THE FIRST ADULTS ONLY, ALL-INCLUSIVE IN THE HEART OF TULUM.
Choosing the right resort for your vacation, destination wedding, or group trip can often feel like a daunting task.
Despite all the reading and research, sometimes you're left more confused than convinced.
That's where I come in!
Throughout the year, I visit various resorts to provide authentic, firsthand reviews. My goal is to simplify your decision-making process by sharing my experiences, helping you determine if a resort is the perfect match for your needs.
Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter:
Is Secrets Tulum and Beach Club the right choice for you?
ABOUT THE RESORT
Secrets Tulum is the first of its kind in many ways! Not only is it the only hybrid resort with jungle and beach accommodations in Tulum, but it also offers unique destination wedding venues and ceremonies, as well as wellness programs.
Unlike many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean that are situated directly on the beachfront, Secrets Tulum is located downtown. If you’re worried about beach access, don’t be, this resort has it’s own Beach Club just right down the road (more info on the shuttle down below). And, yes, your all-inclusive package is honored at the Beach Club. They are open from 10 AM - 5 PM.
If you fly into Cancun, buckle up for a long haul drive. It took us around 2 hours to reach the resort! However, with the upcoming Tulum airport opening, this will significantly shorten the drive, situated just 25 miles away, compared to the 73-mile distance from Cancun airport!
CHECK-IN
We arrived at the resort around 11:30 AM and were greeted with a glass of cold champagne and a cool towel, a welcome touch in Tulum's humidity. We were then escorted to the Preferred Club for a private check-in, where we could mix our own drinks while we waited.
Our rooms weren’t quite ready when we arrived, which we expected due to us arriving earlier than than the normal 3pm check-in time, so we decided to make the most of our time by lounging at the pool! We soaked up some sun, enjoyed some margaritas, and chips and guac until 3:30 when our rooms were ready!
THE ROOMS:
Stepping into our room at Secrets Tulum, I was struck by its size – it was massive, and I’m not kidding, the restroom was huge!
The resort has 300 suites, each featuring a private balcony or terrace. The rooms also have 24/7 room service and a fully-stocked mini bar, which is restocked daily. During our trip, our mini-bar was never restocked, but a quick call to the front desk would've fixed that out. Honestly, we were too busy exploring to mind, so it wasn’t a big deal to us.
Each suite comes with a soaking tub and a rain shower –I am a sucker for a soaking tub. I love the design of the rooms, it definitely reminded me of the rooms at Secrets Moxché.
Now, a heads-up about the restroom layout: it's pretty open, meaning if you're taking a shower and your travel buddy orders room service, prepare for a little 'hello' moment with the attendant! Thankfully, the toilet area does have a door for privacy. Just the shower area is, let's say, 'socially open.'
About that shower – Tulum seems to have a thing with lukewarm water. I experienced this at a boutique hotel before coming here too. Hot showers are a bit of a luxury in Tulum, so brace yourself for a refreshingly cool experience. It's not just a Secrets Tulum quirk; it's a Tulum-wide charm!
If you can afford it, the upgrade to the Preferred Club Master Suite Rooftop with Plunge Pool, especially if you are a destination couple, you should. You can actually host a cocktail party on the terrace for up to 30 guests (a 2 night minimum stay is required). How fun would that be for a welcome party with your guests or wedding party!?!
Food and Drinks:
Alright, foodies and cocktail lovers, let's dive into it! This resort has 10 different dining options, as well as 5 bars, so something for everyone.
The Asian/Peruvian Fusion and Mediterranean options were a breath of fresh air for a Secrets resort. It seems like Secrets Tulum is shaking things up with some new culinary adventures, which, I’m here for! But, if I’m being honest, I love the Italian option that most Secrets/Dreams properties have, so I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t available.
Now, let's talk about my top pick: the Bluewater Grill. It takes 'eating under the stars' to a whole new level. This restaurant is exclusive to Preferred Club members for breakfast and lunch, but opens for everyone at dinner. Finding it might feel like you need a compass and a master's in navigation, but once you discover it, you'll realize it's an absolute hidden treasure!
Pro tip for Bluewater Grill - Make sure you bring mosquitos spray or you will have a miserable time.
The outdoor grills by the main pool were great! Verandha has a full menu, but Barefoot Grill only has fast food options. With that being said, the cheese fries slap after a day of drinking!
