Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort

Built in 2014, Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort occupies wood-accented white stone buildings on the beach in Playa Mujeres. This private resort and golf community is accessed via a security checkpoint and located just north of Cancun. Set away from the crowds, this all-inclusive has a relaxing and quiet atmosphere, punctuated by poolside entertainment and a scheduled program of activities. The carefully tended grounds feature green lawns fringed with lots of tropical plants, cacti, and palm trees. Paved pathways lead around the resort, parts of which are located uphill, including the lobby, some restaurants, and entertainment facilities (golf carts are provided). Airy and spacious interiors are decorated in a modern style that showcases wood, natural-tone leather, and accents such as patterned fabrics. Bronzed sculptures add a sophisticated nod to the local Cancun aesthetic. This property is ideal for adult travelers and young couples (there are no kids allowed). International business travelers also stay here for large conventions hosted on-site.

Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort is located a good distance from Cancun's main hotel zone (35-minute drive) and downtown (25- to 30-minute drive). The resort is set back from the road within an 18-hole golf course in a private community, so there are no traffic noises. All in all, this is a great location for travelers who want a quieter setting away from the Cancun crowds, and relatively easy access to off-resort activities. In downtown Cancun, sights to see include the city's main park, Parque Las Palapas, which has food carts and markets selling local wares; Market 28, offering souvenir stands and restaurants; and the waterfront neighborhood of Malecon Tajamar. Cancun International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.

All of the rooms at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort are suites and range from about 600 to 1,100 square feet. Decor is similar to the public spaces and features dark wood, beige fabrics and marble floors, and natural accents such as wall-mounted wooden tree designs. Views are of the gardens or the ocean (full and partial views available), and all suites have simply furnished stone-floor balconies or terraces. Some suites extend directly into a small private outdoor pool area. In-suite tech includes 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, docking stations for Apple products, tablets stocked with hotel information, and free Wi-Fi. All suites have free minibars (restocked daily with beer, soda, and water) and Nespresso coffeemakers. Pillow menus and boxes for undisturbed 24-hour room service are nice touches. Beige marble bathrooms have two-person soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. Secrets bath products, along with hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. All rooms are air-conditioned, but some guests have complained of minor maintenance issues. Evening turndown service is a luxurious touch.

Guests who pay extra for the Preferred Club get perks such as fast check-in, and access to cabanas and a separate bar with top-shelf liquor and snacks. Otherwise, this luxury resort offers an array of restaurants and bars within its all-inclusive plan for all guests. An international buffet serves breakfast, and other dining options include a hibachi, seafood grill, traditional Mexican cuisine, and Brazilian steakhouse. Note that men must wear jeans or pants and shoes (not sandals) to dinner. Swim-up, poolside, beach, lobby, and piano bars are open to guests, and there's a late-night club with a DJ and karaoke. Though most alcohol is included with rates, past guests have complained about watered down cocktails. Guests also have access to facilities at neighboring Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resorts, accessed via golf cart or walking path.

This Secrets property also has two outdoor pools with speedy poolside drink service, and a private beach with cabanas and sunbeds. There is a luxe spa that offers an array of couples and singles massages, seaweed body wraps, aromatherapy, and beauty treatments. The resort is partially located on the grounds of the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed Playa Mujeres Golf Course, and daily green fees are included for guests. Many varied activities and water sports are also available and include cocktail and cooking classes, paddleboarding, yoga, tennis, Spanish lessons, and more (some for a fee; other activities are included).

Entertainment is provided regularly and can include traditional festivals. There's a large meeting space for business conferences and other private conventions -- which can sometimes overwhelm resort facilities and restaurants with crowds. Wi-Fi service is free and fast.