Travel Trends
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa debuts in the Dominican Republic
CHICAGO, IL – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the grand opening of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, the new all-inclusive beachfront resort located in a secluded and nature-rich region along the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, marking the continued expansion of the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio. Designed to bring people together through meaningful moments, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers families and multigenerational travelers a scenic escape where nature, comfort, and connection converge.
“Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites families and multigenerational travelers to relax, reconnect, and discover the beauty of the Dominican Republic,” said Ángel Medina, General Manager, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. “Blending warm Dominican hospitality with the all-inclusive ease that defines the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand, we’ve created a place where every detail inspires connection.”
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa introduces guests to a side of the Dominican Republic known more for its natural beauty than busy resort strips. Whether families are gathering by the waterpark, enjoying a barefoot stroll along the beach, or discovering new experiences together, the resort captures what the brand does best – curating effortless, all-inclusive escapes made for every generation.

Junior Suite Partial Ocean View Bedroom.
A Scenic, Family-Centered Caribbean Escape
Set along a secluded stretch of soft sand and calm Caribbean waters, the newly built resort features 500 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, including rooms with garden, pool, or oceanfront views, with select suites offering direct swim-out access. Inside, guests will find plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rain showers and double vanities, and Pharmacopia Natural Bodycare bath amenities.
Guests seeking an elevated stay can book the Preferred Club, with additional privileges such as upgraded suite locations, dedicated butler service, exclusive lounge and pool access, and enhanced in-room amenities. The Preferred Club Presidential Suite is the crown jewel of the oceanfront experience with an expansive layout, private kitchen, jet pool terrace, and panoramic sea views.
Culinary Discovery and Public Square
Under the direction of Executive Chef Carlos Quijano, the resort’s ten restaurants and seven bars invite guests on a global tasting journey, without ever leaving the resort. Culinary highlights include Tierra, showcasing South American dishes prepared with bold regional flavors; El Patio, where classic Mexican cuisine is served a la carte; and 1844 Dominican Cuisine, which pays tribute to the island’s local roots through reimagined Dominican specialties.
At the heart of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and the adjacent adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa lies the vibrant Public Square, a shared, village-style hub filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. This dynamic space is home to several of the property’s dining venues, bars, and gathering spots, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee or winding down with music and cocktails after dark. Guests also enjoy seamless access between both properties, allowing families at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and adults at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa to come together at the Dreams property effortlessly while still enjoying the tailored experiences of each resort, with adults staying at either property able to enjoy full access to both.

World Cafe
Family-Friendly Amenities
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa was designed with families in mind, offering a full schedule of supervised activities at the Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3-12 and the Core Zone Teens Club for ages 13-17. From arts and crafts to beach games and teen socials, every child has space to explore, play, and connect, giving parents the freedom to unwind and enjoy time together or apart.
Beyond its dining and gathering spaces, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites guests to unwind and explore in the sun-soaked surroundings of the Caribbean. Three shimmering pools, including a dedicated family-friendly pool, offer plenty of room to lounge and splash, while the resort’s vibrant on-site waterpark features thrilling waterslides and splash zones designed for kids and kids at heart. A well-equipped fitness center helps guests stay active while away, and those seeking deeper relaxation can indulge at the Secrets Spa, which offers massage cabins, a hydrotherapy circuit, a bridal suite, and a full-service beauty salon. With direct access to Playa Esmeralda’s soft sands and calm waters, the resort delivers the ideal blend of recreation and rejuvenation in an inviting tropical setting.
Playa Esmeralda: the Dominican Republic’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the still-developing region of Miches, the resort sits at the intersection of tranquility and adventure. Guests are surrounded by natural wonders rarely found in more touristed destinations, including Montaña Redonda, known for its panoramic swings and hilltop views; the dramatic limestone cliffs of Los Haitises National Park; and Samaná Bay, where humpback whales can be spotted breaching just offshore during migration season.
More active travelers can hike to Salto La Jalda, the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean, or kayak through the peaceful, mangrove-lined waters of Laguna Limón, all just a short drive from the resort. These immersive excursions offer an authentic glimpse into the Dominican Republic’s ecological richness, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
As part of Hyatt’s commitment to responsible tourism through its World of Care platform, the resort is also engaged in initiatives to help preserve the natural surroundings that make Miches so special. In partnership with Promiches, a local organization focused on sustainable development in the region, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa recently installed a protected sea turtle nesting area along its beachfront – supporting one of the most important habitats for native sea turtles in the Playa Esmeralda area and reinforcing the resort’s connection to the land, sea, and community it calls home.
An exceptional reef lies just steps from the shore, with abundant marine life including turtles, colorful reef fish, and occasional manatee sightings, all within a pristine beach environment that the resort works hard to preserve and protect.
Where Celebrations Come to Life
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is an exceptional destination for weddings and milestone gatherings, offering over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including both seaside ceremony spots and an elegant Miches Ballroom ideal for receptions or corporate events. With a dedicated on-site wedding team, couples can choose from customizable packages that accommodate intimate elopements or grand celebrations, bringing every detail – florals, dining, décor – to life with ease.
Unique to this destination, couples can be among the first to say “I do” in Playa Esmeralda. Notably, the adjacent Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa provides adults-only amenities that are ideal for extended destination weddings or multi-family groups, ensuring everyone has space to relax, socialize, and celebrate in style
World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa with the New Hotels Bonus Offer.
The article Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa debuts in the Dominican Republic first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travel Trends
Rategain Travel Technologies Shows Strong Short-Term Growth Amid Broader Market Trends

