Secrets Capri vs. Excellence

[nhplgrm]

Hello friends; and Shammy (our most valued guide)

I've been reading this post regularly and could use your assistance in making a vacation decision. Let me first say that I thoroughly research (sometimes too much) before I go! Have been to the DR twice and loved it and have had the pleasure of spending a week a couple years ago at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana...have also tried the IB Hacienda Dominicus in LaRomana. Secrets is our favorite as my wife says it was the most relaxing vacation she's ever had. The last two vacations have been cruises (which have been great) and we'd now like to go back to AI as they seem to be the most carefree and serene! Suffice it to say we don't want a "schedule" to follow. We are late 40s and work very hard all year to save up for a relaxing vacation. We like upscale properties with food/beverages and beach being most important. Long walks on the beach and romantic dinners! You know; what most couples like on vacation.

Now our dilemma....please help if you can. WE are limited to taking a week in March and August only. We usually cruise in March for a week and would like to get back to AIs in August. So that said; I am planning a 50th. birthday week or so for my wife in either Playa del Carmen area, Turks & Caicos or back to the DR. Would like to try Playa area as we stopped in Cozumel on a cruise and loved it.

Questions: Is August too risky weatherwise for Playa? DR is constant light breeze and that was refreshing....IS there any breeze of the water in August in Playa? Some folks say we are crazy to vacation there in August saying it's far too humid and rainy.

Now for the big question...I've narrowed down (using this and other posts) to Secrets Capri or Secrets Excellence. Adults only and we have had such good experience with Secrets in DR. So given what I said above..if you could share your opinions with us it would be greatly appreciated.

In the past Shammy; you've recommended Barcelo Maya for the beach...and given the pics I've seen you're right but we really love the elegant sorroundings like Secrets. We considered Royal Hideaway but the beach erosion and close proximity to other resorts kills that. Also looked at IB Paraiso Maya and sister properties but the constant blaring of music on the beach isn't what we want. May also reconsider the RIU Palace but the crowds on the beach turns me off. I know; nothing is perfect!

Thanks for reading my long request folks..simply trying to get your opinions before I book. Your ideas are very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
nhplgrm

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by nhplgrm

Hello friends; and Shammy (our most valued guide)

I've been reading this post regularly and could use your assistance in making a vacation decision. Let me first say that I thoroughly research (sometimes too much) before I go! Have been to the DR twice and loved it and have had the pleasure of spending a week a couple years ago at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana...have also tried the IB Hacienda Dominicus in LaRomana. Secrets is our favorite as my wife says it was the most relaxing vacation she's ever had. The last two vacations have been cruises (which have been great) and we'd now like to go back to AI as they seem to be the most carefree and serene! Suffice it to say we don't want a "schedule" to follow. We are late 40s and work very hard all year to save up for a relaxing vacation. We like upscale properties with food/beverages and beach being most important. Long walks on the beach and romantic dinners! You know; what most couples like on vacation.

Now our dilemma....please help if you can. WE are limited to taking a week in March and August only. We usually cruise in March for a week and would like to get back to AIs in August. So that said; I am planning a 50th. birthday week or so for my wife in either Playa del Carmen area, Turks & Caicos or back to the DR. Would like to try Playa area as we stopped in Cozumel on a cruise and loved it.

Well, you gotta KNOW I'm gonna tell you to give Playa a try! Yes, the Mayan Riviera is my specialty but I also do quite a bit of the Dominican as well. These are usually people who normally go to Playa but are looking to switch things up a bit...but they ALWAYS end up back in Playa! :p I'm having a difficult time selling the Dominican these days due to the malaria scare and the fairly recent norovirus scare as well. Then you have the people who want to go but feel after last year's bonanza of hurricanes that came through the Caribbean, they're afraid and feel Playa is a safer bet. Which leads me to.......

Originally Posted by nhplgrm

Questions: Is August too risky weatherwise for Playa? DR is constant light breeze and that was refreshing....IS there any breeze of the water in August in Playa? Some folks say we are crazy to vacation there in August saying it's far too humid and rainy.

Playa is no more risky than any other Caribbean destination, and in my opinion, less so. However, no one will ever know when or where a hurricane will form nor where it will land so when you travel in August, my advice is to keep business as usual and make sure you take trip insurance just in case.

