Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review [2024]

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Are you planning a trip to Huatulco and want to know if you should stay at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Finding a hotel in Huatulco can be very difficult because there are literally hundreds to choose from.

While there are some great options out there, it’s important to choose the perfect hotel to ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be.

The last thing that you want to do is choose a bad hotel and return home disappointed and frustrated.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, I’ve set out a comprehensive guide to the exclusive Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa so that you can find out everything that you need to know before making your decision.

Let’s dive right in.

*All images of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa in this article are credited to Expedia.com and Booking.com*

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Where is Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Secrets Huatulco is a luxury all-inclusive hotel situated a few miles each of Santa Cruz Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Bahías de Huatulco is situated on the Pacific Ocean about 160 miles south of Oaxaca City and about 70 miles south-east of Puerto Escondido.

There are 36 beaches and nine bays in Huatulco in total, hence its name “Bays of Huatulco”. The colors of the waters are often a clear turquoise, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re in the Caribbean.

It’s a remarkably beautiful place that has kept its laid-back beach vibe despite an increase in popularity in recent times.

Let’s take a look now at how to get you to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

How Do I Get To Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Getting to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is a relatively simple process.

The first step is to fly into Huatulco International Airport (HUX). The second step is to book a private transfer, get a taxi or rent a car to drive to the hotel.

I’ve set out the steps you’ll need to take to get to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa as simply and efficiently as possible.

Flying Into Huatulco

To reach Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, you’ll need to first fly into Huatulco International Airport (HUX), which is just under 15 miles from the hotel.

In North America, you can get a direct international flight from Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Edmonton.

From elsewhere in the world, you’ll need to fly into Mexico and take a connecting flight. There are regular flights to Huatulco from Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Oaxaca.

Flights from Mexico City are by far the most frequent. Unless you’re planning on stopping over in one of the other cities listed above for a few days, I recommend you fly via Mexico City.

Huatulco Airport to the Hotel

Once you arrive in Huatulco airport, you’ve got a few options to get to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or book a private transfer.

I’ve gone through each of these below.

Rent a Car

If you’re staying for more than a day or two, I recommend that you rent a car at the airport. A lot of the attractions in Huatulco are at far-flung beaches, so having a rental car is the ideal way to get around.

Getting a car at the airport is very easy. You can book ahead and pick up your car in the arrivals hall of the terminal when you get off the plane.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

Take A Taxi

The simplest way to get from the airport to the hotel that requires absolutely no planning whatsoever is taking a taxi.

You’ll need to be able to tell the driver your destination and agree a price for the trip. The journey should cost you around 300 – 400 Mexican pesos (US$15 – US$20) and you’ll probably need to haggle to get the driver down into that range.

You’ll also need to make sure that you have Mexican pesos with you, as the driver may not accept US dollars and won’t take credit cards.

Book a Private Transfer

If you don’t want to rent a car but are looking for a little more privacy for the journey to the hotel, you can book a private transfer. A private transfer is also great if you have a large group.

The best way to do this is to reach out to the hotel. For an additional charge, they will arrange for a car to be waiting for you at the airport.

If you’d prefer to arrange the transfer yourself, you can use a platform like Viator. Prices start at around US$50 for a couple.

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Review Of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa

Now that you know where it is that you’re going and all of the options that you have for getting there, let’s get into the review itself.

I’ve set out below a summary of the hotel, the rooms, hotel facilities, dining options and nearby attractions.

After that, I’ve given you a list of pros and cons of the hotel and given my personal view on whether you should book Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa for your trip.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Location

The most remarkable thing about the Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is its immaculate white buildings and strikingly beautiful location set back just a few hundred meters from the secluded Playa Conejos.

The hotel was built in 2011 and is made up of six long apartment buildings facing the ocean with a total of 399 rooms, each with an uninterrupted view of the ocean.

The apartment buildings are connected by a central seven-floor building housing the restaurants and bar areas of the hotel, with the Sky Bar on the roof terrace.

The hotel beach, Playa Conejos, is huge and you can walk from the hotel right down onto the sand. Thatched beach umbrellas, sun lounges and towels are available for you, and the hotel also has beach volleyball facilities.

If you’re looking for a secluded adults-only all-inclusive luxury hotel in Huatulco, Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa certainly fits the bill.

