This Secrets Playa Mujeres review is based on our 12-night stay in 2026, giving us plenty of time to experience the resort’s restaurants, pools, service, and overall atmosphere.
We paid for this vacation ourselves, stayed for 12 nights, and have since visited several other luxury all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before we booked.
The Planned Palate Quick Verdict
Overall Rating: 9.3/10
Would I book again?
Absolutely.
Best For
✔ Couples
✔ Honeymooners
✔ Anniversary trips
✔ First-time all-inclusive guests
✔ Travelers who value service and food over nightlife
You may want another resort if…
✘ You want a lively party atmosphere.
✘ Having a perfect Caribbean beach every single day is your top priority.
✘ You prefer resorts where you can walk off-property to restaurants and shops.
Our Stay at a Glance
Location: Secrets Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico
Travel Dates: November 2021
Length of Stay: 12 nights
Room Category: Junior Suite Swim-Out (Non-Preferred Club)
Resort Type: Luxury adults-only, all-inclusive
Part of: Hyatt Inclusive Collection
Our Honest Review
We spent 12 nights at Secrets Playa Mujeres, which gave us something I really value when reading a resort review: enough time to get beyond the first-impression honeymoon phase and actually experience the resort.
My husband Joe and I spent 12 nights here, giving us plenty of time to experience nearly everything the resort had to offer. Since then, we’ve returned to Mexico several times, staying at Excellence Riviera Cancun, Beloved Playa Mujeres, Dreams Playa Mujeres, and Coral Playa Mujeres. That perspective matters because it allows me to compare Secrets Playa Mujeres not only to our expectations, but to several other luxury all-inclusive resorts we’ve experienced since.
If you’re wondering whether this resort is worth several thousand dollars of your hard-earned vacation budget, my goal is simple: I want to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
This isn’t a sponsored review. We paid for this vacation ourselves, and every opinion in this article is based on our personal experience.
One important note before we begin: since our visit, Secrets Playa Mujeres has completed a significant renovation. Some restaurants and amenities have changed, but the things that impressed us most—the service, overall atmosphere, and quality of the experience—are the reasons I still recommend this resort today.
First Impressions
This trip was special for another reason.
It was our first all-inclusive vacation.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Like many people, I had heard the stereotypes: mediocre food, watered-down drinks, and endless buffets. I hoped for a relaxing beach vacation, but I certainly wasn’t expecting to become someone who would return to Mexico again and again over the following years.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Within an hour of landing at Cancun International Airport, we had cleared customs, collected our luggage, found our driver from Kalido Transportation, and officially started vacation.
The drive to Playa Mujeres takes about 45 to 50 minutes, but I actually enjoyed it. As you leave behind the busy Hotel Zone and head into the quieter gated resort community, the pace immediately slows down. By the time we arrived at Secrets Playa Mujeres, I already felt like I had left everyday life behind.
We were welcomed with a glass of champagne and genuine smiles before being escorted to check-in.
That first impression turned out to be an accurate preview of the week ahead.
Checking In
One question I see frequently is whether you’ll be pressured to attend a vacation club presentation.
Our experience?
Not at all.
Like many all-inclusive resorts, Secrets invited us to learn more about their Unlimited Vacation Club. We politely declined, and that was the end of the conversation. There was no awkward sales pressure, no repeated phone calls to our room, and no feeling that we were treated differently because we weren’t interested.
In fact, one thing that pleasantly surprised us throughout the trip was that we never felt like “second-class guests” because we hadn’t booked Preferred Club. At the time of our visit, the additional benefits simply weren’t compelling enough for us, and we never regretted saving the money.
Today, after the renovation, Preferred Club includes additional dining and lounge options that might make it more appealing depending on your travel style. If I were booking today, I’d take another look before deciding, but I still don’t think it’s essential for an amazing vacation.
Our Swim-Out Suite
If you’re trying to decide which room category to book, let me save you some time: I would book our Junior Suite Swim-Out again in a heartbeat.
We stayed in Building 2, and for us, it was the perfect location. Close enough to everything that we never felt isolated, but tucked away enough to feel quiet and relaxing.
At just over 600 square feet, the room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and exactly what we’d hoped for from a luxury resort. But the room itself wasn’t what made it special.