The weather in Playa in August is most definitly H O T! But yes, there's a breeze and again, there's little difference between the Dominican and Playa in August. Hot and humid is the word here but isn't it hot an humid at home too? Well, I don't know where you live so perhaps if you're in Alaska, this isn't an issue but here in Joisey, it's hot and sticky. If I'm gonna be hot anyway, I'd rather it be in Mexico than in Joisey!

Originally Posted by nhplgrm

Now for the big question...I've narrowed down (using this and other posts) to Secrets Capri or Secrets Excellence. Adults only and we have had such good experience with Secrets in DR. So given what I said above..if you could share your opinions with us it would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds to me that since you like what you've seen at Secrets Punta Cana, you'd also like either of the Secrets properties in the Mayan Riviera. There really isn't much difference between the two, all the Secrets follow about the same policies. But the Excellence is newer (opened in Oct 2004), bigger, has more restaurants, bars and swimming pools (6), has a world class spa, is set off by itself more, is further from Playa Del Carmen. Neither beach is what I'd call "fantastic" and that seems to be the one drawback of both resorts. The water isn't the same turquoise blue, there's some seaweed that washes up (but they rake it all day), but regardless, it's not horrible by any means.

Originally Posted by nhplgrm

In the past Shammy; you've recommended Barcelo Maya for the beach...and given the pics I've seen you're right but we really love the elegant sorroundings like Secrets. We considered Royal Hideaway but the beach erosion and close proximity to other resorts kills that. Also looked at IB Paraiso Maya and sister properties but the constant blaring of music on the beach isn't what we want. May also reconsider the RIU Palace but the crowds on the beach turns me off. I know; nothing is perfect!

Yep, the Barcelo has an outstanding beach area, very few resorts come close to what they have been blessed with. But it's not up to speed when compared to Secrets. This is a solid resort but if you want to be pampered and deal with high end food, drinks, service, rooms...then you have to stick with a place such as Secrets. While I love the Barcelo, you simply can't compare it to Secrets.
Royal Hideaway is great too, but quite a bit more expensive and yes, they do have that beach thing goin on. Not sure what they are going to do, whether they will wait for Mother Nature to take hold or if they will begin improvements on their own as reported, so I really can't tell you what the beach will look like come August. But if the beach is important, then you'd want to give this some consideration.
I've never heard of issues with blaring music at the Maya (but maybe I just haven't heard!) but the Maya is located in the Playa Paraiso complex where the IB* Del Mar/Beach and Lindo are so yes, it's a big place. The Maya is an all suite property and the more upscale of the 4 properties but not sure it's worth paying that price just to "be at the Maya". The other resorts are very family friendly and in August, you're probably going to be surrounded by lots of little ones taking advantage of the wave pool and lazy river at the Lindo.
Riu Palace is adult oriented although they do accept children. While most US folks tend to go to more family friendly resorts, the Europeans do like the Rius and will bring their kids in the summer. Beacuse it is in Playacar, the beach will be more crowded than a resort that is set off by itself. I heard that although they don't have the same severe erosion problems, they have lost a bit of their beach area. The Palace will cost less than Secrets (and quite a bit less) but you don't have the unlimited ala carte dining nor the same level of "pampering" that you would find at Secrets. However, this is a very popular property and there's a reason for that....good price for what you get.

Originally Posted by nhplgrm

Thanks for reading my long request folks..simply trying to get your opinions before I book. Your ideas are very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
nhplgrm

Hope that helped, let me know if you have any more questions!

[nhplgrm]

You're the best Shammy...we did connect a year or so ago and actually talked via the phone. Instead we went to LaRomana and we did have a fantastic time..have to tell you though the "malaria" scare and infamous norovirus was going on back two years ago when we first went to Secrets Excellence...so how much of that is hype I don't know. I did contract "voodo revenge" when I was in DR the first time but it's the same as "montezuma's revenge" in mexico too. So in any thirdworld country it's a risk...and the norovirus has been an issue onboard ships for quite sometime. Luckily haven't had that one as of yet but our college campus is dealing with it all the time! We do love the DR and the people are so friendly!

Thanks so much for your comments Shammy...still wondering which of the Secrets to book... beach as you say isn't fantastic but it's long and walkable right? That does matter...short stretches of beach lined with more AIs isn't our "cuppa tea" and we were going to the RH but when I saw pics of the other hotels next door I said forget it! and now the beach issue there.

