican countryside, with mountain views, colourful local communities, grazing animals and plenty of tropical scenery along the way.
It’s actually a lovely introduction to the Dominican Republic and gives you a glimpse of the country beyond the resort areas.
First Impressions of Viva Miches by Wyndham
The first thing that struck me when we arrived was just how impressive the entrance looked.
There’s something very luxurious and peaceful about the design. In fact, it immediately reminded me of something you’d see in The White Lotus, just without all the drama.
Check-in was smooth, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink, which was very much appreciated after a long day of travelling.
Even better, our room was ready when we arrived, meaning we could start exploring the resort straight away.
Our Room: Splash Ocean View Room
For this review, we’ll be focusing specifically on the Splash Ocean View Room.
These ground-floor rooms are designed with families and larger groups in mind, offering plenty of space alongside a fantastic location within the resort.
Room features include:
• Private plunge pool
• One king bed or two queen beds
• Ocean views
• Air conditioning
• Flat-screen TV
• Telephone
• Bathroom with shower
• Hairdryer
• Balcony or terrace
• Iron and ironing board
• Safe
• Mini fridge with welcome package
• Connecting rooms available
• Accessible room options available
• Cots available upon request
Why We Loved the Location
The standout feature of this room wasn’t actually the plunge pool or even the ocean view.
It was the location.
Our room was positioned directly opposite the main pool and only a few steps from the beach. We could walk from our terrace to the sand in what felt like seconds.
It was also conveniently located close to one of the main restaurants, making it ideal for families who don’t want to spend lots of time walking back and forth throughout the day.
To be honest though, one of the things I liked most about Viva Miches by Wyndham is that the resort itself isn’t overwhelmingly large. Everything feels within easy reach, so regardless of where you’re staying, you’re never too far from the pools, restaurants, beach or entertainment.
Housekeeping and Daily Comfort
Our room was cleaned daily throughout our stay and housekeeping did a great job keeping everything tidy.
We also received a welcome minibar package on arrival. After that, the minibar wasn’t automatically restocked, but with food and drinks available throughout the all-inclusive resort, it wasn’t something that caused any issues for us.
We did experience a small ant problem during our stay. However, as soon as we reported it, staff responded quickly and resolved the issue.
It’s also worth remembering that you’re staying in a tropical destination surrounded by nature. Bugs and insects are part of that environment, and it’s something you’ll encounter in many Caribbean resorts. I normally travel with insect repellent but unfortunately forgot mine this time, which I definitely regretted.
Food and Restaurants
One of the things we always look forward to when staying at an all-inclusive resort is the food, and thankfully Viva Miches by Wyndham did not disappoint.
There are several dining options available across the resort, including both buffet and à la carte restaurants. Personally, I’m a buffet girl through and through. I love being able to see everything that’s available and choose exactly what I fancy rather than committing to a menu beforehand.
The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with menus that change daily, meaning there was always something new to try. Alongside the buffet, guests can enjoy a selection of speciality restaurants offering Latin American, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired cuisine, as well as seafood dishes and a creperie for those with a sweet tooth.
The food reminded me of Jamaica in some ways, yet was completely different in others. There were plenty of familiar Caribbean flavours alongside Dominican specialities, giving us lots of opportunities to try something new.
As someone with a severe nut allergy, I always pay close attention to food safety when travelling. I found it easy to identify suitable dishes thanks to the food labelling, and staff were always happy to answer questions if needed.
Even my incredibly picky 10-year-old, who would happily survive on dry pasta and chips if given the chance, was experimenting with new foods and flavours during our stay. If that isn’t a good sign, I don’t know what is.
One evening the resort hosted an outdoor barbecue and honestly, it was the standout meal of the entire trip. The meat was seasoned perfectly, cooked beautifully and packed with flavour. It was one of those meals that you find yourself talking about long after you’ve returned home.
There was only one restaurant that wasn’t really for us, but that’s the beauty of having multiple dining options available. What one family loves might not suit another, and there was always somewhere else to try.
