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A full review of Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen

Secrets Moxche Resort is a hidden paradise located near Playa del Carmen. Only about 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport, Secrets Moxche offers a secluded escape for travelers seeking a unique and luxurious experience.

Secrets Moxche combines personalized service, world-class accommodations, and an array of upscale amenities to create an unforgettable retreat. This resort is adults-only and all-inclusive. You’ll see couples, friend groups, and some multi-generation adult family trips. 

Secrets is truly all-inclusive, with all restaurants included in the price of your stay. Top-shelf liquor is available,  but make sure to ask for it! 

Should I tip at Secrets Resorts?

PLEASE tip at Secrets Resorts and other all-inclusive except Sandals or anywhere that strictly forbids it. Even if it says tips are included, please know that most service employees are not well and appreciate your tips!

A helpful guide to tipping is $5 for breakfast, $10 for lunch or dinner, and $1-2 for drinks. You can also tip housekeeping or anyone who helps you in any way. If you can tip more, by all means, do so. Your tips are appreciated, and they do remember who tips well!

Secrets Moxche vs Impressions Moxche

Don’t confuse Secrets Moxche with Impressions Moxche by Secrets – they are not the same resort but located together. Impressions Moxche guests have full access to Secrets Moxche, but it does not work both ways. Don’t let this deter you from Secrets Moxche, as it is a beautiful resort on its own! 

I stayed at Secrets Moxche on a FAM trip for top-selling Travel Agents. However, the staff did not know or treat us any differently. I had a few issues, which I’ll detail below!

A full review of Secrets Moxche

Here is my full review of Secrets Moxche Resort in Playa del Carmen. I will discuss how to book Secrets Moxche, Secrets Moxche Preferred Club, Impressions Moxche, the pools, entertainment, and restaurants at Secrets Moxche, and more!

Oh, and if you’re wondering “how to pronounce Moxche,” it’s Moe-shay. It’s easier than it looks!

How to book Secrets Moxche

Hyatt’s portfolio of all-inclusive resorts recently acquired Secrets Moxche (and all Secrets Resorts). You can now book Secrets Resorts with World of Hyatt points. My favorite way to earn World of Hyatt points is with my Chase Sapphire Card. If you sign up via my link, you can earn 60,000 points (generally enough to cover two nights!)

Of course, you can also book Secrets Resorts through your favorite travel agent (me!) or book on your own if you’d like to do that. 

How to get to Secrets Moxche

Unlike Sandals Resorts, Secrets and other resorts under the World of Hyatt brand do not include round-trip transfers. I recommend booking your transfer with Happy Shuttle Cancun. I have used Happy Shuttle almost every time I visit Cancun, and they make it seamless. 

Make sure to have transfers booked in advance! When you arrive at the airport, stay in the middle and say “no thank you” to anyone trying to “help you find your transfer/taxi.” They are not trying to help you; they are trying to sell timeshares!

This can be jarring to first-time visitors, so know that the actual transfers and taxis are waiting just outside! Happy Shuttle Cancun has signs and will help you once you get outside. 

Check-in Process at Secrets Moxche

We arrived later in the day (there was a significant mix-up with our transfer, which was arranged in advance by the host of the trip; I will never recommend that company!) and were checked in at the Preferred Club lounge. I typically check-in in the World of Hyatt lounge, but the Preferred Club was nice, and the process was seamless.

When we were told we had two doubles, I asked for a king, but I was told they were unavailable. I do recommend booking with a Travel Agent (again, I did not book this trip myself; it was an award trip) to avoid this kind of confusing situation! I would never book a couple into two doubles unless they specifically requested it!

Otherwise, the check-in was easy and painless.

Secrets Preferred Club

I’ve stayed in the Preferred Club at Secrets Akumal and Secrets Moxche and highly recommend it. Travelers in a Preferred Club room can access a private check-in area with a bar and hors d’oeuvres. The preferred rooms also come with a bag (you can see it here on YouTube) and the best part – access to the rooftop. 

The rooftop has a club-level-only restaurant that has a fantastic breakfast. I didn’t try the lunch but heard only good things about it. There is also a quieter pool on the rooftop with plenty of loungers and full drink service. 

