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My husband and I stayed at Secrets Capri from February 8-13 for a rest & relaxation getaway. We just got off the plane a few hours ago!
It was so sad to leave such a wonderful and magical place! Everything positive that you’ve read is true! Everything negative is just people nit-picking on minute things. We are both well-traveled and somewhat picky, and still have nothing bad to say about Capri. We have already decided that we will be back at Capri this May for our anniversary. This is our first AI. We’ve been on more than a dozen cruises and have decided that we will never go on one again! Not after this! We met several couples that have been to other AI’s in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. They all say that this one is the BEST. Even out of the 3 Secrets resorts.
We booked our trip with GoAwayTravel (Apple Vacations) in December. We got a helluva great deal it was some sort of Super Saver rate that was available at the time. We decided to book our own airlines since we had frequent flyer miles. If you are flying out of Kansas City (MCI), I would highly recommend flying with Frontier Airlines. They have non-stop flights going to Cancun!!! It only takes about 3-3.5 hours and they have free Direct TV. They served us delicious vegetarian wraps and Baked Lays potato chips on the way there; they had Caesar Beef, Popeye Turkey or Japanese Vegetarian wraps on the return flight.
We got to and from the hotel via Apple Vacations’ transportation. The ride was pleasant, about 35-20 minutes. On our way to the resort we had the van all to ourselves, which was really nice. This morning, we were the 3rd couple out of 4 couples to be picked up from Playa resorts. The shuttle was timely and we got to the airport with plenty of time to kill. I love the duty-free and various shops they have in the terminal. We’ve been to Mexico so many times that we know that all the stuff you get from any city is the same. This trip I did not buy anything from the locals because I actually got it at the airport cheaper or around the same price! (Usually I bargain with locals, but I didn’t have the time or energy to do it this trip).
The check-in / check-out process was really quick and efficient—about 5 minutes. We got a Tropical Deluxe room, which was great. We tried to get an upgrade, but the hotel was full. There was nothing to complain about though. The room was beautiful, clean and comfortable. The robes and slippers they provided were really nice touches. They also have large bottles of shampoo, SPF8 sunscreen, shower gel, mending kit, shoe polisher, shower cap, all purpose kit, and incense! I liked the jacuzzi tub, but it only fit one person.
We brought our laptop and paid $15 day to receive connection. The computers in the business center are great though. If you bring a laptop, you should download Skype (skype.com). We bought $10 worth of minutes (8-20 hours or so) and were able to call home via the Internet for pennies a minute! If your family/friends have Skype, you can talk skype-skype for free! Make sure your laptop has a microphone though, or you can buy a headset for it.
One of our favorite parts about this trip was the FOOD!!!!! Other guests who’ve been to other AI’s says Capri’s food is first-class and the best, hands down. I believe it! Room service is phenomenal! Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? We ordered it almost every day, at different hours since it is 24/7 service. I recommend the rainbow fruit plate, chicken flautas (a must!), and chocolate brownie with ice cream.
Every morning we had the breakfast buffet in the main dining room— La Riveria. I have never had such an amazing breakfast in my life. There were so many things I loved about it (and I’m not even a breakfast person). They have a lady making fresh crepes, another making omelets to order. They always have a small sample of traditional Mexican food, which is always delicious. There is a huge variety of ANY breakfast food you can think of… and then some! The only thing I really did not care for was the coffee. I often waited and went to the lobby bar and ordered cappuccino. Yum!
We ate at the Pan-Asian restaurant, Himitsu, twice for dinner. They have decent sushi and a fabulous dinner menu!!! They have a teppanyaki grill, but we didn’t try that. We had delicious spring rolls, shrimp tempura, pad thai, Singapore shrimp and lobster rice, and green tea ice cream (very authentic). They actually had “real” green tea teabags. I am Asian and very picky about green teas. It’s called sushi bar green tea. I had a pot every morning and night. They also had Chinese Jasmine teabags. These teas were actually available anywhere on the premises.
Another favorite was the Italian restaurant, Portofino’s. The calamari/octopus/shrimp salad was to die for! I also ordered minestrone soup, veal saltimbocca, and tiramisu. Whatever my husband got, he loved too. They have the BEST bread here. Try the foccaccia. It’s so soft and tasty. They give you olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh parmesan cheese from the huge block to dip your bread in.
We ate at Oceana seafood restaurant our last night there. We had spring rolls, shrimp flambé, filet mignon, and coconut ice cream inside puff pastry covered in chocolate. The coconut ice cream was especially delicious because it had coconut flakes in it. It tasted very fresh.
We had lunch at the Seaside restaurant by the pool every day. I highly recommend the shrimp and scallop ceviche, calamari, hot dog (who would’ve thought?), and curly fries. They also have a mini buffet by the pool every day. Each day is different. They usually have potato chips (Ruffles, Lays, Doritos), a salad, and something on the grill (flank steak, pork, chicken, sausage). I’d eat at Seaside and then dabble at the buffet since we were at the pool all day long. Around 5 or so, they have some hors d’oeuvres sandwiches in the main lobby—turkey, ham, etc. and some sweets. We ate like pigs and never got sick. One afternoon my husband got heartburn, but it was his own fault. I gave him a Pepcid AC and it went away instantaneously.
We went to downtown Playa del Carmen one morning. It was nice, but not anything special since we’ve been to other Mexican cities. It was nice to get away though. They do have some cute local restaurants that you may want to try. We got 100% fresh and natural juices from a restaurant on 5th Ave.
Other guests say they had fun partying there at night, since there really wasn’t a party scene going on at Capri (which was fine with me!). They have a shuttle going there in the evening. We grabbed a taxi for $12 one way, and split it with another couple going there.
Another day we went to Xcaret Ecological Park. It was amazing and well worth the $60/pp to enter the park. There is A LOT to do there. It is so beautiful, lush, and cultural. Check out there website: http://www.xcaret.com The hotel has excursion going there for $85/pp, which includes entrance fee and transportation. We took a cab for $22 one way, and $20 back (depends on the mood of the drivers I guess).
We splurged and received spa treatments: manicures, pedicures, and couples massage (treatments are very expensive). The mani/pedi were okay. The massage was GREAT. They have you come in early so you can relax by utilizing their sauna and steam rooms. Nice touch. I love the aromatherapy and strong hands that come with the massage!
I really liked their gym! It is in the spa area. Very clean and filled with high-quality equipment. My favorite was the Precor elliptical trainer, like the one I use at home. They have 2 of those, 3 treadmills, free weights, resistance balls, a few machines, jump ropes, steps, mats, and a fridge filled with bottled waters!
I would suggest that both ladies and gents bring sweaters or shawls. It gets a little bit chilly at night! Luckily I had my shawl, but my husband wished that he had brought a sweater.
I cannot express how friendly, kind, genuine and helpful everybody was at Capri. I took the advice of others and brought a bunch of singles for tipping. They really deserve it and appreciate it, but certainly don’t expect it. I can’t say enough good things about this resort.
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