I have watched 3 of your reviews on Akumal and am so impressed! We are going there next week with a huge group and this was so helpful. Thank you so much!
Firstly, you guys are amazing. That was an impressive and thorough review. I gained soooo much information (took notes). Snorkeling from the beach is something I really wanted to have available so I'm glad they have it. The service and food sound amazing. I will definitely be looking into this resort as an option for us. Thank you so much for all the work you put into your video. BTW, the quality of the video is excellent, which I'm certain has folks wanting to watch them to the end. Hugs to you both!
@@catherine4159 wow, you made our day!! Really appreciate this feedback. If you are interested in Jenna pricing out some options when you are looking to travel, please let us know!
Thank you for this review. Very informative. We are going to be staying at Secrets Akumal in a few weeks. Oh, and much thanks for pointing out the lounge chairs! The chairs were one of the things that made us choose this resort.
This detailed review was helpful and reassuring. My husband and I are an older couple who went to our first all inclusive resort last year. (Sandals Halcyon Beach, St Lucia) We loved it, but this time my husband wanted to go to Mexico, and I have had a very hard time trying to find a place that would give us a somewhat similar experience in regard to relaxation, atmosphere, etc. After considering a lot of places in Mexico your video made me feel that Secrets Akumal would be ideal for us, and we look forward to spending 6 nights there in February 2025. Thank You again for such an informative video! PS) I am not sure what month you were there, but do you know if any of the pools are heated in winter? We live in Florida, and are crossing our fingers that there will be at least one pool that we will be comfortable in if the weather is cool during our stay. Thanks!
@@lucyray9610 thanks for watching! We absolutely loved this resort! Not sure if the pools are heated but it’s warm there year round, so not much opportunity for the water to cool. And they do have hot tubs!
Thanks very much, you two. I went with a friend in December and was in Preferred oceanview, and am returning with my husband next month, non-Preferred oceanview, and was curious about the differences. This and your room video were very helpful.
Great video you guys. Please tell me this. I have knee issues and going up and down stairs is a problem wirh me. Does this resort have facilities in place (elevators, ramps, golf carts etc) to help me get everywhere I might want to go? (ie: from room to restaurants, beach, pool etc..) Thanks so much, Steve S
@@stevenschindler8342 there are elevators in the buildings! Don’t believe there are golf carts though so if walking more than 5 mins is a problem, this may be too big of a resort for you
@@gotmudatv thanks for watching! We did $1 every time we got a drink, $2 for housekeeping per day, $5 per server at a restaurant, all depended on the day. Also left a very large tip for the concierge who was so helpful throughout.
We were there in February, and I left so conflicted about this resort. The property is STUNNING and most of the staff were truly phenomenal (shout out to pool staff especially!), but the food was really bad at several of the restaurants. That said, we did enjoy the breakfast buffet, the special taco day, and the quesadillas they'd bring to the pool or beach, as well as the Mexican restaurant. We had dinner at Oceana one night, which was fabulous, but a few nights later, the same meal was completely inedible, and my pork dish at the Italian restaurant was rotten. What was most troubling, however, was as someone with severe food allergies, we found many waiters' knowledge pretty frightening - I was brought food that included shrimp and pistachios after explicitly explaining my shellfish and nut allergy. The beach is truly stunning, and I enjoyed so many hours just floating in the water. Another big con for me was the fact that this resort is billed as luxurious and romantic, but it was completely taken over by large convention groups for the entirety of our stay, which made it feel more like a spring break hotel with 50-year-olds acting like drunk frat boys and sorority girls. On two separate occasions, the pools were closed for their events - including the quiet one. For the price we paid, I don't think we'd ever go back to Secrets Akumal, and it really makes me question whether or not I'd even go to another Secrets resort. I've heard great things about the Costa Maya property, but I'd be scared to spend $7k for the same experience.
Your reviews are the best! Thank you! I hope you will do the new Sandals eventually. I know the hurricane just hit that area! I can’t believe it was so far south. Grenada really got hit! That’s the Sandals we went to a couple of years ago. We are going to St Lucia in October. It’s scary to see what happens to these small, beautiful islands and their people.
We had 5 Sandals trips back to back... then, we went to Mexico! While we've been back to the islands, Mexico is our go to- you cannot beat the service. Next level. And even adding tipping in, you get so much more for your money! Highly suggest Secrets Playa Blanca and Atelier Playa Mujeres, and Beloved Playa Mujeres (couples only, no groups) for your must visit list!
