I recently spent 3 nights at the Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, an all-inclusive property that gave me extra perks as a Hyatt Globalist.
My first impression of the property was great, but I liked it less each day. By the time of checkout, I was excited to leave. I like this resort even less after leaving, based on the management’s response to my survey (which they sent me after departure).
I enjoyed my swim-up room and the resort’s accommodation of dietary restrictions, but those positives didn’t outweigh the multiple negatives. Those included a super noisy atmosphere, constant sales pitches and promotions, and people smoking literally everywhere at the property.
Here’s a look at my stay and why I wouldn’t return to the Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
Booking Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
After Hyatt acquired the Apple Leisure Group in 2021, Secrets joined the World of Hyatt program. Guests can earn and redeem Hyatt points here and use perks from any Hyatt elite status they hold.
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana opened in 2010 and underwent a renovation in 2020. It’s currently a Category C all-inclusive, with nights starting at 21,000 points on off-peak dates. For my 3-night stay during spring break travel in April 2026, the resort used peak pricing (29,000 points per night), and upgraded preferred rooms ran 37,000 points per night. Paid rates started at $466 to $685 for preferred rooms.
I redeemed points, receiving a 1.6 cents-per-point redemption value. That’s slightly above our average valuation of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each.
All Secrets properties are adults-only, and all reservations are all-inclusive, including meals, drinks, some activities, and lodging.
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana Location
Secrets Royal Beach is in the Bávaro area, about 25 minutes by car from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It’s surrounded by multiple resorts, walkable to some local shops, and easily reachable by airport taxi.
Much of the beach area is public property. The beach was popular with weddings, but the public beach aspect meant people constantly walked into the background of a wedding in progress.
Pros of My Stay at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
The Preferred Club Area Was Great
This was my favorite area of the resort. Timeshare owners and those booked in Preferred Club rooms — which Hyatt Globalists are upgraded to — stay on a side of the resort separated from the main resort area by a wall of plants and a security checkpoint.
This area had its own pool with multiple sections. Passing it on arrival at my room was a good start.
There was a swim-up bar at the largest section of the Preferred Club pool.
There were lounge chairs and umbrellas set around the largest section of the pool, as well as seating on the pool’s upper deck and daybeds between the pool and the beach.
There was also a dedicated beach area for Preferred Club guests. There were chairs and palapas available here, as well as 2-tier cabanas for rent.
Behind the swim-up bar, there was a Preferred Club lounge with seating, a concierge desk, a full-service bar, a small buffet, and restrooms. Oddly, the chips and salsa were kept inside a warming station, which seemed gross.
The highlight of the Preferred Clubarea was the so-called “lazy river.” There wasn’t actually a current, but this canal ran along multiple swim-up suites and was very popular with guests. It fed into the Preferred Club pool at one end and had a waterfall on the other side.
Cabanas lined one side of the lazy river, while there were in-water loungers at the other side — the side closest to guest rooms. A few footbridges passed over the canal.
Drifters Bar sat near the cabanas, exclusively accessible to Preferred Club guests.
There was also a soaking tub near the bar, but it was just pool temperature — not a hot tub.
The Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Up Room Was Super Cool
I have Hyatt’s top-tier Globalist status and was upgraded to the Preferred Clubsection of the resort, a Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Up room. The bedroom had a comfortable king bed and dual nightstands. The only outlets near the bed were occupied by the clock and phone, so that could be improved. The thermostat’s location was also strange.
The bathroom was spacious with a nice marble design. There were dual sinks, lots of mirrors, and a vanity. Frosted doors led to a toilet space and a shower.
Near the room’s entry, the closet had shelves, hangers, robes, a safe, and a steamer.
There was a TV opposite the bed, a minibar between the TV and the closet, lots of counter space, and a sofa at the far end.
My suite had a terrace with armchairs, lounge chairs, a small table, and a private hot tub. I also had direct access to the lazy river.
Restaurant Options Were Abundant (Though Some Were ‘Meh’)
Secrets Royal Beach had multiple dining outlets, and the variety was nice. That said, the quality varied widely.
Oceana, next to the main pool, offered lunch only for Preferred Club members. My quinoa dish was good, but the chips were soggy, and the guacamole had no flavor.
