Secrets Akumal Review: Most Romantic Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico
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Where is Secrets Akumal?
Akumal Bay is the sweeping beach and ocean where Secrets is located. Akumal is Mayan for 'place of turtles' and is home to a turtle habitat.
Secrets Akumal is a 45-minute drive from the Cancun airport on a clear run and is 30 minutes away from the ruins and cenotes in Tulum.
Address: Carretera Federal 307, km 254 + 600, Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
How old is the property?
Secrets Akumal is seven years old. It opened in November 2015 and is one of the Riviera Maya's most popular holiday destinations. Due to its young age, it maintains a look and feel of newness in every resort area. It is maintained to the highest standards.
Check in at Secrets
When you arrive at Secrets, you immediately know you have chosen the most romantic resort on the Riviera Maya. Dim lighting, hurricane lamps lit with candles and trickling ponds guide the way to the foyer.
The foyer is open-sided, allowing a cool breeze to waft past you. Cosy couches invite you to slump into them should you need to wait for a check-in desk to become free. Take a moment to appreciate the statement chandelier that dominates the area.
We arrived in the evening, and after being offered a cold towel and a glass of bubbles, we were swiftly checked in, and our suitcases were whisked away to our rooms.
How many rooms are in Secrets Akumal?
The resort has 434 guest suites, including swim-up rooms, located in 11 buildings.
Junior Suites with a resort or tropical view are in blocks 7, 8, 9A, 9B and 9C. My family stayed in block seven near the Lagoon Pool, and I was in Suite 7208. We requested this block because it was in a quiet area.
Buildings one to six are the Preferred Jr Suites, located close to the beach and the main pool with club-level facilities. These blocks also include Jr Suites with partial or full sea views, as well as the Presidential Suites.
Preferred privileges include à la carte breakfast at the Seaside Grill, premium spirits, and a dedicated check-in area.
A dedicated concierge is available on the ground floor of each block between 9.30 am and 5 pm.
Small dogs are welcome to stay in dedicated rooms. I have never encountered this before, but it is good news for dog lovers who want their pup to join them on holiday.
Garden-View Bedroom
When we walked into our tropical-view junior suites, we were surprised at how big they were. We have stayed in many very nice resorts around the world, and these rooms were up there with the best. I loved the combination of the neutral colours with primary pink and orange; the accent pops of colour gave the room a 'designer feel'.
A seating area and a large dressing table with a wall mirror were great places to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif and have plenty of space to get ready. An in-room interactive tablet was available for resort information and in-room dining, and there were plenty of USB ports in the room.
When you want to enjoy the comforts of your room, maybe watch a film or listen to a music channel, there is a 42-inch wall-mounted HD television directly in front of the bed. International channels are available, and the signal strength is good, meaning clear, uninterrupted viewing.
Tropical Junior Suite Bathroom
A two-person whirlpool bath is a focal point in the bathroom and the most relaxing place to spend time with your partner after a day on the beach or around the pool. Fill the bath, turn on the jets and enjoy the moment!
Beautifully styled dual sinks, quality brass fittings, and wall mirrors make the bathroom a pleasant place to freshen up. A wall-mounted beauty/shaving mirror and built-in shelves add to the bathroom's design and functionality. A hairdryer, shower gel, and lotion are also provided.
A stunning headboard was made of what seemed to be woven straw, with a subtle glimmer of thread throughout. The traditional hanging side lights, which were more practical than free-standing side lamps, threw a magical pattern around the room in the evening.
There is a large balcony in the tropical-view suites with a comfy seating area, a table, and two chairs, all facing the lush foliage of palm trees.
I loved everything about my room; it was beautifully appointed, quiet and romantic.
Secrets Swim-Out Rooms
I can't comment on the interior of the swim-out rooms, but I imagine they're the same as the tropical-view rooms.
A swim-out room in the block I was in would have felt secluded, but also a little closed in due to the thick vegetation directly in front of the patio areas.
Swim-out rooms by the beach are directly in front of the main pools, which can get loud during the day. Also, if you are on the terrace, other guests will pass by all day, so it may not be as private as you want; however, if you want to be in the centre of the action, these rooms will be perfect for you.
Sunrise at Secrets Akumal
Wake up early, grab a coffee from the 24-hour cafe, and enjoy a romantic sunrise on the beach. Due to jet lag, we woke up early on the first morning of our family trip. We wandered to the beach to watch the sun rise.
Whether you visit Secrets as honeymooners, friends or with family, there is nothing quite like being together to watch a new day dawning over the Caribbean Sea.
Akumal Bay Beach
The sweeping bay in Akumal is lined with low-rise beach resort hotels, a PADI dive centre and some holiday homes. If you want to walk from one end to the other, it will take around 30 minutes.
