You’ve seen the photos. Those dramatic infinity pools that seem to spill right into the Sea of Cortez, the white cabanas, and the pristine grounds of Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort. It looks like a postcard. Honestly, most people book it based on those glossy shots alone. But here’s the thing about Cabo: the reality of the coastline is way more complicated than the brochures let on, and if you go in expecting a typical Caribbean beach vacation, you might be in for a shock.
The resort sits in the exclusive Puerto Los Cabos area, just outside San José del Cabo. It’s not the wild, neon-soaked party scene of Cabo San Lucas. It’s quieter. It’s more refined. But is it worth the premium price tag? That depends entirely on whether you’re okay with a beach you can’t actually swim in.
The Elephant in the Room: That "Unswimmable" Beach
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first because it’s the number one thing people complain about after they arrive. You cannot swim in the ocean at Secrets Puerto Los Cabos. Well, you could try, but the red flags are there for a reason. The undertow and the "shore break" along this stretch of the Baja Peninsula are notoriously dangerous.
The Pacific and the Sea of Cortez meet here, creating currents that can pull even strong swimmers out in seconds. If your dream vacation involves wading into the surf with a margarita, this isn't the spot.
However, there’s a massive upside. Because the beach isn't swimmable, it’s remarkably quiet. You won't find the swarms of vendors selling silver jewelry and blankets that plague Medano Beach in downtown Cabo. It’s just you, the sand, and the sound of crashing waves. For a lot of couples, that trade-off is actually a win. You get the views without the chaos.
Room Categories and the "Preferred Club" Debate
When you’re booking, you’ll see the option to upgrade to the "Preferred Club." Usually, in the world of all-inclusives, these upgrades feel like a bit of a scam—maybe a slightly better brand of vodka in the minibar or a dedicated check-in desk.
At this specific Secrets resort, the layout makes the upgrade more relevant. The property is big. It’s sprawling. The Preferred Club suites are generally situated in better locations closer to the ocean and the main hub. You also get access to a private lounge and a specific pool area that tends to be less "rowdy" than the main pool.
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Is it a must? No. The standard Junior Suites are still huge—about 560 square feet—and they all come with either a private balcony or a terrace with a soaking tub. But if you hate walking or want a slightly more "adults-only" vibe away from the afternoon pool volleyball games, the extra cash for Preferred status is one of those rare times it might actually be worth it.
Design and Layout Quirks
The architecture is striking. It’s got that traditional Mexican colonial feel with white walls and red-tiled roofs, mixed with modern desert landscaping. It feels high-end.
One thing to watch out for is the walking. This resort is built on a bit of an incline. If you have mobility issues, you’re going to be calling for the golf cart shuttles a lot. They’re quick, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a compact resort where everything is two minutes away.
The Food Situation (No Reservations Required)
One of the biggest selling points of the Secrets brand is the "Unlimited-Luxury" concept. Basically, it means you don't have to wake up at 7:00 AM to stand in line at a concierge desk to book a dinner table for 8:00 PM. You just show up.
The resort has several options:
- El Patio: Classic Mexican. The mole is actually legit.
- Himitsu: Pan-Asian. They do the Teppanyaki show thing, which requires a bit of a wait usually, but the sushi is fresh.
- Oceana: Fresh seafood with a view.
- Bordeaux: French cuisine. This is usually the "fanciest" option and has a stricter dress code.
Honestly, the food is better than your average all-inclusive. It’s not Michelin-star level, and anyone telling you that is lying, but it’s consistently good. The real secret? The 24-hour room service. There is something undeniably great about ordering fish tacos to your balcony at 11:00 PM just because you can.
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What People Get Wrong About the Location
People often confuse "Los Cabos" as one single place. It’s not. It’s a 20-mile corridor.
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos is located at the far eastern end of this corridor. You are about 10-15 minutes away from the historic center of San José del Cabo. This is the "art district" side of town. It’s charming, it’s got cobblestone streets, and every Thursday night (from November to June), they do an Art Walk that is absolutely worth leaving the resort for.
If you are looking for the famous "Arch" (El Arco) or the thumping bass of Cabo Wabo, you are looking at a 40-minute Uber or taxi ride to Cabo San Lucas. If you plan on going back and forth every day, you’re going to spend a fortune on transportation. This resort is for people who want to stay put or explore the quieter, more cultural side of the region.
The Golf Factor
If you play, this is your spot. The resort is tucked right into the Puerto Los Cabos golf course. This isn't just any course; it’s a composite design by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. It’s famous for its comfort stations—basically, every few holes there’s a little hut serving tacos and tequila. It makes the game a lot more relaxed. Even if you aren't a pro, the views from the greens are some of the best in Baja.
The "Vibe" Check: Who is this for?
This isn't a spring break resort. You won't find foam parties or people doing body shots at the swim-up bar (usually). It’s geared toward honey-mooners, anniversaries, and groups of friends in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who want to relax.
The entertainment is there—fire shows, live music, beach movies—but it’s not shoved in your face. If you want to read a book by the quiet pool all day, nobody is going to blow a whistle in your ear to join a dance competition.
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Practical Logistics and Realities
You need to know about the weather. Cabo is a desert. It’s not tropical. In the winter months (December through February), the evenings can actually get chilly. I’m talking 60 degrees Fahrenheit ($15^\circ C$ or $16^\circ C$). If you only pack sundresses and shorts, you’ll be shivering at the outdoor restaurants. Bring a light jacket.
Conversely, in August and September, it is brutally hot and humid. It’s also hurricane season. While the resort is built like a fortress, the humidity can make sitting outside for dinner a bit of a sweat-fest.
Getting There
Don't use the airport shuttles offered by random guys in the "shark tank" (the hallway after customs at SJD airport). They will overcharge you or try to sell you a timeshare. Pre-book a private transfer or use a reputable app. The drive to the resort is about 30 minutes, mostly on a well-maintained toll road.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you've decided to pull the trigger on a stay at Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, here is how to handle the logistics for the best experience:
- Skip the high-floor request if you hate stairs. Ask for a room near the main elevators or the lobby building if you want to minimize walking.
- Download the Hyatt Inclusive Collection app. You can see the daily menus and the activity schedule before you even leave your room. It saves a lot of wandering around.
- Pack "Resort Casual" clothes. Men need long pants and closed-toe shoes for Bordeaux and Himitsu. They are surprisingly strict about this.
- Go to San José del Cabo on Thursday. Even if you love the all-inclusive life, the Art Walk is the best thing in the area. Take an Uber around 6:00 PM.
- Use the Spa. The hydrotherapy circuit is one of the best in the Secrets portfolio. Even if you don't book a full massage, you can often buy a day pass for the hydrotherapy for a fraction of the cost.
- Tipping. While tips are technically included, the staff works incredibly hard. Keeping a stack of $1 or $5 bills for your regular bartenders and maid service goes a long way in terms of service quality.
The resort isn't perfect—no place is—but if you understand that the beach is for looking and not swimming, and that you’re trading the party scene for peace and quiet, it’s one of the most consistent luxury experiences in Baja.