4 years ago
Secrets Royal Beach is a cozy, intimate boutique r...
Secrets Royal Beach is a cozy, intimate boutique resort. Located adjacent to (and part of) the larger, family-friendly Now Larimar property, there are many options for food, entertainment, pools and beach. Adults can pass easily between the two resorts. The layout is user friendly and creates many different visual perspectives. The landscaping is lush, mature and well maintained. The Secrets side of the complex is mostly quiet and relaxed with the louder party areas you d expect at a Caribbean resort, it s up to you. There are options for entertainment, though a bit on the cheesy side.
The rooms are solidly built and virtually soundproof -- a blend of rustic and luxury. The mini-suite is large, well-appointed and thought out. The rooms appear to have been renovated in the last few years, the lighting is modern and creative. The suite s patio/balcony has a whirlpool tub on one end, which is surprisingly useful.
Of the many restaurant choices between the two properties, only one requires reservations, and 3 are on the Secrets property and therefore adult only. The food overall is excellent for an all-inclusive.
The beach is deep, with a mix of tall and short palms allowing many choices for sun/shade and plenty of chairs. There are many two person shaded huts as well. The sand is soft and clean of prickly debris, the waterline is raked by machine and by hand. There is an off-shore reef that cuts the waves, it is not calm but not too rough to swim. You can walk for miles in either direction.
The service is superior, we received three calls to verify our one minor issue was resolved (not really an issue, it was user error on our part).
The staff is genuinely friendly, one of the main attractions of the Dominican Republic as a resort destination for sure.
There was one logistics issue with towels and with bottled water, each on a different day. We had one (JUST ONE!) issue with poor service from the water/coffee servers at breakfast, otherwise the service was outstanding (or excelente as they like to say).
Our check-in documents included a Golden Key which a staffer soon offers to convert to some bogus coupons on additional services like the spa or a private dinner on the beach. This is a sales gimmick, you will be invited to a special breakfast in order to sell you on their Preferred Club. It is up to you if you want to check it out, or firmly decline as we did, and that s the end of it. Some reviewers have complained about this, just say no thank you, it s not a big deal.
Overall, one of the best resorts we have experienced in Punta Cana and Mexico to date.