More about this resort
Secrets Akumal is an adults-only resort of 434 suites on Akumal Beach, and the beach is why it scores 9.3 with us. The water is calm, the reef is close enough to snorkel from the sand, and this is turtle habitat, so the local rules about sunscreen and distance are worth reading before you swim. Sargassum still reaches this coast most springs and summers, which is the one thing the resort cannot manage for you.
Inside, the model is Hyatt's Unlimited-Luxury and it needs no interpreting: nine restaurants covering French, Italian, Asian, seafood and Mexican, seven bars, and generally walk-in dining; Himitsu Teppanyaki tables require reservations, so confirm current arrangements with the resort. Room service runs 24 hours, the minibar is refreshed daily, top-shelf spirits are poured, and taxes and gratuities are in the rate. Three pools are split by mood, an infinity pool, a social pool and a quiet one, with two hot tubs and a swim-up bar between them. Guests grumble mildly about waiting to be seated at dinner and about food that is very good without being extraordinary. The spa is charged, and so are the transfers.
Our samples put a night between 467 and 507 dollars for two, which is a fair price for this stretch of coast and better value than the same money buys in the Cancun hotel zone. Cancun airport is about seventy-five minutes away, so build the transfer into the day rather than the afternoon. Preferred Club buys a better breakfast and a private area. Book this one for the reef and the calm, not for a late night.
★ Michelle's Pick