Thanks also for the hint on the RIU P and the european families....guess that helps us with deciding on the adults only concept. Been there and done that with the kids for years...now it's our turn....and Secrets helps bring out the romance

Any others out there with opinions and comments...greatly appreciated...and we will call you again Shammy when we're ready to book....you do a fantastic job!!!!!! and we really like your honest attitude...you impress us with your business sense! This board is lucky to have you!

nhplgrm

[kathyb]

Hi,

We were at Secrets Capri last sept/oct and are booked at Excellence this year. Secrets Capri was wonderful - we really loved it and would have returned there this year but wanted to try a new Secrets property so we booked Excellence. Capri is a small intimate adults only resort and we felt very pampered and relaxed. The beach isn't the greatest but no nearly as bad as some say. It is just murky at times but you can walk a few feet down and the water is beautiful. I would not hesitate to book because of the beach UNLESS the beach is the most important thing for you.

I can send you my trip report and photos if you send me your email.

Secrets Excellence I am told is more like the property in Punta Cana. A larger property but does offer more in the way of entertainment and restaurants. Capri is a $10 taxi fare into Playa where Excellence is a $25 fare.

I don't think you can go wrong with either property - especially if you already like Secrets hotels.

Good Luck!

By the way we have always traveled during the late september early october timeframe (our anniversary) and the weather has been perfect. Warm sunny days and nights - if it rains it is a quick downpour and then the sun is back out. We do take out insurance just in case but have been lucky and not needed it.

Kathy

[nhplgrm]

Thanks so much Kathy for your candid comments re: Secrets Capri vs. Excellence. After numerous efforts to research the properites on several different travel sites...what you say about the differences is just what I expected. I just wanted to converse with folks that had actually been to either or both. Great to have your thoughts as well. I also wasn't sure which one had the better beach. Beach is important but it's not the whole package!

Pleased to hear that you like the Capri and found it to be intimate. That's what we like however we felt that with the adults only concept even the larger DR property never felt large....it was quiet and relaxing.

With all that I've read I'm leaning towards the Secrets Excellence Riviera Cancun. However I will send you my e-mail for pics...that is so kind of you to share! I've looked at pics on www.webshots.com and I would love to see yours as well.

Sounds like you have a great time in Sept./Oct. We also get trip insurance each and every time and in fact had to use it in August after the numerous hurricanes in Florida/Caribbean. Glad we had it! Not to mention all the missed flights and connections these days...no fun to fly anymore!

Thank you again Kathy and if anyone else would like to add their comments I would appreciate it.

Have to agree with you and your husband...the Secrets experience is addicting and so far nothing has touched it. Our friends that also went thought the food was far superior to their Sandals vacation where they paid twice what we did and they had a short beach to walk on.... Interesting!!

John C.

[mnwild]

I have been to both. Capri in March of 2004 and Excellence in March of 2005. Secrets Capri is a fantastic resort, but I liked Excellence even more.
Excellence beach has a little more sea weed than Capri but not a big deal to us. There were more resturants and bars at the Excellence. Food was excellent at both, I thought. Service was great at both. I thought the beds were really hard at the Capri, my opinion along with my husbands and several others that were there at the same time. Hard enough that I would have to consider going back just because of that. That really was my only complaint with Capri. Excellence is a little bigger, more room to roam, farther out from Playa though, if that is what you are interested in.

[nhplgrm]

Helpful thoughts mnwild! Thank you for taking the time to add your comments....very much appreciated! It's all helping to narrow down my decision! I'll deal with the distance I think from Playa because when we were at the Secrets in DR it was "way out" and isolated...and to be honest...that turned out to be a benefit at least for us! When you only have a week to rest up and re-energize...doing nothing at all is a "tonic" So maybe one trip to Playa is all we really need in one week! When it's romantic and beautiful sorroundings that is plenty for us!

So thank you again!!!

