Introducing the Secrets Akumal resort and spa!
Have you found yourself in desperate need of a vacay?
Hell yes! Live a little.
Crystal clear waters, powdery white sands…the tropical breeze brushing through the palm trees. It’s time!
You deserve this.
Around a month or so ago my other half treated me to a night in the Secrets Akumal Hotel for my birthday.
(He’s a keeper ;))
After soaking up the lavish luxury and ambiance, here’s my review of this hotel.
My Secrets Akumal Resort Review
- Location
- Hotel Overview
- Rooms and Suites
- Beach
- Food & Drink
- Sports & Activities
- Entertainment
- Golf at Secrets Akumal
- Spa
- Weddings & Groups
Get ready… I’m about to lay it all on the table.
1. Location of Secrets Akumal
At first, I had no idea where we headed on this little adventure.
He had kept it a surprise.
But as we traveled down the highway it became apparent from the signs we were headed for Akumal!
Yipppee!
For those of you that aren’t local or don’t know, Akumal is home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera Maya.
It was actually voted one of the top 10 beaches in Mexico on TripAdvisor not so long ago.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy powdery white sands (seaweed permitting) and snorkel with giant sea turtles.
After traveling around 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen we arrived at the Adults-Only Resort – Secrets Akumal!!!
*big cheesy grins*
We were greeted on arrival with champagne (felt like a total ROCKSTAR) and were offered a homemade cookie (which was delicious).
This area was exactly what I was craving.
You see, Akumal is removed from the hustle of Playa and is very luxurious, quiet, and relaxing.
A prime spot for refined travelers seeking excellent service in a sophisticated environment.
2. Hotel Overview
Before I dive right into our experience here’s the hotel overview:
- 434 suites
- 3 swimming pools
- 9 restaurants
- 6 bars and lounges
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- Group Events
- Destination Weddings
Secrets Akumal has been open for just 4 years and offers an adults-only all-inclusive stay.
It’s one of the newer hotels in the region.
The grounds are incredibly beautiful and it’s not TOO big.
Which I love…
I’m not a huge fan of ridiculously sized resorts (that take you a week to explore) they’re pretty exhausting and getting lost all the time isn’t my idea of fun.
That said the hotel is roomy enough it feels spacious and uncramped.
3. Rooms & Suites
Each of 434 guest suites comes with a furnished balcony or terrace.
Swim-up suites are also available so if you have extra cash to splash I would definitely recommend!
They are stunning.
One king bed or two double beds are available, plus a double jacuzzi. There’s nothing better than a good soak after a hard day on the beach. 😉
The rooms have a minibar which is stocked daily and even come with a REAL coffee machine (espresso pods) – it’s all included, so go nuts!
You can even order room service via the in-room iPad!
Not to sound like a total grandma but “TECHNOLOGY THESE DAYS”!
In the morning, we decided to live the dream and get breakfast in bed before we checked out.
The best part?
You don’t even have to speak to anyone, you order by iPad and its delivered to your room via a secret hatch!
We used this stay as an opportunity to disconnect and spend some quality time together but there is free wireless internet through the hotel’s connectivity program.
The view varies depending on the category you book.
Your options include:
- Tropical view
- Oceanview
- Oceanfront or even a swim-up suite with a semi-private pool right off your terrace
Choose the preferred club for a little extra pampering
- Private check-in and check-out
- Access to the preferred club lounge which offers continental breakfast hors d’oeuvres, exquisite desserts and fine liquors
- Upgraded room amenities
- Preferred Club Suites in Premium Locations
4.The Beach
A resort in the Caribbean without a great beach is like pizza without the cheese.
This hotel definitely did not disappoint, the beach at Secrets Akumal is gorgeous, wide, and breathtaking.
We were in luck because recently the seaweed in this region has been a little bit of a problem, albeit it’s getting much much better (but can change from day-to-day).
During our visit, there was only a tiny slither of seaweed.
It was very clam and the turtles were right there!
You could see them clearly if you went out far enough you can see them!!
It was magical.
Secrets Akumal has snorkel equipment you can hire but it is also cheap to buy some locally if you want your own.
A lot of people were using the full face snorkels but these are not for hire you would have to purchase them in Akumal at a shop.
Well worth it!
The water was crystal and it was a lot of fun swimming around exploring the wonders beneath the surface.
5.Food & Drink
I’m a real foodie so this section of the blog is probably my favorite!
The drinks by the pool are waiter-served and they never leave you long without a drink in hand.
