Secrets Tides Punta Cana

Are you a fan of adult only all-inclusive vacations. Look no further to the newest Secrets addition in Punta Cana – Secrets Tides. This resort will not only impress you with its luxury accommodations and restaurants, but you will be immersed in complete tranquility.
The waves of the sea help me get back to me… Jill Davis
We recently had the opportunity to travel over New Years to Secrets Tides in Punta Cana – a new luxury resort that opened in January 2024. A simple search with TripAdvisor outlined an abundance of positive reviews for this new resort, checking off all of our must-have boxes in a vacation. We booked via Air Transat Vacations and their luxury preferred ocean view suite package. We were all set.
Our Must-Have Perks:
- Rooms close to the beach
- Great food
- Great service
- A good beach
- Good pools
- A great spa
- A gym or outdoor fitness options like tennis or pickleball
- A room with a view
- A Preferred or Concierge level option

Luxury packages with Air Transat – These hotel options come with plenty of extra perks and benefits:
- Free access to airport VIP lounges (if available)
- Complimentary upgrade to Option Plus (on Air Transat)
- Private roundtrip transfers to and from resort
- Complimentary access to their hydrotherapy once per stay
- Early or late check-in/out if available
- Free wifi
- Unlimited a la cart dining
- Concierge or butler
- Waiter service at the beach
- Beach towels in room
- Bottle of sparkling wine and fruit platter in room upon arrival
Preferred Room selection at Secrets Tides:
- Personalized Private check-in and checkout
- Private preferred lounges with hot and cold hors oeuvres, snacks and drinks
- Daily continental breakfast in Preferred lounge
- Separate restaurants for breakfast and lunches
- A Butler
- Suites in premuim locations
- Upgraded mini bar and bath amenities
- Exclusive access to dedicated beach and pool areas







Itinerary:
We flew out of Montreal – again – with air Transat and their Luxury Option Plus Ocean View package for a 5 night New Year’s vacation. To read more about Option Plus, click here – it gives you great perks and inflight benefits. A definite must for our travel holidays.
After arriving in Punta Cana and gathering our luggage, we found our Air Transat representative where we were quickly directed to our private transfer. A minor hiccup with communication (as we were booked for a private transfer) and they had another couple listed with us. However, after a quick clarification – we were on our way – just the 2 of us. The resort is about 40 minutes from the Punta Cana airport, but with no stops at other resorts, it was a fast and pleasant scenic drive.
The Resort:
Pulling up to Secrets Tides was breath taking. We were greeted with a warm Dominican smile and led to the Preferred Club lounge for check-in. Within the Preferred Club lounge were light snacks, a business area with computers, washrooms, as well as a bar. Check-in was simple and efficient (although slightly confusing with the slightly weak English abilities of the check-in Concierge. We have had much more efficient and clearer check-in’s at other resorts, however with this being a year old, I am sure they are still finessing their team). We were then introduced to our butler – Diego – who led us to our building while explaining and outlining the glorious property areas and sections offered at Secrets Tides.
The Grounds:
Magnificent grounds welcomed us as we walked to our building. Fountains and soothing pools adorned the walkways, which were lined with blooming bushes and manicured gardens that opened up to the soft golden sand and expansive picturesque ocean.

















The Beach:
Impeccable. Situated on Uvero Alto beach, the soft golden sand lined with scenic palm trees was the perfect setting for relaxing in that warm Punta Cana sun. Expansive and stretching for miles, you will not only have plenty of space for beach fun, but also find endless palapas to relax under all while taking in that ocean air and listening to the gentle lapping of the ocean waves.





The Pools:
If you fancy pools more than the beach, you’re in luck. In the centre of the property adjacent to the beach, you’ll find the fun pool. Games, music, and poolside fun – this pool will tap into anyone’s fun side. Situated a bit further from the beach is the quiet pool. Here, you’ll lounge next to the soft sounds of jazz and the tranquility of peace while you escape into that classic romcom novel you brought. If you are a Preferred Member, you also have the choice of a third pool within its Preferred Club area which includes its own bar area, poolside activities and impeccable personal bar service.






