Zuzu & I spent part of Spring Break at Secrets Maroma Beach, one of the best Hyatt All Inclusive resorts in Mexico.
An all-suite, adults-only resort opened in 2008, Secrets Maroma Beach has 412 rooms, all renovated in 2018, and it sits on one of the best beaches in Mexico.
Secrets Maroma Beach Review tl;dr
Here’s the short version of our review: IT’S GREAT!!! You should go!
New to All Inclusives? Click here to learn how to choose an All Inclusive Resort!
Pros of Secrets Maroma Beach
- Excellent wide, flat beach with soft white sand
- Some of the best service we’ve ever had at any resort
- Great room: Preferred Club Ocean View Jr Suite
- Preferred Club Beach Club and Bar were great
- Upgrade to Preferred Club is worth it
- Most food & drinks were much better than expected
- Lots and lots of things to do
We’re beach people and the beach at Secrets Maroma is as good as it gets! The soft white sand and wide, flat beach make it easy to wade into the warm Caribbean water or enjoy your favorite beach activity .. or in-activity!
The Secrets Maroma Preferred Club was great! Preferred Club guests get rooms closer to the beach, a concierge, access to a private beach, and exclusive entry to the Preferred Beach Club’s restaurant and bar. Pay extra to get Preferred Club, it’s worth it.
Most of the food & drink at Secrets Maroma was great. Definitely above average for an All Inclusive resort.
The other thing that stood out was all the little touches and many small details. From the better than expected putt-putt course, to this guy playing a harp at the buffet, there was always something extra going on.
The staff was great. This is the rare resort where everyone, and I mean everyone, seemed genuinely happy to be there and wanted us to really enjoy our stay.
Cons of Secrets Maroma Beach
- Difficult to get pool chairs except by saving early
- Some sargassum seaweed but workers cleaned beach every day
- Food was better than expected but not consistently excellent
If you’re a pool person, get up early to snag a chair at the main pool or you’ll be stuck with no chairs. We only hit the pools mid day & the seats were usually all occupied. OTOH, never an issue getting good spots at the Preferred Club Beach.
For several years, every resort along the Caribbean has had to deal with sargassum seaweed. The resort did a very good job of dealing with it and it never bothered us.
While the food was mostly great, we did get a couple of disappointing dishes. We just ordered another dish as a replacement since it’s all included for free!
That’s really our only complaints at this great resort. I rank this at the 3rd best All Inclusive resort of the 13 that we’ve stayed at since 2021.
Best Restaurant at Secrets Maroma & the Best Food
The Preferred Beach Club restaurant & bar was our favorite. Coconut shrimp, salmon, ceviche, Octopus tacos… all fantastic. Secrets Maroma Preferred Club had some of the best all inclusive drinks & food that we’ve experienced.
The rest of the resort was above average for food and drinks. Made to order omelets at the buffet were also a standout.
Best Things to Do
If you want to relax, this is a perfect All Inclusive resort to lay on the beach or chill at the pool. Or if you want to stay busy, there are a crazy number of organized activities for you.
How Much Does Secrets Maroma Beach Cost?
Expect to spend about $700-1000 per night for a room at Secrets Maroma Beach. We got a 100% discount. Read below to learn how you can also stay here for free.
As an All Inclusive Resort, our only cost was about $30 per day for tips.
Other Secrets Maroma Beach Reviews
There just aren’t that many detailed Secrets Maroma reviews online. Here are 4 good reviews that can give you a different (& shorter) perspective than our extremely detailed review:
- Travel Fan Boy: Adam’s experience sounds very similar to ours. Loved the resort but didn’t think the swim out suite was worth it.
- Playa del Carmen Blog: Sarah’s Secrets Maroma Beach review is full of personality and she loved Secrets Maroma. She rates it a 4.9 star resort & we agree!
- Christian Green Living: Darlene’s review has a unique take by focusing on the green sustainable aspect of the resort.
- Travels With Elle: Great review by Elle. Her details & personal pictures of Secrets Maroma really helped us before our visit!
That’s the very short version of our comprehensive Secrets Maroma Beach review. For many, many more details about our stay at this fantastic resort (& how we stayed for free), keep reading. Or if you want to scan through my review, click on the links in the Table of Contents:
Booking & Reservations
Since we were traveling with our friends Steve & Maggie, we booked two rooms—one for us and one for them. We used Hyatt points to cover our entire stay, making it completely free! Since we’re Globalists, Steve and Maggie got Hyatt Guest of Honor treatment.
Cash Prices at Secrets Maroma
If you’re paying cash, prices for a basic room can be as low as $500 per night or as high as $1100 per night depending on season and availability.
During our stay, the basic room we booked was $943 per night. After a free upgrade, the room we ended up in was $1,276 per night. These prices are for booking direct with Hyatt.
You can usually save 5-15% at Booking.com. But we like to save 100%, so we used Hyatt points to book Secrets Maroma.
Learn how you can travel for (almost) free like we do!