2. Price

The price per room at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa starts at around US$275 for a junior suite going up to just over US$1,500 for a two-level suite. Those amounts are before taxes and are per person.

If those prices seem high, remember that Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive hotel, so you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Discounted offers are available from time to time, so it is worth checking prices in advance of your travel dates to see if you can get yourself a deal.

Check out Booking.com for prices and availability on your travel dates, or use the search box below:

3. Rooms

There are 399 suites available at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa and they are divided into two categories. You can choose from a room with a hot tub built into the balcony, or a room with a swim-out pool.

Within those two categories, you can also upgrade to the Preferred Club, which gives you additional access to certain areas of the hotel.

If you choose to upgrade, there are two additional larger rooms available in the swim-out pool category: a one-bedroom suite and a two-level loft suite.

You can read all about the different suites below.

Junior Suite Hot Tub

The Junior Suite Hot Tub is a beautiful suite at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa available on the lower floors of some of the apartment buildings.

The suite features a hot tub on the terrace from which you can stare out over the Pacific Ocean while having a soak.

The room is generous at 550 sq. ft. and has a king-sized bed with Frette Italian sheets and down duvets. You’ll find bathrobes, slippers, complimentary luxury toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom, which features both a bathtub and rainfall shower.

You’ll also have access to a minibar, room safe, sofa, WiFi, satellite TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and tea & coffee facilities.

The Junior Suite Hot Tub starts at around US$275 plus taxes per person as an all-inclusive package.

Junior Suite Ocean Front

The Junior Suite Ocean Front is a suite available on the upper floors of the apartment buildings.

Each Junior Suite Ocean Front offers a wonderful unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean that you can enjoy from the private balcony.

The Junior Suite Ocean Front is slightly smaller than the Junior Suite Hot Tub at 503 sq. ft. although it also has a king-sized bed, bathtub and rainfall shower.

If you prefer, you can exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds. In either case, you’ll also have access to bathrobes, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom.

The Junior Suite Ocean Front also comes with a minibar, room safe, sofa, WiFi, satellite TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and tea & coffee facilities.

The Junior Suite Hot Tub starts at around US$320 plus taxes per person as an all-inclusive package.

Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean Front

The Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean Front has the same features as the Junior Suite Ocean Front, together with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

As a Preferred Club guest, you will have access to the Preferred Club lounge, a daily continental breakfast service, and a pillow menu to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.

If you prefer, you can also exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds.

The Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean Front starts at around US$345 plus taxes per person as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim-Out

The Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim-Out is a suite available on the lower floors of the apartment buildings and offers a furnished terrace and direct swim-out access into a private pool.

The Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim-Out is slightly larger than the Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean Front at 536 sq. ft. and has a king-sized bed with Frette Italian sheets and down duvets.

You’ll find bathrobes, slippers, complimentary luxury toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom, which features both a bathtub and rainfall shower.

If you prefer, you can exchange the king-sized bed for two double beds. In either case, you’ll also have access to bathrobes, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom.

The suite also comes with a minibar, room safe, sofa, WiFi, satellite TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and tea & coffee facilities.

The Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim-Out starts at around US$380 plus taxes per person as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

Preferred Club One Bedroom Suite Swim-Out

The Preferred Club One Bedroom Suite Swim-Out is also available on the lower floors of the apartment buildings and offers a furnished terrace and direct swim-out access into a private pool.

The Preferred Club One Bedroom Suite Swim-Out is a massive 1080 sq. ft. and has a king-sized bed, bathtub and rainfall shower. You’ll find bathrobes, slippers, complimentary luxury toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom.

The suite also comes with a minibar, room safe, sofa, WiFi, satellite TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and tea & coffee facilities.

The Preferred Club One Bedroom Suite Swim-Out starts at around US$550 plus taxes per person as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

Preferred Club Two-Level Loft Suite Swim-Out

The Preferred Club Two-Level Loft Suite Swim-Out is the crème de la crème of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

This suite offers both a furnished terrace and direct swim-out access into a private pool on the lower level as well as a balcony with an outdoor hot tub on the upper level.

The Preferred Club Two-Level Loft Suite Swim-Out is a palatial 1,780 sq. ft. The main living area includes a bar, dining room, kitchenette, and bathroom.