Just a little side note, if you’re a true foodie, then all-inclusive resorts are never going to compare to non all-inclusive properties. All-inclusives are more about fun and variety than haute cuisine. It's like comparing a juicy burger to a gourmet steak – both awesome, but in totally different leagues.
Onto the drinks! My personal test for any resort is availability of espresso martinis. And let me tell you, Secrets Tulum passed with flying colors. I had no problem finding this caffeinated cocktail at most of their bars. Also, margaritas with a Tajín rim. I truly believe resorts that offer Tajín are superior to those that do not.
Bonus story: One morning, I woke up with the worst hangover of my life. But, the wizard bartender at the main pool bar whipped up some concoction of drinks that miraculously cured my hangover! Next time, I'm getting his name and the secret recipe, because you're going to need it!
Pro-tip: The Coco Cafe is open 24/7 for small bites and caffeine…but it is not easily found. You will need to go to the lobby, walk towards the parking lot like you are leaving the resort, and take a right near the Bellman’s desk.
Destination Weddings:
Nestled in the heart of the jungle, Secrets Tulum is the ultimate destination for couples seeking an extraordinary wedding experience. It’s for the couple that wants something a little different…something outside the box.
Step into a world where holistic weddings are not just an idea, but a reality. Secrets Tulum is amongst the first to embrace this groundbreaking concept, where every detail is infused with a sense of wellness and harmony. Picture your special day under the twinkling stars, where a full moon ceremony, on the Sky Terrace, awaits to purify and rejuvenate your body and spirit. This is not just a wedding; it's a soulful journey for you and up to 30 guests, promising intimacy and magic in every moment.
For those drawn to the mystical, their poolside venue offers a ceremony led by a revered shaman. It's a path to connect with ancient traditions, adding a layer of meaning to your union.
Dreaming of a wedding that literally walks on water? The Sky Pool Terrace would be perfect. With an acrylic overlay, it transforms into a breathtaking over-water aisle, making your walk towards forever a surreal experience. Note that this dreamy setup comes with an additional fee, but trust me, it's worth every penny.
Secrets Tulum does have a 10:30 PM rooftop curfew for receptions. However, for the night owls and party spirits, they offer an exclusive twist. You can create your own nightclub within one of the ballrooms, complete with lounges, DJs, and bars, and dance the night away without a worry about the time.
Beach lovers, you’re not left out! Even though the resort is not ocean front, their beach club is! You have the choice of three beach venues: the Poolside Deck, the Secrets Villa Terrace, or a barefoot ceremony on the beach.
***For those planning a beach getaway or destination wedding to Tulum, it's important to note a seasonal occurrence. While Tulum's beaches are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, they, like many coastal areas, experience a period known as 'sargassum season.' Generally, this occurs from April through October, with the peak usually falling between June and September. During these months, the shores may be greatly affected by sargassum seaweed, a natural event that varies in intensity each year.
AUBREE’S TAKEAWAYS:
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO….
It's common knowledge that visiting a resort within the first 8-9 months of its opening might come with a few hiccups as they iron out the initial kinks. So, keep in mind that some of the issues I mention below may already be resolved by the time you plan your visit.
Let’s address the biggest elephant in the room…the sand. Yes, it’s everywhere. No, you will not be able to get from one place to the next without it getting on your feet. If you're prepared for this sandy situation, it's really not a major concern. However, I can understand how it might come as an unwelcome surprise for those unaware of it. It should also be noted that this isn’t just specific to this resort…Tulum in general is just sandy.
Pack mosquito spray! They will eat you alive at this resort. Especially at the Blue Water Grill.
There’s not an ATM on site-this should come with time.
A shuttle for the Beach Club runs often, and without traffic takes about 20 minutes to reach. However, be prepared for possible delays due to congestion, especially during peak travel periods. If you opt for a taxi, the fare is approximately $40 for a one-way trip.
Speaking of the Beach Club, it is STUNNING! It opens at 10 AM, but they did not start serving food or drinks until 11 AM. To ensure a great beach chair option, the early bird gets the worm.
The pool servers are fabulous! Seriously, amazing.
The hotel is not finished and there is construction in some areas.
There’s not a lot when it comes to nightly entertainment. I believe this is because you are in the midst of Tulum and you are surrounded by entertainment options. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to compete with Rosa Negra!
