Aruba, a Caribbean island with its white-sand beaches and turquoise water, is one of the most popular islands to visit. But it doesn’t rain from the friendly people to the delicious food and the sunny weather – so no wonder island slogan is “One Happy Island” — something that has been said by residents. Despite the fact that most tourists have come to know about Palm Beach’s bustling west side, it was an interesting new adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt and is a great way to find Aruba’S south east side — just next to the iconic Baby Beach.
Related: Your ultimate guide to Hyatt hotel brands
It is the first all-inclusive luxury hotel in San Nicolas area, and about 30 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), Secrets Baby Beach Aruba. The Hyatt portfolio includes Plus, which is ‘fully bookable with points’.
Here’s a snapshot of what guests can expect at this beautiful, new all-inclusive property.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
Related: Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda review
First impressions
Arriving at the cliffside resort, I was greeted with a cold towel, and an attendant immediately helped with my luggage.
The expansive property reflects the island’s natural beauty, with the vast cacti landscape taking center stage, both inside and outside.
When I entered the lobby, I was greeted by an extremely large communal space with several seating areas where guests can enjoy open-air views and the fresh ocean breeze.
Previous slide
Next slide
1 of 3
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
0
1
2
A check-in area (called the Preferred Club lounge) is where you can enjoy an assortment of pastries and small bites, a full-service bar while waiting for your room assignment.
Related: Guide to World of Hyatt club lounge access awards, including how to use them for someone else
The rooms
Today Secrets Baby Beach features 304 suite, each with a private, furnished balcony or terrace. A private pool and/or a soaking tub will be added to the room for Preferred Club guests. This property is not directly on the beach, depending on your room choice, but you’ll still have a partial view of the ocean.
My boyfriend and I were in a Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean View room. It was a 1,230 square feet (king-size bed, an additional sitting area and ‘fully equipped minibar”) room designed to be in the style of Aruba’s landscape with art that is inspired by sculpture from Cacti. Stylish The minimalist, modern room was made of wood with sleek, natural finishes and neutral tones throughout the space.
Previous slide
Next slide
1 of 4
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
0
1
2
3
A large well-lit, roomy bathroom had double sinks under a giant mirror, an in suite toilet and rainfall shower. The toiletries were from Pharmacopia’s hydrating argan oil collection, which was also used as the Toiletries.
The show stars were a private pool with lounge chairs and ‘one outdoor soaking tub, while the interior of the room was lovely but it had been described as showcasing an exclusive pool. The romantic atmosphere of the hotel was certainly reflected in these facilities and the beautiful landscaping surrounding them. If you have a pool on your rooms, then stay on the ground floor of the hotel; that is so much less than what’s going to be seen in the ocean.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
Dining at Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
The resort has four la carte dinner restaurants Tierra (South American fusion cuisine); Portofino, an Italian restaurant; Oceana, s seafood restaurant and Himitsu which serves Pan-Asian food.
I had the opportunity to dine at Tierra, Oceana and Himitsu.
Previous slide
Next slide
1 of 4
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
0
1
2
3
In my eyes, Tierra reigned supreme with blending bold flavors and spices. Highlights include Colombian Tacacho, a pork crackling mashed plantain with meat crackled, pork confit and pickled onions. I loved the fresh catch of the day, snapper fried green plantains with banana leaves and snaps. And for those who would like to add a little spice to the dish, ask the server for papaya hot sauce.
Another memorable meal was Oceana’s surf-and-turf dish featuring sauteed shrimp and a beef fillet with potato mousseline and mushroom sauce.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
Himitsu came in third out of the three restaurants I tried. A shrimp tempura sushi roll appeared to be a pre-made and then refrigerated shrimp, with the rice dry slightly while it was hot. The flavor profile of this dish is not usually the lemony taste, but it was a shrimp pad thai’s sauce with incredibly lemon.
Overall, I found that the more regionally focused food really excelled compared to other international dishes.
A buffet called the Market Cafe, an international buffet with a variety of options from made-to-order omelets and crepes to sashimi for breakfast and lunch options, is open to guests. Preferred Club members may choose to dine in a separate seating area and select from an al if carte menu for their membership. However, I thought it was a bit like breakfast at the buffet. I like the freedom of going up and picking things or grabbing several plates so I decided to dine in the buffet area.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
Barefoot Grill, which serves light bites by the pool; Coco Cafe, a 24-hour coffee, an ice cream and snack bar; and room service.
Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in the world
Amenities and service
The amenities of the resort’s facilities are a major selling point as with most luxury all-inclusive hotels. It was a good combination of energy activities and wellness-focused services at Secrets Baby Beach,’ said .
Previous slide
Next slide
1 of 4
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
0
1
2
3
The resort is home to two infinity pools (one pool only for Preferred Club guests) overlooking Baby Beach, and an activity pool with a swimming pool that runs through the grounds of * Pools This resort has two Infinity Pools (in addition to one pool reserved for visitors at Preferring Club), according to . These are the quieter beachfront pools that can be used for relaxation and if you’re looking to relax. But it’s an activity pool, a fun place to play with lively music and poolside games for guests.
