I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Secrets Playa Blanca several times since it opened in 2024—and even before it officially welcomed guests. Through managing its Facebook fan group, frequent visits, and lots of feedback from clients, I’ve gotten to know this resort inside and out. Here’s everything you need to know for a great all-inclusive vacation. If you want to upgrade it to an awesome all-inclusive vacation – contact me!
Table of Contents
Quick Facts (No Fluff)
Location: 45-minute drive from Cancun Airport, roughly 3 hours from Tulum Airport
Adults Only: 18+
Suites: 507
Pools: Three main pools plus one Preferred Club-only pool
Dining: 8 à la carte restaurants and Coco Café
Golf: Nearby Playa Mujeres Golf Course offers discounted rates
Nearby Hospitals: Hospital Galenia, Hospiten Cancun
Who Actually Enjoys Staying Here?
Honestly, Secrets Playa Blanca does a great job for couples, and friend groups alike. The vibe leans toward relaxation rather than party-hard, though the entertainment pool does pick up during scheduled activities. Nightlife is decent, but Moxché takes the crown for the most energetic.
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Getting There (The Easy Way)
Our clients usually get here via a private transfer with Lomas Travel—it’s reliable and stress-free. We also include it with all of our bookings! If you book direct expect to pay around $138 round-trip for up to seven people.
Flying into Cancun International Airport is the best way to get here. The drive from Cancun Airport is just under 45 minutes.
Pro-Tip: Check out our detailed customs and airport guide, save this link: Cancun Airport Guide.
Pro-Tip: If Tulum flights are drastically cheaper make sure you know that the Tulum transfers to Secrets Playa Blanca are going to be VERY expensive, and take over 2 hours each way.
Accommodations: What’s Really Worth It
Junior Suites: Solid rooms, bright and comfortable. Ideal if you spend most of your time outdoors.
Preferred Club Junior Suites: You get better ocean views, outdoor soaking tubs, and generally a nicer location. Worth considering for a special occasion. Tropical view rooms are on floors 2, while ocean view rooms are on floors 3 and up in the Preferred Club buildings. For now, until the palm trees fully mature, some of the tropical view rooms get a really nice ocean view.
Master Suites: Large, oceanfront, and spacious. Great it if you want extra space.
Presidential Suites: Super luxurious. If budget isn’t a concern, go for it. There are two presidential suites but the 4th floor one has a larger plunge pool so request that. Also note that Presidential suites get more perks than are publicly listed, like our clients recently have been getting 6 bottles of alcohol that you can drink at the resort or take home (and you can pick what you want too).
Keep in mind: king rooms have semi-private bathrooms, double-bed rooms offer more privacy as the slats in their bathroom doors can be closed.
Pro-Tip: Ocean Azure Costa Mujeres is being built next door, so if you staying Preferred Club request building 3 or building 1 if you are staying oceanfront to try to avoid construction noise!
Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean Front Room Tour
@caballerosvacations Come along with us to check out these beautiful Ocean Front Master Suites at the brand-new Secrets Playa Blanca resort! These are super spacious, featuring some stunning views of the turquoise Costa Mujeres ocean 🌊😍 If you aren’t booked here yet - don’t miss out! Prices are steadily going up and rooms are selling out! Reach out and let’s get you booked ✈️ 👉 mike@caballerosvacations.com #SecretsPlayaBlanca #PlayaBlanca #RivieraMaya #CostaMujeres #SecretsResorts #AllinclusiveResort #AllinclusiveResorts #AdultsOnlyResort #MexicoVacation #Cancun #CancunMexico #VacayMode #RoomTour #RoomTours #CaballerosVacations #ExploreMoreMexico @Caballeros Vacations @Caballeros Vacations @Caballeros Vacations ♬ Rainy Sun - Muspace Lofi
Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Up Views
@caballerosvacations Just a few more days till Secrets Playa Blanca finally opens 🤗🥳 If you didn't book here yet - don't miss out - rates are going up every week it seems. Send us a message before they go up again! 👉 mike@caballerosvacations.com #SecretsPlayaBlanca #PlayaBlanca #SecretsResorts #SecretsPlayaBlancaExclusivo #SecretsResortsMexico #SecretsResortsCancun #Cancun #RivieraMaya #visitmexico #allinclusiveresort #allinclusivevacation #allinclusiveresorts #allinclusiveluxury #adultsonlyresort #caballerosvacations #exploremoremexico #livingdreamsmexico #visitrivieramaya #costamujeres #costamujeresmexico #AllInclusiveParadise @Caballeros Vacations @Caballeros Vacations ♬ Travel Vlog, Guitar IndiePop - AtagoSounds
Secrets Playa Blanca Resort Map
Pools: Real Talk
Secrets Playa Blanca has several pools, each with its own vibe:
Jungle Pool: My favorite by far. It’s tucked away and peaceful, with cabanas you can rent. It feels private and relaxing.