The swim-out pool did.
Unlike some resorts where swim-out rooms open directly onto busy shared pools, ours felt surprisingly private thanks to the lush tropical landscaping surrounding the patio. Yes, technically the swim-out is shared with neighboring rooms, but during our stay it was often so quiet that we felt like we had our own private oasis.
Some afternoons we’d spend hours there without seeing another guest.
Looking back, those peaceful afternoons became some of my favorite memories of the entire trip.
View from our swim-out suite patio.
One of our favorite vacation traditions
Here’s one of my favorite travel tips, and it’s something Joe and I still do every time we stay at an all-inclusive resort.
On our first day, we ask room service to deliver coffee to our room every morning.
Could we make coffee in the room?
Of course.
But the room service coffee is so much better.
There’s something incredibly relaxing about waking up, opening the curtains, and enjoying fresh coffee on your patio before getting dressed for breakfast. It’s a simple luxury that costs nothing extra and immediately slows the pace of your morning.
It’s become one of our favorite vacation traditions, and I highly recommend trying it.
Dining at Secrets Playa Mujeres
Let’s address one of the biggest questions people have before booking any all-inclusive resort.
Is the food actually good?
In my opinion…
Absolutely.
In fact, the food is one of the biggest reasons I’d recommend Secrets Playa Mujeres.
Before this trip, I expected the food to be “fine.” You know—the kind of meals you eat because they’re convenient, not because you’ll remember them later.
Instead, we found ourselves looking forward to dinner every single evening.
Since this was our first all-inclusive vacation, we had nothing to compare it to at the time. Since then, however, we’ve stayed at Excellence Riviera Cancun, Beloved Playa Mujeres, Dreams Playa Mujeres, and Coral Playa Mujeres, and I’m even more impressed looking back.
Secrets Playa Mujeres still ranks near the top for overall food quality and variety.
What impressed me most wasn’t one spectacular meal.
It was consistency.
During our 12-night stay, I honestly can’t remember a disappointing dinner.
That’s surprisingly rare.
One of the biggest advantages of this resort
One feature that sets Secrets Playa Mujeres apart from many adults-only resorts is that it’s connected to Dreams Playa Mujeres, the neighboring family resort.
As a guest at Secrets, you have access to nearly everything at Dreams, including its restaurants, bars, pools, and entertainment.
That essentially doubles your dining options.
If you’re staying for a week or longer, this is a huge advantage because you don’t feel like you’re repeating the same restaurants over and over again.
One evening we wandered over to Gaucho Grill, the Brazilian steakhouse at Dreams, and absolutely loved it. The endless grilled meats were delicious, but what I still remember most was the atmosphere. It felt lively without feeling chaotic, and it’s definitely worth making the short walk over.
Another memorable meal came at Mezes, where the staff rolled an entire roasted goat leg to our table and carved it tableside. Experiences like that make dinner feel like an event rather than just another meal.
Carving a goat leg tableside
Back at Secrets, our favorite dessert was the Tres Leches Cake at El Patio.
I’m still thinking about it.
If you eat there, order it.
Trust me.
Breakfast: My Favorite Meal of the Day
Even though we weren’t Preferred Club guests, we never felt like we were missing out at breakfast.
The buffet was phenomenal.
Whether you’re craving fresh fruit, made-to-order omelets, pastries, traditional American breakfast, or authentic Mexican dishes, it’s all there.
Every morning I made a beeline for the Mexican breakfast station.
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’ll eventually learn that I love spicy food, and breakfast was my chance to start the day with fresh salsas, chilaquiles, and flavors that you just don’t find at home.
Meanwhile, Joe discovered something that has become a permanent part of his life since this vacation:
Green juice.
Before Mexico, we’d never heard of it.
Now he looks for it every single time we travel.
That little memory still makes me smile.
Joe also has quite a sweet tooth, so while I was loading my plate with spicy Mexican dishes, he was happily making his way through the pastry selection.
The buffet somehow managed to make both of us equally happy every morning, despite having completely different tastes.
One thing you won’t find before breakfast, however, is alcohol.
Secrets and Dreams don’t begin serving alcoholic beverages until 10:00 a.m., so if you’re dreaming of sunrise mimosas, you’ll have to wait just a little longer.
