TULUM, Mexico -- A beach oasis in the middle of the jungle. That's the look and feel of the Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club.
Part of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, the adults-only resort has been open for about six months.
Staff here told me the 300-room resort was at about 70% occupancy when I visited in mid-April, but it didn't seem that crowded. The resort was quiet and peaceful while walking around in the daytime, with only a few guests scattered in different corners, never too many people at one time in one area. It felt like a secluded wellness retreat.
The resort's design team clearly was going for this vibe of peaceful seclusion, from guestrooms to public areas.
Each room located on the resort's lower level have private terrace pools. That's the kind of a room I had -- a junior suite with a swim out -- and it was more than enough reason to want to hunker down in my private little oasis all day, especially when it rained.
I could lounge on my porch next to my private pool, relaxing on the rattan chaise, listening to the rain fall.
For when the sun comes out, the resort features nine cenote-inspired pools that weave in and around the property, giving a lazy-river feel. Several of the pools are connected in some areas, enabling waders to drift from one building to another before encountering a step bridge, getting out and then back into the next pool section to continue drifting along.
The property has nine cenote-inspired pools on the resort property, complete with plenty of sandy beach walking paths and comfortable seating areas. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
The spa is another location at the Secrets Tulum where I could spend all day. It is tucked away in a corner of the resort, and there's a private courtyard for spa patrons, though that area is still under construction.
There are two main types of experiences: the hydrotherapy treatment and massages. I opted for the hydrotherapy experience.
There's a large, heated pool with massaging waterfalls; a cold plunge pool; a jacuzzi; an ice fountain that's used for exfoliation purposes; plus, a dry sauna and steam room.
Guests have to make a reservation to use the spa and when signing up for the hydrotherapy treatment. It's a guided circuit experience, with a staff member chaperoning guests through the stations. The treatment lasts about an hour.
I like to roam free and spend as much unrestricted time as possible in a spa, but the staff here says the timed visits help ensure that everyone gets a chance to experience the facility.
Another place Secrets Tulum guests could stay all day is the resort's private Beach Club, which is a 15-minute ride in a shuttle van from the property. Right in the heart of Tulum's hotel zone, the Beach Club is open exclusively to Secrets Tulum guests and is a welcome amenity for those who prefer the beach and want to explore that part of Tulum.
The club has two pools and plenty of shaded beachfront seating areas in addition to Balinese day beds. There's a dining area serving snacks like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and alcoholic beverages, and a bar closer to the beach seating area.
First Look: Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club
Located next to the Beach Club is the Secrets Tulum Villa. It is a luxurious and enviable experience for guests willing to splurge.
The entire villa is $7,000 per night and is staffed with a private chef and bartender. The villa has five bedrooms, including a master suite with a lovely soaking tub, complete with a private balcony and hammock overlooking the ocean. There are two plunge pools -- one on the balcony of the living room level and one on the rooftop, where there is additional lounge seating and an outdoor kitchen and grill. There's also a shaded outdoor shower.
If a small group of friends decided to split the cost for a short weekend getaway, I think it would be well worth the splurge.
Ultimately, no matter where guests choose to spend their time at the Secrets Tulum, a corner of paradise is tucked away.