The Pools and Beach
The pool area is absolutely lovely and quickly became one of our favourite places to spend time.
There are areas suitable for younger children with shallower water, alongside deeper sections for older children and adults. It never felt overcrowded and there was always plenty of space to relax, swim or simply cool off from the Caribbean heat.
The beach is equally impressive.
Think soft sand, turquoise water and plenty of space to spread out. One thing I particularly appreciated was that there were lots of sun loungers available. We never found ourselves having to get up ridiculously early to reserve chairs or compete with other guests for a spot, which is always a bonus.
Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool or spending your days on the beach, the resort caters well to both.
Kids Club and Teens Club
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll know that I genuinely love a good kids club.
I know they’re not for everyone, but I think they offer children a fantastic opportunity to make friends, try new activities and spend some time out of the midday sun.
The kids club at Viva Miches by Wyndham is bright, spacious and well equipped. There is a playground area as well as a small splash park, which younger guests will absolutely love.
For older children and teenagers, there’s also a dedicated teens club, giving them their own space to socialise and enjoy activities designed specifically for their age group.
Accessibility
It’s also worth mentioning that the resort offers facilities for guests with limited mobility.
Accessible rooms are available, alongside roll-in showers and easy access throughout the resort, helping ensure all guests can comfortably enjoy their stay.
Spa and Wellness
If you’re looking for a little relaxation during your holiday, the on-site spa offers a range of treatments designed to help guests unwind.
Whether you’re interested in a massage, beauty treatment or simply taking some time out for yourself, it’s another nice addition to the facilities available at the resort.
Excursions and Exploring Beyond the Resort
While there’s more than enough to keep you busy within the resort itself, some guests may want to explore more of the Dominican Republic during their stay.
The hotel can arrange a variety of excursions, and I always recommend comparing options through providers such as GetYourGuide as well.
During our stay we experienced the Viva Safari excursion organised through the resort.
The trip included travelling through the Dominican countryside aboard a safari-style vehicle, a boat ride across a lake, visits to local producers of coconut oil and chocolate, a rice farm where we learned about the production process, and finally a trip to a viewpoint around 350 metres above sea level.
The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking and gave us a completely different perspective of the Dominican Republic.
Now, I have to be honest. The journey up and down the mountain was not for me. It was steep, bumpy and slightly terrifying at times. While I’m really glad we did it and loved the views at the top, it’s not an excursion I’d personally rush to do again.
Entertainment and Resort Activities
One thing you certainly won’t be short of at Viva Miches by Wyndham is entertainment.
Throughout the day there are activities taking place around the resort, while evenings bring live shows, dancing, music and family entertainment.
The mini disco was a particular highlight for younger guests and there always seemed to be something happening, whether it was a themed party, beach event or organised activity.
The entertainment team work incredibly hard and their energy really helps create a fun atmosphere throughout the resort.
Download the Resort App
One of my biggest recommendations is to download the Viva Resorts app before you even arrive.
The app contains everything you need during your stay, including restaurant information, daily activity schedules, kids club timetables, excursion details, entertainment programmes, maps and spa information.
It makes planning your days much easier and helps ensure you don’t miss any of the activities taking place around the resort.
Useful Things to Know
Upon arrival you’ll be given a wristband which acts as your room key, meaning you don’t need to carry a separate key card around the resort.
You’ll also receive towel cards which can be exchanged for pool and beach towels.
There is an on-site supermarket if you’ve forgotten essentials such as sunscreen, toiletries or snacks. As you’d expect, prices are higher than you’d pay outside the resort, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there should you need anything.
Mosquitoes and Wildlife
If you’ve travelled to the Caribbean before, this won’t come as a surprise, but mosquitoes absolutely love me.
I used insect repellent sprays, mosquito wipes and pretty much everything else I could think of, yet I still ended up being bitten multiple times.
That’s not a criticism of the resort. It’s simply part of visiting a tropical destination.