The bedroom features a king-sized bed with Frette Italian sheets and down duvets. You’ll find bathrobes, slippers, complimentary luxury toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom, which features both a bathtub and rainfall shower.

The suite also comes with a minibar, room safe, sofa, WiFi, satellite TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and tea & coffee facilities.

The Preferred Club One Bedroom Suite Swim-Out starts at around US$1500 plus taxes per person as an all-inclusive package with the Preferred Club upgraded amenities.

4. Hotel Facilities

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa has an impressive selection of facilities, as you might expect from a high-end luxury all-inclusive hotel.

I’ve set out just a few of the best of these below.

Pool Area

One of the most striking aspects of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is its beautifully designed extensive pool area in front of the hotel.

The pool system is made up of two large pools running parallel to the hotel buildings in front of the ocean, but it is broken up by different design objects such as internal rings and steps as you go down the hill.

The winding design also creates corners and reduces interference from nearby swimmers, allowing you more privacy.

The pool area closes at 8:00pm of an evening.

Health & Wellness

If you enjoy spa treatments, you can visit Secrets Huatulco’s onsite spa, Secrets Spa by Pevonia.

With the relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean as well as the scented candles and soothing ambience, the spa is designed to help you leave all of your burdens behind you.

Secret Spas by Pevonia offers various types of massage and body treatments as well as facials, manicures and pedicures. There is also a full-service beauty salon, juice bar and private garden.

The facilities also include saunas and steam rooms, and there are private showers and locker areas where you can change when you’ve finished your treatments.

Beach Access

If you feel like swimming in the ocean instead of the pool, you can walk down past the pool area directly onto the sandy beach of Playa Conejos.

The cove, Bahía Conejos, of which the beach forms part is very sheltered, making it ideal for swimming. There are thatched umbrellas on either side of the beach where you can set up camp in the shade.

The hotel also has kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkelling equipment available if you are interested in activities on the beach.

5. Restaurants & Bars

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa has six restaurants, two cafés and several bars.

Restaurants

The hotel’s six à la carte restaurants each serve a different international cuisine, so you can try out a few during your stay and see what takes your fancy.

Bear in mind that some of the restaurants have a dress code, so be sure to dress up so as not to have to go back to your room and change!

As a bonus, guests of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa can also eat at any of the restaurants at neighbouring Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa in Tangolunda Bay, although you’ll need to arrange your own transport there and back.

I’ve set out a few details on each of the six restaurants at the Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa below.

1. Spice

Spice offers delicious Asian food in a traditional setting.

If you’re keen to get the full experience, you can sit on the cushions on the floor, but it’s not a must. If you want or need a chair with a straight back, those are also available.

2. Castaways

If you’re looking to get a great steak straight off the grill, you can try Castaways with its beautiful open-air ocean views.

3. Cin Cin

If you feel like Mediterranean, you can try a range of Italian and Greek plates at Cin Cin.

4. Bordeaux

For a high-end romantic evening, you should go to Bordeaux. In addition to wonderful French cuisine, you can work your way through some of their extensive wine list.

Note that there is a formal dress code to dine in this restaurant, so make sure you dress up before you arrive.

5. Oceana

If you love seafood, Oceana should be on your list. You can enjoy the fruits of the sea outside in the warm evening with the ocean breeze on your face.

6. Tamarindo

Last but not least is Tamarindo, where can you enjoy some of the wonderful Mexican food that you probably came to Mexico to try.

Tamarindo also has fantastic interior decoration to create the perfect atmosphere for your evening.

Cafés

The hotel has great two cafés where you can enjoy breakfast each morning.

I’ve set out a few details of each of them below.

Market Café

You’ll find by far the widest selection for breakfast at Market Café, so you’ll want to go there most mornings.

You can also return later in the day for a buffet lunch.

Coco Café

If you’re only looking for something light for breakfast, you can go to Coco Café rather than Market Café.

Coco Café is also open for snacks after dinner or before you head over to one of the hotel’s great bars and lounges.

Bars and Lounges

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa also has a range of great bars and lounges including Sugar Reef, pictured above.

