The wine-inspired Secrets the Vine Cancun is sandwiched between Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience and Hard Rock Cancun–it is a high-rise built perpendicular to the sea which provides less beachfront than some of the other nearby resorts.  Furniture and features are chic and contemporary with some decorating surprises not commonly seen in all-inclusives such as the lobby’s elongated gas fireplace, glass-enclosed wine wall with handcrafted wine-tasting table for sommelier-led wine tastings, hand carved natural stone reception desk, and non-skid Italian porcelain floors in guest rooms.  This Secrets resort exudes an aura of sophisticated elegance without being garish or “over the top”; those who enjoy wine, good company, modern décor, rooms with both awesome ocean and lagoon views, and not having to wear resort wristbands will most likely thoroughly enjoy their stay.

Given its perpendicular orientation to the sea, amenities are in close quarters to one another, especially the outdoor areas.  There are four heated pools which were recently renovated–two beachfront pools, a lengthy lap pool, and the more sedate and isolated Preferred Club pool up on the 12th floor.  The Preferred Club pool is for Preferred Club guests only with its own bar service, padded loungers, and shade umbrellas, all with a great ocean view.  While all sundecks have loungers and umbrellas, canopied structures are available for all guests on the main sundeck.  Although the canopies are not typical resort-style Bali beds, two padded loungers with accompanying pillows are provided for each shaded area.  There is also a very popular beachfront Jacuzzi, and be sure not to miss the “chef’s parade” which happens at 1 p.m. (kitchen staff bring out trays of appetizers to hand out to the guests).  There are two poolside bars, but no swim-up bar.

Several steps lead down from the pool to the powder-white sand beach with its easy ocean entry and stunning turquoise waters.  There are hammocks and canopied structures (similar to the ones poolside) on the north side of the property along the wall, and there are plenty of loungers to go around.  If there aren’t enough shade umbrellas already set up, just ask a staff member and they will set one up for you.  The resort recently added a colorful Cancun sign on the beach for guest photo ops.

One of the resort’s distinctive amenities is the white glass shower inside each guest room, usually within site of the bed.  Although it has a beautiful design, it can pose a privacy issue for friends traveling together or parents bringing adult children.  Those wanting more shower privacy may want to consider the Master Suite since this room category has a separate living room–the shower is inside the bedroom and the bedroom can be closed off by a sliding panel.  Several guest room categories also have in-room soaker tubs with exterior views, another great room amenity.  This resort has recently acquired in-room iPads which guests can use to make spa reservations, check out the latest resort activities, upload photos to one’s media account, or surf the web.

Dining opportunities include five a la cartes, a buffet, a café, and poolside BBQ’s as well as paella on occasion.  Although wine is emphasized here, drinks of all kinds can be ordered at any of the six bars.

While this resort is definitely not a party place, it does attract a wide age range of vacationers (mid 20’s to mid 60’s).  This is more of a couples’ resort, so single travelers would do well to look elsewhere.

Type of Resort:  Adults-only

Pro:  Heated pools, free WiFi with the Secrets app, beautiful public spaces, sommelier-led wine tastings

Con:  No swim-up bar, balcony privacy, north-facing balconies can be noisy, wine sales at dinner can be aggressive

Best Suited For:  Couples of all ages, wine lovers

No. of Rooms:  497

Room Amenities:  King or two double beds, A/C, balcony/terrace, desk and chair, iPad, digital safe, mini-bar, flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, alarm clock with iPod dock, telephone, robe and slippers, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, double sinks, shower with rainforest showerhead, toiletries, and 24-hr. room service.  WiFi as well as calls to the US, Canada, and Mexico are complimentary with the Secrets app.  Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories:

(Non-Preferred Club Rooms)

• Deluxe Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds, armchair and ottoman
• Jr. Suite Ocean View:  King bed, chaise lounge, loveseat, table and two chairs
• Honeymoon Suite Ocean View:  King bed, soaker tub, sofa, chaise lounge, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), dbl rainforest showerheads, extensive wraparound balcony
• Honeymoon Suite Oceanfront:  King bed, soaker tub, sofa, chaise lounge, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), dbl rainforest showerheads, wraparound balcony
• Master Suite Ocean View:  Separate bedroom area with king bed, large circular chair, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), dbl rainforest showerheads, separate soaker tub, and access to an extensive wraparound balcony.  A partial wall divides two separate sitting room areas–one sitting room has a sofa bed, ottomans, armchair, multiple closets, wet bar, and a second bathroom, while the second sitting room has a sofa, two chairs, coffee table, large dining room table with three chairs and a lengthy bench, balcony access, and flat screen TV which can swing around to face the other sitting room area.
• Master Suite Oceanfront:  Separate bedroom area with king bed, large circular chair, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), dbl rainforest showerheads, separate soaker tub, and access to an extensive wraparound balcony.  A partial wall divides two separate sitting room areas–one sitting room has a sofa bed, ottomans, armchair, multiple closets, wet bar, and a second bathroom, while the second sitting room has a sofa, two chairs, coffee table, large dining room table with three chairs and a lengthy bench, balcony access, and flat screen TV which can swing around to face the other sitting room area.

