Secrets Resorts and Dreams Resorts are both luxury all-inclusives that are part of the World of Hyatt. Since they are all-inclusive resorts, you will have all food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and a wide range of entertainment and activities included in your stay.
However, there are some key differences between the two brands–the most important being that Secrets resorts are adults-only while Dreams resorts are family-friendly.
In this article, we will do an in-depth comparison of Secrets vs. Dreams resorts so you can learn all about the similarities and differences and decide which is right for you.
What’s the Difference Between Secrets vs. Dreams Resorts?
As mentioned above, one of the key differences between Secrets vs. Dreams is that one is adult-only while the other is family-friendly. The adults-only Secrets resorts are perfect for couples looking for an intimate getaway or honeymoon. On the other hand, Dreams Resorts are family-friendly, with plenty of amenities and activities for children.
Only guests who are 18 and over can stay at a Secrets resort, and the atmosphere is romantic. However, unlike Sandals resorts, Secrets resorts are not just for couples. Singles, friends, groups, and families with adult children are all welcome here.
Dreams resorts are ideal for families who want fun in luxurious surroundings. They are geared toward families with all ages of children, with spacious rooms and suites and a wide range of amenities and activities. These include Explorer’s Kids Clubs and Core Teen Clubs, as well as waterparks.
Dreams resorts are also popular with couples traveling without kids, as they generally include some adults-only areas, and they are an excellent choice for destination weddings if children are invited.
Are Secrets and Dreams Owned by the Same Company?
Yes, both resorts are part of the World of Hyatt. Both Secrets and Dreams resorts have 5 stars, and they are often located right next to each other. Within each brand, specific amenities may vary from resort to resort, but you can expect similar offerings at both.
Are Secrets or Dreams Resorts Clothing Optional?
No, neither Secrets or Dreams resorts are clothing optional. If you’re interested in that, check out our article on clothing optional resorts in the Caribbean.
Are Secrets Resorts Only for Couples?
Even though Secrets resorts are perfect for romance, they are not only for couples. Singles, friends, groups, and families with adult children can enjoy a stay at Secrets.
Is Secrets or Dreams Better?
It’s tough to say one brand is better than the other as they both offer great service, luxurious amenities, and beautiful settings. The key to choosing one or the other is to determine which is best for your needs.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway where there are no children around, Secrets resorts are perfect. But if you have the whole family–or if you enjoy being a kid yourself and would like access to amenities like waterparks–then Dreams resorts would be the better option.
You also have to consider the location you want to go to, flight costs, and how long you want to stay. If there is a certain destination you have in mind, or you get a good deal on flights to somewhere in particular, then that may help you decide which resort to go to.
Secrets vs. Dreams Locations
Secrets has 21 resorts across 7 Caribbean and Mediterranean countries. These include 12 in Mexico, 1 in Costa Rica, 2 in the Dominican Republic, 2 in Jamaica, 1 in St. Martin, and 3 in Spain.
Dreams has 30 resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and Europe. These include 16 in Mexico, 5 in the Dominican Republic, 1 in Curacao, 1 in Costa Rica, 1 in Panama, 1 in Colombia, 3 in Spain (Mallorca and the Canary Islands), 1 in Greece, and 1 in Bulgaria.
In multiple cases, Dreams and Secrets resorts are located next to each other, and guests can often access the neighboring resort’s amenities (although anyone under 18 may not go to a Secrets resort). Be sure to check the reviews for the location you are interested in, as in some spots guests have not been pleased with the proximity of the other resort. For example, nightlife noise at the Secrets resort may disturb families at the Dreams resort, or having children on the beach right next to you may disturb guests at the Secrets resort.
Secrets vs. Dreams Accommodations
Both Secrets and Dreams resorts offer a variety of luxurious rooms and suites with minibars and private furnished balconies or terraces. Some will have ocean views, private hot tubs, or swim-up entrances.
Dreams resorts offer extra-spacious options like family suites with separate living and dining areas.
Luxury suite options are available at both Secrets and Dreams resorts, like Presidential Suites with bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, full kitchens, and oversized balconies with private hot tubs and plunge pools.
