Secrets Huatulco Resort And Spa

Hotel was average. Had to step down and up in the restaurant areas which a person could easily roll an ankle if not watching where they are walking. Not at all a resort for people with disabilities, my opinion only. Having to get up between 5-6.30 am to put towels on pool chairs is ridiculous. Sat by chairs with towels on them and never saw the people sit there. [Details]

Blown away by the food and drink and friendliness of the staff. A beautiful location. Lovely room. We walked to beaches nearby and this area rivals Maui beaches. I have a place in Maui damaged by the fire. Staying at Secrets and enjoying the area may become a habit for me. [Details]

We went to Secrets to celebrate our 30th anniversary. It was an excellent choice! The hotel is clean and well appointed. The check in process was quick and there was a bottle of champagne and one of tequila, along with a lovely dessert plate awaiting us in our room to help the anniversary begin! The views of the bay, beach, and beautiful blue sky from our room were amazing.
During our stay, we ate at every restaurant and enjoyed them all. CinCin, Spice and Tamarind were our favourites. Barefoot kept us fed and hydrated during our relaxing days at the beach/poolside, and the Market Cafe buffet breakfast offered too many choices every morning.
I'd like to thank all of the staff at Secrets for pampering us and taking care of us so well. There are many people working to make sure every guest has a wonderful time, and always with a smile and “It is a pleasure” when thanked. [Details]

Great stay, beautiful location, food and restaurant ambiance is lacking. [Details]

Overall we had a great time. Beautiful facility. Great food.
Weather was perfect in February. Service level varied but overall was good. Rooms are well maintained with a great view of the ocean. [Details]

The resort area is beautiful, the water is clean and warm but the hotel is not a five star hotel. The staff are 5 star but the hotel is not new and is showing signs of its age.
The restaurants were hit and miss. Some great (Castaways), some dismal.
Not a place to visit if your into partying late into the night, better for a romantic getaway. [Details]

Our stay at Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa was absolutely amazing! The staff went above and beyond at every turn, taking care of every detail. The beauty of the nature all around was inspiring. Everything was just so beautiful and perfect! [Details]

We chose to stay at secrets for a quiet and relaxing vacation. [Details]

We were disappointed by Dreams Huatulco. We have stayed at other AM resorts including Secrets, Dreams, and Now and this location did not compare to others under the brand. The hotel is old and dirty. We had to move our room twice. The beach is beautiful but the sand is dark, coarse, and has jellyfish. Pool tiles are chipped throughout. The hotel towels are thin and old, the kind you clean the house with. The buffet was small and it is never open for dinner. The food in the restaurants is awful. Management is non existent. [Details]

We spent a glorious week here with another couple. Enjoyed the Spice restaurant the most but all restaurants were great. Used room service once and was quick and delicious.

We paid for the Preferred Club but honestly save your money because everyone gets the same "privilege's". Only added benefit is the private check in and out but we weren't allowed to use them because they were too busy when needed.

Housekeeping was hit and miss. Some days no bath towels and took 3 hours to get some... difficult when in the shower already. But for the rest was adequate.

We would go back again as we love Huatulco and the people.

Few suggestions for improvements - need more bathrooms by pool area and one closer to the beach as it is a long walk to the pool ones. [Details]

I would not classify this resort a 4 Diamond, more like 4 Star. I understand there are not many resorts in Huatulco, so this is probably the best. I have stayed in many resorts so I have a sufficient amount of points to compare to. The rooms are all ocean views which is nice. However the rooms are dated, there is no decor throughout the whole resort. The beds are extremely uncomfortable. The pools are fantastic, however, there are never any pool towels. If you were not up by 7:00 am to run down to save lounge chairs, you did not get one. There needs to be a better system. There were lounge chairs with towels on them, but were not used for half the day. We upgraded to the Preferred Club and don't feel it was worth the extra money. We did not even have bath towels in our room the first day. Didn't realize until we had a shower. Had to call 3 times to get towels. We were supposed to have pool towels and fruit platter with wine upon arrival in our room. It took my travel agent to call the 3rd day to get wine and 5 strawberries. Do not upgrade to Preferred. Not worth it in this resort.
The toilet has no privacy. You have a glass wall and door with a bit of frosting to cover where you sit. Happen to be going to the washroom when room service came to the door and could not open the door because he would have seen me going to the bathroom.
The private beaches are fantastic. The staff are very nice and the resort is clean. The food was good, but restaurants are very warm at night. Men had to wear pants (dress shorts were not allowed) if you wanted to sit in the restaurants, but the AC was not enough to stay cool.
Definately not worth $1000/day it cost us. [Details]

