TomTravel2

Secrets Maroma Beach was our host resort for the first two nights of our too brief FAM trip, so I was able to get some great pictures IMHO. This was at sunset on the first night of our arrival. All of the AmResorts properties are unique. This lovely resort was designed as a homage to the indigenous limestone that underlies all of the Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the people on our trip felt is was bland looking or not colorful enough. I found that clean white look soothing.

In a number of places the design team has incorporated the native white limestone into the resort landscape. Massive limestone boulders are the center point of this water feature at the center of the resort’s circle drive entry. Some of my colleagues found it unappealing. I thought it was a very visually interesting statement. Sometimes an austere look stands out in such a lush green setting.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a beach guy. Oh what a nice beach! Secrets Maroma Beach has powder soft white sand and just enough offshore rocks to create that dazzling Caribbean look of multi-hued blues. My only regret was that we were so busy touring properties that I was not here during the day to swim. The only time I was able to get into this lovely water was at 11:00 one night (I just had to take a dip at least once).

The other objection some people had with this resort was distance. The property is large and very spread out. The rooms are in two wings surrounding the pools and extending from this main building down to the beach. There was quite a bit of walking involved to navigate from the room to dinner, or to the beach. It might not be the best choice for those with mobility issues, or those who object to exposure to the elements on the way to a meal. As an avid walker myself I did not see it as a major issue for me personally. What comes with this layout is a sense of privacy and tranquility that can be missing at many large resorts. For this reason, if I were looking for a romantic cuddle with my honey vacation this would be my top choice among the Secrets resorts on the Riviera Maya. But only IF I had the right room!

Each suite comes with either a large private balcony like mine above, or a patio with swim out access to one of several pools on the property. If I had been on property more, I would have curled up here with a book.

One of the other objections most of the people on my trip had with Secrets Maroma Beach is one that I shared. The distances and the way the resort is laid out and landscaped means most rooms have either no ocean view or a partial ocean view such as the above photo taken standing up on my balcony. Gotta have that view? Secrets Capri or Secrets Silversands may better suit you, unless…

…you do what I would do if I were to return for a longer stay. Upgrade to one of these amazing beach front suites, Only the upper level suites have this view. As you can see in this picture there is a landscaped berm of sand between the sea and the resort. This is what blocks the sea view from most parts of the property, but not from this room! Look at that water and that beach, it’s like butter!

The suites are very roomy and well appointed. This is a luxury resort experience, with turn down and all the amenities. Each room comes with a fully stocked mini-bar, 24 hour room service all at no extra charge. The super-inclusive experience is a rather liberating way to vacation and Secrets provides high end beverages, and excellent cuisine in seven different dining venues,

Nothing says “Welcome home!” like the wonderful staff at a Secrets resort, or a chilled bottle of Champaign and a lovely fruit plate. The service is always courteous, prompt and available wherever one finds oneself on the property. No need to tip and the wallet and credit card can stay in the safe until check-out.

Our one hosted dinner at Secrets Maroma was at Portofino, the Italian dining venue. Like most of our meals it was a menu selected by our hosts. Having stayed at Secrets several times now, one of the great things about their concept is the variety of dining options. This resort features seven restaurants offering seafood, steaks, Mexican, Italian, French and Japanese (including sushi and hibachi service). The food is very good and very nicely presented. No reservations are needed and waiting is never an issue.

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Our menu came draped around a candle glass, which I though was a very artful touch. My photo does not do it justice.

There are two main pools that thread their way from the main building all the way to the beach, and small plunge pools fronting each wing of suites. First floor rooms are swim out throughout the property for those who like a private dip. If you hang in there to the slide show you will see that I loved what the sunset did that first night.

The Honeymoon suite and the Presidential suite were enormous and located on the beachfront wing of the resort. The also are part of the “Preferred Club". This is the concierge section of the resort (a feature at all Secrets and Dreams). Guests in this club have a private concierge desk for each building, and a club house with internet access, library, business center, beverages and hors d’oeuvres. I have found it worth the extra expense in the past. I would also upgrade to beachfront to take advantage of the amazing view of the Caribbean sea and the breezes it brings. Click the first image below to see a slide show of all my photos of Secrets Maroma Beach.

