This hotel was so beautiful online, and having stayed at many other secrets properties both in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, I guess I understand and have a certain expectation when it comes to Secrets properties, as while they are often more expensive you know you are going to get 5 star service that is next to none. So we decided to book a week at this resort in St Martin. However, we were sad to realize this was nothing like any other secrets resort we have visited, as the property is truly in need of a complete overhaul. I feel that the property probably never recovered or had an appropriate investment for renovations after the hurricane that made land fall there several years ago. First off the room view was, not the greatest, was blocked by a tree and over looked the mountains. We had requested a high floor, but the best they could offer was a second floor room, and it was handicap accessible. While we did not need a handicap room, this was a bit upsetting as we had to put towels down on the shower as it was zero entry and the water would run out of the shower, also there was a bunch of additional handles and grab bars that really were not needed. However, the bed was comfortable and minibar was stocked daily and housekeeping staff did do a nice job, and the a/c worked well. So while there was some bad there was also many good aspects of the room. However, I would say it was really not anything great compared to other secrets properties, I would say more similar to a holiday inn express or best western quality. So don’t go expecting a deluxe or luxury room. But know it will be clean and comfortable. As far as the pool and hot tub, it was nice however in need of some repair, there was a pump running that they used to filter the water as the infinity design was out of service, the water was not going over the side to be filtered like with other infinity pools I’ve used. The hot tub also out of service we were told there was some sort of earthquake that left a crack in the hot tub making it unusable, so this was a bit upsetting as it had beach views and we were kind of looking forward to using it. So while the pool was nice, again needs work. At the pool too there was no music or really much entertainment, and while the entertainment staff was very nice the hotel is so limited on guests I’m really not sure how they would have enough people to really offer any entertainment or group activities like pool volleyball and the like. But some music or background noice would have been nice. Also, the drink service by the pool is lacking with one person bringing drinks, if she’s on duty as some days she was off. Also, the pool Resturant or beach grille was open one day of the 8 days we were there. So this is also an inconvenience, as you have to dry off and get dressed to go have lunch in the Buffett, and sometimes it’s nice to be able to have a quick snack by the pool without having to dry off, put on shirt and shoes etc to go to the Buffett, plus often times I’m not looking for a big sit down meal mid day just a snack so this was a bummer. The pool bar was nice but, swim up bar often closed so you have to get out and go to other adjacent bar to get a drink, not a major issue as drinks we good, but small. My thing is don’t advertise something you won’t be offering that’s all, because the issue that comes to be is you expect it and then are found to be saddened it’s not offered. I would also recommend bringing a cup or mug that you can use for them to make you a drink that then would eliminate the small drink issue. I see others doing that and it was smart. As far as the beach area it was beautiful, bring a small blow up travel raft like with the blow up side bolsters with the mesh part, this was great to float on in the calm waters of the bay that the hotel is on. Also, bring a snorkel mask like 20 buck on Amazon as the fish and sea life are beautiful. Also, water shoes are nice while there is mostly sand on the bottom once you get so far out there is some sea weed that’s alive on the ocean floor, and I think water shoes make that a better experience. Beach chairs are great, umbrellas need some work, as they look like they have seen better days, but again they work and do their purpose but not the level you would expect of a secrets. Dining, the food was really good I thought for all inclusive, and similar in quality to other secrets properties, however again they advertise several restaurants open nightly and usually there was only 1-2 open. So don’t expect a lot of choice with dining, however they also have some theme dining nights, and I still would have preferred to have other options available like advertised if your not into the menu for the theme night, as like the one night was like a beach bbq style and the last night was like this show with a Buffett type dining option, and the show was not really a show but a band playing Caribbean music, and loud so not my style so we opted for the hibachi dining that night, and I found it to be really good. The staff was also so so nice and you could tell they are very proud of where they work but just need resources and more staff to assist them. You can’t expect one person to run an entire dining venue even if you only have a small number of guests, so I think this issue could be fixed but, again don’t expect every dining venue to be open every night, and go later in the evening after the rush, like 730 or 8 and you will have pretty much the whole venue to yourself and one on one service, if you go early you most likely will have a wait, and see the limited food and beverage staff running around which is sad and unfair to them, as again many of them are very kind and personable, and have pride for what they do, but no resources or staff to make everything run smooth. Breakfast was nice, with your typical all inclusive Buffett and omelette station and egg station, however probably not as deluxe as other secrets properties I’ve been. Room service is nice, however again, don’t expect really fancy options, but what was offered was good and served hot for the most part. I enjoyed one dinner in room and a couple breakfasts, and you could have it on the balcony or in the room at a small bistro table. Lastly with the room service again it’s advertised 24/7 and while this isn’t a concern for me, if your a night owl or a late night bar type person who enjoys to shut the bar down and then come to room and order late night some nights this was not an option as the room service closed at 10pm, so plan accordingly. Again this wasn’t an issue for me, but again it’s advertised and your paying a premium to stay at a top tier resort so it should be available if advertised. Overall, the vacation was really nice, bed was clean, food was good, facilities were clean but needed some work and the staff was kind warm and welcoming and did the best they could with what resources and staff they had at their disposal. However, I would not say this is up to the standard as to what they are charging by any means. They need to reduce the prices until they can get their act together, and the facilities renovated, and really maybe even shut down, and fully revamp take the time to hire enough staff then open under the secrets brand, I say this because if I had never been to a secrets before I wouldn’t have known what to compare it to, and this is not secrets quality. However, I will say when they asked me how my stay was I was upfront and told them my thoughts, both good and bad. I was honest, and kind and told the manager the hotel has a lot of potential however really needs some major injection of money to get the hotel where it needs to be so it can appropriately have the name of the secrets brand. For the most part the manager agreed, and made it sound like those who own or operate the hotel do not follow through in the requests being made, so I assume they are stingy and trying to make up for all the Covid-19 losses and travel restrictions that took place. However that’s not the way to run any business as you need to deliver on what you advertise. The manager was understanding and receptive and I was able to get a credit for a couple of nights which in the end made me much happier, because again as I said the hotel had nice offerings, but by no means is it a top tier deluxe property worth paying top tier pricing for. My two cents would be try to find the best price or discounted rate you can and go in with an open mind, if you go. However, I’m hopeful the hotel will undergo a complete overhaul as that’s truly what’s needed. So I give it a 4 as the hotel management staff really did understand and take my feedback offering a discount, but I just think until they get things together it’s probably a 3 star at this point in time, and I’m hopeful who ever owns the place gets it up to the secrets standard asap as the more that experience secrets in this manner and are not familiar with what it should be like they would never probably go to another secrets property again and pay such a premium due to their experience here as again, this is more comparable to a Barcelo resort or other mid level all inclusive not the premium luxury top tier one would expect from a Secrets. I hope you find this review helpful, as I didn’t want to come on here and complain as the hotel does have potential but I think it’s important people know what to expect before they arrive and be prepared.