How many nights did you stay? We are planning to stay for 5 nights, 6 days but will only really have 4 full days at the resort due to travel. I'm wondering if that will be enough time to fully enjoy and take in all the resort has to offer. Do you feel it's worth it to do an excursion outside of the resort? If so, what do you recommend?
For those that have been, how was the weather. We leave in a little over a week and it looks like rain in the forecast almost every day! Is it typically an all day rain or just some pop up showers?
The pillow choice thing on the app, are you just choosing a pillow for your stay, or is this something you take with you when you leave that you purchase?
You two need to check out Secrets Playa Blanca. The properts is as nice if not better. The beach and ocean arent as great as Akumal but everything else is on par.
Cap cana was super. We are planning akumal next. How do the two compare? We also are not planning on upgrading to preferred at akumal. We did have preferred at cap cana. Check out some good videos I have of cap cana on my page please.
Nice video, but I am having a hard time reconciling your "everyone is treated the same" with the "Preferred Club" getting an additional restaurant for breakfast and personal concierge (butler?). It would seem that the Preferred Club, in addition to better/nicer rooms includes a somewhat different experience (on their website, it also says: upgraded mini-bar and bath amenities; Club Lounge with premium liquors; and personal Check in/out). We have been to many Sandals & Beaches resorts (plus other all-inclusives) and trying to compare the offerings and levels, especially since, for comparable rooms, it is significantly more expensive than even the priciest Sandals resorts (St. Vincent, Dunn's River and Royal Barbados) - and even more so when you factor in that scuba and snorkeling is free at Sandals.
What we meant by that is there aren’t any butlers. So the pool chairs were taken up, and everyone around the pool and beach had the exact service. You couldn’t tell who was preferred club. Hope that helps!
I've been here twice, once as preferred and secondly preferred/non preferred. In my opinion, liquor is pretty good depending how particular you are with a brand. I would agree that there is a slightly better option in the preferred club but I would question if it's worth it. You get a nicer glass, slightly better service, good aircon and some extra food/bar snacks. With the rooms, they are marginally larger (although you wouldn't see it), have m & m's and small pringles. Mini bar is same or very very close to the same as non preferred. You have some extra toiletries and some extra options on room service. Main difference is a type of bath on your terrace for sort of outdoor bathing (however mosquitoes would be a problem maybe at night). There is a dedicated area on the beach (slightly better sun bed) but both categories pay for bali beds (free to preferred at secrets playa mujeres). You do have the option of a preferred a la carte breakfast at seaside grill which is nice but I liked to alternate this with the excellent choice of breakfast buffet. Apparently there is now a Greek restaurant option which isn't really advertised for proffered club guests. I suspect this may be at seaside grill (which I wouldn't currently eat at in the evening due to mosquitoes). What I can say is that no matter which room category, the staff are pretty top notch and this review was in fact quite accurate. BTW, there aren't any butlers (well not at the level I can afford). Also with patience and if you have the time, you can see turtles/rays and m7ch more marine life within the buoy line in front of the hotel.
I have watched 3 of your reviews on Akumal and am so impressed! We are going there next week with a huge group and this was so helpful. Thank you so much!
@@junkjournalwithsusan4191 we are so glad to hear that!! Thanks for watching and enjoy your stay!
Firstly, you guys are amazing. That was an impressive and thorough review. I gained soooo much information (took notes). Snorkeling from the beach is something I really wanted to have available so I'm glad they have it. The service and food sound amazing. I will definitely be looking into this resort as an option for us. Thank you so much for all the work you put into your video. BTW, the quality of the video is excellent, which I'm certain has folks wanting to watch them to the end. Hugs to you both!
@@catherine4159 wow, you made our day!! Really appreciate this feedback. If you are interested in Jenna pricing out some options when you are looking to travel, please let us know!
@ACoupleTravelers ty I will keep that in mind. We head to France in 10 days then hoping for our first resort experience after that. Ty again
I really enjoyed this review on a new resort besides sandals. I’m looking forward to your diner view, I can’t wait.
Thanks for watching! We loved this resort.
Thank you for this review. Very informative. We are going to be staying at Secrets Akumal in a few weeks. Oh, and much thanks for pointing out the lounge chairs! The chairs were one of the things that made us choose this resort.
@@jeanbarr6257 will be hard to go back to other chairs 🤣🤣🤣
I think we are going there! Thanks for the review!
@@3Days3Noches you’ll love it!!
