Travel Guide
Secret Beach & Butler Service: Discover Puerto Vallarta’s 5-Star All-Inclusive Hideaway
May
40 minutes west of Puerto Vallarta lies an opulent hideaway with rooftop infinity pools, a secret beach even guests didn’t know about, caviar for breakfast, and attentive butler service from the get-go — textbook 5-star luxury.
Check-in was a breeze thanks to friendly staff who genuinely seemed happy to welcome you. Many of them have worked here since the resort’s inception in 2021.
Plus, wristbands are not needed for the all-inclusive perks. Grab piña coladas from Manatee’s swim-up bar, order fresh tacos street-food style, or play a round or two of pickleball, no questions asked.
Sharing 12 acres, Hyatt’s Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort is arguably the better half compared to Dreams.
You see, Secrets boasts the ‘adults-only’ side versus Dreams’ floatie-filled pools and unwanted splash zones for those of us who just want to relax poolside with a good read and ice cold cerveza.
For the record, Dreams’ guests are not supposed to venture over to the Secrets side, but it could be enforced more. Aforementioned Manatee’s was my idyllic hideaway all-but-guaranteed to be a child-free haven.
As Riviera Nayarit’s 200-mile sprawl of stunning coastline is destined to be become Mexico’s new vacation hotspot this summer with the first-ever flight from the U.S., make Secrets your top choice.
With the best all-around service I’ve received in all my travels in Mexico, I promise you won’t regret it.
Impeccable Service: Expert Staff And A Butler At Your Fingertips
Maybe this is unrelatable to most, but I’m going through a Chai phase, guys. And it’s all thanks to the expert baristas at Coco Cafe & Gelato (open 24 hours), who even for a picky coffee palate like mine, whipped up some of the best morning fuel I’ve had on vacation since many resorts offer what’s essentially coffee-flavored water to save a pretty peso.
The best way to start your day at Secrets is by going downstairs to Coco’s and fueling up with a hand-crafted latte (my favorite being the Chai Latte) and feasting at the Market Cafe’s legendary breakfast buffet, offering made-to-order omelettes with fresh eggs from the on-site hen house, an array of authentic Mexican cuisine, and even caviar to top it off.
While I prefer to get out of bed and go splorin’, as generous and diligent as my assigned butler Joaquin was, I’m sure you would have a coffee concoction of your choice hand-delivered to your door if requested.
Your personal butler is there to ensure a seamless and relaxing vacation. Here’s how he can help you unwind by taking care of the little things:
- Schedule dinner reservations
- Schedule spa services
- Restock the mini fridge
- Book a private poolside cabana
- Arrange Amstar transportation to the airport or nearby beach towns, such as Sayulita (a must!)
But wanna know a secret trick?
Typically, all you have to do to order room service is scan a QR code in your room, select from an extensive menu of available items, choose a timeframe, and you will receive a phone call when your order is on the way.
Given there are 699 rooms combined between Secrets and Dreams, room service orders can become understandably overloaded, but not with my guy Joaquin.
One simple request via WhatsApp and next thing I know I’m chowing down on pizza and wings in the comfort of my heavenly King-size bed.
Surf, Kayak & Eat Seaside — Or Visit The Resort’s Secret Beach
There’s a reason Secrets left the word “beach” out of their official name. The water may be crystal clear, but it’s too rocky to swim.
And if you thought stepping on a LEGO was bad, there were multiple warnings of sea urchins lurking.
The beach views are spectacular, especially from multiple outlooks within the resort grounds, such as the chic rooftop Sky Bar, a exclusive hangout for Preferred Club guests, or the infinity pool on the 6th floor open to all Secrets guests.
The immediate beach is laden with experienced surfers and teachers ready to help you catch your first wave, which you can book via your butler or straight from the Hyatt’s website.
Or if you’re more into kayaking like me rather than crashing face-first time and time again, the same applies to booking kayaks, with the exception that they’re only available in the morning.
