All-Inclusive 4.5-Star Resort on Pristine Beachfront

About 16 miles north of bustling Playa del Carmen lies a quieter swath of sand known as Playa del Secreto, or the Secret Beach. The area is devoid of high-rise hotels and all-hours nightclubs. Instead, you’ll find turquoise water and sugar-sand beaches so tranquil and undisturbed that sea turtles still use them as nesting grounds. Fodor’s calls it “one of the most beautiful coastal communities in Riviera Maya,” and TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards named it one of Mexico’s top 25 all-inclusive resorts.

Presiding over a half-mile stretch of Playa del Secreto is the 4.5-star Valentin Imperial Maya All Inclusive, an adults-only (18 or older) luxury hotel inspired by grand old Mexican haciendas. Strolling through the hotel’s tropical gardens and landscaped courtyards, you’ll see moorish arches, tiled floors, and intricate fountains. You might also see coatimundi, raccoon-like mammals native to the region. Between the villas and the beach, a large pool splinters off into canals and lagoons spreading throughout the property.

Valentin Imperial Maya has several onsite restaurants where you can take advantage of an all-inclusive plan that covers all meals, snacks, and beverages. Hit up the gourmet omelet station at Restaurant Le Marché for breakfast, or pop in for an Italian dinner at Il Olivo. The upscale L’Alsace specializes in French cuisine, and La Hacienda offers up a blend of contemporary Mexican fare from three states—Veracruz, Puebla, and Yucatán.

As part of this deal, you get a resort-credit bundle that includes a $75 massage credit—valid at the onsite spa—as well as $50 for laundry services, $100 toward a room upgrade, and $75 toward a special gourmet dinner.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Trendy Beach Area and Diving Destination

Just across the sea from the island of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen has been called “the hippest city in all of the Yucatán Peninsula” by Lonely Planet. The laid-back beach bars and cafés have a way of converting vacationers into expats, but Playa’s most compelling draw might be its cenotes—cavernous sinkholes filled with turquoise pools. The water in the cenotes is crystal clear, particularly at the lily-pad-dotted Xlacah cenote, where you can snorkel among schools of colorful fish.

To the south, you’ll find preserved ruins of pre-Columbian cities. Tulum’s crumbling temples are situated above a dramatic ocean bluff, and Coba’s enormous pyramid rises between two lagoons. For a fun day trip, hop aboard the ferry to Cozumel, which docks 16 miles from the hotel at the pier east of Calle 1. There are about a dozen dive shops on Cozumel, and they offer trips offshore to the reefs that Jacques Cousteau declared some of the world’s most beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The property is about 25 minutes from Cancún International Airport (CUN). A private airport transportation shuttle is available for $175 round-trip.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests. One additional guest 18 or older may be added for an additional fee based on the date. Call the hotel to inquire about extra guest fees for specific travel windows. Kids 17 or younger not allowed.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Groupon customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? This Groupon includes a $75 credit for spa massages, a $50 credit for laundry services, a $100 credit toward room upgrades (additional spend likely), and a $75 credit toward a gourmet dinner (additional spend required). Please review any resort credit restrictions before purchasing.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? Reservations are not required. Daytime dress code is casual: dresses, shorts, and jeans are permitted; swimwear must be dry and covered; no bare feet allowed. Nighttime dress codes are casual or casual elegant, depending on the restaurant. Click here for evening dress code specifics.

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