What I Learned on My Hyatt Familiarization Trip: Honest Thoughts on Secrets Playa Blanca, Secrets Maroma & MorE

Earlier this month, I had the chance to join a Hyatt familiarization trip in Cancun—an experience that genuinely elevated my understanding of several Hyatt resorts. I stayed at Secrets Playa Blanca and Secrets Maroma, and I also visited Dreams Playa Mujeres, Secrets Playa Mujeres, and Secrets Moxché for site inspections.

It was the kind of trip that reinforces why I insist on seeing properties firsthand: photos don’t tell the whole story, and the “feel” of a place is everything.

Secrets Playa Blanca (Costa Mujeres)

Secrets Playa Blanca opened in early 2024, and you can tell immediately that it’s one of the newer kids on the block—in the best way. The resort has this airy, modern elegance to it: natural woods, clean lines, very intentional design choices, and a layout that actually helps you navigate instead of making you guess where everything is. The central bar, designed like a sunken conversation pit, became one of my favorite spots because it’s both stylish and welcoming.

The resort itself feels polished from top to bottom. Everything is immaculate. The rooms are bright, neutral, and beautifully modern. Preferred Club rooms even come with balcony tubs, which adds a romantic touch.

The beach was probably one of my biggest highlights: clear water, soft white sand, and genuinely beautiful conditions every day I was there. Activities are plentiful without being overwhelming—hat painting (surprisingly fun), tequila tastings at El Patio (which can also be reserved privately for $350 per couple), dance classes, and plenty of low-pressure things for couples or small groups.

What impressed me from a professional standpoint was how seamlessly it supports weddings and groups. There are multiple ceremony and reception options—about 11 in total—and the convention spaces provide strong backup plans for weather. They comfortably host two weddings a day, and the property is designed in a way that avoids guests feeling “on top of each other.”

The overall vibe? Quiet luxury. Romantic, refined, and intentionally calm. This isn’t the place for someone who wants to take shots in the pool all afternoon or dance until 3 a.m. This is for travelers who want to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a modern retreat.

It’s an easy recommendation for honeymoons, anniversaries, relaxed girl groups, and destination weddings that want style without chaos. I left this property without a single complaint.

Dreams Playa Mujeres & Secrets Playa Mujeres

Dreams Playa Mujeres remains exactly what most of us already know it to be: consistent. It’s a solid, dependable option for families and wedding groups, and nothing during my visit suggested major changes—so if you’ve stayed there before, you’ll find it familiar.

Secrets Playa Mujeres, which is scheduled to reopen mid-December, looks noticeably refreshed. Fresh paint, updated décor, and glass balcony railings make the entire property feel cleaner and more modern than before. It’s not a brand-new build like Playa Blanca, but the upgrades are visible and will make this a strong contender again for groups in 2025.

Secrets Moxché

Moxché is a very different experience from Playa Blanca or Maroma. It’s upscale and absolutely gorgeous, but the energy is louder, more social, and more “luxury with a pulse.” You can feel the shift the moment you arrive.

The pools are livelier, the music is louder, and guests tend to be more social and more focused on “being seen.” It’s visually stunning—easily one of the most Instagrammable resorts in the area—but it is not a quiet or slow-paced environment.

This resort fits younger couples, friend groups, content creators, and anyone who loves design, aesthetics, and a little bit of glamour in their vacation. It’s not the right place for someone who wants serenity and a soft, slow rhythm—Playa Blanca would be better for that.

Secrets Maroma

Secrets Maroma impressed me in a completely different way. Edgar, the sales manager, shared that many of their guests are repeat visitors—and within minutes, I understood why. The service is the heart of this resort, and it shows in the way the staff remembers your name, checks in with you, and makes you feel genuinely cared for.

The atmosphere is softer and more classic, leaning into comfort over trendiness. The food is great, and the activities are charming—they offer bike rides, a macramé class (which we participated in), and a beautiful stretch of beach that looks like powdered sugar. Even on a windy, red-flag day, you could see how stunning it is.

The rooms are traditional—very clean and very comfortable, but not as contemporary as Playa Blanca or Moxché. Renovations are happening in select areas (Oceana was being refreshed during my visit), but overall the property feels warm, inviting, and service-forward.

This is a wonderful choice for couples in their 40s, 50s, and 60s+, honeymooners who want quiet and food-driven relaxation, and groups who prefer connection over constant entertainment. It’s not the place for flashy, ultra-modern vibes or nightlife seekers, but it is an outstanding option for a peaceful, elevated escape.

Final Thoughts: Matching Clients to the Right Experience

Trips like these matter because the difference between two “5-star” resorts is rarely the star rating—it’s the energy, the layout, the service style, the age of the property, and the type of guests it naturally attracts.

Now that I’ve stayed, walked, eaten, and experienced these resorts the way my clients would, I feel even more confident recommending the right fit based on personality, priorities, and travel style—not just availability or photos.

If you’re thinking about a destination wedding, honeymoon, anniversary trip, or luxury vacation, I’d love to guide you toward the property that matches exactly what you’re hoping to experience.

Your travel deserves honesty, precision, and someone who has actually been there.