The Room:
Our Preferred Club ocean view room was exceptional. Situated on the top floor with an impressive view of the ocean, our room was excellent on all accounts. Entering the room, we peered upon a modern yet classic decor. Amenities included a king bed, separate toilet and shower area, couch, table and chairs, Nespresso machine, a complimentary beach bag and bottle of rum, soft drinks, water, beer, and snacks. Furnishing the balcony was a seating area and hot tub. Our preferred room also came with a butler who can and will assist you in any want or need. Our butler’s name was Diego and he was top notch. He went above and beyond our expectations and I would highly recommend him. See more about the Butler service below.










Sidenote: Upon entering our room – we were told we were either the first or second guests to actually stay in it due to the final completion of the resort. With some detailed inspection, it was found that renovation dust was covering the enter balcony (and hot tub) as well as the mirrors and bathroom area. In addition, our hot tub was not working. Within moments, a team of 4 came to quickly and efficiently make our room sparkle and get our hot tub up and running. We were impressed at the attention to detail and skillset the team used to ensure our stay was 5 star quality.
Dining:
The food here at Secrets Tides was truly world class – a perfect blend of taste, elegance, and attention to detail. With plenty of al a cart restaurants to choose from, as well as a buffet and snack areas, your palate will always be satisfied. Below are a descriptive list of their restaurants:
Seaside
Situated next to their beach area within an elegant seaside décor – their grilled speciality restaurant was scrumptious. We ate the Maui Maui and the New York striploin and both were mouth-watering.
Oceana
This oceanside restaurant is dedicated to their Preferred Members only – for breakfast and lunch. Whether you prefer a traditional full breakfast or a lighter fare of avocado toast, you will start your day right eating here. Lunches were also delicious with choices ranging from salads to steaks – each option as satisfying as the next.
For dinner, Oceana is open to all guests. Their menu offered a range of delectable seafood choices – surf and turf, the catch of the day, maui maui, salmon and salads. The salmon was delectable and left us wanting more.
Sidenote: We would have loved a few more options for their lunch menu. Over a 5 day period, the same choices were often picked – not much variety to choose over a week’s stay – althought what we ate was delicious.
El Patio
This restaurant is situated next to the main lobby area. Walking into El Patio felt like stepping into a local restaurant in Mexico. Colourful décor and Spanish music infused the atmosphere with joy. Dining on fajitas and chicken mole delighted our taste buds in this charming restaurant.
Meraki
This Mediterrian cuisine restaurant was fabulous! They have the option of an a la carte menu or the Japenese Hibachi (which requires a reservation) – either choice will satisfy you. We chose the a la carte option and we were more than satisfied. Their chicken fried rice and shrimp pad thai were delicious. One of our best meals during our stay.
Other restaurant options that we did not have the opportunity to eat at were:
- Market Cafe buffet- serving breakfast and lunch only
- Portofino – their Italian restaurant
- Barefoot Grill – serving burgers, pizza and hotdogs beachside
- Coco Café – their specialty coffee shop
- There was also a BBQ option on the beach within the Preferred Member beach section offering BBQ chicken and burgers
Each of these restaurants look fantastic and we will be excited to experience them on a return visit.











The Spa:
On NYE, we decided to take in the pleasure of an 80-minute couples massage. The spa treatment also included the use of their hydrotherapy pools and steam rooms, however, we did not make use of this option on this trip. Walking into their spa was like walking into serenity. Soft soothing music playing and the sweet scent of eucalyptus and lavender filled the air. Our massages were fantastic leaving us completely relaxed and rejuvenated for the remaining of the day. Their spa offers plenty of different treatments or beauty options that will satisfy anyone’s desires.
Spa Options include:
- Therapeutic Massages
- Hydrotherapy pools, saunas and steam rooms
- Beauty salon









Fitness Centre:
We did not take advantage of their gym facilities this vacation, but we stepped inside to have a look. Guests can enjoy a 2-story establishment offering plenty of cardio and weight machine options for anyone looking to keep up their fitness goals during their glorious vacation.






Nightly Entertainment:
Each night, their entertainment crew fascinated the crowd. From Rock nights and 80’s hits to beach parties and Dominican Nights – the team preformed and worked extra hard at keeping us engaged, uplifted and having fun.





