How to Vacation Like a Reality Star at the Secrets Tides Resort in Punta Cana

By Cassie Gill

Checking into the Secrets Tides resort isn’t like any other all-inclusive. Upon arrival, the devil is in the details – especially for those at the Preferred Club level (more on that later).

This particular adults-only resort has had its fair share of pop culture exposure: Grant Ellis’ season of ABC’s The Bachelor shot here for the overnight dates and final rose ceremony, showing the newly built property in all its glory. While I didn’t quite vacation with Grant, we did get to hang out with Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos and her fiancé Chock Chapple on our group adventure.

Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s Secrets Tides opened in January 2024, stretching along 800 feet of the postcard-worthy beach in Uvero Alto. Despite having 668 guest rooms – all of which are spacious luxury suites – the resort maintains an intimate feel echoing a boutique hotel experience. You won’t find the party hardy spring break crowd here – and even in a busy season, the hotel never feels packed. 

I was part of the Preferred Club during my stay, which meant I had access to private areas including a separate pool, swim-up bars, restaurants and more. While the resort has an intimate feel regardless, being a part of the program was certainly a nice perk – especially access to that third, exclusive pool.

After a seamless check-in, we were greeted by our butler for the week, George, who escorted us to the room and offered a tour of the gorgeous place. George explained he was on call for any of our needs: tea to the room, reservations, room service – you name it. He also guestimated my age about seven years younger, so for that, we absolutely love him.

Modern luxury came to mind as we were whisked past the pool and to our Ocean View Master Suites which came complete with two bathrooms, a kitchenette, a balcony, and a private jacuzzi. If this isn’t indulgent, we don’t know what is. Naturally, room views were incredible with the turquoise blue Caribbean taking center stage. 

While there are plenty of on-site dining options, we loved the ability to order complimentary room service, particularly the breakfast option as part of the Bachelor-inspired Roses & Romance package. This brought us mimosas in bed, as well as a rose turndown service, both of which were memorable touches. Beyond that, room service can be delivered via its own adjacent cubby door, meaning staff don’t need to enter your room – and you don’t need to race to the door, either.

Dining options are available throughout the day: I looked forward to the expansive morning breakfast buffet at the Market Café, followed by coffee (and maybe a pastry) at the chic Coco Café – one of our favorite on-property spots to hang out. The breakfast quite literally had something for everybody from classic pancakes and waffles, several types of eggs, charcuterie, and some international inspired options from Latin America and Asia to round things out.

Daytime activities mainly consist of pool and beach, and you can’t go wrong with either option – but I am biased towards the incredible ocean. Set up shop in an Oasis Beach Cabana while noshing on snacks from the nearby food truck for a perfectly relaxing afternoon. For the pool fans, there’s several options: the quiet pool, the lively beach adjacent main pool and a third pool just for the Preferred Club. 

Those looking to dabble in some sporty activities can certainly do so: we spotted guests doing aqua aerobics, pickleball, and scuba lessons. A highlight of our trip was the catamaran experience, and getting to swim in other areas of beautiful Punta Cana. And for those looking to indulge in some more adult beverages, look no further than the daytime rum tasting where you’ll also learn how make your own cocktails. 

Dinner options were splendid, too, with highlights being Italian restaurant Portofino and the unique Mediterasian and Pan-Asian fusion spot Meraki. At Portofino, we were ogling over the dry ice bellini cocktails and pasta, while the sushi at Meraki was absolutely solid for a resort in the Caribbean.

The party keeps going if you want it to, with some guests indulging at the Rum Bar or getting into karaoke at the Desires sports bar (maybe get ready for a few chuckles, but it’s all in good fun). The resort also has rotating evening entertainment including shows and live lobby music. For those looking to boogie, check the schedule for silent disco – or just hit the night club.

From a design perspective, the property is one of the easiest all-inclusives to navigate: there’s little room for confusion, which is refreshing. With tropical rainstorms in Punta Cana, the hotel also considered undercover pathways to stay dry while making your way to the lobby or on-property restaurant, which quickly became one of our favourite design elements.

The on-site Secrets Spa was undeniably a highlight. We began our appointment with a tranquil rest in the relaxation lounge, followed by a dip in the hydrotherapy circuit before stepping into a treatment room for one of the best massages I’ve ever had, anywhere. The experience was so relaxing, it was almost heavenly – don’t be surprised if you drift off.

If it’s not obvious, Secrets Tides is the perfect plug-and-play getaway for any couple: you can sit back, relax, and let the incredible team (and butler George) do the planning. Salud!