Service was impressive, and always with a smile.
As soon as you are getting low on your beverage they are there offering to get you another, you literally don’t have to move if you don’t want to.
Relaxation at its finest! I felt like a Caribbean goddess. Best. Birthday. Ever.
The snacks by the pool are also waiter-served if you want them to be.
However, you have the option for a la carte lunch or buffet style if you wish.
The food is amazing, I ate in the main buffet for breakfast, it was super yummy, and a huge choice but really high quality and even a chocolate fountain!
For the first evening, we are in Italian and this was a la carte.
You must have long trousers for the men in the a la cartes however if you don’t have them they will allow you to sit outside instead of inside the restaurant but obviously that was super hot with the weather.
They had premium alcohol which was a bonus.
The last evening we just ate at the buffet for the evening and it was equally as nice, they had beef wellington and a huge range of food to choose from, although there wasn’t a huge range of desserts.
I’d have loved to have more time there to try all the restaurants because the culinary techniques and skills used to create dishes were exquisite.
The unlimited luxury concept available at the Secrets Akumal removes any need for reservations at any of their 9 restaurants.
Choose the following options:
- Market Cafe (buffet)
- Seaside Grill – poolside grill
- Barefoot Grill – light lunch specialties
- Himitsu – Asian
- Portofino – Italian
- Bordeaux – French
- Coco Cafe – fresh coffees, pastries and desserts
- El Patio – Traditional Mexican
- Oceana – Seafood
There are 5 bars throughout the resort offering unique cocktails, cold beer, and fresh drinks.
Choose the swim-up bar, lobby bar, lounge music bar, or a beach bar.
Waiter service in the pool and beach areas make it even easier to indulge in a drink or two.
Good to know…
A stay at this resort also means you can enjoy meals and entertainment at 6 other resorts.
Yup, from 6 pm through until 1 am you can visit a range of other resorts to enjoy a meal and nightly entertainment.
You can make a reservation with the concierge for any Dreams, Secrets or Now resort in the area.
Transportation is extra and certain conditions apply.
6.Sports & Activities
At Secrets Akumal, I loved the fact that there was more than one pool.
One of them was dedicated to activities such as water polo and aqua aerobics, etc, and the other was for relaxing and basking in the sun.
They even have the floating lilo things included as part of the hotel no extra charge so you can see one and grab one and go floating away in the pool.
Just be careful not to fall asleep, or if you do lather yourself in sunscreen first.
The sun loungers have huge cushions on and headrests, so they are super comfy and unlimited towels are included, you just help yourself to them as and when you need them.
You can be as active as you want to be at the Secrets Akumal.
Daily activities, games, sports and nightly entertainment is available.
This includes:
- Nightly entertainment with live shows
- Special Events
- Tennis Courts
- Bike Tour
- Ping-Pong
- Yoga
- Paddle Boarding
- Zayak Boarding
- Hobie Cats
- Snorkeling and sailing
- Beach and Water volleyball
- Dance lessons
- Cocktail making classes
- Archery
- Football
- Batting Cages
- Euro Bungee
- Rifle shooting
7.Entertainment
Nightly entertainment can also be enjoyed.
During our stay, we saw a singer/band who were super good and then after this, they sometimes had a show in the same area.
This is all outside and there are some inside spaces to sit but it is all open so not air-conditioned.
They also do have a theatre that offers other shows but we did not see any as the night we were there they didn’t have any on.
They do have a disco area but we only went to look and they had karaoke at the time we were there but it was very full, and honestly, when the hotel is full this area I can imagine would get too crowded, it was small space for the number of people the hotel holds.
8.Golf
If you enjoy a spot of golf while away on vacay guests of the Secrets Akumal can enjoy privileged rates for golf at the Riviera Maya Golf Club.
Located just north of the mesmerizing Akumal Bay, the Maya Riviera Golf Club is a magnificent 27-hole golf course.
It winds through the jungle, cenotes, and lakes to offer golfers of all levels a fun, challenging round in the tropics.
Designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones II, this challenging course just south of Akumal expertly blends the stunning natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula with modern, world-class course design.
In addition, for those short of time, the Maya Riviera Golf Club includes a fantastic 9-hole, par 27 golf course.
Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones II
Year built: 2010
Holes: 27
Par: 72/27
Turf: Paspalum
Course length and slope rating
Length: 7,272 yards
Slope: 137
Rating: 75
Tee times: 6:30 am. – 5:00pm (1:00pm for twilight)
Talk to one of Travel Liaisons today to get you all booked in.
