Bliss Honeymoons Founder, Laura Frazier recently spent three nights at Secrets Tides Resort in Punta Cana. In this blog post, Laura shares her experience at this all-inclusive resort and about the highlights from her stay.

An Honest Travel Review From a Travel Agent

The Beach

The beach at Secrets Tides is absolutely stunning. There were plenty of beach beds and chairs, so finding a spot was never an issue. The beach stretches long enough for a pleasant walk, and during my visit, it was impeccably clean with no seaweed in sight. It never felt crowded, and there were no vendors, making it a perfect place to relax.

The Rooms

I stayed in a Preferred Club Tropical View room, and it was fantastic. The room was spacious, well-lit, and very clean. The mattresses and pillows were incredibly comfortable, although the sheets were a bit scratchy, which is typical for hotel linens. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and there was always plenty of hot water. I was thrilled with the Nespresso machine in my room. The minibar was well-stocked, and I had ample clean towels and bottled water. Staying in the Preferred Club section meant I had access to butler service, the Preferred Club lounge, and a private pool, all of which added to the luxurious experience.

Dining

The food at Secrets Tides was a delightful surprise. Typically, I find the food in the Dominican Republic not quite up to the standards of Mexico, but this resort exceeded my expectations. I had a delicious avocado toast breakfast at the Preferred Club lounge one morning and enjoyed the extensive and healthy options at the buffet on the other two days. There were plenty of choices for eggs, meats, fresh fruits, and options for vegans and those who are gluten-free. The lunch sushi was a hit, and dinner options included Asian, Italian, and seafood. Even the room service pizza, made in a wood-fired oven, was fantastic. As a vegetarian, I was pleased with the variety of food available, ensuring I never ran out of delicious things to eat.

The Drinks

I enjoyed a few well-made cocktails during my stay. The bars and restaurants offered a good selection of premium liquors and wines. I particularly appreciated that the staff did not push alcohol, making it a comfortable environment for those who don’t drink. They had a variety of mocktails, and I felt perfectly at ease ordering soda water from the swim-up bar. This makes Secrets Tides a great all-inclusive option for non-drinkers.

The Pools

The resort boasts three pools: the main pool, the Preferred Club pool, and a quiet pool. Each had plenty of chairs and excellent poolside service. The main pool featured a daily DJ, but I preferred the quieter ambiance of the Preferred Club pool. It was smaller, more tranquil, and also had a swim-up bar and great service.

The Layout

Navigating the resort was easy. If you’ve stayed at Secrets Maroma or Secrets Akumal, the layout will feel familiar as they share the same ownership. Despite having around 500 rooms, the resort is user-friendly and not overwhelming.

Nightlife

Like most Secrets Resorts, there was evening entertainment at Desires nightclub. Although I didn’t get a chance to enjoy it, it’s worth noting for those interested in nightlife.

Spa & Gym

While I didn’t use the spa or gym, both looked inviting. Fellow travelers in my group had positive experiences with these facilities.

The Area

A small shopping center is within walking distance of the resort. One of my companions managed to snag some cute dresses at a good price. The resort is also conveniently located about 30 minutes from the airport.

The Cons

The only downside to my stay was the proximity to Breathless Resort. My room was near an event area, and the late-night noise was quite disruptive. Although it ended around midnight, it was still frustrating as I prefer to sleep earlier. To avoid this, I recommend booking a room on the opposite side of the resort, such as the Preferred Club Beachfront rooms.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved my stay at Secrets Tides Resort. I would confidently recommend it for a honeymoon, destination wedding, or anyone seeking a fantastic vacation experience in the Dominican Republic.