Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort

The adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Puerto Los Cabos is set on 18 acres of land located about a 10-minute drive east of San Jose del Cabo. The flag-lined path leads to a gate where a security guard will make sure arrivals are registered guests. Guests are greeted by valet service at the entrance who will trade their keys for a glass of bubbly before they are led to a seated desk for check-in. The lobby feels elegant, thanks to a combination of modern touches such as chocolate-brown accent walls and high-backed armchairs in white hues, and traditional Mexican elements, including large arched wooden doors and wrought-iron chandeliers. Grounds are sprawling, so some guests are shuttled to their rooms via golf carts while others might be escorted down long, seemingly endless breezeways. Low, whitewashed buildings with wooden beams, arched windows, and terra-cotta tiled roofs lend the property lots of local charm. Palm trees towering over manicured lawns that offer panoramic ocean views make it feel exotic and relaxed.
This property is a major player in the AMResorts group, which has several other properties in Mexico. The brand effectively creates an environment for both love and fun; couples are the majority for sure, but the young, adults-only, luxurious atmosphere also draws single travelers and corporate groups looking to let loose. Destination weddings are also common, so the vibe is anything but boring. There is a spacious main pool in the center of the resort with a lively bar scene and music, as well as daily activities. Those who prefer a quieter setting may want to book a Preferred Club suite, which offers exclusive access to a smaller and more intimate infinity pool, as well as other great perks.
At night, dressed-up guests might wander the grounds with a glass of wine after dinner and have close conversations next to the fire pit. Partiers might be dancing and ordering premium liquors in the bar. Other guests might simply head back to the room and order room service.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort is not located in the traditional resort area of San Jose del Cabo, along the Paseo de Los Cabos, but rather across the estuary on the east side of town, where development is more recent. It feels far less touristy, with extra space and fewer crowds. There's not a souvenir shop in sight -- only beautiful vistas of the sea, grounds with cacti and palms, a section of the area's golf course, and mountains in the distance.
Guests can either take a taxi or rent a car to get from the airport to the property. Many take advantage of the extensive all-inclusive benefits and will not leave the property much (if at all), while others will want to get out and explore the region -- either on their own or on any of the third-party tours and excursions that can be booked at the hotel. There is virtually nothing within walking distance except a couple of other resorts and small marina, but a 10-minute drive leads to downtown San Jose del Cabo for shopping and dining. The quaint, historic section with its charming restaurants, bars, and art galleries is definitely worth a visit -- especially near the Town Square. Also worth a visit is Flora Farm in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, a truly standout 10-acre organic farm and restaurant that's a 10-minute drive from the property. Those who want a taste of Cabo San Lucas nightlife will find the trip takes 45 minutes -- but be forewarned, taxi fares from the hotel are quite high.

Though high-rise structures are common on the other side of the estuary, the resort’s 500 rooms -- all of which are junior suites with sitting areas -- are spread across many attractive low-rise buildings. This makes for long walks to certain areas of the property, though guests can request to be shuttled by golf cart.
Though big and airy at 560 to 1,744 square feet, the rooms themselves are pleasant but not the highlight at this property. They have attractive decor with cheerful red and orange accents, as well as local influences. Metal studs on headboards and wooden furniture call to mind the decor at Spanish Colonial-era ranchos, and framed artwork feels Mayan-inspired. The overall effect is somewhat bland for this price point, however, and it's the amenities here that make the rooms truly luxurious. All rooms have either one king or two double beds, large smart TVs, and digital music players. Free minibar items such as soda, beer and water are stocked daily, and all suites are outfitted with Nespresso machines. A private room service box and special exterior "Do Not Disturb" light setting are nice touches. Wi-Fi is free, and turndown service is offered nightly.
Spacious bathrooms feature dual sinks, generous toiletries, and an incense burner for ambience. There are stand-alone jetted tubs for two people and huge walk-in rain showers facing the bedrooms (barn-style sliding doors can provide privacy). Balconies either face the garden, pool, or ocean, and are furnished with sun loungers and chairs. Junior Suite Swim Out rooms offer direct access to a shared infinity pool, and both the Junior Suite Swim Out Ocean View and Junior Suite Ocean Front have gorgeous views.
The Preferred Club upgrade guarantees, among other perks, prime positioning in the resort and upgraded toiletries and minibar items. One of the most popular room types is the Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean View, which is the cheapest and smallest of the Preferred Club category but comes with the same huge array of extras as the more expensive units.