The Preferred Club Rooftop is the perfect place to watch the sunrise!

Impressions Moxche by Secrets 

Impressions Moxche is essentially a “resort within a resort” at Secrets Moxche. You could stay at Impressions Moxche the entire time, or guests at Impressions have full access to all amenities at Secrets Moxche. This does not work both ways, and guests at Secrets Moxche cannot access the restaurants, pools, or bars at Impressions.

The Impressions resorts are Secrets ultra-luxe resorts. Think Butler category at Sandals Resorts. All guests at Impressions have a dedicated Butler. The rooms at Impressions are spacious, and everything is a step beyond what you’ll find at Secrets Resorts (and Secrets Resorts are pretty incredible on their own!)

Impressions guests have preferred amenities and activities only available for guests of Impressions. 

If privacy is paramount, Impressions Moxche would be a great choice, allowing for that privacy and personalized service while having access to all of the amenities at Secrets Moxche.

Would you like to see a full review of Impressions? Let me know in the comments. For now, I have a YouTube video tour of Impressions Moxche. 

The rooms at Secrets Moxche

The rooms at Secrets Moxche accommodate 2 in a king or 4 in a double/double room. Most entry-level rooms are available in a king or double, while the higher-level rooms are typically king only. The room categories consist of:

• Run of the House (this simply means your room will be decided on arrival based on what is available)
• Junior Suite Tropical View
• Junior Suite Ocean View
• Preferred Club Ocean View
• Preferred Club Tropical View Swim Out
• Preferred Club Superior View 
• Preferred Club Ocean Front
• Preferred Club Master Suite King Ocean Front
• Preferred Club Paramount Suite Ocean Front

Image courtesy of Secrets Moxche

If you have been around for a while, you may know how much I love the Hyatt Zilara. My biggest complaint about this property is the outdated rooms. I have not found that to be true at most Secrets Resorts, including Secrets Akumal and Secrets Moxche.

The rooms are beautiful and modern and have all the necessary amenities. The mini-fridge is stocked with beer, soda, and water; you’ll find a few snacks too. Don’t forget 24-hour room service if you’re not feeling like getting out for a meal. 

My biggest (weird) complaint about Secrets Moxche and all Secrets Resorts? The weird, scented toilet paper!! I prefer regular toilet paper, thank you. 

The rooms are all very pretty, even the bathrooms! You can check out a full tour of a swim-out room at Secrets Moxche on YouTube. Note that all rooms look the same (other than the large suites), so the tropical view and ocean view rooms will be the same or very similar, with the apparent exception of the private pool!

The restaurants at Secrets Moxche

There are ten restaurants at Secrets Moxche, and 11 if you include the Observatory Preferred Rooftop.

Rooftop Preferred Club Restaurant

Arguably the best views you’ll find at Secrets Moxche (except Impressions, another story), the Rooftop Preferred Club Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. We ate breakfast here daily as it had a beautiful view, great food, fantastic service, and was reasonably quiet. 

Breakfast is available from 7 AM to 11 AM, and lunch is available from 1 PM to 5 PM. Bar service is from 1 PM to 8 PM.

Coco Cafe

Coco Cafe was the first place I’d visit every morning to grab coffee. They have many options for coffee, tea, and plenty of snacks and fruit. I even made friends with a raccoon. Don’t worry, I didn’t touch him!

Market Cafe

Market Cafe is the main cafe next to the lobby bar. Although the food was good and had a lot of variety, the service was lackluster compared to all other restaurants. We never saw a server and ended up with empty water glasses.

 If you have food allergies, I would recommend avoiding the Market Cafe. It seemed like cross-contamination was a real issue. The Chefs didn’t seem as knowledgeable, and without a server to assist, it wasn’t ideal. That said, you’ll find plenty of options if you don’t have food allergies! If you need to grab a quick bite, it would be a solid option.

Barefoot Grill

Barefoot Grill is located between the main pool and lagoon pool and serves lunch daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Quick lunch options such as tacos, pizza, and burgers are available. We opted for more of a sit-down lunch, but it did smell good!

