Punta Cana Two Ways

Adults-only Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa and Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana offer two magical settings for luxury travellers

Aerial view of Secrets Cap Cana Punta Cana
Photo: AMResorts

Mention Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and the first image that comes to mind is likely palm-fringed beaches, azure waters and sunny skies. Choose this Caribbean destination for your winter vacation and once you arrive you can easily forget whatever polar vortex you’ve experienced at home.

If you’re planning a trip to Punta Cana, where should you stay? For an adults-only, all-inclusive resort dedicated to couples, singles and friends, Secrets Resorts offers two unique properties in the Punta Cana area. Part of the AMResorts collection of upscale resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, each of these luxury resorts has its own distinct vibe, activities and personality.

Here’s how to choose the one that’s perfect for you.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa

Located in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana on Juanillo Beach, Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is just 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, yet offers an abundance of tropical seclusion.

Swing in a hammock slung between two palms, walk barefoot on the sand at sunrise and sip coconut water from a fresh coconut and you can easily imagine you’re castaway on a remote island.

Elegant accommodations options at Secrets Cap Cana include bungalow suites in Caribbean Casita style, swim out suites
Photo: AMResorts

Yet, this castaway experience features beach butler service and all the luxury amenities of a world-class resort. Secrets Cap Cana features 457 suites offering views of the ocean or lush landscapes. Blissful amenities include king-size or two queen beds with private, furnished balcony or terrace with soaking tub, marble bathrooms with rain showers and double sinks.

For the ultimate in carefree elegance, opt for one of the Preferred Club suites with swim-out in an oceanfront bungalow directly on the beach. Preferred Club also offers upgraded suites in other premium locations as well as several other perks such as private check-in and check-out, butler service, access to a private lounge with fine liquors and hors d’oeuvres, an upgraded mini-bar and room service menu, as well as access to an exclusive swimming pool.

Learn how to make ceviche during one of the enrichment activities
offered at Secrets Cap Cana
Photo: Michele Peterson

At Secrets Cap Cana, the Preferred Club beach set among tall swaying palms is especially inviting. It’s also just steps to Pevonia Spa where guests can enjoy the expansive hydrotherapy circuit, a series of hot and cold plunge pools, Jacuzzi, waterfalls, herbal steam room, showers and relaxation zones, all designed to detoxify and rejuvenate. Indulgent spa treatments, including everything from seaweed wraps to after-sun facials; take place in treatment rooms set among reflecting pools lined by palm trees.

Executive Chef Ibai Torres presides over the food and beverage
experience at
Secrets Resort Cap Cana
Photo: Secrets Cap Cana

Highlights of a stay at Secrets Cap Cana are the gourmet cuisine and inventive cocktails. In addition to the 24-hour room service, there are six bars and 10 restaurants to choose from, with no reservation ever required, all enjoyed on an all-inclusive basis. Must-try dishes created by Executive Chef Ibai Torres include sirloin with smoked foie gras at Bordeaux restaurant as well as several traditional Dominican dishes such as sancocho, a hearty stew of root vegetables and meats or coconut shrimp in sweet tamarind sauce. For those who want to up their cooking game, it’s possible to register for personalized cooking classes featuring authentic Caribbean ceviche or guacamole.

Enjoy the ultimate VIP experience on Bavaro Beach with a private VIP beach cabana at
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Photo: AMResorts

Other on-site activities include water sports, morning yoga and fitness classes, bike tours and live nightly entertainment. Further afield, options include fishing for marlin, wahoo and tuna on a sports fishing excursion from Cap Cana marina, golfing at the Punta Espada Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course, or sailing to Saona Island on a luxury catamaran.

Yet, the most compelling of the many features of Secrets Cap Cana remains its secluded setting and unplugged elegance.

Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

Spacious Oceanfront Master Suite at
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Photo: AMResorts

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get fit, then you’ll be well on your way to meeting your fitness goals at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. Perfectly situated on a prime stretch of Bavaro Beach just 25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, you can easily achieve 10,000 steps a day before breakfast just by taking a morning walk along this long, palm-studded beach.

Stay in one of the 464 suites at adults-only Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana and you’ll enjoy stunning garden, pool and ocean views as well as a free form pool that winds its way through lush gardens like an adults-only lazy river. Preferred Club members also enjoy access to an exclusive swimming pool and bar, whirlpool and beach area as well as members’ lounge and beachfront Seaside Grill for breakfast and lunch.

Soak up the tranquility with a private VIP Bali Bed Beach Cabana with butler service at
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Photo: Michele Peterson

In-suite amenities include king-size or two double beds, furnished balcony or terrace with whirlpool tub and, for those who opt for the ultimate in luxury, the Ocean Front Preferred Club Master Suite, featuring a spacious living area with a terrace ideal for watching the spectacular Punta Cana sunrises.

Up the luxe factor even more by booking the Caribbean Oasis experience which features a private VIP Beach cabana outfitted with a rooftop deck, Bali bed draped in gauzy curtains, loungers, dining area and champagne delivered by a private butler.

Preferred Club guests at Secrets Punta Cana
have access to an exclusive
swimming pool and restaurant
Photo: Michele Peterson

For those seeking a sanctuary for the senses, the Pevonia Spa offers several soothing treatments such as island-inspired body treatments, massages and facials. Sip on a frosty glass of chlorophyll detox water while a spa valet leads you through a stimulating hydrotherapy circuit designed to boost energy and immune system function.

Adventure is guaranteed at Secrets Royal Beach where non-motorized water sports are complimentary and daily activities include bocce ball, beach volleyball, aqua bike, merengue dance lessons, tennis, and even drums fitness classes. Parasailing, glass-bottom boat tours and other activities are just steps away on this action-packed beach.

Evenings, tuck into beef carpaccio at Portofino, sushi at Himitsu or grilled Caribbean lobster at La Riviera, just a few of the stylish dining venues onsite. Top-shelf spirits are served at six bars and lounges throughout the resort, with mixology classes and rum tastings available as part of the entertainment program.

Guests also enjoy access to 24-hour room service and additional all-inclusive options at Now Larimar Punta Cana and Now Garden Punta Cana, featuring 12 restaurants, 14 bars and other facilities.

Can’t decide which of the Secrets Resorts in Punta Cana is for you? Combine the best of both worlds and visit both during one vacation, enjoying the unique character of each on a dual resort vacation.

Travel Planner

Bavaro Beach is one of the Caribbean’s
most beautiful beaches
Photo: Michele Peterson

Secrets Resorts: www.secretsresorts.com

VIP Cabana Secrets Royal Beach: Book in advance via the concierge. Cost is $100 USD per day for two people with an additional $20 USD pp for a maximum of 6 people.

Private Dining at Secrets Cap Cana: For an especially romantic experience, consider a a private dinner set amid the palm trees of Juanillo Beach. Book in advance with the concierge or upon arrival with your butler. Extra costs apply.

Getting There: Air Canada Rouge and Air Transat offer direct flights to Punta Cana from Montreal.

Michele Peterson is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in food, drink and sun destinations. Her work has appeared in major magazines, guidebooks and travel anthologies. You can get travel tips, discounts and recipes on her A Taste for Travel blog or via Twitter/Instagram @atastefortravel