Activity Pool: Fun, lively, great for socializing and enjoying the planned activities.
Infinity Pool: Offers amazing ocean views, great for a chill afternoon.
Preferred Club Pool: Quiet and attentive service. No swim-up bar, but the staff takes great care of you poolside.
Except for the Jungle Pool, all pools are heated during cooler months.
Secrets Playa Blanca - Jungle Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Jungle Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Jungle Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Infinity Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Infinity Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Social Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Social Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Social Pool
Secrets Playa Blanca - Social Pool
The Preferred Club Debate – Is Preferred Club Worth It At Secrets Playa Blanca
People always ask me if Preferred Club is worth it. Here’s the truth: if you struggle with FOMO (fear of missing out), you should absolutely book Preferred Club. You get access to an exclusive lounge, private check-in, upgraded room locations, a Preferred Club pool, a private restaurant, and Bali beds at the pool area (extra charge for bali beds). If you are the type of person to pass by this during your stay and let it bother you that you don’t get access to it – book Preferred Club and don’t look back.
If none of this excites you much, you’ll be just fine without it. The service is great either way. The food is good. The drinks are tasty. I personally enjoyed the upgrade during special occasions but didn’t feel it was a must-have every trip.
Breakfast for non-preferred guests is the Market Café buffet. Preferred club guests get 2 additional choices – the Preferred Club lounge bar which has a continental breakfast set up (along with appetizers & desserts throughout the day) and Seaside Grill.
Pro-Tip: Absolutely no swim wear at the beachside Preferred Club restaurant. If you are even a little bit damp you will get turned away.
Foodie Tips (My Favorites)
Dining here is genuinely good:
Market Café: A solid buffet, particularly good at breakfast.
Portofino & Bordeaux: These spots feel more upscale and perfect for a nice evening meal.
Himitsu: I’ve heard mixed reviews, and personally, I’d suggest trying other places first.
Coco Café: Great coffee and pastries for a quick pick-me-up.
Pro-Tip: All restaurants offer outdoor seating, so men don’t always have to worry about packing long pants.
Activities Worth Trying
I definitely recommend the hat-painting workshop—it’s a fun, unique souvenir. The Mexican-themed night tucked near the theater is another must; the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming.
If you want to explore nearby, consider swimming with whale sharks (summer only), booking a catamaran to Isla Mujeres, or trying a local food tour in Cancun.
For more excursion ideas check out our recommendations here.
Spa and Fitness—My Honest Opinion
The spa here is beautiful, and the hydrotherapy circuit is excellent, especially since Preferred Club guests get a free session (just one per visit – and this is subject to change at anytime). The gym is decent, with all the equipment you’d need.
The Beach (One of the Best Parts)
The Costa Mujeres beach is genuinely beautiful—wide, white-sand, and less affected by the seasonal seaweed that hits other parts of the Riviera Maya. It’s easily one of the resort’s biggest selling points, perfect for long walks or simply lounging by the water.
There are 2 beach bars. One for the preferred section and one for non-preferred.
Pro-Tip: Cabana’s B-50, B-40, B-41, B-30, B-31, B-32 on the beach do not get a direct ocean view as they are partially blocked by sand dunes.
The following video shows off the beach views from the Oceanfront Master Suites back in 2024 when construction was still going on at the resort.
@caballerosvacations Costa Mujeres: Flip-flops & worries optional. 🌴👣 📹 From The Master Oceanfront Suite at Secrets Playa Blanca #EscapeToParadise #CostaMujeres #CostaMujeresCancun #SecretsPlayaBlanca #AllinclusiveResort #CostaMujeresBeach #CostaMujeresMexico #CaballerosVacations #VisitMexico #VisitRivieraMaya #PlayaCostaMujeres #RivieraMaya #RivieraMayaMexico @Caballeros Vacations @Caballeros Vacations @Caballeros Vacations ♬ Traveling - Melodion
Insider Tips (Real-Life Observations)
Accessibility: The resort is very accessible overall. All the room buildings have elevators, and there are ramps across the property anywhere there are stairs. They have 3 accessible rooms which can be guaranteed in advance. And a wooden path down to the beach.