Redeeming Hyatt Points at Maroma
If we had paid cash, our Preferred Club Swim-Out Suite would have cost $1,276 per night, totaling $3,828 for three nights. Instead, we redeemed 99,000 Hyatt points, making this an incredible use of points for a luxury all-inclusive resort.
Hyatt Award Category E All-Inclusive Resort
When we booked, Secrets Maroma Beach was only a Category D all-inclusive resort in the World of Hyatt program. A standard room was 30,000 Hyatt points on most nights.
But Maroma jumped to Category E in 2025. That means award prices surged for a standard room at Secrets Maroma to:
- 40,000 points per night on standard dates
- 35,000 points per night on off-peak nights
- 45,000 points per night on peak nights
For our stay, they didn’t have any standard rooms available to book with Hyatt points. So we booked a higher-level Preferred Club Swim-Out Suite and used 33,000 points per night.
How Much Are Hyatt Points Worth at Secrets Maroma?
By redeeming 99,000 points instead of paying $3,828 in cash, we got almost 3.9 cents per point in value—a fantastic redemption for a luxury resort. That’s even better than our historical average of 3.6 cents per Hyatt point across 50+ stays.
Want to know how we consistently get such a tremendous Hyatt Point Value? Read my guide to Hyatt points where I share exactly how you can optimize both earning and redeeming Hyatt points!
Location & Getting There
Secrets Maroma Beach is near Cancun, Mexico on the Caribbean Sea. It’s less than an hour south of Cancun and about half an hour north of Playa del Carmen.
The address for GPS is Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km. 306.5, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, 77710. The closest airport to Secrets Maroma is Cancun International Airport (CUN), about 25 miles away.
The easiest way to get to Secrets Maroma from the US is by flying into Cancun and taking a car or van to the resort.
At the airport, we took a private shuttle van from Canada Transfers to Secrets Maroma. The ride took about 45 minutes and cost $90 for the four of us, which included a cooler stocked with beer, hard cider, and bottled water. It was an easy and smooth transfer experience. We would absolutely recommend them for an airport transfer.
One thing to note:
- The final stretch from the highway to the resort is cobblestone and a little uneven, so our driver had to slow down ALOT… with us kinda anxious to get the party started!
Other Resorts Near Secrets Maroma Beach
We noticed several other resorts nearby, but we only visit resorts where we can redeem points for free nights, so we didn’t consider any of them. We loved the Maroma Beach area, but if Secrets Maroma isn’t the right fit for you, here are a few other nearby options. All 3 are just a short beach walk away from Secrets:
- Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
- Chable Maroma
- Catalonia Playa Maroma
Things to Do Near Secrets Maroma
Apart from the stunning beach and resort amenities, Secrets Maroma Beach is near several popular attractions such as:
- Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue – A short drive away, lot of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
- Tulum & Chichen Itza – Famous Mayan ruins that make for an unforgettable day trip. You should definitely go to the Tulum ruins at least once!
- Xcaret Eco-Park – A mix of nature, culture, and adventure with cenotes, underground rivers, wildlife exhibits, and shows.
Lobby & Check-in
When we arrived at Secrets Maroma Beach, we were greeted with warm smiles, cool towels, and an overall VIP welcome. The staff was incredibly friendly, and from the very beginning, it was clear they wanted to make us feel special.
The resort has about a dozen check-in desks, including one specifically for World of Hyatt members. As a Hyatt Globalist, I normally head to the Hyatt line but we were escorted to a seating area with four comfy rocking chairs in the very nice lobby.
VIP Check-in Experience
Our check-in was handled by Alexandra, who took care of everything while we relaxed. Within 2 minutes, a server brought over four glasses of champagne, and there was a small tray of cookies and cupcakes nearby—nice little touches that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
As Alexandra handled our check-in, Francisco came over with a VIP sales pitch.
It’s common at All Inclusive Resorts to get some kind of sales pitch. Some are more aggressive than others.
This wasn’t quite a timeshare presentation, but it was definitely a push for an upgrade package. Francisco suggested that we come to a full presentation at breakfast where we could learn more about the UVC Vacation Club.
When he heard we were going to Secrets Impression Moxché after our Maroma stay, he mentioned signing up for a similar VIP session at Moxché.
We declined both, and to his credit, he didn’t push too hard.
Once Alexandra finished up, we stopped at the lobby bar for beer shots before heading to our rooms. The bellman took care of our luggage and led us to our Preferred Club rooms.
Preferred Club Perks at Check-in
- Separate check-in area with comfortable seating
- Welcome champagne served within minutes
- Cookies and cupcakes available nearby
- Vacation Club sales pitch was low-pressure and easy to decline
- Concierge service to handle everything seamlessly
Shortly after we arrived in our room, we met our phenomenal concierge, Roberto. He gave us a full rundown of our room, resort amenities, and some personal recommendations to make the most of our stay.
Waiting for us in the room was a personalized welcome note and a bottle of champagne!
Just 1 of many small details that he helped with during our stay.
Room & Preferred Club
For this trip, we got a free Globalist upgrade to a Preferred Club swim-out suite. Our friends had a Preferred Club ocean view suite on the third floor thanks to Guest of Honor status.