Located at this lovely spa, which also has a sauna, steam room, cold pool and hot tubs, * Spa For ultimate relaxation, indulge yourself with’masoch or facial treatment’.
*******Access to Baby Beach** From the resort, you can walk down the road to baby Beach. It is a beach in the city of , but guests are given free chairs, snorkeling equipment and drinks to enjoy at this beach. However, note that Hyatt does not have a beach area for hotel guests at Baby Beach.
In addition to the daytime music and games by the main pool, the resort also has live music every night. The most notable was sitting outside the bar, drinking a predinner and listening to ’90s pop songs by violist play. After dinner, go to the resort’s nightclub, Desire and listen to a DJ set or sing karaoke (or go back to sports bar) and watch if you have gotten into. Nightly singers, and stage performances are also performed at the hotel including nightly singing of a song called .
The soaring gym has ellipticals, treadmills and free weights (including strength training machines and more); you can also join a fitness class such as yoga, aerobics or Zumba; * Fitness center ****FiTness centre**
Despite my love to relax on holidays, I like doing activities too much * Activities The hotel is home to a host of classes such as Sip & Paint, cocktail making (smoking), bike tours, bingo and jewelry making. Additionally, you will see a lobby attendants that are available to help you book off-site trips like tour of Arikok National Park cave tour.
- Casino: This hotel features a casino, but it was not open during my stay.
Related: 2 new all-inclusive resorts you can book with Hyatt points just opened in the Dominican Republic
The local experience
This hotel is really special, although the resort offers a lot of on-site activities, and it’s Secretly Baby Beach that encourages guests to venture off the property and experience what Aruba has to offer. And yes, even at the hotel you can book a rental car right there — or just get tyres at check-in desk.
Previous slide
Next slide
1 of 3
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
0
1
2
The town of San Nicolas just minutes from the hotel – is an expression of the island’s Caribbean roots and culture, and has become one of its major centers for art. The trip was characterized by seeing the street murals and visiting local galleries. If you’re looking for authentic food, head to O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen and try some staples like fresh fish, jerk chicken and curry goat.
Also, I would recommend renting a car or taking ‘guided tour to Arikok National Park’. Explore caves and see ancient drawings on the rock walls of .
Location and logistics
This resort is just about 30 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport. There is no Uber or similar ride-hailing service in Aruba so to get to the hotel, you can take a taxi (usually $20–30) and usually costs. You can also book an all-round car service, which I would recommend for a hassle free experience. Secrets Baby Beach A common transfer to and from is about $45 per person.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
A VIP luxury round-trip airport transfer is available at De Palm Tours for a more luxurious experience, with an estimated $423 package that allows up to four passengers.
What it costs to stay at Secrets Baby Beach
The all-inclusive collection of Hyatt’s Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is that it means you can book this resort with points. It is a Category D resort, where off-peak dates start at 25,000 points for 50,000 points on’standard room’ 34,000 points (for stag) club room rooms, 43,000 points of standard suite and 500,000 points in premium suite.
Cash rates for standard rooms begin at around $700, while Preferred Club rooms start at around $1,000 per night.
Award prices for this hotel were only showing premium room availability to book with Hyatt points on select dates.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
For a stay at Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, you’ll want to use if you have stayed with ‘A credit card that earns the most points for Hyatt stays or one that offers automatic World of HyATt elite status for value-added benefits. Such are.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card
For example, (see rates and fees) 4 points per dollar at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status and five elite night credits per year for a higher tier; See rates/charges.
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
(see rates and fees) 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status and five elite night credits toward a higher tier for every $10,000 spent on each calendar year.
Related: TPG’s guide to the best all-inclusive resorts you can book with points
Accessibility
Secrets Baby Beach provides two wheelchair-accessible room types (both on the ground level), as well as wheelchair accessible ramps and elevators throughout the property. In public places, there are also wheelchair-accessible bathrooms like the lobby.
For specific needs, TPG recommends contacting the resort directly before booking to confirm how the resort can accommodate them.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
Bottom line
A solid resort for couples looking for a romantic getaway and adults searching for the ultimate escape from the Caribbean, this new oceanside, all-inclusive resort of Hyatt offers intimate rooms in secluded surroundings with activities both on and off The property is home to many things. The hotel is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the revitalized city of San Nicolas (San Nicolas) if you’re interested in local culture and see beyond the walls of the property.
GABRIELLE BERNARDINI/THE POINTS GUY
But, as this hotel is on the less-touristed side of the island, you’re off the beaten path — about 45 minutes from the Palm Beach hotel zone. But if you have access to that area’s livelier scene — including more hotels, bars and restaurants the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino (though not all-inclusive), it may be better for you.
Overall, couples and adults who seek out Aruba’s more touristy neighborhoods but want luxury services and amenities with a greater local feel should visit Secrets Baby Beach Aru for their next getaway.
Thanks for reading First look: Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