Personally?
Fresh coffee delivered to our room before breakfast was all I needed.
Pools
If you’re someone who judges a resort by its pool, this section is important.
When we visited, Secrets Playa Mujeres had one main pool, and honestly, that was probably my biggest disappointment during our stay.
Now before you cross this resort off your list, let me explain.
The pool itself is beautiful. It’s large, well-maintained, and the activity staff does an excellent job creating a fun atmosphere throughout the day. There are games, music, fitness classes, and plenty of opportunities to join in if that’s your style.
For many people, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.
For us?
Not quite.
Joe and I usually enjoy a quieter pool where we can relax with a book, have a conversation, or simply listen to the sound of the water. The main pool at Secrets tends to be the social hub of the resort, so if you’re looking for complete peace and quiet, you may find yourself wishing for another option.
Ironically, that’s exactly why our swim-out suite became one of the best decisions we made.
Whenever we wanted excitement, we’d head to the main pool, grab a drink, and enjoy the entertainment for a while. When we were ready for a slower pace, we’d return to our swim-out and have what felt like our own private retreat.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
If we’d booked a standard room, I probably would have noticed the single-pool layout much more.
If you’re considering room upgrades, this is one of the reasons I’d encourage you to seriously consider the swim-out category.
It gave us the best of both worlds.
The Beach
One thing I promised myself when I started The Planned Palate was that I’d never pretend every beach in Mexico is perfect.
Because they’re not.
Secrets Playa Mujeres has a beautiful stretch of beach with soft white sand and plenty of lounge chairs, but if you’re expecting the crystal-clear postcard photos you see all over Instagram every single day of the year, I want to set realistic expectations.
Like nearly every resort along this part of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, sargassum can be an issue.
If you’ve never heard of sargassum before, it’s a naturally occurring seaweed that washes ashore in varying amounts throughout the year. Some days you’ll barely notice it. Other days, there can be quite a bit.
The resorts work incredibly hard to remove it, and we saw staff cleaning the beach every day.
Even so, Mother Nature usually wins.
One thing that does help Playa Mujeres is its location. Because it’s north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and partially protected by nearby Isla Mujeres, the beaches here often experience less sargassum than many other parts of the coast.
Notice I said less, not none.
If your dream vacation absolutely depends on having perfect turquoise water every single day, I’d encourage you to research seasonal sargassum conditions before booking any Cancun-area resort.
For us, it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
The beach was still beautiful enough for long walks, relaxing afternoons, and watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand.
Would I rank it as the best beach we’ve ever visited?
No.
Would I let it keep me from returning to Secrets Playa Mujeres?
Absolutely not.
Entertainment
I’ll admit something.
Before this trip, I assumed we’d skip most of the entertainment.
I pictured cheesy games around the pool and shows that would be easy to pass on.
Instead, we ended up participating far more than I expected.
During the day, the entertainment team offered everything from water aerobics and Spanish lessons to bike tours and other activities around the resort.
One thing I appreciated was that participation never felt forced.
If you wanted to relax quietly by the pool, nobody bothered you.
But if you wanted to join in, the staff made everyone feel welcome.
That balance is harder to find than you might think.
Evenings were where the entertainment really impressed us.
One night, the staff transformed the main pool into a stage for a Mexican cultural performance complete with live music, dancers, traditional costumes, and even a cowboy performing incredible rope tricks.
It didn’t feel like something they had to do.
It felt like something they genuinely wanted guests to enjoy.
That’s a theme you’ll notice throughout this review.
The staff consistently went beyond what we expected.
Entertainment by the pool.
Thanksgiving: The Night We’ll Never Forget
If someone asked Joe what he remembers most about this vacation, I already know his answer.
Thanksgiving.
We had completely forgotten that we’d be spending Thanksgiving in Mexico until that morning.
By evening, Secrets Playa Mujeres had transformed the area around the main pool into one of the most impressive holiday celebrations we’ve ever experienced.
We walked outside and honestly stopped in our tracks.
The pool deck had been transformed into an enormous outdoor feast with beautifully decorated buffet stations, carving stations, desserts, live music, and entertainment stretching as far as we could see.
It wasn’t just dinner.
It was an event.
