Deciding to take a trip sans les infants for the first time is collectively a thrilling and perplexing experience. One such trip we decided to take in hopes of finding time to refresh together as a couple. While our time away was significant and beneficial, there are several key takeaways from Secrets Aura Cozumel that I want to divulge to my followers. As always, this is my honest travel review based on the several all-inclusive experiences we’ve taken (not sponsored in any way).

Hello Travel Blog Snapshot

Pros:

• All-inclusive: It’s nice to not have to worry about about tipping/ carrying around cash or a card

• Preferred Club Amenities at Cozumel include; access to Preferred Club Lounge, bar and exclusive swim-up bar

• Plunge Pool Room: Our room provided a romantic and private getaway

Our exact room:

Preferred Club Rooftop Ocean Front Suite with Plunge Pool

Room Amenities Include:

• King bed, ocean front views with private plunge pool and balcony.

• Full bathroom with walk in shower and separate living area

• Romantic & secluded set up

Cons:

• Aesthetic: The resort aesthetic was dated when we went (in March 2023). The neighboring Dreams Resort was newer and updated.

• Pools: The main pool was dated and not clean with sand in it. The Preferred Club Pool was better but it didn’t seem to be “monitored” in terms of exclusivity and access.

• Tipping: The tipping culture was confusing at the resort restaurants, bars and pool bar. We witnessed several people tipping and others not. Many workers said it wasn’t allowed and others gladly accepted and gave more attention to those who did obviously. At previous all inclusive resorts the workers would literally refuse to accept tips. We were a bit confused as to what was preferred.

• Dining: Compared to several Sandals Resorts experiences, the food and drinks were at the bottom of our list. If you’re looking for top quality meals and beverages, this resort is not it. There was also only ONE Preferred Club restaurant by the beach, and it felt like 80% off guests had access to it. There were no reservations needed at the time that we were there, so I wouldn’t say the Preferred Club status was worth the extra hype. The food was overall a major disappointment compared to previous resorts where we would indulge in too much seafood and pasta. All I consumed was jerk chicken and nachos for most of the week.

• Beverages: Beware of the drinks in general at this resort if you’re used to getting top shelf liquor. We are in our 30s, so we’ve found what we like to drink and the drink options weren’t at the top of the charts. It’s important to note the alcohol percentage is lower, so it’s not necessarily the same “proof” as in the U.S.

• Room Changes: We paid additional to be moved to a better room, as the initial one was old, unclean and extremely dated even though it was marketed as a luxurious swim up suite.

Overall Review

While the private plunge pool room is new, modern and secluded, Secrets Aura Cozumel in itself is lacking in its “preferred club” amenities, dining and aesthetic.

Perhaps this isn’t the case for all Secrets Resorts, so I wouldn’t want to generalize them all into the same review. From what we experienced, I would’ve much rather had the delicious dining and spectacular resort grounds I’ve known at other Caribbean destinations.

While our room shined on its own, the resort itself paled in comparison to Sandals Resorts in Grenada, Jamaica and Barbados. We enjoyed our alone time, but I would’ve rather stayed at an all-inclusive that provided a more expansive food and drink menu. If you’re seeking a secluded, updated room and don’t mind spending a bit more, this specific room is worth it for the privacy and romance factor. Yet after upgrading our room to a “preferred club” plunge pool suite, we didn’t wind up saving any money compared to other resorts.