Rategain Travel Technologies has experienced a notable uptick today, gaining 7.21% as of September 3, 2025. This performance has allowed the stock to outperform its sector by 6.82%. Over the past three days, Rategain has shown consistent growth, accumulating a total return of 14.43%. The stock reached an intraday high of Rs 589.8, reflecting a 7.09% increase.
In terms of moving averages, Rategain is currently trading above its 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, indicating a positive trend in its short to long-term performance.
Looking at broader market trends, the Sensex has also seen a rise, climbing 331.55 points to reach 80,627.54, with small-cap stocks leading the market, as evidenced by a 0.87% gain in the BSE Small Cap index.
Despite the recent gains, Rategain’s one-year performance shows a decline of 22.88%, contrasting with the Sensex’s decrease of 2.35% over the same period. However, the stock has demonstrated a significant 100.02% increase over the past three years, outperforming the Sensex’s 37.09% growth.
Travel Trends
Jennifer Aniston’s Baggy Jeans Are Perfect for Travel

Forget skinny jeans—today’s jeans philosophy is “the baggier, the better.” And while many might be reluctant to close the time capsule door on their beloved skinnies, some of us are sighing with relief that the current denim trend is comfy enough for travel. Restrictive, tight pants were never meant for hours of walking or plane-sitting in the first place. So, instead of holding onto trends past, we’re fully leaning into baggy silhouettes, using a recent look from Jennifer Aniston as inspiration for creating a comfortable jeans outfit.
Backgrid
Fresh off a romantic vacation in Mallorca, the Friends starlet was seen in Los Angeles sporting a basic grey tank top tucked into a pair of light-wash, wide-leg jeans—a late ‘90s look that Rachel Green definitely would have worn herself. She sported the baggy jeans with a pair of flat flip-flops, amping up the Y2K-era vibe even more. Since the source of Aniston’s retro-cool denim pants is still a mystery, we took to Amazon to search for similar styles that are just as worthy of suitcase space. While hunting, we found these equally spacious and soft-looking Levi’s jeans that reviewers love—and they’re on sale for just $60.
Levi’s 94 Baggy Wide-leg Jeans
Amazon
Featuring a mid-rise waist, these wide-leg jeans have a relaxed, baggy fit that allows you to move freely in them. Unlike some restrictive denim pants, these Levi’s 94 jeans are made with a cotton-blend denim that’s so soft, one reviewer says you “could literally wear them all day with no discomfort.”
“Calling all ‘90s kids,” another five-star reviewer wrote, “you’re going to be overwhelmed with nostalgia with these jeans.” Another happy customer said there just aren’t enough stars to show how much they love them, writing, “the fabric is so soft, lightweight with maybe a hint of stretch, and incredibly comfortable.” That means you could confidently wear these baggy jeans to the airport or while exploring a new city abroad, while never missing your sweats back home.
Amazon is stocked with plenty of other styles that mimic Aniston’s go-to baggy jeans, though. Keep scrolling for seven other Aniston-inspired jeans for travel, all under $50.
More Baggy Jeans to Shop at Amazon:
Kodaruber Y2K Low-rise Baggy Jeans
Amazon
Prettygarden Wide-leg Jeans
Amazon
Covvoliy Wide-leg Boyfriend Jeans
Amazon
Hdlte High-waist Baggy Jeans
Amazon
Sidefeel Wide-leg Drawstring Jeans
Amazon
Nextrys Adjustable Waist Baggy Jeans
Amazon
Flamingals Mid-waist Wide-leg Jeans
Amazon
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Travel Trends
My Menu launches a free platform for 5,000 restaurants
DUBAI, UAE – My Menu, the global restaurant technology platform serving 4,500+ restaurants and 600+ hotels in 70 countries, announced the launch of its commission-free reservations and table management system, offered entirely free to 5,000 restaurants worldwide.
This bold move disrupts an industry dominated by high-fee reservation platforms, where independent and mid-sized restaurants often struggle under commission costs and high subscription prices. With My Menu’s new system, selected restaurants will be able to manage bookings, optimize table turnover, reduce no-shows, and build guest loyalty, without paying any fees.
More than a product launch, this is My Menu’s way of giving back to the industry that helped it grow.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered free contactless menus to keep restaurants and their staff safe,” said Abhishek Bose, CEO & Founder of My Menu. “That goodwill took us from 300 to more than 4,500 restaurant clients worldwide. Today, as restaurants face rising costs, labor shortages, and the pressure to bring in more guests, we’re stepping in again to help, this time with reservations.”
What’s included for selected partner restaurants:
- Commission-Free Reservations: Seamless integration with Google, Zomato, Swiggy, and EazyDiner.
- Advanced Table Management: Smart tools to optimize seating and potentially double covers per meal period.
- Guest CRM & Marketing: Build loyalty with personalized experiences and data-driven insights.
- Full Support: Free setup, installation, and remote training for a smooth launch.
- Sustainability Tie-In: For every restaurant that joins, My Menu plants a tree in the My Menu Forest, allowing diners to contribute to climate action with every booking.
Who qualifies?
Casual dining, full-service restaurants that operate at least two meal periods (such as lunch and dinner) and value reservations. Quick-service restaurants generally do not qualify, as they rarely rely on table bookings.
“This is about more than technology,” added Bose. “We owe our success to the restaurant community, and it’s only fitting that we help them thrive in return. The more restaurants succeed, the more the entire dining ecosystem wins.”
Industry experts note that My Menu’s move could significantly shift the balance of power away from legacy platforms that charge high subscription fees or per-cover fees, creating a more sustainable future for restaurant operators.
The article My Menu launches a free platform for 5,000 restaurants first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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