The sea is a major highlight for the resort, providing consistent bright blue scenery against mountain views in the distance. While the sand stays out of view from most rooms (the shore is actually tucked underneath a natural overhang), those who make the trek along the walking path and down the stairwell will be rewarded with a wide stretch of clean sand, free of crowds. It's great for walks and the exercise classes that sometimes take place, but it is not always safe for swimming. Waves are either too big, or the current too strong, though this is common for Los Cabos.
At the top of the beach stairwell are a nice wooden deck and a strip of sand for sunbathing, along with a cute beach bar offering swings instead of bar stools.

In addition to the shared swim-out pools (only available for guests in first-floor rooms), there are two outdoor pools. The lively main pool is huge and picture-worthy, with scattered palm trees, plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Music plays here during the day, and the swim-up bar is a coveted spot. A quieter infinity pool is available only for Preferred Club guests, with gorgeous sea views and a number of loungers. Both pool areas have a large hot tub surrounded by more lounge chairs. For more sunbathing options, several loungers are set up along the lawn in front. Servers come around both areas for drink and food orders.
The Secrets Spa by Pevonia is a resort highlight, offering several couples’ treatment rooms and a hidden outdoor relaxation area with jetted pools, underwater loungers, and fountains where guests can relax. Facials, massages, and a range of beauty treatments are available (wedding parties are common). Guests can purchase a spa day pass to use the hydrotherapy area, which is otherwise free when booking a massage. Next to the spa is a modern fitness center with big windows for natural light.
Extensive daily activities are free of charge, and a weekly schedule is provided. These may include cooking classes, outdoor movie nights, yoga, Pilates, Spanish lessons, wine and tequila tastings, and water aerobics. Outside excursions can be arranged on-site, including to Espiritu Santo National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to Cabo San Lucas.
A section of the renowned Puerto Los Cabos Golf Course is on the property, visible from the resort and resting between the hotel and the water. There are 18 holes in all -- nine designed by Jack Nicklaus and nine designed by Greg Norman. Guests get discounted rates.
The hotel also features over 20,000 square feet of event space, including a huge ballroom for up to 850 guests, and there is a full business center with copying, printing and shipping services. Weddings can take place in the gazebo next to the waterfront, and wedding packages are available.
A maximum of one 22-pound (10 kilos) dog is allowed in designated units for a fee that includes bowls, treats, bedding, and toys.

The Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort offers an excellent standard all-inclusive package, known here as the Unlimited Luxury package. It includes all meals and drinks at any of the hotel’s eight restaurants and multiple bars, meaning there is no need to wear a wristband. The package also includes perks such as Wi-Fi, free daily restocking of the minibar (sodas, water, and beer), all taxes and tips, valet parking, and access to all activities and entertainment.
Guests wanting an even more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Preferred Club, which is the top-tier all-inclusive package at Secrets Puerto Los Cabos. Aside from being assigned suites located in premium locations within the resort, the package offers personalized check-in and checkout and upgraded toiletries and minibar items. Preferred Club guests also get exclusive access to a pool with food and drink service, and to the Preferred Club Lounge, which offers free continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, drinks and snacks throughout the day, and free use of computers.

The resort offers a wide range of dining and drinking options, all featuring indoor and outdoor seating and serving up a variety of international food. The five a la carte eateries, all covered by the standard all-inclusive package, offer Mexican, pan-Asian, and Italian cuisine, plus food from the grill and seafood. In addition, Market Cafe offers a solid buffet for breakfast and lunch in a casual atmosphere. The 24-hour Coco Cafe has a selection of coffee drinks, sodas, pastries, and small bites. The Barefoot Grill is a popular spot for lunch under an umbrella while enjoying the sea views. Reservations are not required for any of the restaurants. As far as quality is concerned, most guests find food good, but some consider it is a tad average for the price.
The resort is also home to a number of bars, including a swim-up bar in the main pool, a fun beach bar with swings instead of bar stools, a lobby bar designed like a birdcage, and the Desires Music Lounge, which also shows sports competitions.