I loved the daily classes and activities that were offered! They offered Sound Healing, Mindfulness, Yoga, Cacao Ceremonies, Custom Hat Workshops, Foam Parties, and so much more! The only thing I will note on this, is the resort needs to be a bit more organized on where the activities take place. I wanted to attend the Sound Healing class one morning, but no one at the resort seemed to know where or when it was going to take place. The app said one thing, the staff said something different, and both were wrong. I ended up missing it after walking at least 10k steps trying to find it.
Speaking of….steps, be prepared to get lost the first few days with the setup. You will eventually get it down, but the amount of times we were turned around and going the wrong way is countless.
The Grotto section of the resort is for Preferred Club Members, and this is where we spent the vast majority of our time. It’s a bit small…and can get a bit loud in the afternoon!
SO, WHO IS THIS RESORT FOR?
Secrets Tulum stands out as a great choice for destination wedding couples seeking something beyond the conventional resort offerings. This venue is particularly unique for those drawn to spiritual and wellness-themed weddings. The resort's focus on wellness and spiritual wellbeing provides an array of distinctive experiences. Couples could incorporate elements like a serene beachfront yoga session on the morning of the wedding, or a traditional Mayan blessing ceremony, adding a deeply cultural and spiritual dimension to their special day.
This resort is perfect for travelers who want a tropical paradise centered around magnificent pools, while not placing a high priority on ocean activities. Here, they can go for a refreshing swim, enjoy aquatic activities, or simply bask in the sun with a cocktail in hand.
Secrets Tulum is a great choice for travelers who wish to experience the unique charm of Tulum while enjoying the convenience and luxury of an all-inclusive property. They can relish in a wide array of culinary delights and beverage options without the hassle of keeping track of every meal and drink expense.
I really feel like bachelorette trips would be a blast here! I don’t feel like it would be the same for bachelor parties. I have absolutely no reasoning behind that thought, except that’s just how I feel.
This would be a great option for a company retreat. You could easily blend team-building and relaxation.
With this resort not being super high energy, it would be perfect for couples celebrating their honeymoons or anniversary, to just relax and connect.
WHO IS THIS RESORT NOT FOR?
If having an ocean view right from your room is a must-have for you, especially if you love starting your day watching the sunrise over the sea to the sound of waves, then this resort might not be the best fit. It doesn't offer ocean views from most of its accommodations – except, of course, if you're staying in the exclusive Secrets Beachfront Villa.
This resort may not be the best fit for those with mobility challenges, including the elderly or individuals who rely on wheelchairs. The layout and infrastructure of the property could present difficulties for guests requiring ease of access or special accommodations, as it's not ideally equipped to cater to these needs, at least in my opinion. Keep this in mind when planning any type of multi-generational trip such as a destination wedding.
This resort is not for those for those who thrive on high-energy environments! It tends to be quite tranquil in the evenings. Although it does offer some lively activities like foam parties, which isn’t typical from the usual Secrets vibe, the real buzz is off-property in Tulum's nightclubs, beach clubs, and other hotspots. Secrets Tulum feels more like a serene getaway, perfect for unwinding after a day filled with the party scene of Tulum. So, if you're all about energy and excitement, you'll have a blast, but you'll likely find it outside the resort's boundaries.
Secrets Tulum might not be the ideal choice for those sticking to a strict budget. Starting at around $300 per person per night, the cost of staying here is on the higher side, and it's likely to increase once the resort fully completes its construction and smoothens out its initial operational wrinkles. Tulum as a destination just simply carries a higher price tag. For instance, a short cab ride we took, which was less than five miles, cost us $40 –This is just a glimpse of the higher expenses that are typical in this region.
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Thank you for sticking with me through this review! If you're now set on Secrets Tulum for your next getaway, I've got great news: I'll happily waive my agency fee for your booking! Just fill out the form linked below and select the 'Complimentary Agency Fee' option.
On the flip side, if Secrets Tulum doesn't quite match your travel dreams after reading my review, no worries at all! I'm eager to craft a custom travel plan that aligns perfectly with your desires. Use the same form to let me know what you're looking for.
Curious about what's covered under each agency fee option? Check out the detailed breakdown right here!
Please note, the complimentary fee offer is not applicable to group bookings or destination weddings. Let's make your travel aspirations a reality!