Zuzu & I had never stayed in a swim out suite and were really excited to finally try one.
Our suite had plenty of space and opened directly onto a small pool outside our patio. It sounded great in theory, but we didn’t end up using the swim-out much. If we had to do it again, we’d probably go with the ocean view instead.
Preferred Club
Just like most Secrets Resorts, there are regular rooms and there are Preferred Club rooms. Our Preferred Club rooms were closer to the beach and we had a dedicated Butler (or Concierge) just outside our door.
We’ve had butlers & concierges at many All Inclusive resorts but Roberto was the best we’ve ever had!
Hyatt Globalists and those with Guest of Honor awards get free access to Preferred Club benefits, although a Preferred Club room upgrade is based on availability. We’ve gotten a free Preferred Club room upgrade at 5 of the 6 Secrets we’ve visited. That’s a big part of why we rank Secrets as the best all inclusive for Globalists.
Reasons to Book Preferred Club at Secrets Maroma
- Rooms in a better location, closer to the beach
- Access to the Preferred Club beach with better loungers & service
- Exclusive entry to the great Preferred Beach Club restaurant and bar
- Concierge right outside our door, available to help with any needs
- Upgraded minibar and bath amenities
The Preferred Beach Club ended up being one of our favorite spots at the resort. The food was excellent, the drinks were strong, and it felt a little quieter than the main areas.
Secrets Maroma Beach Bed and Room
The king-size bed was really comfortable, with plenty of soft pillows and good sheets.
Speaking of pillows, Preferred Club rooms come with a Pillow Menu. We selected a few extra pillows and they were delivered quickly. The bed and pillows made for a great night’s sleep.
Secrets Maroma Beach Bathroom
The bathroom had double sinks, a big mirror, and plenty of counter space to spread out. Good heavy, soft towels.
Lighting was solid, and there was enough space for both of us to get ready without feeling cramped.
There’s an attached, lighted makeup mirror on the left. You’ll find a hair dryer stored in that basket under the sink.
In the water closet, there’s no bidet but thank goodness there’s a telephone next to the toilet.
Secrets Maroma Beach Shower
The walk-in shower had good water pressure and plenty of hot water. It had both a rainfall showerhead and a handheld sprayer. There’s also a little built in bench in the shower.
As a tall guy (I’m 6’5″), I appreciate a shower head that’s well above my head. It was more than 7 feet above the shower floor.
There are also a few hooks on the bathroom walls to hang towels, robes & swimming suits.
Bathroom Soaking Tub
Like many resort bathrooms, there’s a soaking tub in the bathroom with movable shutters that open to the bedroom.
If you’re not concerned about the neighbors in your semi-private swim up pool, you can keep the shutters open and have a view of the outside from the tub.
Bathroom Amenities
Preferred Club rooms come with upgraded toiletries, including higher-end soaps, lotions, and shampoos. In terms of quantity, it’s much more stuff than you get with a standard room and more than we’ve ever gotten at any other resort.
Housekeeping restocked them regularly, so we never ran out. That little spray bottle on the left is insect repellant but we never needed it.
Here’s another picture with everything laid out if you want to zoom in and see for yourself. Just ask your concierge if you need more of anything.
Secrets Maroma Beach Minibar
The minibar had beer, soda, bottled water, and snacks. It was restocked daily, and when we wanted something specific, our concierge Roberto made it happen.
And props to Roberto again. When you’re paying nearly a thousand dollars per night (or alot of hotel loyalty program points), restocking the minibar refrigerator should be a simple detail. Right?
What a difference he made compared to Secrets St James in Jamaica.
While we remember Secrets Maroma for everything being relaxing, we’ll always remember our Jamaica All Inclusive for how frustrating it was to get some extra pillows and to get our mini-fridge restocked even once!
Preferred Club Room TV and Desk
There’s a big screen TV that worked well. And yes, fans of Secrets will be happy to know that the “Elephant Channel” was there when you need some Zen time.
There’s an Android tablet next to the bed that we used to order room service and access the pillow menu.
The tablet also had info on each days activities. Unlike some tablets at other resorts, this one worked just fine. No trouble at all.
Electrical outlets are just like in the US, no international adaptors needed.
The Secrets Box
One of the things we liked about the room was the Secrets Box, a little compartment next to the door where they could drop off room service without having to come inside.
Each of the 6 Secrets Resorts we’ve visited have these Secrets Boxes. At Maroma, it made things easy when we ordered room service for breakfast or a late-night snack.
Closet & Steamer
There’s everything you’d expect in the room’s closet except an iron.
Two better-than-average robes, slippers, hangers, a safe and even an umbrella for those pop-up showers in paradise.
There’s also a steamer but no iron and ironing board. If you need one, just ask and they’ll get it for you.
There’s a laundry bag but beware the crazy high prices.
Swim-Out vs. Ocean View Room at Secrets Maroma Beach
The swim-out suite was cool in theory, but we didn’t use it much. The water was a little cold, and we spent more time at the main pools or the beach.