(Preferred Club Amenities)

• private check-in/out at the Preferred Club Lounge on the 21st floor
• Preferred Club Lounge access with top-shelf liquor, continental breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and complimentary computer use
• exclusive concierge
• rooms are 21st floor and above
• access to a private pool, bar, and restaurant (Olio) for lunch
• upgraded mini-bar with small bottles of liquor and extra snacks
• upgraded toiletries
• pillow menu
• daily newspaper

(Preferred Club Rooms)

• Preferred Club Deluxe Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds, armchair and ottoman
• Preferred Club Jr. Suite Ocean View:  King bed, chaise lounge, loveseat, table and two chairs
• Preferred Club Honeymoon Suite Ocean View:  King bed, soaker tub, sofa, chaise lounge, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), large shower with dbl rainforest showerheads, extensive wraparound balcony
• Preferred Club Honeymoon Suite Oceanfront:  King bed, soaker tub, sofa, chaise lounge, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), large shower with dbl rainforest showerheads, extensive wraparound balcony
• Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean View:  Separate bedroom area with king bed, circular chair, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), dbl rainforest showerheads, separate soaker tub, and access to an extensive wraparound balcony.  A partial wall divides two separate sitting room areas–one sitting room has a sofa bed, ottomans, armchair, multiple closets, wet bar, and a second full bathroom, while the second sitting room has a sofa, two chairs, coffee table, large dining table with three chairs and a lengthy bench, balcony access, and flat screen TV which can swing around to face the other sitting room area.
• Preferred Club Master Suite Oceanfront:  Separate bedroom area with king bed, circular chair, hidden motorized-access flat screen TV (TV rises from a cabinet), dbl rainforest showerheads, separate soaker tub, and access to an extensive wraparound balcony.  A partial wall divides two separate sitting room areas–one sitting room has a sofa bed, ottomans, armchair, multiple closets, wet bar, and a second full bathroom, while the second sitting room has a sofa, two chairs, coffee table, large dining table with three chairs and a lengthy bench, balcony access, and flat screen TV which can swing around to face the other sitting room area.
• Preferred Club Governor Suite:  Two bedrooms (one with king bed, the other with two queen beds), living room with sofa bed, armchair, ottoman, desk and chair, flat screen TV, dining room area with lengthy table, three chairs, and a bench, balcony with sofas and armchairs
• Preferred Club Presidential Suite:  Two bedrooms (one with king bed, the other with two queen beds), living room with large sofa bed, coffee table, flat screen TV, dining room area with lengthy table, three chairs and a bench, wet bar, two full bathrooms, expansive balcony with full loungers, sofas, armchairs, and tables
• NOTE:  Couples wanting more bathroom privacy and space in general should consider booking the Master Suite.  Also, floor numbering is unusual–rooms are located on the 10th floor and above while the lobby is located on the 9th floor.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available.  Guests with disabilities should consider that this resort has plenty of stairs and limited handrail accessibility.

Resort Amenities:  Four heated pools (two beachfront, lap pool, and private pool for Preferred Club guests), beachfront Jacuzzi, spa, beauty salon, fitness center, in-room iPad, giant chess, games room, sports bar, pool and beach wait service, hammock section, wine cellar, sommelier-led wine tastings, complimentary greens fees at Playa Mujeres Golf Club course, concierge, tour desk, gift shop, car rental, and ATM.

Restaurants/Bars:  This resort offers one buffet (Market Café–no buffet for dinner though), and five a la cartes including Asian (Dragons–no teppanyaki show tables), Italian (Nebbiolo), seafood (Sea Salt Grill–no A/C), grilled specialties (Bluewater Grill), and Mediterranean (Olio–no A/C).  While Olio accepts all resort guests for dinner, only upgraded Preferred Club guests can eat lunch here.  There is also a poolside grill for lunch (Barefoot Grill), poolside BBQ’s, and a café and coffee bar which is open 24-hrs.  No reservations are required for the a la cartes.  At 1 p.m., chefs also bring out trays of appetizers for guests at the main pool area.  There are six regular bars including the lobby bar, sports bar, beach bar, two poolside bars, and the piano bar which includes a dance floor; the wine cellar bar offers sommelier-led wine tastings.  There is no swim-up bar.

Entertainment:  Live music at the piano bar, piano bar becomes a disco late at night, nightly live performances (there is no theater), and sports bar for game viewing.

Website:  http://www.secretsresorts.com/en_us/resorts/mexico/vine-cancun.html