Secrets vs. Dreams Preferred Club
Both resorts offer an upgrade to the Preferred Club. The Preferred Club gives you access to more amenities and benefits. For example, at most resorts there is a private lounge, reserved beach areas, and a private pool. There may be bars or restaurants that are only available to Preferred Club members. You will also get special desserts and top-shelf liquors, personalized check-in and check-out, and daily continental breakfast service.
The Preferred Club will also give you access to upgraded suites that have better locations and nicer amenities like swimout entrances.
So if you want to get the most out of your stay at Secrets resorts or Dreams resorts, then consider upgrading your room to the Preferred Club. (However, be sure to check reviews of the particular location you’re considering, as some of them have don’t have as many Preferred Club amenities and may not be worth it.)
Secrets vs. Dreams Food & Drink
In general, you won’t have a problem finding a delicious meal at either Secrets or Dreams resorts. There are multiple dining options that range from casual to gourmet and feature a wide variety of cuisines. There are also bars that serve snacks at both resorts.
Depending on the resort, you can find international buffets as well as a la carte restaurants that offer Mexican, seafood, Mediterranean, Jamaican, French, Pan-Asian, and more. Guests can opt for a candlelight dinner on the beach for an extra cost. Room service is also available 24 hours, but it will usually have a different, more limited menu.
Most locations will have a coffee shop that serves pastries and other tasty treats. For drinks, guests will find beach bars, pool bars, sports bars, music lounges, theater bars, swim-up bars, rooftop bars, and more.
It’s important to note that while many restaurant and bar types are the same throughout each brand, the offerings for food and drinks will depend on the location. Each resort will list what they have on their website.
Secrets vs. Dreams Activities
Both Secrets and Dreams resorts are located on beaches and offer a variety of water and land activities. However, since they cater to different demographics, you will find differences in the activities they offer. For example, Dreams has kid-oriented activities like ping pong, minigolf, foosball, board games, and climbing walls, in addition to the onsite waterparks.
As mentioned earlier, Dreams also has a kids’ club where kids from 3-12 can enjoy the pool and waterpark, treasure hunts, games and contests, movies, and arts & crafts. There is a Teen Club as well, where teens can hang out and enjoy daily activities, such as video games, sports, and more.
Water activities at Dreams resorts include multiple pools, waterparks, surf pools with wave riding, scuba diving classes, snorkeling, kayaking, and other non-motorized water sports.
Secrets resorts generally have several luxurious pools with loungers and cabanas. There are also a range of classes to choose from such as Zumba, Spanish lessons, cooking classes, dance classes, and massage lessons.
Secrets also have similar water and land activities as Dreams. Guests can enjoy tennis, beach volleyball, bocce ball, games, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing lessons, and more. Golf is available at certain Secrets and Dreams locations.
Both resorts will have a fitness facility (included) and Spa by Pevonia (not included). In addition, there will be a wide variety of day activities and nighttime entertainment, like tequila or wine tastings, live music, shows, and themed events, at both Secrets and Dreams resorts.
What’s Included at Secrets and Dreams Resorts?
Both resort brands are all-inclusive so your rate includes accommodations, unlimited dining, bottomless nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, 24-hour room and concierge service, minibars that are stocked daily, maid service, free WiFi, nightly entertainment, non-motorized watersports, land activities, access to a fitness center, and pool and beach service. At Dreams resorts, the kids’ and teen clubs are also included.
The only thing that isn’t included is tips and some activities. For example, spa services are not included, and most of the resorts charge extra for activities and excursions like scuba diving, golfing, and area tours. You can also request extras like private dinners or romance packages, and these are not included.
Secrets vs. Dreams: Which Resort Should You Go To?
As you can see, there are similarities and differences between Secrets and Dreams resorts. If you are looking for a romantic, peaceful, and child-free getaway, then Secrets is the resort for you. However, if you want luxury amenities and want to bring your children, then a Dreams resort is an excellent choice.
We suggest deciding what sort of trip you want and where you want to go, then reading reviews of the specific Dreams or Secrets resorts in that area to help you choose. You can also talk to one of our trusted travel advisors for guidance.
