Should you stay at Dreams or Secrets or Barceló? This has likely crossed your mind if you’re planning a holiday at one of the amazing all inclusive resorts in Huatulco available to choose from.
Since most Hotels in Huatulco are located in Tangolunda Bay, you might have a hard time deciding where to stay.
No matter where you choose, an all inclusive resort is pretty much your only option in Huatulco.
Since there isn’t really a town that you will be staying in, you’ll want to choose a resort that has a good variety of dining options and scenery as you will likely want to be spending most of your vacation on at the resort.
All inclusive resorts are a great option for the best value, when you only have a week or two of vacation or if you’re travelling with a group.
With hundreds or thousands of reviews for the most popular resorts, it can be overwhelming sifting through all the comments from other visitors, asking around and doing other research online to make your choice.
On my recent trip, it was hard to decide where to stay in Huatulco because most people I spoke to had stayed at only one (or more) of three popular resorts.
When I finally narrowed down my research and added that to the advice from friends and fellow travelers, I determined that I wanted to stay at one of the three most popular all inclusive resorts.
That was the easy part!
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning on some links if you click through and make a purchase I may receive a small commission. I only recommend products and services that I use, love and trust.
Read Next: 13 Unmissable Things to do in Huatulco, Mexico for a Unique Vacation.
Below you will find comparisons between Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa, Dreams Resort Huatulco and Barceló Resort Huatulco.
In my trip planning I found it was hard to choose between all three hotels in Huatulco because they each have great reviews, similar prices and friendly staff.
To make it easier for you to decide between Secrets or Dreams or Barceló:
- I’ve broken down the popular essentials and experiences that most people are looking for when choosing an all inclusive resort:
Prices, what the views from the room are like, pools, the beach, restaurant options and food quality, entertainment and drinks and lounges.
Keep reading to find out where I ended up staying and why I chose it!
Not sure if an all inclusive is a good deal? Read my thoughts on whether I think they’re worth it and for what type of traveler you are…especially if you’re not a big drinker.
Overview of The Top 3 All Inclusive Resorts in Huatulco, Mexico
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
Price: $$ (meaning mid to high range)
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa is family-friendly but does have an adult-only pool and area.
You also have the option of paying for the Preferred Club which gives you access to a room in an adult-only building.
This resort is located in the small cluster of resorts that are bundled together in the Tangolunda Bay and is located between two other resorts.
By no means will it feel like the hotel zone in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, the other Huatulco resorts can be reached by walking down the beach within a few minutes.
This also means you’re within walking distance to a few small off-resort restaurants and pubs.
While the resort is starting to show its age, it’s very clean and a very well maintained property.
The Wifi is spotty, but available.
Bracelets aren’t required!
Compared to other resorts in Huatulco, the daytime pool activities and evening shows and entertainment could be considered light.
Read Next: 20 Things You Should ALWAYS Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation in Mexico
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
Price: $$$ (meaning higher luxury and higher prices)
Secrets Huatulco Resort is an entirely adult-only complex. Most guests are middle-aged but enough late-twenties and 30 somethings that it’s not just for baby boomers.
This resort is further down the road nestled in its own private bay. It’s isolated compared to the other resorts meaning you won’t be within walking distance.
This can be a good thing if you’re looking for something a little more secluded feeling.
Perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic couples vacation.
It might take a day or two to navigate the different buildings as there are many stairs since it’s built into the hillside.
Wifi is quite good throughout.
Also don’t need bracelets!
Lots of entertainment, activities and programs at the pool every day. Beach and pool volleyball everyday.
Barceló Huatulco
Price: $ (meaning best value)
The Barceló Huatulco is a neighbor to Dreams and is also situated within the small cluster of resorts in Tangolunda Bay.
WiFi is not included and you will have to pay extra to get access. If WiFi is important to have on your trip, I highly recommend getting yourself a portable hotspot like Skyroam.
It’s a small device that you bring with you and you can get WiFi anywhere for as low as $6 a day. There are tons of flexible plans you can choose from.
TRAVEL TIP: Huatulco is well know for its diverse landscapes. Be sure to check out the nearby waterfalls and coffee plantations. Or better yet, my favorite tour is this one!
Which Huatulco Resorts Have the Best Beaches?