The amount of planning, effort, and attention to detail that went into creating that evening was incredible.
Joe still talks about it years later.
That night perfectly captured what impressed us most about Secrets Playa Mujeres.
The staff didn’t just do their jobs.
They looked for ways to create memories.
And that’s something you don’t easily forget.
Service
If I had to choose one thing that surprised me most about Secrets Playa Mujeres, it wouldn’t be the food or the beautiful grounds.
It would be the service.
Before this trip, I simply didn’t realize hospitality could feel like this.
Every employee we encountered—from the servers and bartenders to housekeeping and the golf cart drivers—made us feel genuinely welcome. It never felt forced or scripted. Instead, it felt like they truly wanted us to have an unforgettable vacation.
That level of warmth completely changed my expectations of what an all-inclusive resort could be.
One thing I especially appreciated was that we never felt like second-class guests because we hadn’t booked Preferred Club. Sometimes it’s easy to worry that paying for a standard room means receiving standard service.
That wasn’t our experience at all.
Whether we were enjoying breakfast, ordering drinks by the pool, or asking for transportation around the resort, we were treated with the same kindness and professionalism throughout our stay.
Years later, that’s still what stands out most.
Not a particular meal.
Not a specific room.
The people.
It’s one of the biggest reasons we’ve returned to Mexico again and again.
Tipping
One question I see over and over in travel forums is:
Do you need to tip at an all-inclusive?
Technically, no. Do we? Absolutely.
The employees work incredibly hard, often behind the scenes, to create a relaxing vacation for thousands of guests each week. While tips aren’t required, they’re certainly appreciated, and I believe they’re well deserved.
Here’s what Joe and I typically budget for a week-long stay:
Housekeeping: $5 each day
Breakfast: $5
Lunch: $5
Dinner: $10
Mini-bar attendant: $3
Bartenders: $1–2 per drink
Golf cart drivers: $1 per ride
You can use either U.S. dollars or pesos. We’ve always tipped in U.S. dollars without any issues, so I don’t think exchanging money is necessary unless you simply prefer using pesos.
One tip I strongly recommend:
Don’t wait until the end of your vacation to tip.
Housekeepers, servers, bartenders, and even golf cart drivers often rotate schedules. Tipping as you go ensures you’re thanking the people who actually took care of you.
A Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
One afternoon we decided to venture off the resort and explore Isla Mujeres.
Looking back, I’m really glad we did.
The resort arranged a taxi to the ferry terminal for us, making the trip incredibly easy. Once we arrived at the ferry, everything was straightforward, and before long we were crossing the beautiful turquoise water toward the island.
After arriving, we rented a golf cart and spent the afternoon exploring at our own pace.
If you’ve never been, golf carts are one of the most popular ways to get around the island, and it adds to the fun of the experience.
We discovered quiet beaches, local shops, scenic overlooks, and stopped for lunch at a beachfront restaurant before continuing our drive around the island.
It was a relaxing change of pace from the resort.
One practical tip…
When it was time to return to Secrets Playa Mujeres, the first taxi driver quoted us almost double what we’d paid earlier that day.
I politely told him we were willing to pay the same fare we had paid coming over—but not more.
He immediately agreed.
Lesson learned:
Always agree on the taxi fare before getting into the vehicle.
It’s a simple conversation that can save you unnecessary stress.
Prefer an Organized Isla Mujeres Excursion?
Joe and I loved exploring Isla Mujeres independently, especially having the freedom to rent a golf cart and discover the island at our own pace. But if you’d rather have someone else handle the planning, there are plenty of organized excursions available from Cancun.
Depending on the experience you choose, options may include transportation, guided sightseeing, snorkeling, or time to explore the island.
Affiliate disclosure: This recommendation includes an affiliate link. If you book through it, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Browse Isla Mujeres tours and excursions on Viator
Isla Mujeres
Little Things That Made a Big Difference
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that separate a good vacation from a great one.
One afternoon Joe wasn’t feeling well and needed medication.
At the time, I wasn’t nearly as experienced a traveler as I am today, and I hadn’t packed much beyond the basics.
Fortunately, the resort gift shop carried an impressive selection of over-the-counter medications, and because pharmacies in Mexico operate differently than those in the United States, there were additional options available if needed.
