With spring break in full swing, Punta Cana is brimming with adults-only, all-inclusive resorts that will get you in the party mood, but during a visit to the Dominican Republic in late March, Secret Tides Punta Cana seemed like a refreshing destination for those looking to relax.
The 688-suite resort, which opened earlier this year, greeted me with a modern, spacious lobby with plenty of seating and views of Uvero Alto Beach in the distance. Part of the World of Hyatt inclusive collection, Secret Tides Punta Cana is spacious and laid out more like a residential complex than a resort, making it easy to navigate even without a map or app.
The resort’s three pools (one of which is exclusive to Preferred Club guests) and three outdoor hot tubs are equipped with plenty of lounge chairs, allowing sun-seekers to soak up the sun for hours.
The resort’s rooms range from 668-square-foot Junior Suites to 2,970-square-foot Presidential Suites Oceanfront Plunge Pool.
The hotel offers eight categories of Preferred Club Suites. My Preferred Club Junior Suite with Partial Ocean View comes with full amenities, a minibar stocked with drinks and snacks, modern Caribbean décor and plenty of natural light.
Preferred Club reservations include butler service, personalized check-in and check-out with concierge service and an upgraded room service menu. Preferred Club guests also have access to three exclusive lounges offering bar and snacks/hors d’oeuvres throughout the day.
This is unique to Secrets Tides Punta Cana. Most Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts offer just one Preferred Club lounge. Preferred Club guests also have access to a private beach section.
Preferred Club Junior Suite Oceanfront Swim-Out Unit. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Dietary diversity
The resort has seven bars and lounges and nine dining options serving a variety of cuisines to cater to most tastes, whether that be Italian (Portofino), Mexican (El Patio), Mediterranean-Asian fusion (Meraki) or the international buffet-style Market Cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch.
I headed there after my morning double espresso at the 24-hour Coco Café. Among the many options available, I opted for the specialty morcilla (blood sausage) and the Dominican breakfast plate, which included fried salami and cheese and mashed plantains, among other dishes.
Seaside Grill is open for lunch and dinner, serving up quick favorites like burgers and dishes like slow-cooked short ribs. Among my choices was the Asian-inspired red tuna ceviche appetizer, which had the earthy flavor of sesame oil instead of the typical citrus flavor of ceviche.
Open only for dinner, the South American-inspired Tierra serves a fusion of regional favorites like bandeja paisa, Colombia’s national dish of rice, beans, plantains and a variety of meats, Brazilian seafood stew and Peruvian lomo saltado (thinly sliced beef simmered in soy sauce and served over rice). The Peruvian staple was hearty and flavorful, not overly drenched in soy sauce and the richness of the beef stood out more than it was salty.
All the restaurants I visited offered vegan options.
The lobby at Secrets Tides Punta Cana is laid out more like a residential space than a hotel. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
A wide range of activities
In addition to spa treatments and use of the fitness room, daytime activities include on-site snorkeling, non-motorized water sports, kayaking, tennis, pickleball and numerous off-site tours. Occasional live music performances throughout the day add to the relaxing atmosphere without compromising the tranquility.
The laid-back atmosphere doesn’t change much in the evening, when the pool closes at 6pm and you can head out for dinner before heading to the theatre, a 400-seat venue offering a variety of entertainment, from Broadway tribute musicals to plays.
If you fancy a nightcap after the theatre, head next door to the closed-hours Desires Sports Bar for a drink.
Returning to my suite one evening after a long day at Secret Tides, I could occasionally hear the sounds of college students and music coming from the nearby Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa (also part of Hyatt’s inclusive collection). I enjoyed the sounds for a while, but also found peace with them.
