Before my FAM trip began, which I will write in the following post, I decided to stay a couple days at Secrets the Vine Cancun. It is a property under the AM Resorts umbrella, in addition to Zoetry Resorts, Now Resorts, Sunscape Resorts, Dream Resorts, and Breathless Resorts. It is an adults-only, all inclusive resort located right in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. Here’s my full review.
CHECK IN:
I felt like royalty the moment I arrived. The greeter (not sure if that’s his official title), had a nice cool towel waiting for me. As I walked inside and right up the steps I was greeted with a glass of champagne. What a great way to welcome your guests. It also made waiting to check in suck a lot less. Kudos for check in. They were very strict about the 3pm check in policy so if you get there a little before just head to one of their many restaurants and enjoy yourself for a bit before 3p. They even give you a little welcome kit so you can get familiar with the property.
A+
ROOM:
My room had a plus King size bed that could easily fit 4 adults on it if need be. They had wine and apples set on the table, lots of hygiene products available including a shower cap (only people with crazy hair like myself can probably appreciate this), and they had relaxing spa music on the TV (which after awhile it gets a little monotonous because it’s only 1 song). But when you first walk in you just want to relax. But, I’m a Travel Agent so I can’t relax. I’m there to WORK. I’m there to see everything this property has to offer so when my clients are inquiring about this property I’m able to give them the deets.
I’d also like to mention that no matter which room you’re staying at, you’ll never have to compromise a view. All rooms have a water view. Just know there’s a difference between Ocean view (like my room shown below) and ocean front, where you walk out and you’re entire view is nothing but water. But even the partial sea view isn’t so bad, eh?? 😉
I have to give the Room a grade of A+ because the location and decor is superb. Cool calm turquoise colors in the room that match the uber calming turquoise of the water outside that EACH room has access to view.
Room scores an A+
ROOM SERVICE:
The turn down service here is phenomenal. They always managed to slip it in while I was out and about (and I had been to my room multiple times during the day to shower). They always beat me to it and in the evening I found little chocolates, slippers and a robe. Made for such a comfy night. There were a few English-speaking channels on the TV so I was a little relieved and just stuck to watching them.
In the morning, I had to try out Room Service. So, if you look on the tray above, you’ll notice the room service menu that you fill out and stick on the door by 3am the morning you’d like breakfast. They have meats like sausage and bacon, all types of pastries, coffee, orange juice, and water, eggs in different forms, and some fruit to choose from. Not a bad way to start the day.
A+ to the sneaky room attendants who always managed to have everything cleaned up and ready to go when I never ran into them (even have been to the room multiple times to shower and change). Well played.
FOOD:
Holy mackerel. This was my first time ever at an all-inclusive resort so I was completely blown away by not only the abundance of food but the quality as well. Usually quantity and quality aren’t on the same par, one is usually higher than the other at any given time. Oh, but not at Secrets The Vine my friends. You can have quantity and good quality at the same damn time. So, first I ate at the Market Cafe. Apologies for not taking pictures I was WAY too hungry at the time. The portions are somewhat small but that’s what I liked about it. You were able to try so many different things and not get full right away. They had a churro bar with a chocolate fountain for dessert. A whole station of bread, different met types: fish in a cream sauce, beef tenderloin, chicken w an alfredo sauce. Pretty much something for everyone here. Just make sure you’re aware of the times. They close for breakfast at 11:00a and don’t open for lunch until 12:30p.
Now for Nebbiolo. This restaurant has a special place in my heart, due to Samuel one of the servers. I went here twice even though I was only there for 2 days because he made me feel so welcomed the entire time. Usually I avoid romantic Italian restaurants when I’m out on business by myself. Looking at couples all around can be somewhat awkward. Not here. Not on Samuel’s watch. Both nights he gave me a nice corner spot and a spot near the window so I can 1) have a great view 2) not be in the middle of the floor feeling awkward af. So, service is A+. Now for the food, they gave me a quick little cucumber/salmon appetizer on the house. Then I tried the appetizer eggplant with scallops. Not a huge fan, scallops weren’t really to my liking. But that’s the good thing about all inclusive, you don’t like it. Try something else. So For dinner I had their special: a snapper filet with spicy romesco sauce. Wonderful.
The other a la carte restaurant at Secrets The Vine I enjoyed was Olio. It’s a Greek restaurant located on the 12th floor (same as Nebbiolo), offering Mediterranean dishes. Great views up top and there’s a private pool right there, but you must have access to it to join. There’s also special, romantic tables for two that are separated from the main dining area but those are reservation-only. I had Spanakopita, cod fish with a cream sauce and veggies. Was good.
The last a la carte restaurant I was able to try was Sea Salt, located right near the pools it allows patrons to wear casual dress. It offers delicious seafood and Peruvian food. My recommendations are the Peruvian ceviche (duh) and the Peruvian chicken.
There’s really only 1 grade you can give the food here, and that’s A+
ENTERTAINMENT:
Because Secrets The Vine Cancun is an adults-only resort, you won’t find entertainment 24/7 here. You either like that fact or hate it. They offer Spanish classes poolside if you were interested in learning, they offer water aerobics which looked fun, there’s a huge chessboard if you want to exercise your mind, there’s dancing by the pool where entertainer Ana and others get you up out of your seat and having fun. In the evening, there was a comedy show in the Piano bar but I was too tired to check it out. Overall, I’d rate it a B+.
AMENITIES:
I used their business center on many occasions, although hopefully most of you planning a trip here will be on leisure and not have a need for a computer. There’s only 3 computers there, and 1 doesn’t have a mouse so I’m not sure what the point of that one is. Anyway, I love that this service is free and the wi-fi is very fast. If you take the elevator right behind lobby and click ‘C’ you’ll make it there. Don’t try using the other set of elevators that take you to your room.
With 3 pools and nearby bars you should never go thirsty here. 😉
A+
Overall, a wonderful stay and have no problem recommending this property to adult singles and couples alike looking for a nice relaxing stay in the heart of ‘turn up’ area in the Hotel Zone. Close to the action, yet secluded enough to not have it be in your face 24/7. Plus, no kiddies around. What could be better on vaca? Unless they’re coming with you.. then read my review for Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort next 😉