9. Spa
You deserve to be pampered and the Pevonia Spa was designed with you in mind.
18,000 square feet of indulgence through hydrotherapy, specialty services, and a full beauty salon is waiting for you.
Treatments include:
- Seaweed Wrap
- Swedish Massage
- Secrets Exclusive Facial
- Aromatherapy Salt Glow
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Luminous “C” and Sea Facial
- Spa Pedicure or Spa Manicure
- Hot Stone Massage
- Secrets Exclusive Facial
- Spa Manicure and Spa Pedicure
- Spa Manicure
- Hair Treatment
- Side-by-side massage in a serene private escape
And much, much more.
10. Weddings and Groups
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offers 5 romantic wedding packages.
With abundant options to personalize, find the perfect wedding package then make it your own.
Their packages start from $999 USD.
With a number of different locations, settings, and sceneries you really are spoilt for choice. Your dream wedding starts here.
Luckily for you, our weddings team here at PlayaDelCarmen.Com Weddings help to plan 100s of weddings each year.
Our team know the hotels better than anyone and can help you plan your perfect day without stress, and within your budget.
We understand planning something away from home can be a little daunting but our planners will be there from start to finish to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Akumal is the perfect place for your destination wedding.
For Groups
Whether it’s a girls getaway or an incentive group, the Secrets Akumal has fantastic group rates available.
The ballroom can accommodate up to 600, 300 classroom style and there are several breakouts available.
Talk to us today.
Book The Secrets Akumal Resort Today!
Overall Secrets Akumal is probably in my top 3 favorite resorts to stay at.
As a local agency, the best news of all is that I can get you exclusive rates and ensure you get all the best perks and discounts available.
Call us toll-free at 888-537-9797 today!
Or
Alternatively, email us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
Secrets Akumal Resort Review
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Location
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Rooms
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Food & Drink
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Beach
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Spa
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Golf
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Weddings
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Activities
Summary
The best adults-only escape you can dream of. Everything from the service, food, to the hotel’s design was simply impeccable! I cannot wait to stay here again, it’s in my top 3 hotels I’ve stayed at ever. Hats off to the team and staff at Secrets Akumal for making this a truly memorable stay.
Comments (50)
paula m mullersays:
July 20, 2020 at 8:29 ami wondered what your other top 3 were?
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 20, 2020 at 10:25 amOoo that’s a tough one but right now I’d say, Dreams Tulum, the Hilton in Playa del Carmen, and The Blue Diamond!!
Vanessasays:
December 18, 2020 at 9:19 pmYour review sold me! 🙂
My one question I have, did you stay in the Preferred Club?
Sarah Barlowsays:
December 21, 2020 at 7:35 amHi Vanessa, so glad to hear you loved my review I spend a lot of time on these. I didn’t stay in the preferred club but did I access all the areas as I was being shown round by the hotel manager. They are V fancy but not sure it’s worth the extra bucks.
Abbeysays:
January 9, 2021 at 4:32 pmI stayed in the Preferred Club in 2018 and can confirm it was worth every penny. Fingers crossed we’re hoping to repeat the same experience again this year, wouldn’t stay anywhere else. Cancun is such a long way to go and you want to make it memorably worthwhile and the best experience ever. The beach is to die for, clear warm waters and powder sand. Yes please.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 11, 2021 at 4:38 amAww lovely Abbey, wishing you another amazing experience 🙂 filled with lots of memories and good times. Time to feel what it means to be alive again! 🙂
Mendee Henkeysays:
January 15, 2021 at 12:40 amSarah,
I LOVE this review thank you for compiling the information.
Would this resort be a good choice for single young adults 21 yrs old? Are there activities for single adults in that age group?
By “all inclusive” does that include the spa and shows/entertainment?
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 15, 2021 at 9:14 amHey Mendee, so glad you love the review. Yes definitely! Plenty of fun activities. No, unfortunately, spa treatments are always generally extra – which SUCKS. But yes entertainment included 🙂 ! Contact us for the best deal.
Curtis Fieldssays:
January 20, 2022 at 9:14 amMy fiancee and I are having our wedding there on August 27th, 2022. We’re excited to see this resort.
Abbeysays:
January 9, 2021 at 4:37 pmstayed in 2019 rather (not 2018) 😁
Gisays:
January 24, 2021 at 9:28 amHi great review! Are all meals included or just breakfast?
