If you’re dreaming of escaping Chicago for a week of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, we have the ideal getaway for you! Club Med’s resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure—with tons of amenities and everything taken care of, whether you want to relax on the beach or get adventurous with an activity, from water sports to perfecting your circus acts. The best part? They’re all just a quick flight from Chicago, at just under four hours away!
For those searching for a unique family-friendly retreat or a romantic getaway to reconnect, these Club Med resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico truly have it all. Explore two of Club Med’s stunning properties in the Dominican Republic. Club Med Punta Cana is a beachfront gem, or for a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, in the Miches area, is a dream come true for city dwellers looking to really unplug. Plus, get a closer look at the recently renovated family areas at Club Med Cancún and see why it’s perfect for just about anyone—especially families.
Keep scrolling to see why you just might never want to step foot off these resorts, with their endless activities, gourmet food options and pristine beaches.
Escape to Club Med Punta Cana’s tropical paradise in the Dominican Republic
With premium amenities at your fingertips, there’s truly something for everyone at this dream destination in the Dominican Republic.
Why we love it: The resort has new renovated family rooms with playful design inspired by the Caribbean. Designed with families in mind, each room features two bedrooms and is located near the heart of the resort and family amenities.
The adults-only retreat on the property called the Zen Oasis lives up to its name so you can truly unplug and relax. If you have kids, they’ll love spending time in the resort’s kids club and splash parks.
The standout: For anyone that wants to try out circus acts like flying trapeze, the resort has an awesome Circus School by Club Med that guests must check out! Or Club Med’s largest water park!
The food: Of course, a vacation isn’t complete without a slew of dining options and this resort offers a great mix of gourmet international and local Dominican cuisine. Don’t miss Indigo Beach Lounge for an oceanfront setting featuring casual bites and seafood or Hispaniola, the resort’s main restaurant that underwent a refresh recently, that resembles a Caribbean beach bistro with an expansive range of cuisines, paired with stunning sea views.
The best onsite activities:
🚣 Kayaking
🤿 Snorkeling
🏄 Paddleboarding
⛵ Sailing
🪁 Kitesurfing
🎾 Tennis
🎯 Archery
🤹 Flying trapeze & circus school (part of the Circus School by Club Med experience!)
💃 Salsa classes
Our top excursion pick: Take a day trip on a catamaran to Saona Island, a stunning tropical paradise within Cotubanamá National Park.
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is tucked away, and the perfect place to get away from it all
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is an eco-chic resort part of the Exclusive Collection (5-star) portfolio, tucked away between pristine, unspoiled beaches and lush palm groves in the El Seibo province. What makes this resort so incredibly special is that it was the first operating resort in Miches. It’s about 90 minutes from the Punta Cana airport, giving you plenty of time to take in the countryside and scenic views of the Dominican Republic on your way to the resort.
Why we love it: Get ready for an even more luxurious experience at this 5-star oasis, Club Med’s first Exclusive Collection resort in the Americas. The main focus is sustainability highlighting eco-friendly architecture and jungle-to-table dining.
The standout: With four distinct boutique villages on the property, you can tailor the trip to your needs. Stay at the adults-only Emerald Jungle, wellness sanctuary surrounded by lush nature, or choose the Archipelago for an adults-only private oceanfront suite with plunge pools. Traveling with kids? Families can enjoy the upscale Explorer Cove or the playful Caribbean Paradise, which is a fit for everyone.
The food: The resort’s main restaurant Cayuco features a buffet with gourmet international options and Dominican cuisine, but if you’re in the mood for steak then you can’t miss their high-end steakhouse Coal & Copper, at an additional cost.
Coco Plum Beach Lounge is about to be your favorite spot for tropical cocktails and beachside dining. And be sure to save room for the Secret Chocolate Room, where you can really indulge by dipping candy and marshmallows into a decadent chocolate fountain. Let’s just say—your inner child won’t be disappointed.
The best onsite activities:
🏹Archery
🏄♂️Stand up Paddleboarding
🍫Secret Chocolate Room
🏇 Horseback riding on the beach (at an additional cost)
🧘♀️ Treetop yoga with signature flows by Yoga Ambassador Jonah Kest!
Our top excursion pick: Just a short drive from the resort is Montaña Redonda mountain that’ll wow you with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean and forests.
Club Med Cancún debuted renovated Family Oasis with a new Water Park
Club Med Cancún is a fantastic destination if you want to combine the best of Mexico’s beautiful coast with an all-inclusive experience.
Why we love it: It’s the perfect spot to indulge in a yoga class in the relaxation area, along with many other activities in the active sports area like archery, mini golf, the Circus School by Club Med, and play in the multi-sports courts and so much more on the recently renovated Sports & Wellness Island.
The standout: Have an even more luxurious vacation with the Exclusive Collection (5-star) Space within the resort, Jade, featuring inclusive experience within the resort. Choose from spacious suites highlighted with large balconies with sea views, walk-in rain showers and large soaking tubs or 419-square-foot deluxe rooms with either a balcony or private garden.
Great for families: If you’re a parent, Club Med Cancún is the perfect pick. The Family Oasis has also gotten some upgrades and is so fun for all ages! The whole family will love the Mayan-themed water park, Splash Park, a Mini Pool & Playground, a Fun Zone, and a Mini Cinema.
There’s also a kids club if you want a date night, and it has been relocated for more convenience for families. They’ve even introduced a new Baby Club Med with professional staffed care for infants ages 4 to 23 months with activities like music workshops to painting.
The food: Venture to the La Hacienda, the resort’s main restaurant, that has international options alongside Mexican dish favorites. For authentic Mexican cuisine, don’t miss the Taco Arte Beach Lounge with incredible beachside views. If you’re in the mood for Argentinian, visit La Estancia, a delicious steakhouse (included, by reservation). For something sweet, La Crêperie has crêpes and other light bites in between activities and throughout the day.
The best onsite activities:
🏋️♂️🌿🏝️Sports & Wellness Island: Yoga, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sports courts, flying trapeze at the famed Circus School by Club Med and more!
🏹 Mayan-inspired archery
🌮🍹Beachside eats at Taco Arte Beach Lounge
Our top excursion pick: History lovers wont want to miss exploring the nearby Cenotes and Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá or Tulum.