Secret Escapes Review

What is Secret Escapes?

Secret Escapes is a travel company that operates a members-only website offering exclusive deals on luxury hotels and holidays around the world. The company was founded in 2010 and has since expanded to offer deals to over 26 million registered members across Europe, Asia, and the US.

The website works by negotiating exclusive rates and packages with hotels and resorts, which are then offered to members for a limited time period. Members can browse and book these deals through the website or mobile app. Secret Escapes also offers a range of travel-related services, including flights, car rentals, and travel insurance.

The company has won several awards for its innovative approach to travel booking, including the 2019 and 2020 World Travel Awards for “Europe’s Leading Members Only Travel Club”.

Secret Escapes Membership Requirements

To become a member of Secret Escapes, you need to sign up for a free account on their website or mobile app. You can also sign up using your Facebook or Google account.

Membership is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and there are no specific requirements to join. However, the company’s focus is on luxury travel, so the deals offered are generally aimed at customers who are looking for high-end accommodation and experiences.

Once you have signed up for a membership, you will have access to exclusive deals on luxury hotels and holidays around the world. These deals are available for a limited time period and are only accessible to members, which means you will need to log in to your account to view and book them.

It’s worth noting that while membership is free, you will need to provide your email address and create a password to sign up. You may also receive promotional emails from Secret Escapes, although you can opt-out of these at any time.

Is Secret Escapes reliable?

Secret Escapes is generally considered to be a reliable travel company. The company has been in operation since 2010 and has since gained a reputation for offering exclusive deals on luxury hotels and holidays around the world. They have won several awards for their services, including the World Travel Awards for “Europe’s Leading Members Only Travel Club” in both 2019 and 2020.

In addition to this, Secret Escapes is a member of several industry bodies, including ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) and IATA (the International Air Transport Association), which helps to provide an additional level of consumer protection.

However, like with any travel company, there may be occasional issues or complaints from customers. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and read reviews from other customers before making any bookings. Additionally, make sure to review the terms and conditions of any deal or package carefully before making a purchase.

Is Secret Escapes ATOL protected?

Secret Escapes is ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protected. This means that if you book a flight-inclusive package holiday through Secret Escapes, your booking is protected by the ATOL scheme.

ATOL is a financial protection scheme that protects consumers from losing money or being stranded abroad in the event of an ATOL holder (such as a travel company or airline) going out of business. The scheme is designed to ensure that consumers are able to complete their holiday or receive a refund if the ATOL holder ceases trading.

It’s worth noting that not all of the deals offered by Secret Escapes are flight-inclusive packages. However, for those deals that do include flights, you can be assured that your booking is protected by the ATOL scheme.

How does Secret Escapes work?

Secret Escapes is a members-only travel website that offers exclusive deals on luxury hotels and holidays around the world. Here’s how it works:

1. Membership: You need to sign up for a free account on the Secret Escapes website or mobile app to access the deals. Membership is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and there are no specific requirements to join.
2. Exclusive deals: Secret Escapes negotiates exclusive rates and packages with hotels and resorts, which are then offered to members for a limited time period. These deals are often heavily discounted and are not available elsewhere.
3. Limited time offers: The deals are typically available for a short period of time, usually between 5 and 14 days. Once the offer expires, it may no longer be available, so members need to act quickly if they want to take advantage of the deal.
4. Booking: Members can browse the deals on the website or mobile app and book directly through Secret Escapes. Payment is usually required at the time of booking, and there may be additional charges for things like airport transfers, meals, or activities, depending on the specific deal.
5. Travel: Once the booking is confirmed, members can travel to their chosen destination and enjoy their luxury hotel or holiday experience.

In addition to these exclusive deals, Secret Escapes also offers a range of travel-related services, including flights, car rentals, and travel insurance. Members can browse and book these services directly through the website or mobile app.

Are Secret Escapes Trips Refundable?

The refund policy for Secret Escapes trips can vary depending on the specific deal or package that you book. In general, however, most bookings made through Secret Escapes are non-refundable. This is because the company negotiates exclusive rates with hotels and resorts, which are often heavily discounted, and therefore cannot offer a refund if you decide to cancel your booking.

However, some deals may offer more flexible cancellation policies, which will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions of the booking. For example, some hotels may allow cancellations up to a certain date, with a full or partial refund provided.

It’s important to review the terms and conditions of any deal or package carefully before making a booking, and to make sure you understand the cancellation policy. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Secret Escapes customer service for assistance.

Secret Escapes Magazine

The Secret Escapes Magazine is an online publication that provides travel inspiration, tips, and advice to help members plan their next luxury holiday. The magazine features a range of articles and guides on destinations around the world, from city breaks to beach escapes and everything in between.

The magazine is available to read for free on the Secret Escapes website, and is updated regularly with new content. Some of the features you might find in the Secret Escapes Magazine include:

1. Destination guides: Detailed guides to cities, regions, and countries around the world, with recommendations for where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat and drink.
2. Hotel reviews: Reviews of luxury hotels and resorts, with in-depth analysis of the accommodation, facilities, and services provided.
3. Travel tips: Advice and tips on everything from packing for your trip to making the most of your time at your destination.
4. Food and drink: Features on local cuisine and drink, as well as recommendations for restaurants and bars to try.
5. Interviews: Interviews with travel experts, hoteliers, and other industry professionals, providing insights into the world of luxury travel.

Secret Escapes Magazine is a great resource for anyone looking to plan their next luxury holiday, with plenty of inspiration and information to help you make the most of your trip.

Is Secret Escapes Worth It?

Whether Secret Escapes is worth it for you depends on your individual travel preferences and budget. Secret Escapes offers exclusive deals on luxury hotels and holidays, which can be a great way to save money on high-end travel experiences.

However, it’s worth noting that the deals offered by Secret Escapes are generally aimed at customers who are looking for luxury accommodation and experiences. If you’re on a tight budget or prefer budget-friendly travel, the deals may not be suitable for you.

Additionally, while Secret Escapes negotiates exclusive rates with hotels and resorts, the deals are often only available for a limited time period, and may have restrictions on travel dates or other conditions. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of any deal carefully before making a booking.

Overall, if you’re looking for luxury travel experiences and are willing to pay for them, Secret Escapes can be a great way to save money on high-end hotels and holidays. However, if you prefer more budget-friendly travel or are looking for a wider range of options, you may want to consider other travel booking websites as well.

Conclusion

Secret Escapes is a UK-based members-only travel website that offers exclusive deals on luxury hotels and holidays around the world. The company negotiates exclusive rates with hotels and resorts, which are then offered to members for a limited time period. The website also provides a range of travel-related services, including flights, car rentals, and travel insurance.

Membership is free and open to anyone aged 18 or over, and the company is ATOL protected. While the deals offered by Secret Escapes are generally aimed at customers looking for luxury travel experiences, the terms and conditions of each deal may vary, and it’s important to review them carefully before making a booking.

Overall, Secret Escapes can be a good option for those looking for luxury travel experiences and are willing to pay for them. However, like with any travel booking website, it’s important to do your own research and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.