I had never been to Mexico. My wife and I decided to go to Secrets because friends had advised how clean and safe it was. We took our Dukoral weeks prior to leaving, had our shots at the doctors office too.
We arrived, very beautiful locale. The people very friendly at this resort. Everyone makes it a great comfortable atmosphere. Beautiful pools, wonderful beaches, it looked so clean.
Second day there I had a hamburger pool side . I looked at the burger after two bites and saw that it was almost raw. I cursed, put it aside, continued to enjoy the atmosphere. Tuesday the diarrhea started. Spent the day in the room, a little tourista, let it run its course I thought. By Wednesday morning I was passing blood and cramped up with a lot of pain. Had to call the doctor. The doctor came to the hotel, fantastic fellow! Was kind and very helpful. Gave me an antibiotic injection plus a prescription for three more meds. $500 USD for the fix. Was not allowed to eat animal protein for the rest of the trip, only veggies bread and fruit. Couldn't take advantage of all of the delicious foods available.
I tried to recover in the shade by the pool. It was there that I found out that two others had suffered the exact same fate as me after eating the hamburger on Monday. Both violently ill, unable to leave their rooms.
The night before departure I asked to speak with a manager. Manager Luis Pino met with me and I told him my story. I also told him the story of the other two that I had spoken with who had the same illness. He was very kind, was apologetic, but reassured me that the food quality is checked every week. He advised that he would think about what had happened and speak with me about a form of compensation. Someone would speak to me before my departure.
Nobody came to speak with me. Nobody called me. For a seven day all inclusive, I spent 5 days in the bathroom. Does it happen? I'm sure it does. Is it my fault? I did take two bites of the burger before looking at it.
For the amount of money we spent on this vacation, I would not do it again. When you spend that amount, you want to try not to be concerned about every little thing.
Do not waste your hard earned dollars on this resort. [Details]

We have visited twice and can't wait to go back! [Details]

I have been so very frustrated with this “hotel” I could not write. Its been several months now possibly now I can articulate and tone down my initial version of my experience here.. The management say they will assist, but never do anything.....
The client facing staff were found to be genuine, caring, and were a pleasure to deal with. This is where the niceties END. It is clear the leadership of this establishment do not provide the tools for the staff to consistently deliver first class service, actually disempowering them. I believe this is systemic starting from the executive of the management company operating this property on down. I am certain that they would look at a review akin to this one as a staff failure with nothing to do with their lack of leadership and advance planning.

Arriving at the airport, before entering the bus for the short transfer to the hotel I asked how long of a wait will it be before leaving, “possibly 10 -15 minutes”. Well let's add like 90 more to that….yum. Then as the bus enters the property getting solicited for a tip for the bus driver and his many, many, children, double and triple yum!

Checking in, they ask for your passports, we arranged a double size swim up suite, so they then transfer us from the front desk to the “special” concierge, in the transfer the front desk lady kept my wife's passport. It was likely an oversight however I did have to remind her of where she put it on her person as she denied having it more than once. Walking down the long hallway to our room I started noticing just a few of many faults to come. The laminate wood that covers the hall, doors and trim is delaminating, bubbling, flaking, and chipping, its late so you put it off as to humid environment and how tough it must be to maintain that product here. I ask the staff member to arrange a bottle of white wine for us as we don't drink beer, give him an extra $10 US and go out to the pool deck to look about. When I get back in learning he actually didn't arrange the wine as asked, only providing the number for room service. Then calling room service to please bring a bottle of white wine and leave it in the refrigerator for our return from dinner. On returning from a great meal at the Mexican themed restaurant a warm bottle of white wine that requires a cork screw and no cork screw to be found, ending evening one.

Note: The regular house pour of white wine is Antares, a nice inexpensive wine that I see sells for $9 CND / bottle in a local cold beer and wine store here in BC. But the other stuff that they tried to provide twice to our room tasted like you imagine whale pee to be …. Like this resort STAY AWAY

The sun comes up for our first morning and light is cast on all those little things that make you go hmmmm.
I dropped the soap in the shower to look down at the rotten moldy wooden panels that are on the shower floor, these look really bad, what they cover must be worse. Dropping the soap again at the sink I reach under to find gaping holes in the drywall freshly beaten in with what looked like a hammer. Now getting dressed standing in front of the mirror I look a little splotchy, maybe I'm getting sick, no it's not me thankfully, it was the UV degraded mirror. Ahhh

Now off to get us a morning Americano and possibly a treat or two. The coffee shop team was always great to deal with each morning. Waiting for the elevator you start to notice this area is a bit scruffy, dirty, likely due to the high use, but you never see it clean or Im just showing up at the worse times, or I'm just overly critical. Don't look down or you will start noticing all the hammered up cracked tiles, maybe these are left like this to fit in to the scruffy appearance but don't look out of the elevator either, wait you can't because they don't wash the windows on this glass elevator either.