South Beach Meets the Riviera Maya

On my five day whirlwind FAM trip to the Riviera Maya I toured 3 Secrets Resorts along with 10 other travel agents. Secrets Silversands was named as the favorite of most of the other agents. If one were to pick a favorite based on design, style, and uniqueness it would be the clear winner. Our host on the trip, Connie Levang from Amresorts, prepped us by saying “Get ready for South Beach on the Riviera Maya!” That description turned out to be very apropos.

Every detail in this resort says look at me I’m modern and oh so hip! They turned loose the design team to create an impact and an effect, and the results are striking. This is the entryway from the drive into the lobby.

From the abstract sculptures in black, blue, and white to the clean white walls and omnipresent glass features, Secrets Silversands is a feast for the modern design oriented eyes. The open lobby features modern furnishings to compliment the artwork. The two story floor to ceiling windows facing the sea flood the area with light. The whole look and feel of this resort is vibrant, and will be very appealing to the twenty and thirty something set in particular. Our group with mixed ages from twenties to sixties all felt it was unique, attractive and very well executed.

This is the circular stairway leading from the lobby into the lobby bar area (which comes next) on the lobby floor is a mirror which creates an infinity effect when looking down from above. Very clever and stimulated oohs and aahs from my group.

Now we move to the signature feature of Secrets Silversands, the enormous, suave, and very popular lobby bar. By day light floods this area from outdoors and views of the gardens and pool lie beyond. By night, I am told, this area is lit by multi-colored lights that all the hotel’s staff and management were very proud of. I bet it looks pretty cool. We did not have the opportunity to visit by night. This bar is the gathering place at this resort.

I really just sat around enjoying the scenery the whole trip, not! I did have a lot of fun schlepping through all these nice resorts and decided to pose as a guest for a few pictures.

One of the great things about a Secrets vacation is the absolute freedom to enjoy oneself without carrying a wallet or credit card around at all times. Speaking of “Absolut” that is one of the many premium brands of liquor that is carried and available at multiple bars or via waiter service on the beach or at the pool. Premium tequilas included Herradura, 1800, Don Julio, Sauza Tres Generations, and Cabo Wabo. The same is true for other types of booze, and very good wines are always available as well. A good selection of US domestic beers, Mexican beers, and European beers are available by the bottle while Corona de Barril is on tap for draft lovers. Friendly bartenders will mix all your favorite cocktails as well.

The focus on design carries into all of the dining venues at Secrets Silversands. This is the entry to Himitsu Japanese restaurant. This is one of seven unique dining options, and features hibachi cooking at tableside and sushi.

Even the spa makes a bold modern statement. We all loved the glass feature framing the waiting area in the spa lobby. Colors were striking and the effect was very cool.

I think this is a great place to sit down for a pedicure, don’t you? These treatment cabanas were scattered around a water feature and the hydrotherapy pool.

A very nice venue for a couples massage in the open-air spa garden. I could really use a good massage right now. I may have to splurge in LA this weekend.

Thoughtful thatched roof walkways connect many of the main buildings letting guests avoid the tropical sun.

The rooms feature a lighting effect of their own in this cool room divider. The suites at Secrets Silversands are spacious and open as are all of the Amresort properties. Here, the furnishings have a more contemporary look. Simple elemental blacks and whites are accented with bold and bright colors.

I liked the bedside lamps, and many other details at the “cool” Secrets.

We all loved this peek-a-boo building. This infinity pool goes through the building and leads the eye to the Caribbean sea beyond. I am more of an ocean view kinda guy, but I think these garden suites offer a really awesome alternative. Step outside and sit by a pool with the sea beyond.