The beach is affected by Sargassum (seaweed), much like the rest of the Riviera Maya coastline. I travelled in January, and it wasn't too bad; however, I have heard that it can get pretty bad in the summer months. Nevertheless, the resort staff cleared it daily, so it didn't hinder time spent on the beach or in the water.
A sandy entry into the ocean soon turns to seagrass, so you may want to wear sea shoes if you aren't a fan of stepping on the unknown. The turtles wouldn't be in Akumal without the seagrass, which is their food source.
Beach loungers and umbrellas are plentiful, and beach beds (Bali beds) are available for an additional charge. Waiter service is available on the beach.
Beach Walks
If you want to walk along the beach, leave the resort, and turn left, you will come to the Dive Centre (not part of Secrets). This is where the hordes of day trippers come to swim with the Akumal turtles. Walk past the anchored boats and continue past holiday homes to a point where you will find some rusty cannons; from here, you will have a sweeping view of the bay.
If you are interested in history, you might like to know that these cannons date back to 1741, when the Spanish ship El Matancero sunk in a nearby reef. Most of the crew were enslaved by the Mayans and soon died. One person thrived amongst them, married a priestess and taught the indigenous Mayans how to protect themselves.
The ship was discovered in 1959, and the cannons were brought ashore and placed in Akumal bay, aiming towards the headquarters of the Centro Ecologico Akumal, which maintains the bay and surrounding area.
So now you know a little more about Secrets Akumal's location!
If you turn right after leaving the resort, you will come to the popular photo spot where the obligatory 'bendy palm tree' image can be captured. Go early in the morning or late in the evening; otherwise, you may have to queue!
If I'm honest, there's not much else to see after that apart from a lot of washed-up plastic, which I wasn't expecting. I dragged a couple of black bags and bottles out of the water, as they can have disastrous effects on sealife and ocean health.
If you continue walking, you will reach the headland.
Snorkelling with Turtles at Secrets Akumal
The thought of swimming with turtles in Akumal was a significant factor in our decision to book our trip to Secrets. We are all keen snorkelers and scuba divers and love spending much of our holiday in the ocean.
We had visions of snorkelling off the beach and seeing turtles around us.
Yes, we did see a couple of turtles, both on different days and just by the white buoys that mark where the conservation area starts; however, to snorkel in the turtle hotspot, we were required to pay for a turtle tour through an outside tour company or the dive centre.
I asked the Secrets staff where we could swim and snorkel to see the turtles; they were vague, to say the least. We had to do some detective work ourselves, so I created the infographic below, which I hope will help others.
We were under the impression that we would see quite a few just in front of the resort - sadly, this was not the case when we visited in January. Maybe the wrong time of year - who knows, but the number of daily boat tours taking people to the 'turtle hotspot' indicated plenty of turtles were there, just not in the area we were allowed to be in.
Despite only seeing two turtles during our trip, we had an incredible encounter with them. We even had the privilege of watching one of the turtles feeding on the seagrass. Besides the Akumal turtles, we also saw an eagle ray, a spotted ray, and a few shoals of tropical fish.
CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING VIDEO!!!
The sea creature footage includes footage from beach snorkelling and a scuba dive in Akumal Bay.
Safe Places to Snorkel in Akumal Bay
Landscaping and wildlife at Secrets
I can't begin to explain how beautiful and well-maintained the landscaping is at Secrets. It is like being in paradise, with the soothing calls of tropical birds nesting in the trees.
Dense foliage scattered with plants and fruit (shoutout to my favourite banana tree!), fish ponds, bridges and secret spots can all be found around the resort. Resident iguanas roam the resort, and all have their own section of the garden and their own names!
The wooden sign reading YAL-KU is the Mayan word for 'where small things live in safety'.
If you are lucky, you might also see the agouti, giant rodents that look like small deer with cute faces. Please don't fear any wildlife in the Riviera Maya. Sadly, we are more of a threat to them than they are to us!
Swimming Pools at Secrets
A great choice of three pools is available, depending on whether you like to be quiet and read a book or are more lively and enjoy music and pool activities. The pools are heated during the winter months (Nov - Mar).
Lagoon Pool is in the resort's quiet section and offers an idyllic spot to relax. We liked to spend time around this pool after breakfast.
In the afternoon, we liked to head to the main pool area. Live music here was delightful, and plenty of varied poolside food and drink options were available.
The Infinity pool is closest to the beach, where the swim-up bar and pool activities are located.
Dining at Secrets
There are nine dining options, and Secrets' all-inclusive food and drinks are mostly phenomenal. There are great choices, fresh produce, and food cooked to perfection; however, I had two instances when my main meal wasn't great.