Bamboo

Bamboo is a restaurant near the main pool serving plant-based favorites. I had the pad Thai, which was very good! There was live music during lunch and more entertainment during the 6 to 11 PM dinner hours. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 5 PM. 

Image courtesy of Secrets Moxche

This is also a great place to enjoy some music with a cocktail if you don’t enjoy South Asian or plant-based food. Even if you aren’t vegan, I encourage you to try the food, as it is delicious!

Allora

As someone with Celiac disease (strictly gluten-free), I was apprehensive about an Italian restaurant. Well, Secrets did not disappoint. I was brought gluten-free bread with olive oil (which also happened at some of the other restaurants) and then was able to eat not one but two delicious gluten-free entrees. And yes, I did eat them both. 

There were many gluten-free options, from risotto to pasta to pizza. My non-gluten-free boyfriend said his food was also delicious. 

Dos Almos

Dos Almos was so good, we ate there twice! Was this a smart idea since we were only there for three nights? No. Was it delicious? Yes. Dos Almos is traditional Mexican food and most of the menu is naturally gluten-free.

Biso

Biso is French cuisine, and knowing that, we skipped it. We were also told that the plates were smaller and more geared for presentation than the meal itself. A few people told me they enjoyed it, so if you’re spending a few nights at Secrets Moxche and enjoy French food, you may want to check it out. 

Seasoul

Although we didn’t check out Seasoul, I was told that it was good for those who love seafood. It’s open daily for lunch from 11 AM to 5 PM and dinner from 6 PM to 11 PM. 

Suki

If you love sushi and teppanyaki, Suki is a must. We didn’t try this restaurant because I knew we’d be dining at Asiana at the Hyatt Zilara right after, but I only heard positive things.

I was able to peek in and see the Chefs putting on a show, but it’s important to remember that you need a reservation for teppanyaki. I did this at nearby Secrets Akumal, which was very good!

Suki is open from 6 PM to 11 PM daily.

Ember

Ember is the open-fire restaurant at Moxche and a must for meat lovers. I didn’t eat here myself (it was the plan, but then I wasn’t hungry!), but I only heard positive things from other guests. Ember is open for dinner from 6 PM to 11 PM.

Bars at Secrets Moxche

Secrets Moxche has 6 bars, or seven if you count the bar at the observatory for club-level guests. The bars include:

• Moxche Lobby Bar – The bar next to the Buffet in the lobby, open from 10 AM to 11 PM 
• Observatory Preferred Club Bar – The bar is open from 1 PM to 8 PM for preferred club guests only. However, you can get certain drinks during breakfast and lunch, too. 
• Sugar-reef swim-up pool Bar – A swim-up bar in the pool closest to the ocean, open from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Mantaray Pool Bar – Another swim-up bar is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
• The Cove Bar – A cute beach bar by the beach pool open from 10 AM to 6 PM 
• Dark Horse Sports Bar – A sports bar with all the usual stuff, plus a golf simulator! Open from 5 PM to 1 AM
• Moxche Theatre Bar – Open from 9 PM – 11 PM during the nightly entertainment 

The pools at Secrets Moxche

Secrets Moxche has several phenomenal pools. No matter what kind of pool you’re looking for, a lively pool, a pool bar, or a quiet retreat, you’ll find it at Secrets Moxche! Among the pools are three man-made cenotes, which were almost always empty. 

The pool upstairs for the preferred club rooftop was reasonably quiet, with plenty of seating options. We stayed away from the pools closest to the beach as they were the livelier pools (we like quiet), but if you want entertainment and pool bars, those are available too! 

Entertainment at Secrets Moxche

Although I prefer a quieter getaway, this is a review of Secrets Moxche, and I took into consideration that not everyone is like me!

That said, the entertainment team at Secrets Moxche is top-notch! You’ll find fitness classes, nightly entertainment, live music, and more. You can find all the entertainment options, from fitness to nightly entertainment, on the tablet in your room, or ask the helpful staff!

There’s even a secret nightclub (a speakeasy) that you can access through the pharmacy! You just have to have the password. When we were there, the password was “Viagra,” but I don’t know if it changed. LOL! So, yes, you have to go to the pharmacy and ask for “Viagra.” 

