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From Now Emerald Cancun to Secrets Mirabel: what changed for guests
Now Emerald Cancun once welcomed families seeking an easy inclusive escape. Today the same footprint has been transformed into Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort & Spa, an adults only inclusive retreat with a sharper focus on elevated service. For guests who remember the former hotel, the shift from family friendly resort to adults oriented sanctuary in Cancún Mexico is significant.
The property still occupies a privileged stretch between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupté Lagoon in the hotel zone, but the atmosphere now feels more intimate and grown up. Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection has repositioned the resort to compete directly with other high end resorts Cancún, using upgraded room categories, a refined spa concept, and a more curated food and beverage program. This evolution matters if you are comparing resorts in Cancún Mexico and wondering how your stay and each night on property will feel in practice.
Operationally, the change from the former Now Emerald Cancún hotel to Secrets Mirabel means a new management culture, different staff training, and a stronger emphasis on loyalty integration. Guests who are part of World of Hyatt can now earn and redeem points on every stay, which can meaningfully offset the higher price per night. For adults planning several nights in Mexico, that loyalty layer, combined with inclusive dining and attentive reception service, can tilt the decision toward this resort over similarly priced competitors in the hotel zone.
Location, access and first impressions in Cancun’s hotel zone
The resort sits on Boulevard Kukulcán around kilometre 19.5, a quieter stretch of Cancún’s hotel zone. This location places the hotel between the open Caribbean and the calmer Nichupté Lagoon, giving many a room dual water views and dramatic sunsets. For guests arriving from Cancún Mexico International Airport, the transfer usually takes around twenty to thirty minutes by private car.
That short journey time matters when you land after a long flight and want to reach your inclusive resort quickly. Many adults booking premium resorts Cancún prefer this southern section of the hotel zone because it feels less congested, yet you are still only a few minutes by taxi from lively restaurants and nightlife. If you plan several nights of both relaxation and exploration, this balance between seclusion and access can be ideal.
On arrival, the first impression is shaped by the open air lobby, the lagoon backdrop, and the upgraded reception design introduced during the transformation from Now Emerald Cancun. Staff usually offer a welcome drink, and early feedback suggests service is warm, though still smoothing out post opening. As you wait a few minutes for check in, look around at how the public spaces flow toward the pools and beach, because this layout will define how you move through the resort each hour of your stay.
Rooms, Preferred Club and what inclusive really means here
The former Now Emerald Cancun inventory has been reworked into 487 rooms and suites, many under the Preferred Club label. Standard categories provide a comfortable room with a flat screen television, modern bathrooms, and either garden, lagoon, or ocean views. For guests who value space and privacy, Preferred Club suites add extras such as upgraded amenities, better locations, and sometimes swim out or plunge pool options.
When you book, pay close attention to the room description, because the difference between entry level and Preferred Club can reshape your entire stay. Access to exclusive pools, a dedicated lounge, and the rooftop Sky Bar is reserved for these higher categories, which many adults consider worth the additional cost per night. If you plan several nights and expect to spend many hours on property, the incremental comfort and quieter spaces can justify the premium.
The resort operates as an inclusive hotel, meaning most food, drinks, and many activities are covered in the nightly rate. However, not every service is free ; spa treatments, certain wines, and some experiences carry supplements, so guests should review inclusions carefully. This is especially important for travellers comparing multiple resorts Cancún Mexico, because the definition of inclusive can vary subtly from resort to resort, affecting the overall value of your stay.
Dining, spa and the rhythm of an adults only stay
Secrets Mirabel, on the former Now Emerald Cancun site, offers eight restaurants and six bars, which is competitive even among upscale resorts Cancún. Guests can rotate through French, Mediterranean, Asian, and steakhouse venues, with no reservations required at most outlets. Over several nights, this variety helps keep each breakfast, lunch, and dinner feeling fresh, especially for adults staying a week or more.
Early guest reports praise the quality of cocktails and the ambience at the Sky Bar, particularly around sunset hour when the lagoon glows and the hotel zone skyline lights up. Some feedback mentions occasional waits at peak times, which is common when a resort is still refining service flows. If you value quieter meals, consider dining slightly earlier or later than the busiest minutes, and use room service for a relaxed breakfast on your balcony.