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 25, 2021 at 5:12 amHI Gi, all meals. 🙂 Hope that helps. Don’t forget to call or email us to get the best deal on this resort.
Martasays:
February 14, 2021 at 6:28 pmAll those people unmasked at the pool?
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 15, 2021 at 5:14 amHi Marta, it is not mandatory to be masked by the pool. Social distancing rules apply.
Robertosays:
February 23, 2021 at 6:56 pmThank you Sarah for the information, very informative. We are scheduled to go over the Thanksgiving holiday and very much looking forward to it. Our only concern was that the city is so far away in case we wanted to venture out for shopping but my travel agent/friend assured me there is plenty of activities to do nearby. Can’t wait! Oh, one question, since you recently went, did it feel safe considering today’s situation with Covid? Yes, I know we are not going until November and hopefully this nightmare will be much better but you never know. Thanks again
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 26, 2021 at 3:11 amHi Roberto, yay I am so happy for you I can’t wait to get away around that time too. Yeah, it feels safe honestly nobody is doing more right now than the resorts as their livelihood depends on it. I hope that helps. You aren’t far away from Playa at all so I’d encourage you to explore both areas. Taxis are cheap. Or hop on the local bus.
Michellesays:
February 24, 2021 at 11:04 amHello,
Would you recommend Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya or Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera? Im completely torn between the 2 resorts.
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 26, 2021 at 3:09 amAkumal for sure! I just love the area. 🙂
Mauriciosays:
March 5, 2021 at 6:05 pmHilton playa del Carmen vs secret Akumal riviera Maya
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 8, 2021 at 3:09 amTough one. Secrets if you want to be further out of town and the Hilton if you won’t be in the centre of the action. Secrets is a little more “lux”. Hope that helps. Talk to our travel advisors today by calling us on our toll-free number to discuss each of the hotels. +44 20 3880 9797
Lonysays:
March 19, 2021 at 2:50 amHi Sarah,
Great review! I am getting married in August and I’m trying to decide between Secrets Akumal or Maroma, we are a couple in our 30s so we don’t want a boring resort, I’ve read that maroma is more suited to the older crowd.? Which would you recommend?
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 19, 2021 at 9:20 amHi Lony, thank you so much for your kind words it means the world. Glad you found it useful! They are both great but would say 100% Secret Akumal for livelier vibes. Both are just a short trip into PDC so I’d definitely recommend that too while you are here. 🙂
Sydneesays:
April 11, 2021 at 7:46 pmHi there! Thanks so much for this review! I don’t remember reading but me and my husband will be there in May. We’re they limiting capacity there? Also if I have the preferred club junior suite tropical view that’s one of the ones included in the club lounges? Thanks so much again
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 13, 2021 at 4:48 amHey Sydness, excellent choice! Did you book with us? Yes, they are currently, and yes if you have a preferred club room you will be able to enjoy all the preferred club ammenities.
Nonnasays:
April 27, 2021 at 3:42 pmI loved your review. Please email me with a best price for a preferred club swim up room in buildings1-6 for May 11-18 2022. Please include private transfer and what perks that might be available.
Thanks,
Nonna
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 28, 2021 at 4:30 amHi Nonna, absolutely 🙂 it would be our pleasure to. If you would prefer to speak to someone instantly please call us on our toll-free number at (888) 537-9797 so we can quote you over the phone. 🙂 Happy travels. 🙂
Barbsays:
January 21, 2022 at 3:52 pmStayed in June 2021. Excellent service everywhere! Concierge in each building to help you plan excursions, no extra charge. Beautiful spot
Ericsays:
July 18, 2021 at 10:36 pmGood evening Ms Sarah, the wife and i are going to Akumal on Wednesday July 21st. What do you think they would charge if we were able to upgrade to a preferred club for our 5 night stay? We have already paid a large amount for our stay and we are very excited to be there but if the dollar amount was a good enough deal for what one would get we would probably be interested. Or do you feel sticking with what we have and all the different options there will be to be had. Do you know what it costs to get a bali bed on the beach and if they were worth it. Do they have other things to sit on, on the beach. can a person reserve chairs around the pool or do they have to just show up. thanks for any and all advice we are looking forward to our trip
Eric
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 22, 2021 at 12:32 pmHi Eric if you booked this hotel with us contact us by phone and we will see what we can do for you. 🙂
Cathy Perezsays:
July 25, 2021 at 5:04 pmLooks lovely. Why is it adults only just asking. I’ve been to Riveria Maya 5 times and always stay at Akumal Bay. Is this resort clothing optional I’ve heard it was (J’s)
Thank you
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 26, 2021 at 5:43 amHi Cathy, unfortunately, clothing is required. Sorry to not be more helpful. Thanks,
Cristinasays:
June 25, 2022 at 11:39 pmHi Sarah. Secrets Akumal sounds amazing! But since we still have a teen at home, can you recommend other resorts? A great beach is essential, and it would be a plus if there are activities for teens. Thanks!