Moxche Spa

The spa at Secrets Moxche offers guests an unparalleled escape into a world of relaxation and pampering. Nestled within the resort’s lush surroundings, the spa is designed to provide a serene retreat.

The skilled and attentive staff at the spa are dedicated to ensuring a personalized experience for each guest. With a comprehensive menu of indulgent treatments, ranging from soothing massages to revitalizing facials, the spa utilizes a harmonious blend of traditional and modern techniques to promote overall well-being. 

We did not have a chance to use the spa during our trip and only got to peek inside, but I always recommend a spa day during your vacation (I had one at the next resort!) if you can do so. If I go back to Secrets Moxche, and I plan to, I will update this review of Secrets Moxche to include my spa experience!

Image courtesy of Secrets Moxche

The fitness center at Secrets Moxche

The fitness center at Secrets Moxche is, honestly, a little underwhelming. We used it twice during our stay, and it was okay but not impressive. The other half of our Cancun trip was at the Hyatt Zilara, which has an impressive gym. Since this is a review of Secrets Moxche, I must say that the fitness center was not nearly as nice as the rest of the resort.

Two studio rooms offer workout classes, which we did not take advantage of. There are some free weights, but mostly cardio equipment. It is enough to get a good workout, but nothing particularly impressive. 

The beach at Secrets Moxche

The beaches near Playa del Carmen aren’t quite what you’ll find in Cancun’s hotel zone, but the beach at Secrets Moxche is lovely and a good size! 

The service at Secrets Moxche

Here’s where I’ll say the first thing that isn’t entirely positive – the service was very mixed. On the one hand, the employees at the restaurants, bars, etc. were all fantastic! However, I had a few small issues, and management seemed to be a bit of a mess.

I was supposed to have concierge service as part of the Preferred Club, but I didn’t have a specific contact. This could be fixed, but management did not seem open to chatting about the experience. 

I’m not sure if it was just busy, and I know many people have visited without having the experience that I did. First, we were put in a room that had two double beds. Not a big deal, but I was told they would try to get us into a king, which never happened.

Second, the room had some issues. The privacy light kept coming on, so housekeeping didn’t clean or re-stock our room. I had to bring this to the attention of several people before they finally sent maintenance to fix it, and it took over a day. I was told it was due to humidity, but I kept asking to have housekeeping come, and they told me they couldn’t because of the privacy light, which they would not fix. It was just a neverending circle for about a day and a half.

A review of Secrets Moxche service

You may think this isn’t a huge deal, and it truly isn’t, but we needed to film the room, and for what you pay to have a preferred room, or to be at Secrets in general, it should have been taken care of promptly. I always think of my clients when traveling, and I wouldn’t want them to encounter an issue like this without a quick resolution either, small as it may be. 

It wasn’t really a complicated problem, but I was promised it would be fixed multiple times, and it wasn’t. I was then told they could try to move us because the problem was ongoing, and they would “do something to make it right.” However, the person (who seemed to be in management at the front desk) never got back to me. 

Overall review of Secrets Moxche

Overall, our experience at Secrets Moxche was very positive, and this review of Secrets Moxche reflects that. The good: As with most other Secrets Resorts, the food was phenomenal, and had more options than you could ever need. I’ve always found Secrets to be good at accommodating food allergies, and Secrets Moxche was no exception.

The rooms are spacious, and even “lead-in” rooms have a pretty view. The pools are also worth mentioning since you’ll never have to worry about finding a chair or a quiet place if you’re looking for that. 

The only negatives are the gym (if that’s not important to you, you’d never know) and the fact that it seemed difficult to get the right help if you had a problem. I wish they had a better system for that, but that is the only bad thing I can say. Overall, the staff was terrific and very attentive. 

Would I go back? Yes. There were some minor issues, and I wish they would have been appropriately dealt with, but the positives outweigh the negatives by far!

Review of Secrets Moxche

I hope this review of Secrets Moxche was helpful to you. Have you stayed at Secrets Moxche? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Are you ready to book your Secrets Moxche honeymoon or vacation? Contact me; I’d love to help you plan your trip!

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