In my opinion, the best way to experience the scenic shores of Secrets is to eat lunch seaside at Barracuda’s Beach Bar (open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)—get the ceviche!
But what many guests failed to realize, including myself until my final day, is there is nice beach in arm’s reach. A deep scour of TripAdvisor reviews will tell you Secrets has no proper beach, but that’s not entirely true.
A hidden discovery awaits just a 5-minute walk west from the rocky outcrop of Secrets’ map dot cove.
You’ll find locals enjoying a nice swim in the same crystalline waters, but far less rocks and more soft sand.
Hot Saunas, Cold Plunges, And A Massage That Was Just Right
The Secrets Spa is truly state-of-the-art from top to bottom. The only downside was that the constant shuffling from one treatment to the next takes away from being truly relaxed, but the perfect massage to cap off my spa day was just what I needed.
Additionally, I appreciated that the spa was a no-phone zone. Sometimes, a forced “digital detox” can be more rejuvenating than the spa itself, but in this case, not having TikTok to scroll or Wordles to solve meant I could focus on the present moment—something we all struggle with, right?
Once you change into your swimwear, you’re ushered to a required shower, followed by a steam room and brief, yet effective, sauna session. Then, you’re again guided to the hydrotherapy pools, where you can hop back and forth between the comfort of the pool and the frigid cold plunge tub, which actually isn’t unbearable—I lasted 30 seconds and surprised myself by going back again.
The massage was the star of the show, though. A 50-minute session was just what the doctor ordered for the aches and pains of a 35-year-old on the backside of youth.
All in all, I felt ten times better heading out than when I went in.
What’s New At Secrets?
I was given a standard 5th-floor room overlooking a courtyard. I was content with the overall space, private balcony, and especially the rainfall shower, but there are far better choices if you’re up for a splurge.
Before booking, you’ll want to ask if any of Secrets’ new 58 rooms are available. If I had to do it all over again, and let’s be real, if I had the financial means (big ‘if’) to do so, there’s no comparing The Preferred Club selection of rooms, especially the Preferred Club Presidential Suite Ocean View if you can swing the $1160.50 (they really getcha with that extra 50 cents!)
Before your eyes roll to the back of your head with that price tag, the suite comfortably suits up to 4 guests so consider splitting costs, but in my opinion the private terrace with sweeping ocean views is priceless, defining paradise.
One attraction I just missed out on was the new zip-line, which opened April 15. I tried to sweet-talk staff into letting me ‘test it out’, but turns out I’ve lost my charm, or they were wary what the gringo might do from the sue-happy country. 🇺🇸
Yeah, we’ll go with the ladder… I’ve still got it.
The One Common Guest Complaint Is An Easy Fix
I’m not going to lie—the resort is incredible, but the one problem every guest I interacted with seemed to take issue with is that it’s a real-life Dr. Seuss book.
I stayed 4 days and was still getting lost my last day, which on the bright side, made for great chatter with fellow guests in the elevator.
You see, some of the signs are mismarked. One of which caused me to be late for dinner, so just know The Bluewater Grill is not located on the 6th floor like the sign suggests — it’s behind Manatee’s Swim-Up Bar.
I can’t emphasize enough downloading the World of Hyatt app. It was a lifesaver navigating the resort.
The problem with the design of the resort is specifically 4th floor. For some reason, all elevators seem to stop here, where you then have to find another elevator to go to floors 5 and 6.
My suggestion? Request a room on the 4th floor and it will save you the headache of feeling lost your entire trip.
Future guests should also know there’s a construction project (unaffiliated with the resort) next to Dreams. I stayed on the Secrets side and never heard the clinks and clanks or jackhammers, but Dreams’ guests should be aware of unwanted soundtracks.
It’s also worth noting that while most food and beverages are included in your rate, there’s an undisclosed extra charge for lobster, which might disappoint guests expecting a truly ‘all-inclusive’ experience
My advice? Order the flawlessly charred grilled octopus from the aforementioned Bluewater Grill instead.
**Travel Off Path was a guest of Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