So if everybody on my trip loved this resort, what was my problem? It sure is not the look of the place! I think it was very cool, and they went for South Beach on the Riviera Maya and pulled it off. I liked the layout of the resort with a main pool and several snaking narrow pools for each wing of rooms. It surely is not the dining and entertainment options, as this resorts main lobby bar is the gathering spot of choice. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Secrets Silversands, a lot! I would stay there any time. It just was not my favorite for one reason: it fronts a mostly rocky beach. There is fine white sand on the beach proper, but the shallow water has many rocks with the exception of one are which is on the left of the above picture.

Now if I did stay here despite my preference for powder sugar sand beaches that are easy to step in and swim in, I would surely bring my mask and fins. The upside of rocky shores is fish and other sea creatures are found in abundance. For casual snorkeling this is a prime location! This is the view from the pool side bar and restaurant where we had lunch. As you can see from this photo, there are other resorts fairly close to Secrets Silversands. This is my other slight objection to this property. The other two Secrets, Maroma Beach and Capri, offer a more private and secluded setting.

I think this was a very creative and attractive way to serve a Caesar Salad.

Unique to this resort was the chef’s homemade icecream. As lovely as it looks, it tasted even better!

The blue and inviting waters of the main pool, looking back at the dining venue.

One of my fellow agents was a honeymoon and destination wedding specialist. When she saw this ultra-modern take on the wedding gazebo, she said “Wow! This is perfect!” On this point we were in complete agreement. What a striking setting for a wedding. Picture the lovely bride in white and colorful flowers framing it all. Secrets, Dreams and Zoetry do a great job hosting destination weddings. Each resort has a unique venue for weddings. This one was the most unique of all.

As you will see in my future blog on Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, we were hosted on a sunset sailing trip. We passed by Secrets Silversands as the sun’s fading light turned the sky orange and pink. It even looks cool from a distance.

This resort is perfect for lovers of the modern, design buffs, younger couples, girlfriend getaways, and all those who prefer style. Maybe not the best choice for those who must have a soft sand sea bottom, or a secluded jungle setting.

"Welcome Home"

From the moment you enter the lush grounds of Secrets Capri Riviera Maya the worries of the world are left behind. "Welcome home" is the greeting that awaits you. I don’t recall being met at the door with chilled moist towels and a glass of champagne at home. So welcome to home as you might wish it to be is more like it!

The resort is set on 71 acres of tropical paradise. The design reflects the charm and history of the place. Your Mexican hacienda is one lovely and elegant abode just outside of Playa del Carmen and about 35 minutes drive south of the Cancun international airport. Did I mention cold champagne awaits you on arrival?

Garden Spa

New this season at Secrets Capri is the Spa by Pevona which is now housed in it’s own separate building. Moving the spa allowed for the dramatic expansion of the lobby area and restaurants. The new spa has a private lush garden setting that only enhances the relaxing treatments to found within.

The dramatic decor of the new spa takes a more modern twist than the classic styling of the main resort. I found it to be chic yet subdued enough for a relaxing spa visit. Secrets does a great job of incorporating water features throughout the property to enhance the relaxing vibe. This fountain in the spa is one of many to be found at Secrets Capri.

Manicures and pedicures are just the beginning of the many luxurious treatments available. There is also a full service beauty salon offering facials. A full menu of massage treatments including Mayan inspired experiences are available. I could really use a good mani-pedi or massage about now.

State of the art hydrotherapy is available in a lush spa garden setting. Vichy and Swiss showers, Jacuzzi baths, steam room, sauna, and a relaxation lounge are available. This new spa and the resulting expanded lobby area will probably make Secrets Capri even more popular in years to come. The indoor meets outdoor setting sure tempted me to check in for a long series of treatments, but I had people to meet and more of the resort to see.

Reader’s Choice

Secrets Capri has often been high on the readers’ favorites list from Travel and Leisure Magazine. In 2008 it was named as the #9 resort in Mexico. The smaller size compared to other Secrets and Dreams resorts is only one of the reasons. The resort prides itself on high standards of service. The mature landscaping and lovely grounds are another. We will get to the sensational beach later. Do they always save the beach for last on these site inspections?