Since there’s no privacy between rooms in the swim out pool, we did get to meet a few neighbors. They were nice but one of them bragged they got these $1200 rooms for only $900. We tried not to gloat too much when we said we spent $0.
Anyways, the swim out suite just didn’t live up to the hype that we’d heard.
Meanwhile, our friend’s ocean view suite had a great view of the beach and water. Maggie actually took one of my all-time favorite travel photos from their balcony.
While it’s definitely worth paying extra at Secrets Maroma for Preferred Club, we don’t think it’s worth it to get a swim up suite.
Restaurants & Bars
Secrets Maroma Beach has plenty of restaurants and bars, ranging from casual beachside spots to more upscale dining.
Most of the food and drinks were really good, and while some places stood out more than others, overall, it was definitely above average for an all-inclusive.
Restaurants at Secrets Maroma: Full List & Favorites
With eight different restaurants, there’s a solid variety of food options. Whether you want fresh seafood, Italian pasta, or Mexican favorites, you’ll find something that hits the spot.
Preferred Beach Club Restaurant & Bar
The beachside Preferred Club was easily our favorite place for food and drinks. All the seafood we had there was fantastic! Standouts included salmon, coconut shrimp, ceviche, and octopus tacos. Even the house bread and dips were some of the best we’ve had at an all-inclusive.
The drinks were just as good—Carlos, our waiter, surprised us with a cocktail he called his ex-wife’s favorite, and it was excellent. The mezcal paloma and blueberry mojito were also great.
We especially enjoyed our leisurely breakfasts at the Preferred Club.
Loved the Benedictine Eggs, Secrets Oatmeal and the Divorced Eggs (recommended by Carlos, lol). Zuzu had the egg white omelet which was pretty good but not quite a favorite.
There was always a self serve area at the Preferred Beach Club. At breakfast, there was a Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. At lunch, the poke and sushi options were delicious!
World Café (Buffet)
The main buffet, open for breakfast and lunch, has a big selection of hot and cold items. The presentation was nice, and there was plenty of variety.
Zuzu liked her made-to-order omelet here even more than the very good omelet at the Preferred Club. If you’re an omelet person, try them at both restaurants.
This was definitely a better-than-average All Inclusive Resort buffet.
Dress Code: Casual (Bermuda shorts, long shorts, sneakers/sandals, no sleeveless shirts for men, and women must wear a swimsuit cover-up).
Oceana
Seafood restaurant near the beach. The soup was fantastic, but the grilled oysters were disappointing—shriveled up to almost nothing, with barely anything to bite into or taste.
The salmon and shrimp tartare was excellent, and the catch of the day with vegetables and mashed potatoes was a solid choice.
Dress Code: Casual (Shorts allowed, but no flip-flops or sleeveless shirts for men).
Himitsu (Teppanyaki) Asian
Hibachi-style restaurant with a fun, interactive dinner. Francisco, our chef, had great energy and made the meal entertaining, better than your average hibachi. The food was good, but not exceptional.
Our server, also named Francisco, was friendly and kept the drinks coming, which made for a fun experience even if the food itself wasn’t the best we’ve had.
There are three Teppanyaki tables, and reservations are required. btw, most All Inclusive Resort restaurants do not require dinner reservations but there are a few exceptions like this.
Dress Code: Casual Elegance (Long pants required for men).
Unsure of what to pack for an all-inclusive resort? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Beach Resort Dress Code.
Seaside Grill
Seaside Grill is a laid-back spot near the pool with a focus on grilled meats and seafood. One night, they had a special Brazilian steakhouse-themed dinner which was an easy decision for us to try.
A gaucho came right to our table and carved steak fresh onto our plates, which made for a fun and unique dinner experience. If you’re a steak fan, this is one of the better places to get it at the resort—especially if they’ve got gauchos!
Dress Code: Lunch – Casual (Long shorts, sneakers/sandals, no sleeveless shirts for men). Dinner – Casual Elegance (Based on our experience).
Portofino
We didn’t eat at Portofino, but other Secrets Maroma Beach reviews mentioned the pasta and seafood dishes were excellent, especially for an all-inclusive. If you’re in the mood for Italian, this might be one of the stronger dinner options.
Dress Code: Casual Elegance.
Barefoot Grill
Located by the pool, this small stand serves light lunch items like fish tacos and grilled veggies. We never had to wait long, but some reviews mention it gets backed up during peak times when the pool is busy.
Really enjoyed the ceviche here!
Bordeaux (French Cuisine)
À la carte French cuisine in a romantic, elegant setting. Features a wine cellar. We had a great meal at the Secrets Bahia Mita Bordeaux restaurant but Maroma’s Bordeaux didn’t fit into our schedule with just a 3 night stay.
Dress Code: Casual Elegance.
El Patio
We didn’t make it to El Patio, but some guests mentioned the mole poblano was great, while other dishes were just okay. Adam from Travel Fan Boy blog was a big fan. In his Secrets Maroma Beach review, he raved about El Patio being his favorite restaurant. Definitely try it on his recommendation.