You’ll also spot cats wandering around the resort, along with frogs, birds and other wildlife. The cats generally keep to themselves and don’t bother guests, but my daughter absolutely loved seeing them every day. For her, it felt like having a collection of holiday pets for the week.
Weather in May
One thing we quickly realised during our stay was that May can be a little unpredictable when it comes to weather.
We experienced regular rain showers during the first few days, but they were typically short-lived. It might rain heavily for 30 minutes or an hour before the sunshine returned almost immediately afterwards.
In fact, most days followed a pattern of sunshine, brief rain, then sunshine again.
The weather never once ruined our holiday and actually provided a welcome break from the heat at times. If you’re travelling during this period, just be prepared for occasional showers and pack accordingly.
Do You Need to Speak Spanish?
Absolutely not.
Most customer-facing staff speak a good level of English and communication was not a huge issue during our stay.
That said, I strongly believe that when visiting another country it’s important to make an effort to learn at least a few basic phrases. I would never travel somewhere expecting everyone to automatically speak English.
A simple “hola”, “gracias” or “buenos días” goes a long way.
Many staff members we encountered spoke multiple languages, including Spanish, English and French, which was impressive, but what stood out most was simply how friendly everyone was.
The Staff and Atmosphere
One thing I always pay attention to when reviewing a hotel is how staff interact with all guests, not just those they know are creating content.
It’s easy to receive excellent service when you’re reviewing a resort, but what matters is whether everyone receives that same level of care.
From what we observed, they absolutely did.
Staff were constantly smiling, greeting guests and creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the resort. Whether it was a gardener working outside, a member of the entertainment team or someone serving drinks by the pool, everyone seemed genuinely happy to stop and say hello.
The atmosphere throughout the resort felt warm, relaxed and friendly.
Why I Love All-Inclusive Holidays
Every time all-inclusive holidays come up on social media, you’ll inevitably find someone saying they’re not authentic, that you don’t see the real country, or that you’re somehow missing out.
I couldn’t disagree more.
I love all-inclusive holidays.
I love knowing food and drinks are available whenever I want them. I love having pools, beaches, entertainment and activities all within easy reach. I love the feeling of safety and convenience, especially when travelling with a child.
That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy exploring beyond the resort because I absolutely do. But for me, all-inclusive holidays offer the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
And Viva Miches by Wyndham is definitely one I would add to my recommendation list.
Is Viva Miches by Wyndham Worth It?
As always, I can’t tell you exactly how much this holiday is going to cost because there are simply too many factors involved. I don’t know whether you’ll be booking everything yourself or opting for a package holiday. I don’t know how many adults or children are travelling, what type of room you’ll choose or what time of year you’re planning to visit.
I’m not a travel agent and I’m not here to tell you what you should book. I’m simply here to share my honest experience and help you decide whether a hotel might be the right fit for your family.
What I can tell you is whether I think it’s worth considering and for me, the answer is absolutely yes.
Viva Miches by Wyndham is a beautiful resort with plenty to offer families, couples and groups alike. The location is stunning, the beach is gorgeous, the pools are fantastic, the food exceeded my expectations and the atmosphere throughout the resort was warm, welcoming and relaxed.
What stood out most for me was how family friendly everything felt. From the kids club and splash areas to the entertainment and spacious accommodation options, it’s easy to see why families would enjoy staying here.
Of course, no hotel is perfect and there were a few minor things that could be improved, but nothing that negatively impacted our overall experience.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive Dominican Republic resort with beautiful surroundings, plenty of activities, great food and a relaxed Caribbean vibe, then Viva Miches by Wyndham is definitely one I’d recommend adding to your shortlist.
We had a fantastic seven-night stay and left with plenty of wonderful memories. The food was great, the drinks were great, the staff were lovely and there was always something to do, whether you wanted to spend your day by the pool, on the beach or exploring more of the Dominican Republic.
Would I return? Absolutely.
And honestly, that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give any hotel.