For anyone planning a trip to Mexico, one of the biggest things to consider are the beaches. Since all 3 of these Huatulco resorts are within the Bay, swimming here is mostly calm and enjoyable.
But it is the ocean, so you still have to be careful no matter what.
When you’re considering where to stay in Huatulco, the beaches should be a big part of your decision. Let’s compare them!
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
While the beach here is slightly smaller than its neighbor, Barceló, the beach is very clean and well-kept here. Vendors are abundant but not pushy.
Ocean water is calm enough to swim in most of the time, but you do have to be aware of an undertow at any time.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
This hotel has a very private beach in which you can hike up the hills on either side for views of the bay.
That also means it’s harder for vendors to access, but you will still encounter them. Beach chairs and palapas always available.
Barceló Huatulco
The beach at Barceló is longer than its neighbor, Dreams. Vendors have access to the beach.
You usually have to get a beach lounger by mid morning to snag the best spot.
You might also like: Waterfalls and Hot Springs in the Mexican Pacific
The Pools
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
With 6 swimming pools and a kids club pool, there is plenty of room for all guests to enjoy pool time. The adult only pool is the quietest. The main infinity pool is nice but gets busy.
Pool loungers with shade are hard to get unless you’re an early riser and stay with your spot.
The staff do enforce the 30 minute rule for the lounge chairs.
Multiple guests reported items being removed after 30 minutes away from their pool side loungers.
Pools are probably going to be one of the biggest considerations when you’re choosing where to stay in Huatulco, but if you can wake up early to grab a premium spot, you won’t have a problem snagging a lounger.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
Several pools to choose from. There’s the main activity pool which has music and the entertainment.
There’s a quieter pool on the other side, but it’s harder to get pool chairs here.
Staff don’t enforce the 30 minute rule for saving chairs. So if you’re an early riser (6:30 a.m. or earlier), you will have your choice of spots without fear of your items being removed.
If you’re only looking for 2 chairs and not a group, you won’t have an issue finding a spot if you’re not at the pool until 9am.
TRAVEL TIP: Bring these towel clips with you to secure your towel to your lounge chair and to remember which chair is yours!
They have fun ones to choose from like flamingos or pineapples. I get so many compliments on them every time I use them.
P.S. They’re also perfect for when you’re traveling on a cruise (since it can get super windy on the deck.
Barceló Huatulco
3 pools, with one being adult only. The main pool plays loud music but it’s not distracting.
Keep in mind this is the only resort with a tropical themed waterpark at the pools for kids.
I think because of the awesome waterpark-themed pool, the Barcelo Resort is where to stay in Huatulco with kids.
Comparing the Rooms
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
The hotel is compact and not grandiose, so it’s easy and quick to get around without feeling claustrophobic.
At Dreams Huatulco there are 421 rooms, but not all rooms have ocean views and the Preferred Club has best views.
Room Tip: if you aren’t paying for the preferred club and don’t have kids on this trip, ask for a room away from the kids pool. Rooms closer to the adult pool are quieter but further from the resort restaurants.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
Secrets Huatulco Resort has 399 rooms and all of them have an ocean view!
The main floor rooms have private pools, and some of the top floor rooms have jacuzzi whirlpool tubs on the private patios.
24 hour room service is included. Each room has a secret box, so you can order room service but not be disturbed and maintain your privacy.
Barceló Huatulco
The Barceló Huatulco is a slightly smaller hotel with 351 rooms, and has been recently renovated.
The premium level program rooms offer similar accommodations to adult-only resorts, as you get better views and larger, more luxurious rooms.
These rooms offer some of the most stunning views of the entire bay.
If a room with a view is important for helping you choose which Huatulco resort to stay at, definitely splurge on the premium rooms at the Barceló.
The Best Restaurants and Food
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
There is one buffet and the food is quite good with the usual fare and even has gluten free options. One coffee bar and one snack bar are on site.
5 a la carte restaurants are available to choose from but only for dinner.
No reservations are required. All restaurants have excellent reviews except the Mexican one.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
Buffet options are quite good here with lots of fresh food. They do open a few restaurants for lunch as well.
The asian restaurant, Spice, is the most popular, but you will need to make a reservation at the beginning of your trip to get in.
You don’t need to make reservations for the other a la carte restaurants but if you have a large group I would advise to do so.