The spa is a central part of the resort identity, though full service is being phased in gradually after the rebranding from Now Emerald Cancún. Until all cabins and hydrotherapy areas are operating, guests may find a reduced menu, so it is wise to confirm availability before planning a spa focused stay. Even so, many adults appreciate combining a few targeted treatments with long hours by the pool, creating a balanced rhythm between activity and rest during their time in Mexico.
Pricing, value and how to compare luxury resorts in Cancun Mexico
Rates at the reimagined Now Emerald Cancun, now Secrets Mirabel, typically start in the upper mid to luxury range for two adults. Prices per night fluctuate significantly based on season, room category, and promotional offers, with Preferred Club and oceanfront suites commanding the highest premiums. When comparing resorts Cancún, it is essential to look beyond the base rate and consider what is genuinely inclusive.
Factor in the quality of food and drinks, the number of restaurants, and whether amenities like non motorised water sports or nightly entertainment are free. Some resorts in Cancún Mexico advertise low entry prices but add charges for many services, while this hotel aims to bundle most experiences into the nightly rate. Over several nights, those extras can add hundreds of dollars, so a seemingly higher rate at an inclusive resort may offer better overall value.
Also consider the soft elements that shape your stay, such as service consistency, wait times at reception, and responsiveness when issues arise in your room. Early reviews note some teething problems after the transition from Now Emerald Cancún, including minor finishing touches and occasional delays. To make an informed decision, read recent feedback, compare similar adults only resorts Cancún, and consult in depth guides such as this analysis of premium hotel stays in the destination, for example the perspective offered in this article on redefining luxury and comfort for premium hotel stays in Cancun.
Booking strategies, privacy and what to know before you stay
When planning a stay at the former Now Emerald Cancun site, timing is everything. Shoulder seasons often bring more attractive rates per night, fewer crowds, and more personalised service from staff who have extra minutes to engage. If your dates are flexible, shifting your trip by even a few nights can significantly improve both price and experience.
Adults seeking tranquillity should request higher floor rooms away from elevators and late night venues, which can reduce noise during sleeping hours. Those who prioritise quick beach or pool access might prefer ground floor swim out suites, accepting a little less privacy in exchange for convenience. In every case, clearly noting preferences during booking and again at reception increases the chances that the hotel can accommodate your needs.
Because this is an adults only inclusive resort in Cancún Mexico, policies around behaviour, dress codes at dinner, and spa etiquette are designed to maintain a refined atmosphere. Guests should review the resort’s privacy policy and terms before confirming, especially regarding data handling, on site photography, and any wellness or medical information shared with the spa. Understanding these details in advance helps you relax fully once you arrive, knowing how the hotel manages your information, what is genuinely free, and how the resort balances guest enjoyment with respect for everyone’s comfort throughout their stay.
Key statistics about the transformation from Now Emerald Cancun
- The resort now offers 487 rooms and suites overlooking either the Caribbean Sea, the gardens, or the Nichupté Lagoon.
- Guests have access to eight restaurants and six bars and lounges, including a rooftop Sky Bar for Preferred Club categories.
- The property features six pools, with several dedicated to Preferred Club guests seeking quieter spaces.
Questions guests often ask about Now Emerald Cancun and Secrets Mirabel
What happened to Now Emerald Cancun?
Now Emerald Cancun was closed on August 1, 2023 for major renovations and rebranding. As of November 2025, it has reopened as Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort & Spa, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort operated by Hyatt. (paxnews.com)
Is Secrets Mirabel now open?
Yes — Secrets Mirabel Cancun officially opened in November 2025. The full-service spa is scheduled to open in March 2026. (paxnews.com)
Who is this resort best suited for now?
Since rebranding, the resort is adults-only, so it appeals mainly to couples, honeymooners, and adult guests seeking a luxury all-inclusive experience. The Preferred Club tier adds premium touches for those willing to pay more. (mirabelcancun.com)