Sincerely,
nhplgrm

Just got back from SERC last night. *sigh* First time in Mexico AND first AI experience, but I've been to a few non-AI 4-5* resorts - Radisson in Aruba, El Conquistador in Puerto Rico, and Our Lucaya (the higher end side) in Freeport. We were really impressed with SERC in so many ways - the service, the food, the drinks, the pools, the spa, the room, etc. The one downside is the ocean water - it is actually a nice color, but the sea grass makes it less appealing to swim in. But the beach itself is very nice, and you can indeed take long walks to either side. What I really liked the most about SERC is how spread out it is - so even though it is a big resort, it never feels crowded. I mean never. You can always find a pool or a spot on the beach that is super quiet. We liked the far south end of the beach, NEVER gets crowded, and William from the Sugar Reef bar is great, he will bring you drinks and food continually with a smile . Also liked the spa pool and the U-shaped pool near buildings 8&9 - they are NEVER crowded, and super quiet. And we never waited for dinner (including Bordeaux @7:30pm). The only time we saw lots of people in one place was in the theater, and in the swim-up bar pool (the only crowded pool). Overall the most relaxing place we've ever been, would go back in a heartbeat.

[Robino]

nhplgrm - We are leaving for SERC this Sunday, we were at Capri last March and I intend on writing a review and I will include a comparison report of the 2 resorts. I agree with KathyB, I loved Capri but wanted to try the new property. I'm sure you won't go wrong with either choice.

[nhplgrm]

Hi Mishmc: So you had a great time at SERC...great to hear. WE have considered the Radisson in Aruba as well...but would like to try the new Secrets and now with what everyone is saying we will likely take your advice and try it in August...thanks for the advice on the beach. Being from New England we are used to seaweed and seagrass so that's not a problem...do like the turqouise water but could likely live with the issues you mentioned. What you said about the resort itself as compared to where you've stayed is a big plus. That means you like similar things to us. Thanks so much!

nhplgrm

[nhplgrm]

HAVE A GREAT TIME Robino...let us know how you liked it and you're probably right we'd like either but leaning towards SERC. So will be looking forward to your review...have FUN

nhplgrm

[JackieMRP]

nhplgrm,
My husband & I have been to all 3 Secrets & based on the overall experience, we liked Secrets Capri 1st, SE Punta Cana 2nd & then SE Riv Cancun. Though, neither SC or SERC can beat that awesome beach @ SEPC !! I'll copy & paste my January comparison betw/ SC & SERC. I also have pics of our trips if you're interested: http://photos.yahoo.com/jmrperotto

Jackie


My husband & I have been to both & loved both !! We were at Secrets Capri in May 2004 & we just returned 4 days ago (Jan 8-16, 2005) from Secrets Excellence.

SERVICE: Service @ both was great. We only encountered a very few not-so-pleasant employees. I tried to speak some of my very limited Spanish (3 yrs in high school & 2 semesters in college) when I could & they seemed to appreciate that.

ROOMS: The rooms @ both were great, too. We were in an Oceanfront (1st floor) room @ Capri & in a Swim Out (1st floor of course) room @ Excellence. All the rooms @ SERC have a 2 person in-room jacuzzi, where the rooms @ SC had a 1 person in-room jacuzzi. Our Swim Out room @ SERC also had a 2 person jacuzzi on the patio. Both rooms had double sinks & separate toilet & shower areas. They both had 4 poster beds & daily-stocked mini-fridges.

BEACH: The beach area @ SERC was alot bigger than SC. It was probably twice the depth, as well as alot wider due to the actual resort being larger. You could walk in both directions for a long way (it's about a 45 minute walk down to Puerto Morelos -- my husband walked home at a pretty quick pace from his scuba diving excursion). I preferred walking north past the Paradisus. At SC, we only walked south down as far as the Captain LaFitte hotel (maybe about a mile or so ?? ) & that was a nice walk. We really didn't notice much garbage on either beach. The sand was that nice soft white sand @ SERC & not quite as white or soft @ SC (probably brought in ?? ).

POOLS: The pools @ both resorts were spotless. There was just the one pool @ SC & the temperature was great, but we were there in May so it was hotter outside. The pools (lots of 'em !! ) @ SERC were very nice but COLD !! I'm a big fan of pools & have always been a big swimmer, but WOW, it was jolting !! The pool right in front of Bldg 7 was heated, though & very easy to get into. Maybe the other pools wouldn't feel as cold as it gets more into the summer months. We joked that they kept them cold on purpose to keep ppl out so they would stay cleaner !!

FOOD: The food @ SERC was very good, but we thought the food @ SC was excellent. We've been to the Caribbean/Mexico 18 times (14 of them @ all inclusives) and the food at Secrets Capri was our favorite of all of our trips !! (The head chef @ SERC now was the head chef @ SC when we were there last May. You'll see him at all times of day in all the restaurants checking things out.).