Don’t forget to visit the Sky Bar to see the magnificent panoramic views of the hotel complex, Playa Conejos and the never-ending Pacific Ocean.

6. Reviews

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond hotel with a rating of 8.5 out of 10 from over 250 reviews. The story that the reviews tell is that people love this hotel.

The unique architecture of the hotel, the great food and the attentive service all receive glowing reviews from guests.

There is no doubt that the hotel is a class act.

7. Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm, and check-out is before noon.

Late check-out may be available, but you should contact the hotel to confirm if you think you will arrive outside the ordinary check-in hours.

8. Pet-Friendly

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is pet-friendly although you should confirm that you will be bringing your pet when you reserve your room.

9. Family-Friendly

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is an adults-only hotel, so you won’t be able to stay there if your children are younger than 18 years old.

10. Nearby Attractions

Huatulco is full of interesting things to do and beautiful beaches to explore, and you can easily reach them with your rental car or by taxi from Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

I’ve set out a few below that I recommend you put on your shortlist. Don’t forget your sunhat, suncream, and a bottle of water, particularly if you’re exploring in the summer sun.

Sea Turtle Release

If you haven’t experienced a sea turtle release, I recommend doing one while you’re staying at Secrets Huatulco.

The Oaxaca coastline is a breeding ground for four of the seven varieties of sea turtles in the world. Some of those turtles species are endangered, and in and around Oaxaca there are non-profit organisations that try to support them.

Part of that work is incubating the eggs laid by the adult female turtles and helping the babies into the ocean after they hatch.

For a fee, you can participate in a sea turtle release and watch them flapping their cute leathery little way down the beach and into the ocean.

The closest place to do a sea turtle release is at La Escobilla in Huatulco. You can also join a tour in Huatulco if you’d like a guide or just like to do it as part of a day tour.

Huatulco Boat Tours

I would also recommend doing a boat tour of the beautiful Huatulco bays.

Huatulco is actually called “Bahías de Huatulco”, meaning bays of Huatulco, which is a reference to its large number of coves. Many of these coves are difficult to access from the road and are rarely visited as a result.

Taking a boat tour is a great way to take in all of Huatulco’s beauty in a day, and if you’re lucky you may also see some of the dolphins, manta rays or even whales that live in the region as well.

Viator offers a number of different boat tours that you can book.

Visit Santa Cruz Huatulco

A visit to Santa Cruz Huatulco is also worth doing. It’s only 6 miles away, and you can reach it in a taxi or in your rental car in about 15 minutes.

Santa Cruz Huatulco opens directly on to Playa Santa Cruz, which is a cute little sheltered beach where a few of the cruise ship lines stop alongside the long pier.

You can have lunch as one of the many restaurants in the town center and also explore a few of the more secluded beaches nearby like Playa el Violín and Playa La Entrega.

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: Pros and Cons

To pull all of the information above together for you, I’ve set out below the pros and cons of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa as I see them.

Pros

Pros are very easy here, because there are lots of them.

Unlimited Luxury

Personally, I love all-inclusive resorts. They always strike me as better value for money, and it helps you keep the costs of your trip under control.

The “Unlimited Luxury” concept is the all-inclusive package at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, and it’s basically all-inclusive plus.

While most all-inclusive packages have limitations, such as excluding alcohol, with few exceptions, unlimited luxury means what it says.

You can drink everything in the minibar, eat and drink at any of the restaurants, and be pampered at the spa, all within the all-inclusive package.

The only limitations apply to some of the wine on the wine-list at Bordeaux, and to certain other activities. In most cases, you won’t be faced with needing to pay extra.

Huge Range of restaurants and Bars

The hotel has six restaurants, two cafés and several bars and lounges that you can choose from during your stay.

Even if you try a different one on every night that you stay, you’d need to be a guest for a very long time before you start to get bored with the options available.

And if you do feel like something else, you can always go and try out the restaurants at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, which is just a few miles away.

Pool Area & Beach Access

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa has a beautifully designed pool area where you can find a private place even amongst the large number of guests.

The pool area is loaded with sun lounges and sun umbrellas and you can get a cocktail from the nearby poolside bar.

The hotel also has direct access to the beach and has an exclusive area with sun loungers and sun umbrellas where you can relax and work on your tan.

