Why book?
To escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a lively yet tranquil stay by the beach.
Set the scene
When you arrive at Secrets Royal Beach, you’re greeted with a glass of Champagne, an Art-Deco-meets-tropical lobby that screams Gatsby in paradise, a pristine palette of white powder sands that seem to span forever, and lots and lots of senior citizens. Attracting an elderly crowd, spanning elegant Italian women swathed in pastoral dresses to playful American grandpas belting Apple Bottom Jeans by the pool, it’s a lively base for enjoying the lyrical majesty of Punta Cana, whose glistening seawater and glimmering sands, as shiny as a tourmaline earring in the sun, are almost dreamlike in their ethereal nature.
The backstory
As a way to expand out to Caribbean shores, Hyatt established a Secrets branch, offering all-inclusive stays for adults with an emphasis on beautiful beaches, relaxation, and lots of drinking—an intimate, remote, and intoxicating party-like getaway that is heightened by the resort’s 35-million-dollar renovation in 2020, adding a lazy river and infinity pool to the property.
The rooms
A soothing neutral palette defines the suites—like most Dominican resorts, expect crisp white walls and light wooden furniture—which are accented by whimsical touches like sliding doors that open from the room into the bathroom. While architecturally simple, with a layout that recalls a banal apartment complex, the rooms make up for it with their elevated, wispy, island-chic decor: dark wood headboards, luxe bathrooms with double rain showers, and smart details. The swim-up suites provide direct access to the water, while those looking for ocean views can book a balcony suite that overlooks an endless blanket of blue waves. Whatever your preference, the rooms are all thoughtfully furnished.
Food and drink
There is one main restaurant at Secrets Royal Beach, which feels very much like the beating heart of the property: an open-air palm hut surrounded by radiant ocean views. This all-day menu serves international cuisine with Dominican and Italian influences. Guests, dressed in white linen beachwear and sandy bathing suits in the morning and bright floral dresses and sharp white suits at night, go from burgers, fries, and smoothies at lunch to tagliatelle and freshly caught seafood at dinner.
There are other dining options as well, ranging from more sophisticated cuisine at the French restaurant Bordeaux to the extremely laid-back Barefoot Grill, which is located on the beach serving finger foods. I wasn’t able to try all eight restaurants on the property, but from speaking with other guests about their culinary experiences, it seems Secrets Royal Beach offers consistently delicious food.
The spa
The spa, albeit modest in scope, offers a rich array of experiences that leave you as relaxed as a dog in the sun. From swirling hydrotherapy circuits to sumptuous facials and pedicures, you’ll often find visitors returning for more spa treatments each week. I couldn’t help but notice familiar faces arriving at the spa for second and third treatments while I was in the nearby gym.
The neighborhood
Punta Cana may not be the first destination that springs to mind when thinking of nature exploration, but Secrets Royal Beach offers more excursions than most. Just a short boat ride from a natural pool, where boats gather together for parties amidst sky blue waters and ivory sand beaches, and close to reefs where you can snorkel amidst plump orange starfish and shiny tuna, Secrets may not be near any towns of significance, but the outdoor excursions are utterly astounding.
The service
The language barrier may cause a few silly moments of confusion, but the hospitality is universal at Secrets Resort. Always gracious, thoughtful, and quick to answer any questions you might have, the resort offers perpetual butler service that never feels like an act. The staff feels genuinely interested in you, always greeting you with a smile and a “welcome home,” along with a drink by the pool.
Accessibility
All areas of the resort are handicap accessible.
Avenue Alemania , Punta Cana, 23000
Dominican Republic
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/dominican-republic/secrets-royal-beach/serpc
(888) 774 0040