One was in the French restaurant Bordeaux, where my pork was as tough as old boots. My second time was in the Japanese restaurant Himitsu, where my duck was undercooked. That said, the rest of my family had no problems, so I think I was just unlucky.
Wine served by the glass is included in the all-inclusive package. Ordering bottles of wine incurs an additional cost and is not included in the all-inclusive package.
My favourite restaurant was the Mexican El Patio, where we had a delicious traditional meal. The dishes were accompanied by margaritas made at our table and with Mayan coffee to finish.
Our server was delightful. We felt he was really happy and proud of his job. He made our evening special by showing us his coffee-making skills!
We were asked which tequila we preferred in our drinks. Tequila is one of Mexico's most popular drinks and has various blends. The blue and white tequila bottle of Clase Azul Reposado is a superior blend and came at an additional price to the two inclusive varieties.
Formal Restaurants and Dress Code
Bordeaux - French cuisine - casual elegance, long trousers required for men.
Portofino - Italian cuisine - casual elegance, long trousers required for men.
Himitsu - Pan-Asian cuisine - casual elegance, long trousers required for men, no sleeveless shirts. To be seated at the hibachi table to watch the chef's display, your concierge must book reservations in advance.
El Patio - Mexican cuisine - casual elegance, long trousers required for men, no sleeveless shirts.
Oceana - Seafood - casual, long shorts, no sleeveless shirts.
Poolside Eateries
In addition to the more formal evening restaurants, there are three casual eateries and a 24-hour cafe/coffee shop.
Barefoot Grill - serves grilled specialities and cocktails.
Seaside Grill - serves a la carte steaks, seafood and hamburgers.
Market cafe - serves an extensive buffet at breakfast and lunch. Start the day off with a mimosa, served with a smile.
Aside from these options, food trucks serve mouthwatering offerings at lunchtime. From tacos with meat and fish to freshly made pizzas with your choice of toppings. Cute touches like cocktails in coconuts and mini ice cream cornets with delicious flavours like coconut and pistachio make lying around the pool even more enjoyable!
Coco cafe is the resort's hub, serving hot and cold beverages, cakes, salads, and sandwiches. This is a place to relax and enjoy the tranquil setting near the wishing tree and fish pond. On the way back to my suite, my afternoon ritual was to grab a cup of tea and a biscuit from here. Well, I am British, and you know how we love our tea!
Restaurant Bookings
The restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served policy, but there was always a wait, especially for us as a group of five. The front desk informed me that Secrets is geared towards couples, so most tables are for two. A few tables also accommodate four, and some high bar-type tables seat six.
I was advised to head for dinner either at the first sitting around 6 p.m. (way too early for us) or the last sitting at 9 p.m. (way too late for us); otherwise, we would have to wait it out for several tables to become free and reconfigured for the five of us.
Bear this in mind if you are travelling with a party. We had to wait for around 20 minutes for a table. At breakfast, we figured it was easier to go there separately and sit at tables for two, so we didn't have to wait. It was not ideal, but it was not the end of the world either!
Resort Bars and Drink Quality
With seven bars at Secrets Akumal, including the extra one exclusively for Preferred Club Members, you will never go thirsty.
I must say, though, that the cocktails are a bit hit-and-miss. One day, a cocktail would be delicious, and the next, it wouldn't taste so good. It is a shame there isn't more consistency in how the cocktails are made. For me, it is the one negative thing I found at Secrets.
The Halftime Bar by the Lagoon Pool served fabulous cocktails and was my favourite bar. This is probably because fewer people stay around that quiet area, usually heading to the other two main pools.
Lobby and Pool Bars at Secrets Akumal
Rendezvous Lobby - Downstairs in the main lobby is a fire pit, swing seats in the outdoor area, and comfy sofas inside. Sadly, the cocktails served here were the worst I have ever tasted. The barman seemed to have his mind somewhere else, and his mixed measurements were totally off the scale. I am hoping this is an isolated incident and not the norm!
In the evening, the Lobby Bar turns into a lively meeting place and hosts musicians and the popular Silent Disco - yes, we joined in and had a lot of fun!
Desires Music Lounge - A disco bar in any other language and open from 11 pm - 1 am daily, and yes, we did dust our dancing shoes off and pull some Travolta moves once during our stay. The music was mainly by American artists, so, being British, we hadn't heard many of the tracks. Maybe a more international playlist would accommodate guests from Europe.
Showtime Theatre Bar is where you can enjoy a drink and watch a show.
Sugar Reef - enjoy a poolside cocktail served straight to your sunbed.
Barracuda Beach Bar - grab a swing seat and gaze out to the ocean.
Manatees - The swim-up bar is located in the infinity pool by the beach. It's a hub for young and beautiful couples to meet and take part in resort activities. A hot tub is also nearby.