OVERALL: Having been to both & enjoyed both, I'd have to say that overall, if we were to return to one of them, we'd go back to Secrets Capri 1st. We just enjoyed the atmosphere better there. Also, on our last day @ SERC, a group of a few hundred people were checking in for a convention & were extremely loud & obnoxious (i.e. they had a table set up in DeMario's for about 40 of them & they were shouting back & forth to each other & shaking their rattles). I don't really blame them so much as Secrets. They advertise peace, tranquility & romance, & a convention hotel cannot achieve that -- you can't have it both ways !!

[nhplgrm]

WOW Jackie...you are certainly the "world traveller" and I'm envious of all the great places you've stayed at. All three Secrets...well that tells me that you really liked the Secrets experience!!! We sure did! I found it interesting reading through your trip report and thank you for providing it! It just made the decision a little more difficult..I'm swaying both ways now... You made some great points about the "conference style" etc. vs. more intimate...hmmmm. However there are rarely conferences in August when we travel.

Loved all your pics especially the grounds and beaches...I can tell you really like those pools!!! Looks like you had a great room and it reminded me of SEPC...were you in a jr. suite in the swim outs or standard room. Certainly looked comfortable and romantic!

Another question for you Jackie..noticed all your pics included the Grand Lido chain...what were your thoughts on them.... I've seen the Sandals properties in St. Lucia and while we love St. Lucia thought your pics proved my point...more value in the Secrets chain...less cost and more elegance...maybe I'm wrong. Just a observation. Had forgotten about the Grand Lido properties and interested in what you thought of them. You did say though that Secrets had the best food of them all....interesting!

You are so kind to have responded to my post and your pics are great...Thanks!

nhplgrm

[JackieMRP]

nhplgrm,
You're very intuitive -- we DO like the Secrets chain !! We're actually returning to SEPC in 4 weeks & 3 days !! They are supposedly building a new Secrets in Jamaica (won't be ready til 06 or 07) & I can't wait !!

At SC, we were in an Oceanfront Junior Suite. At SERC, we were in a Swimout Suite (not sure if if was a Junior suite -- we booked the lowest level room there & they upgraded us at check-in, so I really don't know the exact category).

We obviously like the Grand Lido resorts as well !! We're returning for our 7th visit in Aug. While we liked Secrets Capri food better than any other resort, we do like the Lido food better than SERC or SEPC. We enjoy the AN/CO facilities at the Lidos. We have a great time at those resorts even though the service there is a bit slower paced than in Mexico & the DR.

Sandals....hmmm....that's a whole other topic !! St. Lucia was a stunning island (w/ plenty of rain to make it that way !! ), but we probably would never return to a Sandals (maybe only if I won a free trip or something). We just didn't like the atmosphere there (lots of rather obnoxious guests). Also, you're right about the Secrets vs. Sandals thing --- Secrets is quite a bit less money than Sandals, w/ alot more elegance !! (just my opinion, of course).

Glad you enjoyed the pics -- my husband makes fun of me for taking so many !!

Jackie

[nhplgrm]

Well my wife makes fun of me taking pics too but with the newer digital camera I haven't had the time to figure it all out!! Too many bells and whistles to deal with ....so I don't take anywhere near the # of photos as I used to. But yours were well received and could spend an hour or so checking out all your adventures; beautiful beaches and properties. Question: you mentioned AN/CO for the Lido chain...I'm fairly good on most euphemisms but missed that one...I'm sure it's obvious to most but I haven't figured it out yet... sorry! So you think I should check them out..which one is most relaxing and elegant. I'll have to do some more research!!!! Maybe I should do a parttime job as a travel agent.eh? Now that would be interesting.

I also didn't have any idea that Secrets was planning a new property in Jamaica! WOW!!!! and I missed that!!! Guess I've been spending too much time on the cruise sites...definitely will look into that for the future.

You have a fantastic time at SEPC...we sure did and I am jealous!!! it is definitely a great relaxing spot. When you walk up towards the Serina or Serines (can't quite remember the name) you'll also have to check out Secrets sister property Sunscape THE BEACH. Brand new and is a family version of Secrets...in fact I've been considering it as it's a good value. Reviews have been mixed but I've heard the property and POOL is fantastic! Pool runs the entire length of the property...you'd probably like that!!!!

Thanks again Jackie and tell your husband that we really appreciate all the pics.

nhplgrm