Review: Secrets Akumal

Features of Secrets Akumal

Some of the features you’ll find at Secrets Akumal include:

Suites

Akumal has 434 rooms, which come with double or king beds. The rooms have a suite-style and have a contemporary Mexican design with natural wood furniture and neutral tones. You’ll love the pop of red and orange and the minimalistic décor.

What’s more, you get access to luxury amenities that include iHome dock systems, two-person whirlpool tubs, and Nespresso machines. Some extras like inbuilt room service privacy boxes, incense, and bottles of toiletries add another level of luxury.

Find a well-stocked minibar, with an unlimited supply of beer, soda, water, and snacks. The smart TV and AC are to enhance your experience at the resort. Enjoy the rainfall show in the hotel’s slick bathrooms. If you book the Preferred-level rooms, you get extra benefits like a balcony with a pool, a view of the ocean, and in-room extras like shave kits, sunscreen, and chocolates. 

Scenery

Akumal is a luxurious resort that boasts of winding outdoor walkways and is landscaped with trees and flowers. Most visitors love the resort’s serene vibe, which makes it perfect for weddings and anniversaries. Although the resort attracts many people, the property doesn’t get loud or rowdy. 

The Beach and Pool

Akumal Bay is popular with sea turtles. It also has the world’s extensive barrier reefs. The visitors can have direct access into the bay. You can spot contemporary loungers on the beach, with cabanas available by reservation. However, in high season, the famous sands can feel crowded. Also, there’s no preferred area on the beach. 

The resort has three big pools, with one being an infinity pool with a pool bar. You should note that the swim-up bar and the beachfront infinity pool is one of the most populated spots, particularly during daytime and peak hours. 

You can find the main pool behind the infinity pool, where you can relax and enjoy a quiet time. The lagoon pool is another spot you can chill and sip your favorite drinks. Towels and service are always available. 

All-Inclusive

Secrets Akumal doesn’t require you to wear wristbands, as it’s an all-inclusive property. The package allows you to enjoy food and drink options for 24 hours. That includes international-brand liquors, meals at all the restaurants, and house wine. 

The all-inclusive package also caters for kayaking gear, snorkeling gear, night entertainment, and other activities that happen in the resort. Preferred-level visitors can enjoy additional benefits like a private check-in lounge, in-room extras, and entry to the hydrotherapy circuit. 

Excellent Food and Drinks

The Secrets has six a la carte restaurants, a main eatery, and 24-hour options. Guests have a variety to choose for breakfast. For example, you can get pancakes and eggs Benedict at the Seaside Grille, or opt for made-to-order omelets.

For lunch, you can go to the Seaside Grill or the Barefoot Grille. You’ll find five a la carte restaurants open for dinner. That includes grilled specialties, Italian, French, and gourmet seafood. The main buffets in the evenings revolve between all restaurants that cater to dietary restrictions and themed nights. 

You also get access to 24-hour picks, which include the hotel’s coffee shop and a room service menu. Previous guests thought the food was of a higher quality compared to what other resorts offer. 

The resort has a bar at almost every turn, and that includes the pool. The Barracuda Beach bar serves guests on the beach, while the Lobby Bar is an excellent spot if you want to enjoy some live music or a quiet daytime drink.

When visiting the nightly theatre show, you can enjoy drinks from the Showtime Bar. You can also party the night away at the Desires Disco and Lounge. You can visit the Manatee swim-up bar during the day, and sample some delicious frozen drinks. 

Spa with Hydrotherapy Circuit

Visit the top-notch swish spa that comes with stocked locker rooms and fresh scent. The spa has a hydrotherapy circuit that includes a steam room, a sauna, a pebble reflexology pool, and in-water fountains. 

Sip on some tea as you relax. You’ll also find infused water, iced towels, fresh cucumber slices, and fresh fruit in the relaxation area. While the adjacent gym may be small, it features a state of the art equipment and free weights. 

You can participate in yoga or dance lessons on-site. The hotel visitors have access to the tennis and basketball courts. Bike lovers can rent a bike free and ride out to Yakul Lagoon. Couples who would like to get married can choose one among the three wedding locations. The resort also has a shopping plaza and a photo shop.

Secrets Akumal Amenities

Secrets Akumal Rates

Secrets Akumal has varying rates depending on the type of room you choose. Preferred-level suites are more expensive, but you can get discounts during occasional special openings.

UNICO 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya

The UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya is a 448-room all-inclusive resort. Like Secrets, UNICO is an adults-only resort. It’s also easy to access. The rooms are sleek and nicely furnished with fantastic amenities. 