Now its time to traverse to the mountain high restaurant, great views great staff. Don't expect hot or even warm toast, its always cold and hard. Or don't expect even that because they run out of the dishes to serve on, must be the altitude. They use this place to try and talk people into time shares as well, not great at all, or better yet, get a room, or use the bar area above to “show off” the “resort” to prospective “clients” keeping the repetitive sales jargon away. The roof top bar area above the restaurant is a fantastic place to work and spend time at, as I bar tended for 45 minutes one evening while waiting for a table at the restaurant below. Someone had to, it was open but no staff to be found, I can serve wine, beer, and basic highballs….Another guest took over when we left, and kind a went self serve, you know don't be shy

While doing time here, I made contact with the concierge, the Westjet dmc on site, and some front of house manager all of which provided little more than lip service, no action of any sort. I was just another whinny guest who would be gone soon. On Wednesday my wife wished to book the special dinner on the beach for our last night, Saturday. We picked a the table at the far end of the beach, furthest away from all others. You book these dinner packages with the concierge, $350US. On Friday evening a different concierge calls and says that they want me to sign for the dinner for Saturday night, I thought I had so I went and signed “again” hmmmm

Saturday we spent most of the day on the beach as we did most days. Back at our room sitting pool side at our room I noticed hotel staff loading in tables and chairs and carrying them over the sand, it looked really tough, didn't count the tables and chairs, thinking nothing of it at all, but as it turned out they were hauling in many more than the five or six tables for two for the romantic dinner on the beach, like on the map where you select your table. About five we needed something from the gift store, on return overlooking the beach from the lobby level above, I noticed a logo cut into the sand on the beach, as we are on vacation not thinking much about it. Getting ready for dinner we could hear what sounded like a band playing, now it was all making sense, it didn't matter we were on the far end on the beach well away from any activities.
We show up for dinner, noticing the table location that we had picked had been set with a cover and drapes, they then seat us at the table closest to the pool deck, right where the corporate group of 100 – 200 is dining with the band playing not to mention where they come to lite up a smoke. I question the seating arrangements, realizing there is no point, and not wishing to worsen the night. But I'm so very happy…..there is blood in the water now. As the “resort” has drawn first blood by bring a brief tear to my wife….

Next morning on my way for Americano I stop by the front desk asking for the manager that I had been speaking with in the past, showing the person his photo from a desk in the lobby. They put me through to him on his cell phone, at least they said it was him, explaining I was leaving at 2pm and wished to discuss our stay.

Returning to the “special” concierge at 1230 they say that they know nothing about whatever manager I was dealing with showing up for a conversation. They wish to no charge our evening on the beach due to all our past experiences, not just the previous stated, (the highlights), bad food, dirty spa, and others. And I had no intension in paying for the beach dinner as that was a laughable farce to even dream that was of any value. While I was left arguing my wish not to pay anything further with the only management left at the hotel, the engineer. Someone else called my wife and asked her to pay the balance not telling her I was refusing payment.

This place is listed as a five star “resort” by NO means is this true it doesn't rate a no tell motel stature. [Details]

There was a little problem at check in but it was resolved and the hotel gave my in-laws an upgraded room at no extra cost. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Food was great. Didn't go to any of the shows because it was too hot in the theater. Didn't care for the glass bathroom wall in the room - I like a little more privacy. [Details]

Beautiful hotel with great service and even better dinning. Located on a stunning and secluded bay where you can enjoy the golden sand beaches and snorkeling. [Details]

Top notched Hotel, very clean and well maintained. The service and food are excellent. The staff are always there to make sure your have a fantastic experience. [Details]

Not a bad room to be had; they are all oceanview! Loved that the resort was small with its own beach. The staff were above and beyond nice, from the bartenders to the restaurant staff to those who cleaned our room - everyone made you feel welcome [Details]