Cons

There are a few cons to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, although some of these are inevitable given the size and style of the hotel.

Price

At first glance, the starting price of US$275 per person excluding taxes is quite high. It’s comparable with the price of mid- to high-end hotels in major US cities, although most city hotels won’t have the amenities of Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

You have to also take into account that the price is an all-inclusive price. When you consider how much you would have spent on food and drink if you were at a hotel that isn’t all-inclusive, the price isn’t quite so high.

Let’s not sugar-coat it, though. US$275 per person per night means over US$500 per night for a couple, and even taking into account that it’s all-inclusive, your wallet will still feel the beating.

But as you and I know, you get what you pay for in life. Yes, Secrets Huatulco is expensive, but you do get a lot. If you see value in what they offer, then it’s worth it provided that you can afford it.

Large Complex

In a hotel complex as large as Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, you won’t be able to completely escape the other guests. That comes with a resort of this size, though, and I think the design actually does a lot to provide you with privacy despite the number of people nearby.

The size and sheer number of restaurants and bars means that you’re unlikely to really feel like anything is ever crowded. The beach and the pool areas are both huge, so you’ll be able to find your own space there too.

But if you’re looking for somewhere were you can really cut yourself off from humanity for a few days, you’re probably better off trying to find a boutique hotel instead.

Language Difficulty

You may find that some of the staff are unable to speak English with you, especially those of the staff not working at reception or in the restaurants or bars.

Clearly, you’re in southern Mexico and English isn’t a language that many people there use often, so it’s understandable. In a hotel of the size of Secrets Huatulco, requiring all staff to have an excellent level of English-speaking ability just isn’t viable.

On top of that, the hotel’s staff are consistently reviewed as being extremely friendly and attentive, so the language barrier won’t result in a lack of service.

Just bear it in mind, and maybe use it as a good opportunity to brush up on your Spanish!

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

My Personal Views

I think all-inclusive hotels are great value for money, and Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is a great option if you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive hotel in a beautiful location.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re travelling as a couple and you’re looking for a romantic trip away. You’ll have access to incredible suites, a beautiful pool area, private access to the ocean, and a great range of bars and restaurants for evening meals and entertainment.

The price point is by no means low, but the all-inclusive package means that you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck. It’s a great option if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the hotel.

Provided that it’s in your price range, I think Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is one of the best luxury all-inclusive hotels in Huatulco. Particularly for couples looking for a romantic getaway, this hotel should definitely be on your shortlist of candidates.

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Just in case you still have a few questions that I haven’t covered, I’ve set out some responses to a few frequently asked questions about Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa below.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

The best time to visit is during the high season (December to April) because the weather is cooler and there is little or no rain.

However, it’s also likely to be more expensive during the high season, so if you’re on a budget and can put up with a little rain, the low season is also a good option.

Is It Safe To Visit Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Absolutely. Huatulco is safer than many major US cities. You’ll have no troubles when you explore Huatulco provided you take basic precautions.

You’ll also have access to a room safe so that you can store your belongings when you’re not in the room.

Read more about crime statistics and how to stay safe in Huatulco here.

What’s The Closest Airport To Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the closest airport, and is about 15 miles away.

You can reach the hotel by booking a private transfer, taking a taxi or renting a car.

How many rooms are there at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

There are 399 rooms available at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

What is the Nearest Town to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa?

The nearest town is La Crucecita, which is the principal town in Huatulco. Santa Cruz Huatulco is at the southern end of La Crucecita.

La Crucecita is about 7 miles from the hotel and it will take about 15 minutes in a taxi to reach it.

Why Is Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa Special?

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is special because it is a highly-rated all-inclusive luxury hotel in a beautiful location with a fantastic range of bars and restaurants.

With the possible exceptions of Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa and Hotel Las Brisas Huatulco, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better luxury hotel in Huatulco.

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa: The Definitive Review

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you now have all the information that you need to decide whether Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is the hotel for you.

As far as all-inclusive hotels go, provided the hotel is in your price range, I think it is genuinely hard to go past when you take into account its beautiful location and the variety of amenities available.

If you want to book, you can get the current prices and availability on your dates at Booking.com.

If you want to check prices of car rentals at Huatulco airport, you can check out DiscoverCars.com.

Enjoy your stay!