Pet Policy: Small dogs allowed—but needs to be setup in advance.
Closet Quirk: The sliding closet doors can be a bit tricky. Just use two hands.
Timeshare Offers: You’ll get approached by Unlimited Vacation Club reps. If it doesn’t interest you, politely decline. They may offer freebies like spa treatments or excursions.
Room Jacuzzi: Jacuzzi buttons are oddly hidden on the wall. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss this perk.
- No Mixed Shots: At night they will not serve “mixed” shots at the palapa bar (only straight tequila, rum, etc).
- Beautiful Sunset: The sunrise happens on the beach in front of you. But you can watch the sunset over the lobby fountains or over the jungle from the terrace by the ballrooms.
Special Occasions: Let the concierge know ahead of time, and they’ll usually do something special.
Sip, Savor & See Program (Explained)
Dinner and entertainment at nearby sister resorts.
Reservations by 3 PM same day at the concierge.
Available from 6 PM to 1 AM—transportation is your responsibility.
This isn’t a day pass, just an evening experience.
Comparing Secrets Playa Blanca to Secrets/Impression Moxché and Secrets Akumal
Secrets Playa Blanca vs. Secrets Impression Moxché
Vibe and Atmosphere:
Secrets Playa Blanca offers a serene and relaxed environment, ideal for those looking to unwind. In contrast, Secrets Moxché is a bit more energetic and social.
Impression Moxché however is much quieter. Staying on the Impression Moxché side lets you venture over to the Secrets side for a more energetic social vibe, and then stay at the Impression side for a quieter more romantic vibe.
Ultimately Secrets Playa Blanca is the middle-ground between Secrets Moxché and Impression Moxché.
Check out our full write-up on Impression & Secrets Moxché here.
Accommodations:
While both resorts boast luxurious accommodations, Impression Moxché’s suites are notably larger and come with additional amenities, such as private plunge pools and butler service.
Beach & Pool Experience:
Playa Blanca’s beach is expansive and less prone to sargassum, offering a more consistent beach experience. Moxché’s beach, while beautiful, can be narrower and occasionally the waters are affected by seaweed. Moxché does have a sargassum barrier installed to help with this, but the area just traditionally is affected by seaweed.
Alternatively Moxché has a VAST selection of pools available and if you prefer pools over the beach – then Moxché is the spot for you.
Ideal For:
Choose Playa Blanca if you’re seeking a peaceful retreat with a beautiful beach and light nightlife. Opt for Impression Moxché if you desire top-tier luxury with an option for lively atmosphere and more of a focus on pools.
Secrets Playa Blanca vs. Secrets Akumal
Location and Accessibility:
Secrets Playa Blanca is a shorter ride from the airport – situated approximately 45 minutes north of Cancun airport. Secrets Akumal is located further south, about 75 minutes to 1.5 hours from the airport. So Secrets Playa Blanca is generally quicker to get to. And since Secrets Playa Blanca is in Costa Mujeres, it tends to fare better during sargassum season.
Natural Surroundings:
Akumal is renowned for its mature vegetation and the opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles directly off the beach. Playa Blanca, being newer, has landscaping that’s still maturing but offers unobstructed ocean views.
Beach and Water Activities:
Akumal’s beach is a haven for marine life enthusiasts, with easy access to snorkeling spots. However, the presence of tour boats can sometimes disrupt the tranquility. Playa Blanca’s beach is wider and less crowded, providing a more relaxed beach experience.
Resort Layout:
Some guests find Akumal’s layout a bit confusing due to its dense vegetation, while Playa Blanca’s design is more straightforward and easier to navigate. Both are very similar because they both are owned by the same team! Their other property is Secrets Maroma Beach!
Ideal For:
If snorkeling with turtles and lush surroundings are high on your list, Akumal is a great choice. For those prioritizing a newer resort with a spacious beach and easier navigation, Playa Blanca is the way to go.
Final Thoughts (Why Book Here?)
Secrets Playa Blanca genuinely impressed me each visit—it’s reliable, comfortable, and the perfect balance of luxury and ease. It’s become a go-to recommendation because it appeals to a wide variety of travelers without feeling pretentious or stuffy.
Ready to discuss your trip? I’m here to help you book and provide any extra insights you need. Reach out anytime—let’s make your next getaway effortless and memorable.