Secrets was an amazing resort. The weather was over 30 degrees every day, the water was warm in both pool and ocean. We went snorkeling in the corner off the left side of the beach. There was 100's of fish eating bread right out of our hands, it was a great experience.
Went out fishing with Valentino's fishing charters. Caught lots of fish, seen lots of dolphins and a sea turtle.
Plan to go back next year with friends. [Details]

The staff are very friendly, accommodating and attentive. The grounds were lovely and the views were spectacular, but the resort is not what the reviews say it is. The rooms are in a general state of disrepair. The decor is very outdated, the large sliding wall/mirror in our suite was distorted and warped.The shower floor tiles were rotting and the shower and tub area were covered in black mold. The rooms were very noisy with the guests and the cleaning staff constantly slamming the heavy, wood doors. We were told that the food at the resort would be vegan friendly, but this was not the case. Very limited menu selections for plant based eaters. We were hoping for a peaceful, relaxing vacation, but did not experience one. Very disappointed and will not visit again. [Details]

We absolutely loved this hotel. The staff were all very friendly except at the beach where the boogie boards, sailing, paddle boats are. Terribly rude. Will definitely return and recommend [Details]

Beautiful resort with service second to none. Employees always ready to help you out with a smile [Details]

Secrets Huatulco is above and beyond in almost every way. The food is amazing, the grounds are lush, the views are spectacular, the spa is unparalleled, and the weather is perfect.
I have nothing but praise for the ultra-polite and hardworking staff, and want to recommend this resort to anyone who would like to feel an authentic Mexico you cannot get from Cancun.
However, with only a couple of exceptions, the guests staying here are repulsive human beings. Phoney to your face, while being conniving and petty behind your back. Be warned, you must be up at 5:45am every day to claim your chair with your towel -a ridiculous practice I note is prevalent in all resorts, but especially vindictive here- or you will not get a spot by the pool for the entire day.
Even then, certain guests will take it upon themselves to move your items and pretend that yours were not there when they arrived. Of course, you could involve staff, but they cannot really do anything about certain families deciding to set up shop at a particular spot everyday. Woe to the guest who dares try to rest there lest they be accosted with f-bombs. Canadian too they were. 65 . Classy.
If I was to return, I would have to make sure I had a room with a swim-out pool. This way, we could easily avoid these toads.
You cannot rate guests in a review, so my rating is not reflective of that. My rating is reflective of the immaculately kept rooms, the easy going style of the hotel staff, the incredible food, and the charm of Huatulco. Special thanks to Candy, and the ladies of Lemascal and spa. Additionally, Euseibo the champion of the breakfast grill, and all the staff of the Mexican restaurant.
As for the guests, beyond a couple of exceptions, I'm mortified that these people call themselves Canadian as I have never met a bigger group of self-entitled low-lifes. I do believe these baby boomers have been coming here for so long they truly think the resort is named after them. [Details]

Everything was great company just needs to put out more chairs would solve the pool chair problem.everything else is great. [Details]

We have stayed at Dreams Huatulco before, and I expected this resort to be a step up. The weather was hot, the pools are great, the food was good, staff was excellent/ But the layout of the resort was confusing. We were in building 3, and in order to get to the beach we had to take a series of 2 different elevators and walk through a bar area. The towel game is in full swing, so unless we got up before 7 am there were no chairs with shade. The beach and pool bar ran out of bottled water one morning, yet I went to the Sky Bar and they had lots.The rooms lack soundproofing to the point where we could hear conversation in the next room. If we returned to the Huatulco area I think we would stay at Dreams since it is a more compact resort. [Details]

Modern architecture and ambiance, clean beyond reproach, perfect quiet location (at the edge of the resort).
Restaurants above average with very efficient and friendly staff.
Everybody tries to accommodate you in a way that at one point you feel almost guilty (your wish is their command). [Details]

Excellent resort....food very good....wine OK.....Staff excellent....Bars OK [Details]

I highy recomend this hotel. If you can, get a room with a swim out pool. It absolutely made our trip! [Details]

I was looking for a nice place to come and just relax with no concerns and I found it here at Secrets. I felt pampered with no cares or worries and this was one of my best vacations ever.
All the staff were very friendly and helpful and I truly felt they cared about their guests. Definitely coming back. [Details]

Fabulous resort and spa!
Rooms were gorgeous, wonderful view of the ocean. The food was delicious and I loved that we could go to any restaurant any day with no need for reservations.
Staff were always smiling and beyond helpful.
I really prefer a long beach to walk along, not able to do that here.
Spa had an incredible view and the spa staff were the best! [Details]