Halftime Bar - serves first-class cocktails and beers while watching your favourite sport or at your poolside lounger. Close to the 'quiet pool' despite its name, I didn't feel that it was noisy or rowdy as some sports bars can be.
Themed Nights
Themed nights are fantastic, with outdoor dining and entertainment. One of my favourites was Akumart, which brought local artisans into the resort to sell their quality crafts.
I bought a beautiful pair of butterfly earrings from one of the sellers. She told me her mother painted the butterfly details on the earrings, which made them even more special and a lovely souvenir of my stay at Secrets Akumal.
I didn't visit the original wooden sculpture in Tulum from which this display was taken, so this is a close second!
Resort Activities
If you can't sit still for too long, the resort has many activities to keep you on your toes. Try SUP yoga, aqua-biking, or water and beach volleyball, to name a few. Fun, hands-on experiences such as cocktail-making and dance classes are also offered.
Fitness Centre
If you intend to maintain your fitness levels while enjoying unlimited, all-inclusive dining, the on-site fitness centre has state-of-the-art cardio machines and free weights. It is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gym instructors run daily outdoor classes in the tranquil area outside the fitness centre.
Spa by Pevonia
Book a pampering session at Secrets Spa by Pevonia. It is a haven for rejuvenating the body and mind.
Scuba Diving in Akumal Bay
Head to the Akumal Dive Centre, a short walk along the beach from Secrets, and enjoy a reef dive. The boat journey is quick, 5 - 10 minutes, and you can enjoy seeing moray eels, rays and turtles inhabiting the reef.
Tours along the Riviera Maya
While you might not want to leave this romantic resort, Tulum has many great things to see nearby. Of course, the Tulum ruins and cenotes are a must-see on any trip to the Riviera Maya.
After much research, I found a company that did hotel pick-ups in Akumal, as most start in Cancun and head straight to Tulum.
We paid extra each to swim in the cenotes, which was worth every penny. I would highly recommend doing the same tour we did, as it is a half-day trip (6 hours) and will only take up one morning of your holiday.
I booked a Tulum Ruins Guided Tour and Two Cenotes.
The other activity my two sons did was scuba diving with bull sharks in Playa del Carmen. You will need to be an advanced Scuba diver to participate, but they both agreed it is one of the most exciting things they have ever done.
Conclusion
Secrets Akumal is sensational and a fantastic choice for a premium luxury resort with excellent service, first-class facilities, and an incredible all-inclusive package. It is one of the best resorts in the Riviera Maya for romance. This is evident in the number of silk sashes on guest suite doors that read, "It's our honeymoon"!
Of course, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is also a coveted wedding location and one of the world's best honeymoon destinations. The resort has a wedding planner to discuss the details of your big day.
Celebrate anniversaries and birthdays in fabulous surroundings, or bring a friend to share this paradise setting with you. Whatever reason you book a stay at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, it will be one you will remember for a long time.
Secrets resorts in Mexico are always expanding, and the newest offering is Secrets Moxché in Playa Del Carmen. It offers guests the same high standards as Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya. Maybe book a dual-stay holiday so you can try them both out!
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
The photos you have put up of the resort, lobby, rooms and the landscaped area are really nice. An all inclusive should have good food and plenty of activities. it seems Secrets Akumal ticks all these boxes.
Thinking about staying here for our honeymoon as well. When did you visit? I couldn't find a date on the website and want to make sure your review is recent. Seems like a fun spot! Did the resort and beach seem crowded?
Hi Robby
Thanks for your message. We stayed February this year and loved it. It’s a sprawling resort so it never felt overcrowded. There are several pools so people spread out according to their preference ie quiet pool or more lively with music and activities. The beach has loads of loungers so never had a problem getting a spot. Be aware that depending when you go the sargasso seaweed can build up on the beach. When we went it wasn’t too bad and the hotel clean it up every day but if you are sea people you might find you have to swim through some of it to get into the clear water. There were lots of banners on doors saying “ we are on honeymoon” so it seems a popular resort for newly weds. Hope this all helps you decide 😊Angie
Sounds like a wonderful family trip! As a Canadian, winter escapes to Mexico are extremely popular and I too have visited many Secrets resorts over the years in Mexico. I always love the landscaping as you mentioned, to walk through the winding paths as a quiet escape from the pool or beach.
You are so lucky to live so close! It's a 10-hour flight from the UK, but that said, it was worth it. Do you have a favourite Secrets resort to share?
Wow! This hotel sounds amazing, I would love to visit. Thanks for all the information on this and love the pictures, I might have just found a perfect spot for my honeymoon!!!
Excellent, I think you will love it. I hope you have a fantastic honeymoon at Secrets Akumal