OTOH, I read several reviews that thought the flavors were more Americanized than traditional Mexican cuisine. But you might be fine with that.
Dress Code: Casual Elegance.
Coco Café
Just off the lobby, Coco Cafe is a small coffee shop with tea, snacks, milkshakes and desserts. It’s open all day.
Every Secrets Resort has a Coco Cafe and some are better than others. This one was on the small side but larger than the tiny one at Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Another reason I love all inclusive resorts? All you can eat whipped cream with my desert!
Well, maybe “all you can fit on a plate” is a better way to describe it. Either way, Coco Cafe at Secrets Maroma was fun and tasty.
Room Service
On our last night, we ordered room service around 11 PM and had it delivered (in just 20 minutes) to our Secrets Box—which was super convenient since we didn’t have to open the door.
We went with salmon, which came with roasted vegetables and a Caprese salad, plus a piece of chocolate mousse cake for dessert.
The presentation was great, and while the food was good, I can’t say it was memorable like some of the other meals we had at the resort.
For example, the chocolate cake was good but c’mon, where’s the whipped cream?
Still, it hit the spot for a late-night snack and it was delivered quickly.
Bars at Secrets Maroma Beach: Where to Drink
Secrets Maroma Beach has six bars, each with a different vibe. Whether you’re looking for a party scene at the swim-up bar, a laid-back beach bar vibe, or a cocktail before dinner, you’ll find a good spot to grab a drink.
Preferred Club Beach Bar
This was far and away our favorite bar at the resort. The bartenders here were top-notch, making some of the best drinks we had all trip. They had a better selection of top-shelf liquors, and the service was consistently excellent.
Since we spent a lot of time in the roped-off Preferred Club beach area, this is where we got most of our drinks. The beach service here was also fantastic—just sit back, relax, and a server would bring drinks right to your lounger.
Thanks to it being #MojitoFest, we also discovered the Cucumber Mojito here. It’s now at the top of my list of best drinks to order at an all inclusive resort!
Rendezvous Lobby Bar
Rendezvous is the main bar in the lobby, perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
We stopped here for beer shots after checking in. In the evenings, it often has live piano music, making it a quieter, more relaxed spot. It’s right next to Cafe Coco.
Manatees Swim-Up Bar
Located at the main pool, this is the most social bar while it’s open. It always had at least a few patrons, but it was never crowded.
If you want a drink without leaving the pool, Manatees swim up bar is your spot.
Sugar Reef Bar
Sugar Reef is a more laid-back option near the pool. Great if you’re lounging nearby and don’t feel like getting in the water for a drink.
Barracuda Beach Bar
Barracuda is casual beachfront bar where you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the ocean views.
It was a great place to grab a drink before heading into the water or just watching the waves.
Palapa Bar (Beach Bar with Swings)
Palapa Bar was one of the most fun spots to grab a drink. It’s a beach bar with swings, making it a cool, unique spot to hang out. And it’s gorgeous in the morning before everyone hits the beach!
If you like barefoot beach bars, this is definitely the one to check out.
Showtime Bar
The bar near the theater, serving drinks during the nightly entertainment shows. Convenient if you want to sip a cocktail while watching a performance.
Desires Music Lounge Bar
We didn’t go to Desires, but other reviews said it’s the liveliest bar at the resort, with a DJ and dance floor. Some guests mentioned it could get a little rowdy late at night, while others enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere.
Beach and Pools
Zuzu & I are definitely “beach people.” We enjoy pools and always spend time in a resort’s pools, but we live for the beach!
Secrets Maroma’s two main pools were great and we definitely enjoyed them, but it takes something special to pull us away from a good beach. So far, only the incredible pools at Andaz Maui and the over-the-top pools at Impressions Moxché by Secrets have done that.
Beach at Secrets Maroma
Hands down, the beach at Secrets Maroma is the best part of the resort. The soft, white sand and the wide, flat shoreline makes it easy to walk into the ocean. The waves were gentle enough for wading or swimming.
Preferred Club Beach
We spent most of our time at the Preferred Club beach, which had a roped-off section with upgraded loungers and beach service.
For beach service, a server came around much more frequently than at the rest of the resort. We never had to leave our chairs to grab a cocktail. The bartenders at the Preferred Club Beach Bar were some of the rock stars at Secrets Maroma.
Since Zuzu and I differ on how much sun or shade we want, the Palapas in the Preferred Club beach area gave us plenty of options. And unlike at the pools, we could always get 4 great seats together.
Sargassum Seaweed
There was some seaweed in the water which washed up onto the beach, but it wasn’t a big problem during our stay. The resort had a crew cleaning up sargassum in the mornings. By the time we made it out to the beach, it was mostly clear.
They used both a tractor and people to gather the seaweed and move it off property. So there was some noise in the mornings from the equipment.
Don’t freak out over this next picture. I know it looks like alot when it’s piled up at the far end of the beach. But I’m serious that we never smelled it and it didn’t bother us.