You get direct access to the white sandy beach with umbrellas and loungers. The stylish rooms come with four-poster beds and terraces. 

Both Secrets and UNICO have rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, Nespresso Machines, and aromatherapy options. Another similarity is the all-inclusive package that covers food, drinks, and a selection of fitness classes and spa.

UNICO has three pools, like Secrets. The only difference is that the former has live DJ sessions different times each week. Moreover, two pools at UNICO have swim-up bars. While Secrets has six Lar carte restaurants, UNICO has four restaurants that serve traditional Yucatan, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines.

One thing UNICO stands out for it’s the Japanese restaurant, Mura House. While all the dishes are part of the all-inclusive package, you need to make a reservation. Another thing that’s disappointing at UNICO is that some of the spa packages come at a 25% service charge. The weekly gym classes only require a 20% service fee. 

It’s also far from the airport. It’s an hour’s drive from Cancun Airport. The lack of activities in the evening may be disappointing for those who would love night entertainment.

Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort

Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort is near a pristine beach with turquoise waters. You may spot some sea turtles when visiting this resort. The place boasts of a casual, but upscale beach vibe with a social atmosphere. 

The Bay beach and wellness resort has junior suites with minimal décor, ocean views, travertine floors, and outdoor hot tubs. Find walk-in showers, dual vanity sinks, separate toilet rooms, and eco-friendly toiletries in the bathrooms. 

You’ll love the sprawling beach despite this being a small resort. Relax in the cabana huts or go snorkeling, where you can see fish, coral, and sea turtles. The resort has four a la carte spots, while Secrets has six restaurants. They do not require any reservation. Another welcome feature is the beachside sushi bar, which also serves guests with poolside drinks. 

Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort have activities like tennis, kayaking, biking, and meditation classes. 

One notable difference is that the resort allows kids, something Secrets doesn’t. They also have supervised kid’s activities and a children’s pool. Some guests found small flaws in the rooms due to the quick renovation. Also, the spots are tiny and can fill up quickly.

Grand Oasis Tulum

Grand Oasis Tulum is another upscale resort that is between Highway 307 and a stretch of beach. Guests love the uncrowded, quiet, and relaxed vibe coupled with the clean premises. You can upgrade to the Grand Side of the resort that features a beautiful rooftop terrace bar and a private pool. Its dining area is worth every coin. 

It has 112 rooms that are in three buildings, namely Yaakun, Tulum, and Sian Ka’an, which is uber-luxe. Like Secrets, Oasis has stocked minibars with free refills, private outdoor spaces with gardens, iPod docking stations, and pool views. 

Both Grand Oasis and Secrets offer an all-inclusive package. Apart from exclusive a la carte restaurants, you have access to plenty of dining options day and night. However, you may need to make a reservation at Careyes, Dos Lunas, Al Sur, and Arrecifes. 

The resort has a vast selection of bars that will have your thirst satisfied. You also have access to a nighttime dance club, or you can opt to visit the coffee bar that closes late at night. One impressive thing about Grand Oasis is that its guests can visit the five bars available, and explore several more bars open to Oasis’ guests exclusively. Something you won’t find at Secrets Akumal.

Most visitors love the expansive beach that has turquoise waters. Guests can choose the exclusive beach club area or opt for the Oasis side of the resort for one of the available loungers. The smaller side of the beach is less crowded, and a perfect area to relax. 

Unfortunately, Grand Oasis doesn’t have heated whirlpools like Secrets. However, they make up for this with their different pools and lounging space. The infinity pool, which is near the beach bar, has a swim-up bar with pool seating. 

Also, the main pool has a swim-up bar, fountains, kid’s activities, and a shallow place for kids to play. You can also participate in games like foosball, ping-pong, and basketball free.

Pros and Cons

Secrets Akumal only caters for adults, something that makes it convenient for couples who want some quiet time alone. The resort has spacious rooms with whirlpools, smart TVs, and unique Mexican style.

You have access to nightly entertainment and free daily activities. Relax and enjoy the sun in any of the three large pools. Preferred-level guests get extras like a balcony with an ocean view and in-room goodies like chocolates and sunscreen. 

Akumal has a Swish Pevonia Spa that offers couples’ treatment. The convention center provides a convenient, meetup place.

Unfortunately, the beach can be crowded during peak season. Previous guests found that pool chairs fill up quickly. It’s challenging to know where and when activities take place.