Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: My Experience & Must Know Tips
Is a vacation to Mexico on your wish list? Are you searching for an all-inclusive resort with a gorgeous beach, a variety of dining experiences and located close to some amazing excursion opportunities? Mexico is famous for it’s amazing selection of all-inclusive resorts, but sometimes decision fatigue can set in. There is so much to consider when choosing the ideal resort for your stay and I’m sharing four reasons why Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya may just be the perfect choice for your next vacation. First things first, here’s a quick overview about Secrets Akumal Resort Riviera Maya.
Resort Overview
Located about 45 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an adult-only, all-inclusive resort with three pools, seven bars, nine restaurants and located on one of the most STUNNING beaches I’ve ever seen in Mexico. One of those beaches where the minute your toes sink in the soft sand and you get your first glimpse of Akumal Bay, both your shoulders and your jaw drop! The resort offers a variety of accommodations including 434 suites with options ranging from resort to ocean views, swim-out suites and some even have their own private plunge pools.
Their elevated Preferred Club gets you access to butler service, a dedicated beach area with luxurious cabanas, exclusive access to the Preferred Club lounge and premium suite locations. The spa at Secrets Akumal is gorgeous and if you stay Preferred Club, you also get complimentary access to their hydrotherapy circuit. The resort has a jungle feel with an array of tropical plants, flowers and winding pathways leading you throughout the grounds on your way to float the day away in the pool or catch some sun on the beach. Secrets Akumal is a top-rated resort and based on my experience here, I can see why.
Beach
If you’re a beach lover, Secrets Akumal is pure paradise. The resort is located on the nicest stretch of beach in Akumal Bay with calm waters and powdery sand. I loved daily walks on the beach and at night, it was so peaceful to sit on the beach loungers and gaze up at the stars. I highly recommend starting your day watching the sunrise and by early afternoon, the color of the ocean is that quintessential turquoise blue that draws so many on a tropical getaway. And bonus, Secrets Akumal is one of the few properties in Mexico that you can snorkel right off the resort. And while you’re out admiring the sea life, don’t be surprised if you happen to find yourself swimming with a sea turtle.
Green Sea Turtles
Did you know Akumal means “place of turtles” in the Mayan language? Staying at Secrets Akumal allows for prime access to see the amazing green sea turtles for two reasons: the calm, protected bay in front of the resort with its abundance of sea grass (their primary food source) provides ideal habitat for them. Green sea turtles are listed as an endangered species and a national park aimed at protecting the turtles is located in this cove. While you can snorkel on your own, to enter the national park (buoy lines), you need to go with a guide. I got to see several turtles and I experienced a magical moment when one swam right up to my face before surfacing to breathe. The water was so clear and warm and I could have watched them for hours. I wish I had photos of the turtles and sea life, but it’s also nice sometimes to leave your GoPro or camera behind and just be in the moment! The love our guides had for these majestic animals was inspiring and isn’t it fun when you’re snorkeling and you can hear someone laughing with joy because of what they are seeing?
When you go to Akumal, you can bring your own snorkel or rent one. I highly recommend going with a guide and there are several available on the beach or you can book a tour directly with the resort. Also, go early while the water is still clear. Note, there are some months (February and September) when the park is closed to protect their nesting. Also, to help protect this special place, be sure to wear reef safe sunscreen. Mineral based or long-sleeved rash guards are best.
Pools
Raise your hand if you think it’s pure bliss to be laying by the pool, immersed in a great book, sipping your favorite beverage while lunch is delivered to your lounger? Secrets Akumal has three great pools with fantastic service, and everything was so clean and sparkly. I loved the variety of atmospheres, from their quiet pool where you could listen to the soothing sounds of fountains and bird song, to their infinity pool closest to the beach with music, a swim up bar and where their daily activities take place. Speaking of resort activities…
Resort Amenities and Experiences
Included with your stay at Secrets Akumal is more than just your meals and beverages. You can sign up for kayaking tours, paddleboarding, pool biking, beach and pool volleyball. pickleball, tennis archery, BINGO, guacamole classes, nighttime shows, and tequila and wine tasting. Pro tip: Download the Hyatt App for access to all the activities-not to mention menus, resort maps, and even order room service.
For a small fee, they also offer bike tours to the nearby Akumal town and I really enjoyed this experience. We learned some history of the area, pedaled through different neighborhoods, and also took a tour of an amazing cenote that I highly recommend you visit if you are looking for a unique experience.
Yal-Ku Lagoon is a cenote offering crystal clear waters offering an incredible snorkeling experience. Located in a natural bay with rock formations and mangroves, the combination of the fresh and saltwater attracts a magnificent array of colorful tropical fish keying into the habitat provided by the mangrove roots and underwater limestone formations. Visit this link for tickets or contact me for other options that include snorkeling with tours and other Mexican gems.
If you’re looking to experience the rich history of the Mayan people, Akumal is also located close to the Tulum area ruins making it an ideal location to visit the only Mayan city built on a coast. These magnificent, well preserved ancient ruins are built from limestone and provide epic views of the Caribbean coast. One of my favorite local tour operators in Mexico is Living Dreams Mexico and they pride themselves on the importance of creating human connections with their expeditions. Tell them I sent you if end up booking with them, or I can set all of this up for you.
Are you ready to escape to paradise? I love to help plan vacations to Mexico and work with several different companies to make your vacation seamless with flights, transfers and all your favorite excursions all bundled together. You can read more about my tips for traveling to Dreams Playa Mujeres, Moon Palace The Grand and if you’re interested in the ultimate wellness getaway in Mexico, check out my experience at Palmaia, the House of Aia. I am a Certified Travel Advisor and would love to work with you. Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here.
