Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa
Adults-only resort in Bayahibe. Family, Modern.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(820 discussions)
Secrets La Romana occupies a beautiful corner of the Dominican Republic that most tourists skip entirely. Bayahibe is quieter, less touristy, and more genuinely Caribbean than the Punta Cana strip, and the natural reef right off the resort's beach is legitimately spectacular — snorkeling here rivals anything in the region without leaving property. The adults-only Enclave upgrade transforms an already nice resort into something genuinely special, with private beach access, premium spirits, and service ratios that feel almost boutique.
The sleeping situation is the resort's most discussed practical problem. Multiple reviewers mention uncomfortable beds and pillows as the main thing preventing a perfect stay — for a resort in this price category, it's a meaningful gap. Book Enclave-side rooms for better quality accommodations. The excursion pricing is also a genuine tax on guests who don't know to book independently — the same Saona Island boat trip runs 3x the cost through the resort compared to independent operators in Bayahibe village.
Secrets La Romana is best for couples who want an authentic Caribbean feel over the tourist-zone experience, snorkeling enthusiasts who want reef access without daily boat trips, and travelers who don't mind a quieter evening scene in exchange for days of natural beauty. It competes directly with Catalonia Bayahibe (family-oriented, similar beach access) and Casa de Campo nearby (luxury golf/villa territory, very different vibe). Book excursions independently through Bayahibe town rather than through the resort for significantly better pricing.
Pros
- +Natural snorkeling reef starts close to the beach — guests regularly see fish, rays, squid, turtles, and vibrant coral without a boat trip
- +Adults-only resort maintains a genuinely sophisticated, peaceful atmosphere throughout
- +Exceptional cleanliness standards — the resort consistently earns high marks for overall upkeep
- +The Enclave adults-only upgrade includes a private pool, beach area, lounge, dedicated concierge, and top-shelf spirits
- +Steak options are abundant and quality — multiple reviewers highlight the protein quality as outstanding
- +Bayahibe location is among the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic — quieter and more authentic than Punta Cana's tourist corridor
- +Staff quality is consistently praised as warm, attentive, and responsive to guest needs
- +Close to Saona Island excursions and Catalina Island for day trips to some of the Caribbean's most spectacular beaches
Cons
- −Beds and pillows receive consistent complaints — guests describe uncomfortable sleeping surfaces that affect overall stay quality
- −AC regulation is finicky: rooms are either too cold or too warm with guests struggling to find a comfortable setting
- −Excursions booked through the hotel are significantly overpriced — the same Saona Island trip costs $40 elsewhere vs. $132 per person through the resort
- −Entertainment on the adults-only side is limited — evenings can feel very quiet if you're not looking for a peaceful retreat
- −Bayahibe is more remote than Punta Cana — significantly longer transfer from Santo Domingo's Las Américas airport
- −Rooms on the non-Enclave side feel noticeably less luxurious and more dated
- −Outlet configuration in rooms is non-standard and limited — bring a power strip or adapter
- −Room humidity can be an issue — some guests report a musty smell in certain wings during rainy season
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Truly one of the most stunning location and beach I have ever been too. I really feel I should mention that has a ambulatory wheelchair users the resort felt very accessible and also very welcoming as a disabled individual (as long as you get a groun...”
“We had an amazing stay at Dreams and Secrets La Romana. Our rooms were clean, comfortable and very well looked after by the housekeeping staff. Yuliana (Mini), Maria R, Rene and Pablo Picasso and their colleagues made our vacation personal and memora...”
“I’m not sure what some people in the comments were talking about regarding cleanliness, because this is one of the cleanest resorts we’ve ever been to. I watched the staff constantly wiping down and cleaning everything you can think of—they really ta...”