Keep in mind that sargassum seaweed is an issue for almost every resort along the Caribbean. I don’t think the seaweed at this resort is particularly bad but you should not expect perfectly clear water at any resort on the Caribbean.
The seaweed didn’t stop us from wading into the water or taking a catamaran out.
Pools at Secrets Maroma Beach
Even though we spent most of our time at the beach, we still enjoyed the two main pools, hot tubs and the semi-private swim up pools.
As opposed to the Preferred Club Beach, it was always a challenge to find chairs at the main pools. But we were usually able to find at least 2 loungers with a few minutes of hovering.
Main Pool with Swim Up Bar
The main pool is the social hub of the resort thanks to the Manatees swim-up bar. This is the spot to hang out if you’re looking for a little more energy and interaction. It never got too crazy but there were always guests enjoying drinks, floating around, or playing silly pool games.
Even though it was the most popular pool, it never felt too crowded in the water. Just the seats were crowded.
Poolside service was ok. Not particularly impressive but they did come around occasionally. In the water at the swim-up bar, the fun bartenders kept the drinks flowing. Lounge chairs filled up quickly in the morning, so getting down early to claim a spot is a good idea.
Infinity Pool
The second pool at Secrets Maroma is an infinity pool located closer to the beach. It’s quieter and more relaxed compared to the main pool, making it a great spot if you just want to chill without all the social activity.
The views of the ocean from the infinity pool are beautiful, and it’s a perfect place to unwind with a cocktail and just take in the scenery.
This pool is less crowded but it’s right next to the main pool. Finding a chair was also an issue here as it kinda shares chairs with the main pool. But if you’re looking for a more peaceful pool, this is the place to be.
Swim Up Suite Pools
We stayed in a swim-out suite, which came with a semi-private pool right off our patio. These pools connect to a few neighboring suites, so while it’s not totally private, it’s still a nice way to cool off without leaving your room.
We didn’t use it as much as we expected since the water was a bit cold and we preferred being on the beach or at the main pools. If you’re a fan of the swim-out concept, it’s nice to have, but we’d be happy with an ocean-view room next time.
Hot Tubs
There are a couple of hot tubs scattered around the pool area, offering a nice spot to soak and unwind.
We never saw the hot tubs crowded like they can be at places like Hyatt Ziva Cancun. But these hot tubs are surrounded by trees and bushes on all side so maybe people just don’t think about them much?
They’re a good place to relax when the main pool is a bit too much.
Shallow Pools
Around the property, there are also some shallow, kind of decorative pools with seats and cabanas. They looked stunning in the moonlight.
There were plenty of bars around the pools, so getting a drink was never an issue as long as you weren’t relying on a server to show up often.
Bali Beds & Cabanas
Bali beds (aka cabanas) are available at both the pools and the beach. The poolside Bali beds cost $170 per day, while the beachside Bali beds come in two varieties: $40 per day for a standard one and $80 per day for a larger, nicer option.
If you don’t want to spend extra, there are plenty of free umbrellas around the pools and free palapas on the beach as long as you get up early and “reserve” a spot. Unfortunately, the chair game is strong here if you’re not at the Preferred Beach.
While the pools were nice, the beach was so good that we didn’t spend as much time in the pools as we have at some other all-inclusives. If you’re a beach person, this resort is hard to beat. If you’re more of a pool person, just be ready to claim your chair early in the day.
Secrets Maroma Spa by Pevonia Review
We didn’t book any treatments at the spa, but we walked through to check it out. It looked very peaceful, with a hydrotherapy circuit, saunas, steam rooms, and private treatment rooms.
If you’re into spa days, this could be a great place to unwind.
One thing that stood out was the Fish Spa Experience—a tank of tiny fish that nibble away dead skin when you dip your feet in.
We didn’t try it, but it definitely caught our attention! The spa also had a juice bar and relaxation areas that looked like a nice escape from the sun. If you’re looking for a break from the beach, this might be worth checking out.
As Globalists, we were offered a free Hydrotherapy treatment but we just never got around to using it.
Maroma Spa Massage vs Off Resort Massage
We didn’t spend the extra money for a massage but you’ve got 2 good options if you want to do that. The Secrets Maroma Spa by Pevonia gets excellent reviews but some guests say it’s expensive. You can check the Hyatt Inclusive app for current prices.
If you’re ok with leaving the resort property, many guests rave about Masajes en Playa Maroma which is about a 5 minute walk down the beach. Most comments call it the best massage they’ve ever had, and the prices are better compared to the spa prices.
Activities & Entertainment
Secrets Maroma Beach offers a ton of things to do (for free) to keep you busy from morning to night… if that’s what you want.
Daytime Activities at Secrets Maroma Beach
We didn’t take part in all the activities because we spent so much time lounging on the beach, but it’s great to know that there’s plenty to do if you’re in the mood.
Beach Volleyball
What better way to enjoy the spectacular beach than some sand volleyball?
The wide, flat sand made it easy for most of the youngsters I played with to move and jump. I had a ton of fun but for some unknown reason, I wasn’t able to jump as high as I did on my fraternity’s sand lot 35 years ago… it’s a mystery.