Lily’s Planning Tip: I now travel with a small kit of the basics. The resort gift shop had what we needed, but I’d rather have it in my suitcase.
Another thing that pleasantly surprised us was how easy it was to stay hydrated.
The resort provides unlimited bottled water throughout your stay—in your room, at restaurants, by the pool, and on the beach.
Personally, we’ve always been comfortable drinking the filtered water at high-end resorts like Secrets Playa Mujeres and have never had any issues, but everyone has a different comfort level.
The important thing is that you’ll never have trouble finding bottled water if that’s your preference.
Favorite Food
People often ask me what my favorite meal was.
Honestly…
It’s hard to choose because we enjoyed so many.
But if I had to recommend one thing you absolutely shouldn’t leave without trying…
It’s the Tres Leches Cake at El Patio.
I still think about it.
It’s rich without being overly sweet, perfectly moist, and the perfect ending to a Mexican dinner.
If it’s on the menu while you’re there…
Order it.
You can thank me later.
Favorite Drink
I always tell myself that this will be the vacation where I branch out and order all the tropical cocktails.
Then I end up ordering the same thing over and over.
A classic margarita.
With Tajín on the rim.
As someone who loves spicy food, that salty, slightly spicy rim is perfection.
Even better, they’ll happily make it “skinny” if you prefer less sugar.
Sometimes the classics really are the best.
Poolside drinks!
What I’d Do Differently
One thing I hope readers quickly learn about me is that I don’t believe every vacation is perfect.
Even wonderful trips teach you something.
If we returned tomorrow, here’s what we’d do.
I’d absolutely book another swim-out suite.
It completely changed our experience of the resort.
I’d take another look at Preferred Club.
When we visited, I didn’t think it was worth the extra cost.
After the renovation and the addition of exclusive restaurants and lounges, I’d at least compare the benefits before deciding.
I’d visit Isla Mujeres again.
Not because I think it’s a “must-do” excursion for everyone.
But because it offered a fun glimpse into another side of the area and some of our favorite photographs from the trip came from that afternoon.
The Planned Palate Verdict
Secrets Playa Mujeres wasn’t just our first all-inclusive vacation.
It completely changed the way we travel.
It introduced us to a level of service we didn’t know existed.
It showed us that all-inclusive food could be genuinely excellent.
It reminded us that slowing down, dressing for dinner every evening, lingering over dessert, and spending uninterrupted time together might be the greatest luxury of all.
Since this trip we’ve stayed at several outstanding resorts throughout Mexico.
Some have had quieter pools.
Some have had better beaches.
Some have had more luxurious rooms.
And yet…
If my sister called tomorrow and asked me where she should book her very first adults-only all-inclusive vacation…
I’d still recommend Secrets Playa Mujeres without hesitation.
Why?
Because you’ll probably never feel so spoiled.
You’ll eat far too much.
You’ll likely gain five pounds of pure joy.
And somehow…
You’ll leave wondering when you can come back.
Planning Your Own Secrets Playa Mujeres Getaway?
After spending 12 nights at Secrets Playa Mujeres, I can confidently say it’s a resort I’d recommend, especially for couples who appreciate excellent service, memorable dining, and a relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re considering a stay, I’d encourage you to compare room categories and prices before booking. We loved our swim-out suite, but the resort has undergone significant renovations since our visit, so be sure to review the current room descriptions and amenities.
Affiliate disclosure: This recommendation includes an affiliate link. If you book through it, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Check Secrets Playa Mujeres prices and availability on Expedia
Lily’s Planning Tips
✔ Reserve a swim-out suite if your budget allows.
✔ Don’t feel pressured to attend the vacation club presentation.
✔ Visit Isla Mujeres—but agree on your taxi fare before you leave.
✔ Bring plenty of small bills for tipping.
✔ Order the Tres Leches Cake at El Patio.
✔ Skip the room coffee maker and enjoy fresh room-service coffee instead.
✔ Don’t overpack. Resort casual during the day and one nice outfit for dinner each evening is all you really need.
Related reading: Wondering how Secrets Playa Mujeres compares with our favorite adults-only resort in Mexico? Read our Excellence Riviera Cancun review to discover why we keep returning to Excellence.