I've been to Excellence Playa Mujeres and also a few different Secrets Resorts - Maroma being my personal favorite - only because we had our wedding there.
While we did enjoy EPM and thought it was nice we just thought that the Secrets brand and level of service was just a little bit better. I personally would have no hesitations if a client came to me and wanted to go to EPM, I would book them there in a heartbeat. But, if they came to me and asked which I would prefer, I would choose Secrets Maroma or Akumal or even Secrets Puerto Los Cabos.
I will say though, we thought the food was a smidge better at EPM than Secrets Maroma. Maybe it's because there were a few more options? They also have to lobster house and a really decent french restaurant. The food at Secrets Maroma was good, don't get me wrong, but if I had to nit-pick it down, meal by meal, I would say EPM was a little better.
The cons for me at EPM were never being able to find a pool chair or beach chair and we were in Excellence Club. We had a swim-up room(which was great) and we just stayed there but we had a hard time trying to find someone to serve us there. Someone would have to go over and ask occasionally if we could get service. I know, it sounds like a little thing to complain about but when you're used to great service at all the pools it's hard to not have it. After the first day though, they would see us over there and someone would usually come and serve to us all day --- and that's the service you tip for. We've never had a problem at any of the Secrets Resorts with service or securing chairs.
I'm not sure how the seaweed fared at Secrets Maroma this year, but it has a beautiful beach.
I think it just comes down to personal preference honestly; I have a great client that has been to both and I know if I asked them today where they would go, it would be EPM.
Someone also mentioned the Over-the-water Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma --- those are beautfiul! I loved the bungalows and thought they were so nice. They book up fast and are usually a bit more pricey. I didn't love the water there....they have seaweed barriers out right now that are a huge eye sore. In my opinion, if I'm paying $10K+ on an over-the-water beautiful experience I don't want to see this huge thing floating in the water right outside my patio and door. They did say that if the seaweed clears up they will start removing them but who knows if that will happen?
Lauren K '07
www.breezecustomtravel.com
@breezecustomtravel