Catamaran Sailing
Another highlight for us was taking out a Hobie Cat sailboat for free.
Since Steve knows how to sail, the four of us headed out into the Caribbean and had an awesome time cruising along the coast. The water was pretty calm, and it was such a cool experience to see the beach from a different perspective.
There are also free kayaks you can use.
Giant Pool Table Game
One of the more unique things at Secrets Maroma was the giant pool table game. The “table” is about 10 feet wide by 20 feet long, and the pool balls are a little smaller than soccer balls. It was a hoot to watch Maggie & Zuzu play. Definitely different than the usual resort activities.
And yes, I know this picture is at night & I’m calling it a daytime activity. Apparently, you can have fun at Secrets Maroma regardless of the sun’s position.
Mini-Golf
Keeping with the daytime activity at night theme, here’s Zuzu crushing Hole #8 on the Mini Golf course. While it doesn’t live up to the Mini Blue 18 Hole Miniature Golf at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (which costs $25/person), this one’s pretty impressive for free. Much better than my expectations for an All Inclusive resort.
Note the drink holders in the picture. They were at every hole here as well as next to that giant pool game!
Here are a few other daytime activities we saw or heard about around the resort:
- Morning Yoga – Looked peaceful, but we were more into lazy mornings
- Giant Chess Set – Instead of a mental workout, we stuck to beach relaxation
- Ping Pong Tables – I remain undefeated
- Water aerobics in the pool – Fun to watch from the comfort of a lounge chair
- Cooking & cocktail classes – Looked fun but we were too busy eating & drinking
- Four-in-a-Row Basketball – Kind of like Connect 4, but with more sweat
Nighttime Entertainment at Secrets Maroma Beach
Like most all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Secrets Maroma offers a variety of evening entertainment options. But compared to many other resorts we’ve visited, this one stands out with more going on after dark than usual.
Showtime Theater
At most all inclusive resorts, the theater shows are the main evening attraction. We went to the “Rock Show” during our stay.
It was decent—definitely a little above average for all-inclusive resorts—and fine for free entertainment to enjoy a few more cocktails with our friends.
The rest of the crowd seemed to enjoy it, and the open air theater itself was pretty comfortable with good sight lines.
As long as you don’t come in with Broadway or Vegas Cirque du Soleil level expectations, you’ll enjoy these shows.
Pop Up Market
One night, there was a pop-up market with vendors and a pop-up restaurant.
After browsing the vendor’s booths, we grabbed a few bites to sample the food. But we had dinner reservations at the Teppanyaki restaurant that night so we didn’t eat much.
The pop-up scene added some extra energy to the evening and gave the resort a bit of a festival vibe. These don’t happen every night but expect them every few nights during your stay.
Live Music by the Pool
One night, we caught a band playing right by the edge of the pool.
They had a good mix of popular songs and a few unexpected covers. It was one of those moments where you’re just hanging out with a drink and good company, enjoying the atmosphere.
Light-Up Angel Performers
One evening, a couple of performers in angel costumes with LED lights walked through the property.
It was kind of random but pretty cool to see. Just one more little touch that made the nightlife feel more interesting.
It’s not uncommon for an all inclusive to have performers like this. But Secrets Maroma just had more of the neat little things like this compared to the average resort.
Sports Bar
The sports bar at Secrets Maroma was a great place to catch a game or just hang out.
They had pool, foosball, darts, and several big-screen TVs. It’s more of a low-key place to chill out compared to the busier bars and shows.
I forgot to take a picture of the sports bar at night so that’s why it’s daytime and empty in this picture.
Water Activities
For anyone looking to get out on the water, Secrets Maroma offers a good variety of free activities.
- Hobie Cat sailing – Thanks to Captain Steve, this was a blast.
- Kayaking – Available to guests for free, but we didn’t try it.
- Snorkeling – Couldn’t talk Zuzu into this but looked fun.
Even if you don’t want to do the activities yourself, it’s nice to have the option and watch others having fun out on the water.
Service & Staff at Secrets Maroma Beach
The staff at Secrets Maroma Beach made a huge difference in our experience—maybe the best we’ve had out of 17 beach resorts (13 All Inclusive) since 2021. From the warm welcome with champagne at check-in to the exceptional Preferred Club, they went above and beyond.
The bartenders at the Preferred Beach Club weren’t just good at making drinks—they made the whole vibe feel laid-back and fun. But the real MVP was our concierge, Roberto.
We’ve had plenty of concierges and butlers at other resorts, but most were pretty forgettable. Roberto was different—always around when we needed him, but never hovering.
One simple thing we remember: he kept our welcome champagne iced down for three days without us asking. It’s little touches like that which made him feel genuinely invested in our stay.
In our Guide to All Inclusive Tipping, we suggest $20 per day for a helpful concierge, but Roberto’s service was worth more. He made a real difference in how much we enjoyed this trip.
Globalist Benefits
Getting World of Hyatt Globalist benefits at Secrets Maroma Beach made our stay even better. It’s one of the reasons we stick with Hyatt when booking all-inclusive resorts.
