Space was used wisely and the resort managed to add three pools, four eateries, and four bars on the existing grounds without making anything feel cramped.
However, growing pains are to be expected and a few sacrifices are evident, particularly along the beach area. The sand was once home to far fewer beach cabanas and loungers, as well as sea turtle nests -- guests could even witness hatchlings emerging from the roped-off areas and heading toward the sea. It is doubtful that there is now enough free space on the beach for as many, if any, nests. Overall, the vibe here is relaxed and calm, and most guests spend their days reading on the beach, resting on hammocks stretched between two palms, or taking cooling dips in the ocean-facing relaxation pools.
Located a minute walk on the sand south of Akumal Beach's center, Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort is far enough away to feel slightly secluded but close enough to take a break from the all-inclusive scene and check out what's happening in town. From Cancun , it's about an hour drive south on Highway , 40 minutes past Playa del Carmen , and 20 minutes north of Tulum.
The entrance is clearly marked from the freeway, though you'll have to pull a U-turn to get on the right side of the street. The rooms were perhaps one of the resort's most needed revamps.
Akumal Bay's rooms are now all Junior Suites with sleek if minimal upscale decor, slick travertine floors, outdoor hot tubs, and ocean views. Bathrooms are generous with dual vanity sinks, separate toilet rooms, walk-in showers, and local, eco-friendly toiletries. Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and makeup mirrors are also welcome additions. In the bedroom, you'll find flat-screen TVs with hygiene-sealed remotes , stocked minibars, coffeemakers, and a fashion-over-comfort sitting area -- but no clocks.
It's also possible to find minor construction mistakes or early signs of wear due to the quick renovations. If you leave the terrace doors open, it won't be unusual to find a bug or two buzzing around inside. All rooms face toward the bay and have either straight ocean views, or sea views interrupted by the pool or nicely landscaped gardens. Noisier rooms tend to surround the pool as there is much traffic here during the day. Junior Suite Penthouses feel a bit more cramped particularly in the bathrooms , as a staircase interrupts the typical room layout, but sport incredibly spacious rooftop terraces with magnificent, uninterrupted ocean views.
For such a small resort, the beach is sprawling. A leisurely walk from one end to the other can take up to 10 minutes. Along the way, you'll find a healthy amount of white plastic loungers covered with teal mesh and teal towels, as well as hordes of bamboo cabana huts. The sand is white and incredibly soft. The bay has gorgeous blue-green water with great snorkeling spots where you can see turtles, fish, and coral, but as you walk in be prepared for rocks or seaweed.
Be sure to look for a good spot to enter and watch your feet on the way back out. It's hard to tell if it's the number of people or the number of loungers, but the beach feels congested, particularly around the northern side by building one. It's a bit of a trek to the snack bars, buffet, and main pool, but the sands out by building four are typically less packed and decidedly more relaxing. In its previous incarnation, Akumal Bay was a bit lacking in features, offering snorkel gear, two free Internet computers in the lobby, one reservations-only a la carte restaurant for a fee , self-serve beer stations, one large bar, a shop, and slightly juvenile nighttime entertainment.
You can spend the day splashing in a cool cenote, ziplining through the trees, swimming with whale sharks, exploring Mayan ruins and more, all within a few hours or a full days trip.
The beach is just steps away. No hiking to the water or waiting on a golf cart to take you back and forth like at other large all-inclusive resorts. The beach is lined with plenty of personal cabanas and beds for you to relax in the sun and shade while getting spoiled by the free drinks delivered to you by personable staff. Home Accommodations Dining Reserve. Search for:. Today, Akumal beaches are coveted by local residents and visitors.
The population has changed, but the beaches have remained the glorious vision that turtles and Romero saw many moons ago. The Akumal Bays provide ample beach for everyone to share and does not leave anyone with a the feeling that the beaches are overcrowded. Visitors find the social areas of the beach to meet other visitors, while more private bathers seek out less social areas.
All the bays are great for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, beach combing and socializing. The Central Akumal beach features a clean white, sandy beach with beachside shops, restaurants, dive shops and homey beachfront accommodations. Lol Ha Restaurant and Beach Bar is a local favorite beachside hangout where you can watch local sports during the day and have a cool beachside dinner in the evening. Oh the glories of Akumal. The bay waters are calm as this stretch of the beach is protected by a reef break.
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