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 30, 2022 at 5:21 amRosewood Mayakoba! 🙂
Allysays:
March 31, 2022 at 8:27 pmThanks for the great review! My husband and I are deciding between Secrets Playa Mujeres or Akumal. We love food and a great beach. Which would you recommend?
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 6, 2022 at 5:35 amoooo Ally these are both TWO wonderful choices. I would go with Akumal just because of the location I prefer this end of the Riviera Maya personally as opposed to Cancun.
Claudiasays:
May 4, 2022 at 7:58 pmHi Sarah, Thank you for providing such a lovely review! My husband and I are thinking of going on a trip this summer and so far I’m loving what I am hearing about Akumal. Would love to reach out and see what you recommend. Thank you 🙂
Karensays:
May 30, 2022 at 3:21 pmCan you tell me if we need to tip the pool servers, waiters, bartenders, etc? Or is that part of the all-inclusive?
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 3, 2022 at 6:05 amNo you do not, however you can if you wish but there is absolutely no pressure to do so. 🙂 I hope that helps!
Gretchensays:
June 1, 2022 at 11:35 amHi Sarah! Would you recommend Secrets Akumal or Secrets The Vine?
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 3, 2022 at 6:04 amSecrets Akumal in my personal opinion! 🙂 Please reach out via our toll-free number if you would like to discuss over the phone.
Chantel Brownleesays:
July 28, 2022 at 7:18 pmWhat a great review! Are you able to help book a resort for those of us in Canada? I have a few questions I am hoping you can help with
1- You mention paddle boards and Hobie cats. My husband would love this but I thought I saw somewhere that Akumal didn’t have these. Can you confirm?
2- Are there special pool or beach areas for preferred club? I know that is one of the things we have liked at other secrets locations. The quiet areas. If not I struggle to see what the benefit is of preferred. Can you provide any insight?
3-How is the seaweed on the beach? Can it be hit or miss like some of the other areas in the area?
Thank you!
Brisays:
September 18, 2022 at 9:22 amlooking to book this resort for my wedding. 75 People. I need more information and prices on certain dates
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 18, 2022 at 2:12 pmYou’ve come to the right place! 🙂 Our award-winning wedding team will be in touch. Keep your eyes peeled on your inbox for a quote. Alternatively, please call us during our business hours on our toll-free number.
Christinasays:
January 3, 2023 at 7:39 pmHello Sarah,
thank you for the review…we are debating between the Unico or the Secrets Akumal. what are the Cons of the Secrets over the Unico?
Also does the Secrets do birthday parties on the beach? We are looking to celebrating my birthday there…
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 5, 2023 at 6:47 amTwo incredible choices! Fun times await! The best option is to give us a ring on our toll-free number to discuss with our travel co-ords who have been to both these hotels most recently. Are you based in the US?
Joan Walskisays:
January 18, 2023 at 11:39 amCan you give me your opinion between Secrets Rivera Maya and Secrets Akumal?
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 19, 2023 at 7:19 amHi Joan please call our team on our toll-free number as they have visited recently and will be able to give you the most up-to-date info and honest advice. 🙂
Bill Kelleysays:
August 29, 2023 at 9:30 amSo, as a travel agent connected with the hotel, how can your “honest” reviews be unbiased? Seems like you’re pushing a product
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 4, 2023 at 8:55 amHi Bill, ultimately our business succeeds on 5* reviews from our customers. To get those reviews we can only sell the creme de la creme. If the hotel is amazing, we’ll be honest about it and let you guys know. If it’s not, then we’ll be sure to inform you of its downfalls so you’re well informed.
Joshsays:
February 26, 2024 at 9:58 pmWe are looking to book either Secrets Akumal or Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres for June 2025. Which one would you pick? We loved Cap Cana for the views and it seems that Akumal doesn’t have very good views of the ocean unless you’re right on the beach. But we like the idea of swimming with the turtles. Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres should be fully operational by 2025.