Same goes for Guest of Honor award holders like our friends. Their GoH status gave them the same benefits that we got as Hyatt Globalists at Secrets Maroma Beach.
Preferred Club Perks Without the Extra Cost
One of the biggest benefits of being a Globalist here is getting Preferred Club access without paying extra. We booked a Swim-Out Suite with points, but even if we’d booked a standard room, we’d still get Preferred Club perks thanks to our Globalist status.
That means access to the Preferred Beach Club, upgraded beach loungers, and the exclusive restaurant and bar.
At most all-inclusive resorts, the upgraded experience of Preferred Club usually costs quite a bit more per night. Knowing we could count on those extra perks for free just made the whole stay feel even more luxurious.
Plus, the private beach area with reserved loungers made it a lot easier to find a great spot without having to get up early.
Room Upgrades When Available
While room upgrades aren’t guaranteed for Globalists and Guest of Honor holders, we did get an upgraded room at Secrets Maroma. (For those keeping score, that’s 5 of 6 times at Secrets Resorts that we’ve had a nice room upgrade).
Our swim-out suite was ready when we arrived, and the staff made a point to thank us for being Globalists.
Other Globalist Perks at Secrets Maroma Beach
Most of the other Globalist and GoH perks aren’t pertinent at Secrets Maroma Beach.
- Free parking: Like most guests, we didn’t have a vehicle here but I think it’s free.
- Free breakfast: it’s free for everyone
- No resort fees: Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts don’t have a separate Resort Fee
- Faster Wifi: Never noticed a “Premium Internet” option but the resort had very good wifi. Even on the beach, I got a strong signal: 82 MB download speed.
The other Globalist benefit that might be helpful is early check-in & late checkout which is “based on availability.” We were not proactively offered either but we didn’t need that at Secrets Maroma.
Learn all the Globalist Benefits at All Inclusive Resorts!
How Much are Globalist Perks Worth at Secrets Maroma?
If you’re a Globalist, you can expect your benefits to be worth about $200-300 per night at Secrets Maroma.
During our stay, a non-preferred ocean view (standard) room was $971 per night while a comparable Preferred Club room was $1,249, a $278 difference.
While we paid extra Hyatt points to guarantee a Swim Out Suite, the cash difference for our Preferred Club room vs a non-preferred room was $232.
FAQ’s about Secrets Maroma Beach
Originally opened in 2008, Secrets Maroma was remodeled in 2018.
It’s 25 miles from the Cancun Airport. It took us about 45 minutes for the shuttle ride.
Yes, Secrets Maroma Beach is an adults-only resort for guests 18 and older.
No, most restaurants are first-come, first-served. At peak times, there can be a short wait. Only the hibachi tables at Himitsu require a reservation.
Tipping is not required but it’s appreciated by the staff. Tipping is a highly personal choice. At Secrets Maroma, we thought more than half of guests tipped at meals and at the bar.
Yes, there are several wedding locations at Secrets Maroma Beach and private dinners at night for wedding parties.
Secrets Maroma Beach Review: 5 of 5
If you’ve read this entire review of Secrets Maroma Beach, it’s no surprise that we rate it a 5 out of 5 stars.
The resort’s beautiful beach, delicious dining options, relaxing spa, and wide range of activities made for an unforgettable vacation. Even though we were only here for 3 nights, it was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
We stayed at Secrets Maroma for free and you can too!
Is Secrets Maroma Beach Worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it! Zuzu and I highly recommend Secrets Maroma Beach to anyone looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive experience in Playa del Carmen.
If you’re planning a trip to Secrets Maroma, I strongly recommend upgrading to the Preferred Club for extra perks like private beach access, an exclusive restaurant, and a dedicated concierge. And don’t forget to try some of the amazing dishes at the Preferred Beach Club – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Compared to Other Hyatt All Inclusive Resorts
Of the 13 All Inclusive resorts that we’ve visited since 2021, 11 have been Hyatt properties. Here’s how they rank:
- Secrets Impression Moxche Playa del Carmen
- Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
- Secrets Maroma Beach
- Secrets Cap Cana
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
- Zoetry Montego Bay
- Secrets Bahía Mita
- Secrets St James
- Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya
- Secrets St Martin
Coming in as my 3rd favorite, we loved visiting Secrets Maroma Beach. The only 2 resorts that beat it were much newer properties which have some inherent advantages over the older properties.
Secrets Maroma Beach is the best of the older All Inclusive Resorts that we’ve visited.
More All Inclusive Resort Info
Here’s why we love All Inclusive Resorts and some tips on how you can stay for free like we do!
- What To Expect at an All Inclusive Resort
- How We Stay for Free at Luxury Resorts
- 150+ Hyatt All Inclusive Resorts
- Tipping at All Inclusive Resorts
- All Inclusive Resort Dress Code Guide
- Best Drinks to Order at All Inclusive Resorts
Have you been to Secrets Maroma Beach or have questions about visiting? Let me know in the comments!
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