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Mama on the Move - Postcard from Playa del Secreto, Mexico
By MountainMama | March 8, 2008
Faithful readers know that my husband and I typically try to alternate the types of accommodations we book when we travel to Mexico for our annual beach fix. We find that all-inclusive resorts as well as private villas or condos each have advantages. Sometimes we like the convenience of all-you-can-eat buffets at all-inclusives in the middle of all the action, and other times, we like having access to a full kitchen at a privately owned home, perhaps in a more remote resort area.
Well, now I know where I’d love to stay on our next “off the beaten path” trip to Mexico: Secret Jewel on Playa del Secreto, 25 minutes south of Cancun International Airport on the Riviera Maya.
Yesterday, I had the good fortune to meet Secret Jewel’s amiable proprietor Daniel Diamant and two of his daughters. Dad owns and runs the villa and suite accommodations, and on the adjacent property, daughter
Ilse (pictured to the right of Daniel) oversees Secret Jewel Celebrations, a wonderfully unique and secluded spot for destination weddings and receptions. (If you’re wondering about all the destination wedding talk, this visit to the Riviera Maya is focused on romantic travel!)
The property is absolutely gorgeous, worlds away from sprawling resorts or Cancun high-rises. On site is a cenote, or underground, cavernous river, as well as a brand-new swimming pool (note the clever way Daniel built the coconut-tree island in the center of the pool). 
The three-floor, private villa has four bedrooms and the two next-door suites (separate building) each has two bedrooms. I can picture multiple generations of a family renting out the entire property for a big family vacation with cousins and grandparents. (Hey! My family needs to do this!)
Meanwhile, I got my wish to witness some nuptials. My fellow travel writers and I were invited to a Native Mystical wedding, 
where a Shaman asks the seven directions (North, South, West, East, Sky, Earth, Heart) and the four elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire) to bless the couple. The ceremony was filled with symbolism and beautiful chanting and drum beating. When it was time for the mother of the groom to speak to the couple and share her good wishes, I started bawling like a baby. I couldn’t understand a word of Spanish she said, but it was delivered with such emotion–and the bride and groom starting wiping their eyes–I was moved to tears as well!
Topics: Family Travel, Romantic Getaways |
March 8th, 2008 at
What a wonderful place for a second wedding or vow renewal ceremony. Thanks for all the hard research, MountainMama. It looks beautiful!
March 8th, 2008 at
Yes! I really do want to do a vow renewal somewhere tropical for my 10th anniversary next year. Hubby and I were planning on a Windjammer cruise to recreate our honeymoon, but now after seeing all the options here in the Riviera Maya, perhaps we’ll come to this area for it!!
March 8th, 2008 at
I love reading the story about your trip to Mexico. What’s the price range in all these destinations?
March 9th, 2008 at
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March 10th, 2008 at
Amy -
Good question! The three-level, four-bedroom villa at Playa del Secreto costs $4,000/week plus tax in April (maid service, full kitchen but no food). A Dreams Jr. Suite at Dreams Tulum for 7 nights in April costs $3,878/week for 2 adults, and that includes food/drink since it’s an all inclusive resort. There are less expensive rooms at Dreams, but the suites are nice!!