New Year’s Eve Events:
Upon arrival and check-in on day one, we made reservations with our Butler, Diego, for their grand NYE gala. The entire courtyard garden, lobby bar, and theatre area were exquisitely decorated for the special occasion. Over 60 beautifully arranged round dining tables were strategically set up for guests to savour the exceptional buffet-style food spread – which was absolutely outstanding!
Foods offered:
- Sushi
- Salads
- Ocean Station – crab and lobster
- Roast beef
- Roast turkey
- Dominican Station
- Mexican Station
- Steak Station
- Cold cuts and cheese table
- Soups
- Vegetable dishes
- A spread of dessert options
You certainly would not leave hungry after taking part in this event. We tried to sample each delectable option, but we were unsuccessful due to the multitude of delicious choices satisfying our palates.
After dinner, we headed over to the outdoor covered theatre area for live music alternating with a DJ set out to entertained us until the NYE countdown. Once the countdown began – with elaborate lights, music and cheers – champagne flowed, fireworks lit the sky and 2025 began.
Sidenote: To be completely honest – we have experienced much better live music at other NYE celebrations, but their DJ was absolutely fantastic. All in all, we had many laughs with good friends and we rang in 2025 with dancing, celebrating and many cheers.










Butler Service:
This service is included with their Preferred Member rooms. Your Butler will be introduced to you immediately after your private check-in and will provide you with a tour of the grounds, pointing out all of the must-see or interesting areas that Secrets Tide offers. Our Butler’s name was Diego, and out of all the butlers we have had the pleasure of experiencing over the years at various resorts, he was simply the best! Outstanding, attentive, and thoughtful describes this wonderful man to a tee. Your butler can and will be at your service during your entire stay, helping you with any wish or desire you may have.
These desires may include (but not limited to):
- Booking any specialty restaurants – like the Hibachi section at Meraki
- Booking spa treatments
- Helping with birthdays or other celebrations
- Providing extras within your room – extra water, snacks, bottle of wine/champagne etc
- Night time tear down service
- Daily texts outlining the current days activities
Simply ask and they will provide.



Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Size – perfection. Not overly large or too small, but the perfect size to walk the property with ease.
- Grounds were impeccable – their gardens beautifully manicured.
- Capacity – with over 600 rooms and sold out over New Years – it never felt overly crowded.
- Service was outstanding. Each team member greeted you with a smile and went over and beyond to make your stay wonderful.
- Food was fabulous at each restaurant. We did not experience any unsatisfying options of our choosing.
- The comfort of our suite was superb. We slept like a dream (even with the Breathless Resort next to us – which is known for it’s parties), we did not hear any after hours noise and our balcony and in-room layout was top notch.
- Beach/pool chair availability was unlimited. You would always find a place to sit at the pool or beach.
- Butler service – a 10/10. Diego went above and beyond our expectations, ensuring our vacation was every bit as relaxing.
- Expansive soft golden beach which was cleaned daily and stretched for miles.
- Plenty of pools – varying in fun activities or quiet sections for whatever your pleasure was.
- Terrific entertainment team engaging you in their day-time activities or night-time dancing fun.
Cons:
- 40 min away from the airport.
- Rocks at beach – a bit more sand could be brought in around some of their palapas and beach volleyball area.
- The quality of English could be more enhanced for a luxury classed resort. We’ve been to other resorts where you could definitely see the education quality slightly more superb.
- There was pickleball courts, but no tennis courts. Providing a choice in outdoor racquet activities would be a nice perk.
- Their lunch menu at Oceana could have offered a few more choices. It was repetitive and if staying for a week or more, may grow tiresome to some.
Honestly, I sat struggling trying to think of many cons. Being 40 minutes away actually made the beach less crowded and more peaceful than the busy Bavaro beach. English is their second language so expecting it to be fluent may be grasping at straws and their food was absolutely impressive – with being an experienced traveller, I am only comparing to other luxury adult-only resorts we have vacationed at.
Would we return? Absolutely. We definitely see a holiday booked in the near future to Secrets Tides. If you are looking for a romantic luxury vacation with an expansive beach, exquisite food, plenty of pool options, and luxurious accommodations – you will certainly find it all here at Secret Tides.
To read more resort reviews, as well as watch a couple of videos of Secrets Tides – both a general overview and their New Years Eve highlights – click the links below:



