Launching a new hotel is never a completely smooth process – especially when that hotel is a 487-room resort opening after a 2.5-year renovation of an existing property. The Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort & Spa, which opened in November 2025 in the Cancun Hotel Zone, is no exception.
“The opening of this hotel brought certain challenges because it’s not a brand-new resort,” said Georgina Godoy, Director of Sales. “Little by little, we’ve been fixing and resolving. Especially in the last couple of weeks, I’ve seen a big turnaround in the feedback from our guests.”
I visited the adults-only all-inclusive resort, formerly the Now Emerald, in early March, and stayed in the 17-storey Preferred Club tower. This new addition to the property features upgraded ocean view suites starting at 484 square feet, along with its own pool and hot tub exclusive to Preferred Club guests.
Exterior of Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa (Photo Credit: Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa)
Finishing Touches
During my visit, staff were still patching a few minor dents and scratches in the hallways, and the gate to the Preferred Club pool area was still being installed. But the entertainment and activities program, which took a little while to get going and may have disappointed some earlier guests, was in full swing.
I joined in a morning yoga class, a painting activity, and a very educational (and tasty) tequila and mescal tasting led by the assistant to the sommelier. I could watch much of the entertainment from my balcony and especially enjoyed an afternoon “aquatic show” that featured impressive dancing and synchronized swimming at the main pool. I also appreciated the overall quality of music at the resort. There was often a live guitar player, violinist, or saxophone player at the pool, creating a fun holiday atmosphere in which it was still easy to chat or read a book.
At the time of my visit, the only main facility still not open for guests was the 16,000+ square foot spa. It is now open, and features 10 treatment rooms, a beauty salon, a bridal suite and a large hydrotherapy circuit. During renovations, the resort had set up a temporary spa in a series of guest rooms on the fifth floor, which worked surprisingly well. One room served as reception and a second as a relaxation space for guests to wait for their treatment and enjoy tea and chocolate afterwards, with several other rooms converted into individual treatment suites.
The airy lobby at Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa (Photo Credit: Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa)
Upscale and Modern Restaurants and Lounges
Guests have eight restaurants (plus room service) to choose from, along with six bars and lounges, none of which require reservations. The visual standout is Himitsu, the Asian restaurant complete with sushi bar and teppanyaki tables, for its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lagoon – perfectly positioned for sunset. From the patio, you can see both the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
I love a good breakfast buffet, and on that front the Market Café delivers. Preferred Club guests get exclusive access to à la carte breakfast on the Olio Terrace, but I stuck with the buffet to fill my plate with fruit and made-fresh enchiladas.
As a vegetarian, I was impressed that staff asked for dietary restrictions at the start of every meal, and there were plenty of vegetarian and vegan options well labelled on every menu. My favourite meal was dinner at El Patio, the contemporary Mexican restaurant, where I especially enjoyed a black mole taco with mushrooms and watercress.
Another standout dining experience was dinner in the private wine cellar at Bordeaux, where the dish I enjoyed the most was a flaky onion quiche. This is one of three private dining rooms available to book for an extra charge; the others are found at Himitsu.
My favourite spot at the resort was the Sky Bar Lounge, a rooftop bar and plunge pool overlooking the lagoon, exclusive to Preferred Club guests. I spent two lovely evenings here, enjoying the DJ sets that started about an hour before sunset. I appreciated that there were thoughtful and delicious mocktails on offer here, and at the other restaurants and lounges. I’m not a big drinker, which can make it easy to feel like you’re missing out at an all-inclusive, so this was a thoughtful touch.
The pool overlooking the beach at Secrets Mirabel Cancun (Photo Credit: Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa)
Prime Location for a Quick Getaway
Located only a 15-minute drive from the airport, Secrets Mirabel Cancun is an especially good choice for those wanting to make the most of a short vacation – with carryon only luggage and a transfer pre-booked through resort partner Amstar, I was on my balcony sipping a mimosa just an hour after my flight touched down.
“It’s an ideal location for those that don’t want to commute a long distance once they get to Cancun,” Godoy said. The beach is stunning, and there are plenty of shady chairs on the sand for a close-up view of the waves. But those waves can be large, so while this is a great beach for walking, it is not generally safe for swimming. Lifeguards are serious about keeping people from wading out too far, and for good reason: A struggling young woman had to be pulled back to safety after ignoring the warnings.
With six pools to choose from, there are plenty of options for a dip without risking the waves. To me, the best was the small pool next to the Barefoot Grill, a quiet little spot perfect for sitting with a drink looking out to sea.
Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa pool at sunset (Photo Credit: Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort and Spa)
“The Cancun Hotel Zone has this amazing view to the ocean, which is not common in every other area in the Riviera Maya,” Godoy said. “At this resort we also have the privilege of overlooking the lagoon. For travel agents, think of us as a good choice in the Cancun Hotel Zone with good service, especially good dining experiences, with an excellent location and views.”
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