There are 2 a la carte restaurants that are up a large staircase. Castaways and the Seafood restaurants.
So if stairs are an issue and you love seafood or international buffet, this may be a problem.
The dinner dress code is quite strict, men must wear collared shirts to all a la carte restaurants.
Barceló Huatulco
There are 2 buffets and 4 a la carte restaurants. You do have to make reservations and you have to line up in the morning to get a reservations for that night.
If you pay for the premium club you can make all your reservations in advance.
Depending on your all inclusive package, you may only have two a la carte reservations included, so be sure to check.
Coffee and Drinks
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
Drinks at Dreams Huatulco have great reviews and the resort blends ingredients in front of you and doesn’t use the pre-mixed slush machines.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
Secrets Huatulco has a great coffee and smoothie bar for all your espresso needs. You can also can get latte and cappuccino at the breakfast buffet.
As far as drinks go, there are lots of good top shelf or premium liquors if you get to know the staff, ask nicely and tip tip often.
They also feature a ‘drink of the day’ which is a fun bonus.
The Sky Lounge is a great place to enjoy an evening cocktail with panoramic views of Conejos Bay.
There’s something so relaxing about about enjoying a nice beverage while watching the sun go down. This is honestly one of my biggest criteria when choosing a hotel anywhere I travel.
So I would definitely consider staying at Secrets specifically for this reason!
Barceló Huatulco
There is no espresso bar at this resort, but if you’re happy with coffee and milk you’ll survive!
Many guests report that drinks are sweet, watered down an inconsistent by the pool bar. This can be avaoided by sticking to beer or ordering specific drinks to your liking.
Related: 55 Best Drinks to Order at An All Inclusive Resort (Mexico & Caribbean)
Gym & Spa Facilities
Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa
The gym is adequate for the size of the resort, but the treadmills are always quite popular and is a busy place in the mornings.
The gym equipment is quite basic but there are free weights and dumbbells.
There is always chlorophyll water available which is super refreshing and a nice touch.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
The spa at Secrets Huatulco is world class, but you must book ahead at least a day or two.
If you book with the spa staff who walk around the pools, you might be able to get a deal.
All spa services include the hydrotherapy circuit and it is well worth it, as you get to look down over the entire view of the bay.
If you’re going for a spa treatment and will be enjoying the hydrotherapy, try to get an appointment early in the morning before the sun is too hot.
The gym at Secrets Huatulco has a couple treadmills, two ellipticals and a few spin bikes. There are some free weights and dumbbells.
It does get busy in the mornings. 6 or more people using the gym at the same time will feel busy.
Barceló Huatulco
There is a full spa on site and what’s unique about the spa at Barceló Huatulco is that they offer services specifically for teens!
The gym and fitness center is quite large and well stocked or the resort size. There are at least 4 treadmills, several other cardio machines, lots of weight machines and free weights with dumbbells.
You might also like: Bucerías, Mexico: A Complete Destination Guide
The Final Verdict on Which Huatulco Resort to Choose
While there are many hotel choices in Huatulco, Secrets, Dreams and Barcelo are by far the most popular and there are many reason why.
To recap which all inclusive resort is best for you, here are my summarized recommendations:
Being the least expensive, the Barceló Huatulco offers the best value and choice for families, while still offering options for an adult-only feel.
It would be a perfect choice for a family vacation and grandparent travel, because kids can enjoy the waterpark and kids club while parents can enjoy adult only time.
The Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa is a great mid-range resort that offers a luxurious feel without paying higher prices. While it’s starting to show its age, it’s a very clean property.
I recommend this resort for couples who want an adult-only feel without paying the higher prices.
Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa is the best choice for couples and groups of adults.
If you can afford the higher prices at this resort, it’s well worth the extra luxury and adult-only atmosphere.
After all my research of the most popular Huatulco resorts, I ended up staying at Secrets! We chose this hotel since it was a group trip travelling without children.
Since we only travel as a group once every few years we decided it would be worth splurging on a higher priced resort. We were treated like royalty! Well worth every penny.
P.S. Before you leave for Mexico, be sure to check out these 26 travel tips you are guaranteed to use. I share tips on safety, how much is appropriate to tip and a few bathroom tips you might not have thought about!
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