Note: This is a role-play scenario written like a real trip journal. It uses specific, true-to-life examples you might run into at this resort. Please check current status, since properties can change names or offerings. For another take on the stay, you can flip through my detailed role-play journal of Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun for extra photos and day-by-day notes.
Why I picked it (in this story)
I wanted a calm, adults-only spot that’s close to the Cancun airport. No wristbands. No spring break vibe. Just sun, soft music, and good food. Secrets Capri looked small, classy, and friendly. For another lens on the property before booking, you can skim this comprehensive review of Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun that dives into everything from check-in to nightly entertainment. You know what? That “small resort” feel really matters when you don’t want to walk a mile to breakfast. Those craving a similarly intimate Riviera Maya escape might also consider the Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort, celebrated for its tranquil vibe and beachfront dining.
Arrival: Towel, drink, and a tiny wait
My shuttle pulled up around noon. A bellman said “Bienvenidos” and handed me a cold towel and a bubbly drink with lime. Check-in took about 7 minutes. The room wasn’t ready yet (they said 2 pm), so I left my bags and went to find lunch. I didn’t mind. The lobby smelled like vanilla and sea air, and the ceiling fans made a soft whirr that kind of set the mood.
First food: Fish tacos and shade
I grabbed a table at Seaside Grill. Shade, ocean breeze, and a view that looked like a screensaver. I had fish tacos with a little habanero mayo. Warm tortillas, crunchy cabbage, and a squeeze of lime. The server, José, warned me the salsa “bites a little.” He was right. I chased it with a margarita and asked for a Tajín rim. Small touch, big smile.
The room: Old-school charm, cool A/C
By 2:05 pm, my key worked. Preferred Club ocean view, king bed. The style felt classic—dark wood, cream walls, a marble floor that stayed cool on bare feet. The balcony had two chairs and a small table. I could see the pool and a slice of blue sea. The minibar had Coke, Sprite, Dos Equis, little waters, and a mini bag of Pringles. If you’re the type who likes a “look before you book” gallery, the detailed Oyster review has floor-to-ceiling photos and a room-by-room breakdown that’s worth a peek. I found coffee pods and a tiny espresso machine that looked cute and did the job.
Bathroom notes:
- Walk-in shower with steady hot water
- Good water pressure (not a fire hose, but solid)
- One sink, big mirror
- Towels were fluffy on day one, a bit flatter by day three
Tiny gripe: a faint musty smell when I first walked in. Humid coast life. I asked housekeeping for a dehumidifier. They rolled one in and it cleared up by bedtime.
Pool and beach: Pick your mood
The main pool felt lively but not wild. A DJ played chill beats in the afternoon. On Friday, they did a foam party at 3 pm. People danced. I laughed at myself because I tried and, wow, foam gets in your ears. The pool bar team—Erika and Luis—kept drinks moving. Tip a little, and they learn your order fast.
The beach was pretty, though narrow in spots. During seaweed season (spring into summer), a tractor cleared the shore by late morning. Some days the water was calm and clear. Other days the red flag flew and we stuck to the pool. I took a kayak out on a calm morning. Ten minutes in, I saw a ray glide under me like a ghost. I froze, then grinned. Wild, but safe. If you're curious how other stretches of shoreline compare, my candid walk-through of Cancún’s beaches breaks down sand, surf, and seaweed in full.
Food notes: The hits and the shrugs
- Breakfast at La Riviera: Omelet station with quick hands. Chilaquiles had a nice kick. Coffee was a bit weak unless I asked for an Americano. Fresh papaya tasted like candy.
- Lunch: Seaside Grill again for burgers and that crunchy side salad. Also tried ceviche once; bright and citrusy, but a touch too much onion for me.
- Dinner at Himitsu: I snagged the teppan show table by lining up around 3 pm to put my name down. The chef flipped shrimp tails into his hat. Cheesy? Yes. Fun? Also yes. The chicken fried rice was the winner.
- Dinner at Portofino: The lamb ragu was rich and salty in a good way. Bread basket came warm. I wanted a second basket but decided to save room for tiramisu—creamy, light, gone in 60 seconds.
- Bordeaux: French onion soup with a deep, beefy broth and a big cheese cap. The steak frites came medium-rare as asked. Fries were crisp but cooled fast—eat quick.
Dress code tip: long pants for men at a couple spots. I saw one guy get turned away in shorts and sandals. He took it well, came back in chinos. Need packing inspo? I broke down what to wear (and what I’d skip) in this Cancún attire guide.
Room service showed up in about 30 minutes late at night. I ordered a club sandwich and fries. Solid midnight snack while watching a silly telenovela and guessing the plot without subtitles.
Drinks: Simple wins
House wine was fine, not fancy. If you like cocktails, ask them to make a spicy mango margarita with Tajín. Also, try a carajillo after dinner—espresso with Licor 43. Sweet, strong, and a nice nightcap. Water was plentiful; I kept grabbing bottles so I didn’t roast.
Entertainment and little moments
- Lobby bar had an acoustic duo one night. They did “Stand by Me” with a soft Spanish twist. People swayed, some held hands.
- Theater show: a Michael Jackson tribute with sharp dancing. The jacket sparkled under the stage lights and it made folks shout and clap like kids.
- Daytime: salsa class by the pool and a guacamole demo with extra lime. I made a mess and ate it anyway.
Spa and gym: Cool air and quiet
I booked a 60-minute massage. The spa smelled like eucalyptus and hush. Pressure was medium, which I liked. They offered a hydro circuit—warm pool, cool plunge. I stayed in the warm part a bit too long. Sleepy after.
The gym was small but cold (bless the A/C). Two treadmills, an elliptical, and dumbbells up to 50 lbs. I did a short lift and felt less guilty about the tiramisu.
Wi-Fi and work stuff (yes, I checked)
Wi-Fi speed near the lobby hit around 20 Mbps on my phone test. Pool area dipped to about 8–12 Mbps. I FaceTimed once from a lounger and it held up. The beach had a couple dead spots.
Staff vibes and service pace
Warm, quick smiles. “Con gusto” and “buen provecho” everywhere. Most service felt fast, but dinner waits hit 20–30 minutes at peak time. I didn’t mind. I liked people-watching and guessing which couple was on a honeymoon. A few tiny hiccups: my key card demagnetized twice, and turndown skipped me one night. A quick call fixed both.
Side trips and small tips
- The airport to resort ride took about 35–40 minutes with light traffic.
- A taxi to Playa del Carmen ran about 20–30 minutes; fare was posted near the lobby desk. I snagged churros and walked 5th Avenue. Loud, colorful, fun for an hour.
- Bring bug spray for sunset. The little guys love ankles.
- If you’re picky about pillows, call housekeeping. They brought me a softer one on night two.
- Pool chair game is real by 9 am. If you need shade, go early or grab a Bali bed for the day.
Not my favorite parts (but not dealbreakers)
- Some rooms feel a bit dated. Classic, not modern. I liked it; others might not.
- Seaweed can be hit or miss. The crew works, but nature wins some days.
- The main pool gets lively. If you want a nap, pick the far end or the beach.
- Vacation club pitch at breakfast on day one. A polite “no, gracias” worked.
Who will love it
Couples who want calm days, nice food, and staff who remember your drink. Folks who like smaller resorts with easy walks. Not for heavy party people. Not for families with kids, since it’s adults-only.
If you’re traveling solo or just curious about meeting like-minded adults around the Riviera Maya