Written By: Travel Advisor, Payton Rudolph

As a travel advisor, I’ve had the pleasure of planning all kinds of vacations—from romantic honeymoons to family-friendly escapes—but one of my favorite types of trips to plan (and experience!) is a group getaway. Recently, I had the chance to take 11 of my friends to Secrets Tulum Resort & Spa for a fun, sun-soaked escape that delivered the perfect mix of relaxation, entertainment, and tropical luxury.

We were looking for somewhere all-inclusive that felt elevated but still fun—somewhere with great food, strong margaritas, and enough activities to keep a lively group of adults entertained. This resort did not disappoint. Whether you're planning a friend-cation, couples retreat, or celebrating a milestone birthday, this resort offers a little something for every kind of adult traveler.

✈️ Getting There: Flying into Tulum (TQO)

We flew direct from Atlanta (ATL) into Tulum’s brand-new airport (TQO), and let me tell you—it made a world of difference. This smaller, more efficient airport helped us avoid the usual delays and chaos of Cancun. From landing to customs to baggage claim, we were out in about 30 minutes. Some of our friends even breezed through faster!

🛌 Our Room: Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out

Exactly as pictured—and even better in person. We stayed in a Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out room, which featured a big king bed, a spacious walk-in shower, and of course, a private swim-out pool that connected to our friends room next door.

🎉 Resort Vibes & Activities

This resort truly comes alive with energy, and the Entertainment Team deserves a shout-out. As a travel advisor, I always observe what works well for different personalities, and here's what stood out:

Foam Party: Yes, it was like a college frat party—but in the best way. Our group made it hilarious and fun, though it’s definitely not for the low-key traveler.
Beach Club: Important note—this resort is not directly on the beach. Instead, there’s a shuttle every 30 minutes (9 AM to 5:30 PM), and it's about a 15-minute ride. The Beach Club has an exclusive Preferred Club section and a full-service restaurant. The food? Phenomenal. (Shoutout to the spinach ravioli and fish tacos!)

And yes, there were vendors on the beach... a lot of them. It’s a public beach, so it’s to be expected—but good to know in advance.

🍽️ Dining Highlights

The culinary experiences were overall enjoyable with a few standout moments:

Jasmine (Asian/Peruvian): Our favorite! Great sushi options (Dragon Roll = 🔥), flavorful dishes like pad Thai, and an overall fun vibe.
Olio (Mediterranean): Solid but not show-stopping.
Bluewater Grill: Jungle setting, unique ambiance. The tomato soup (yes, really) was incredible, but breakfast took a long time—pack your patience and your bug spray.
Mexican Night (Friday Only!): A must-do. Authentic cuisine, mariachi music, tequila, sombreros, and all the festive feels.

Please Note: Some of the restaurants are about to go under a rebrand.

💆 Spa & Relaxation

We only took advantage of the complimentary hydrotherapy circuit, but wow—it was impressive. Between the sauna, cold plunge, hot tubs, and massage jets, it was 90 minutes of pure bliss. Highly recommend this experience for Preferred Club guests.

🐢 Excursion: Cenote + Turtle Watching Tour

We booked a Turtle Watching & Cenote Adventure and it was worth every penny. After a small hiccup with timing, our guide—who turned out to be the director of tourism in Tulum—led us through an unforgettable day.

Cenote Exploration: Not just a swim, but a full-on underworld experience. Just us and our guide, headlamps and all. Not for the claustrophobic, but completely magical.
Snorkeling the Reef: We saw stingrays, fish, a nurse shark, and 4–5 sea turtles. Stunning.