Mexico / Isla Mujeres
Great Expectations

Expectations run almost too high when a hotel has every travel & style magazine knocking at its door. But the Secreto www.hotelsecreto.com delivers on most of its accolades.

The location is great. (Much better than the highly touted Hotel Rolandi, which is out of the way & a bit stuffy for us.) Walking into town from the Secreto is a snap, yet it’s really quiet.

The small hotel is on Secreto beach, which doesn’t have that crowded beach-strip feel. On the downside however, there’s a small hotel next door that’s right in its lap & the open view the other way is lackluster at best. But not to worry. The hotel has your view set-up just right… towards the wild blue sea.

The Secreto has all the perks for its boutique status. Rooms are very comfortable, with natural stone floors, white furnishings & a duvet cover we wanted to take home. Bathrooms have stone-tiled showers.

Sleep to the sound of the waves. Or opt for air conditioning. Small balconies offer magnificent views, especially on the upper floor. (We had room #8. One of best in house).

The outdoor living room/bar is open on all sides. It looks over the inviting swimming pool & beach and is a good place to relax out of the sun. Swimming is a pool-thing here.

Steph, the Canadian concierge was full of island information. Sweet Mexican hotel employees always greeted us with engaging smiles.

Critics could say the Secreto’s character is not Mexican enough. It’ isn’t…White is just not a Mexican color. And overly designed in some ways. It is…all those fake flower arrangements should go. But we found the Secreto’s quiet, stylish & comfortable ambience a pleasure to come home to after a day exploring this quirky little island.

Key Words: Chic, White, Comfortable
Something We’d Change: Hotel could use some new bathrobes & towels