There are 290 guest rooms and suites available. Most of the rooms offer full views of the azure Caribbean Sea. There are a limited number of ocean front suites. The rest offer jungle views of the Yucatan peninsula’s natural wonders. All suites are either king or double bed suites with separate seating area, balcony or patio, large Jacuzzi tub, and spacious full bath with luxury amenities.

This water feature is one of the many additions to the lobby which took advantage of the room gained by building a separate spa facility. The picture doesn’t do it justice as the light was fading when I arrived. The decor, art, and architecture of the new expanded lobby area is absolutely solid. If there had been more light…

Fine Dining

Portofino Italian is one of five dining choices at Secrets Capri. Each is designed and decorated in a unique style fitting to it’s cuisine. Himitsu pan-asian cuisine (including hibachi dining), Seaside Grill steak house, Oceana seafood, and La Riviera continental buffet and 24 hour room service round out the offerings. All of the meals I enjoyed at Secrets were fresh, and of the highest quality. A great variety of entrees are available including nightly specials. Beach-front themed dinners occur each week along with live entertainment. We had a great Mexican buffet with an emphasis on mariscos (Mexican style sea food). I love my mariscos! We were also serenaded by a lively Mariachi Band.

There are five bars throughout the resort including pool side and swim up service. There is a beach front bar and cabana service all included. Desires night club and La Habana Piano Lounge and Cigar Bar round out the offerings. A fully stocked complimentary mini bar awaits you in every suite.

It’s The Water

The large swirling pool dominates the central part of the resort tying it all together. Activities include kayaks, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing. water aerobics, yoga, dance lessons, billiards, volleyball, and much more.

Wasn’t that a nice sunset? Like other Secrets Resorts, Secrets Capri is perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic escapes, and girlfriend getaways. This is an adults only resort (18 and over), so no children are allowed. A great choice for curmudgeons for this reason.

The beach at this resort is one of the nicest beaches on the Riviera Maya. This is a good choice for beach lovers. White sand beach and few rocks make for easy swimming and the barrier reef prevents waves most of the time. The beach at Secrets Capri is like butter, I tell you! It is also a good choice for water sports. Not bad for sitting in a chaise lounge under a cabana or palm tree and sipping the premium beverage of your choice as well. You like beachfront cabana service don’t you?

The fading light did not do the azure color of the Caribbean Sea at Secrets Capri justice. I have stayed at this resort and the water is a stunning palate of blue and turquoise. Mind you, I’m not complaining as the sunset wasn’t bad at all.

What are the down sides of this resort? The smaller size offers fewer dining options (5 versus 7) than other AMResorts properties. The interior hallways can be somewhat gloomy when the sun isn’t out, as opposed to the open hallways at Secrets Maroma Beach and Secrets Silversands (reviews coming soon now that I am getting the hang of Wordpress!). They do offer a cozy hacienda feeling with interior gardens between the rooms.

On the up side? The layout brings the sea and the pool into the center of things. Most rooms have a sea view and the whole resort points your way to that wonderful beach. You are never far from the large pool or the beach no matter where your room is.

Not a bad spot for a destination wedding either. I would love to stay here again, and so would my wife. We love the "luxury included" approach. Leave the wallet in the safe, eat well, drink well, and be merry! That’s what I call a vacation! Go this summer! There are some great deals (in some cases less than half what it was a year ago). If you don’t call Alliance Travel, please consider using another travel agent. You will probably save yourself time, money and guesswork. Ask someone who has been there, like TomTravel2!

Click on the first image to launch a slide show in a light box pop-up. Click the arrow on the light box to advance to the next slide:

Secrets Maroma Beach Resort

Our host for this trip is Secrets Maroma Beach Resort. You can follow Secrets on Twitter at @SecretsResorts. We arrived in the late afternoon and had a nice introductory meeting with the sales staff and our host from AMResorts. We flew from LAX on Alaska Airlines. I really enjoyed the flight which was only about half full. We had plenty of room to spread out.

We actually do our “site inspection” this morning at 9:00 so there should be more to come. My first impressions are very positive. It is a lovely property, and as you will see from my pictures, the rooms are well appointed and expansive.

More to come…