VIP Vacations Inc.

Ryan Doncsecz, Groups Manager for VIP Vacations, recently attended the Pleasant Holidays Elite Experience held at Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Dominican Republic. The exclusive event recognized many of the top-producing travel advisors and agency partners throughout the travel industry.

Founded in 1959, Pleasant Holidays is one of the largest travel companies in the United States, offering customizable vacation packages that include flights, hotel and cruise accommodations, airport transfers, sightseeing tours, activities, travel protection coverage, and more. The company’s extensive global portfolio features destinations throughout Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Tahiti, Fiji, Mexico, and beyond. Pleasant Holidays’ family of brands includes Pleasant Holidays, Journese, Air By Pleasant, and Pleasant Activities.

The Elite Experience provided advisors with the opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals while experiencing one of the Dominican Republic’s newest luxury all-inclusive resorts. Zemi Miches offered a noticeably different atmosphere from the traditional Punta Cana experience, featuring lush tropical landscaping and a peaceful setting that drew comparisons to destinations such as Saint Lucia, Costa Rica, and Hawaii.

Doncsecz stayed in a Tropical View King Room, which blended modern accommodations with the surrounding tropical environment. The property’s upscale yet relaxed atmosphere, combined with its extensive greenery and contemporary design, helped create a boutique-style luxury experience.

Dining experiences throughout the resort were a highlight of the event. Restaurants included Manicato, the resort’s Italian dining venue, as well as Toa, a Taíno-inspired restaurant serving local Caribbean cuisine with modern presentation and creative use of native ingredients. The resort also featured more casual offerings including a food truck serving wings and burgers.

Additional standout amenities included an upscale coffee shop offering specialty coffee beverages as part of the all-inclusive experience, elevated cocktail programs throughout the resort, fast and attentive service, a beautiful main pool area, and a relaxing beachfront atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the trip was an immersive excursion experience at River Ranch, which showcased the natural beauty and culture of the Dominican Republic beyond the resort. The adventure featured a 4×4 dune buggy and ATV journey through the Dominican countryside along private trails with scenic tropical views.  During the excursion, attendees visited a traditional Dominican country home where they learned about locally produced goods and enjoyed a hands-on cultural experience featuring authentic Dominican cuisine, freshly brewed coffee, and organic hot chocolate. The tour also included visits to natural river areas where guests were able to swim, walk through the refreshing waters, and experience the lush surrounding landscape firsthand. Stops along the way highlighted local history and nature, including the ancient La Ceiba tree, considered significant to the indigenous Taíno culture.

Located approximately 90 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, Zemi Miches delivers a more secluded and tranquil alternative to the busier Bávaro and Punta Cana hotel zones. The property offers multiple pools, wellness activities, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, and destination wedding venues ideal for couples and groups seeking a modern luxury experience in the Dominican Republic.