This detailed review was helpful and reassuring. My husband and I are an older couple who went to our first all inclusive resort last year. (Sandals Halcyon Beach, St Lucia) We loved it, but this time my husband wanted to go to Mexico, and I have had a very hard time trying to find a place that would give us a somewhat similar experience in regard to relaxation, atmosphere, etc. After considering a lot of places in Mexico your video made me feel that Secrets Akumal would be ideal for us, and we look forward to spending 6 nights there in February 2025. Thank You again for such an informative video! PS) I am not sure what month you were there, but do you know if any of the pools are heated in winter? We live in Florida, and are crossing our fingers that there will be at least one pool that we will be comfortable in if the weather is cool during our stay. Thanks!
@@lucyray9610 thanks for watching! We absolutely loved this resort! Not sure if the pools are heated but it’s warm there year round, so not much opportunity for the water to cool. And they do have hot tubs!
Thanks very much, you two. I went with a friend in December and was in Preferred oceanview, and am returning with my husband next month, non-Preferred oceanview, and was curious about the differences. This and your room video were very helpful.
@@sukimama2 so glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and have a great trip!
Great video you guys. Please tell me this. I have knee issues and going up and down stairs is a problem wirh me. Does this resort have facilities in place (elevators, ramps, golf carts etc) to help me get everywhere I might want to go? (ie: from room to restaurants, beach, pool etc..) Thanks so much, Steve S
@@stevenschindler8342 there are elevators in the buildings! Don’t believe there are golf carts though so if walking more than 5 mins is a problem, this may be too big of a resort for you
Thanks for your videos and creating a playlist to help guide. Question about tipping. Do you tip the staff? If so like a $5?
@@gotmudatv thanks for watching! We did $1 every time we got a drink, $2 for housekeeping per day, $5 per server at a restaurant, all depended on the day. Also left a very large tip for the concierge who was so helpful throughout.
We were there in February, and I left so conflicted about this resort. The property is STUNNING and most of the staff were truly phenomenal (shout out to pool staff especially!), but the food was really bad at several of the restaurants. That said, we did enjoy the breakfast buffet, the special taco day, and the quesadillas they'd bring to the pool or beach, as well as the Mexican restaurant. We had dinner at Oceana one night, which was fabulous, but a few nights later, the same meal was completely inedible, and my pork dish at the Italian restaurant was rotten. What was most troubling, however, was as someone with severe food allergies, we found many waiters' knowledge pretty frightening - I was brought food that included shrimp and pistachios after explicitly explaining my shellfish and nut allergy. The beach is truly stunning, and I enjoyed so many hours just floating in the water. Another big con for me was the fact that this resort is billed as luxurious and romantic, but it was completely taken over by large convention groups for the entirety of our stay, which made it feel more like a spring break hotel with 50-year-olds acting like drunk frat boys and sorority girls. On two separate occasions, the pools were closed for their events - including the quiet one. For the price we paid, I don't think we'd ever go back to Secrets Akumal, and it really makes me question whether or not I'd even go to another Secrets resort. I've heard great things about the Costa Maya property, but I'd be scared to spend $7k for the same experience.
@@dakotapie oh wow, I’m so surprised to hear this. The food was absolutely incredible on our trip!
Great video! Do you have to be able to swim to go out to the reef to see the turtles? In other words, how deep is it at the reef?
@@snowtownbunny need to be able to swim! It’s deep. You do wear a life jacket though.
Great Review!!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. Question how long did it take to get to the resort from the airport, thanks again for the video.
@@chrisschaefers1862 it was about 70ish minutes!
Good video. Thanks.
@@kevinlapointe3371 thanks for watching!!
going next week! Is it expected to tip the pool/beach concierge? If so, how much is customary?
@@Tpayne32 have a great tip! We tended to tip $1-$2 every time they brought us a drink or food. Or you could tip larger at start/end of day!
We leave in a little over a week. How was the weather. Looks like rain every day almost when we go.
Your reviews are the best! Thank you! I hope you will do the new Sandals eventually. I know the hurricane just hit that area! I can’t believe it was so far south. Grenada really got hit! That’s the Sandals we went to a couple of years ago. We are going to St Lucia in October. It’s scary to see what happens to these small, beautiful islands and their people.
@@juliascamp2175 thank you for watching! We do hope to check out St Vincent!
We had 5 Sandals trips back to back... then, we went to Mexico! While we've been back to the islands, Mexico is our go to- you cannot beat the service. Next level. And even adding tipping in, you get so much more for your money! Highly suggest Secrets Playa Blanca and Atelier Playa Mujeres, and Beloved Playa Mujeres (couples only, no groups) for your must visit list!
@@kimberlylinham thanks for these recs!!
Would you recommend this resort for a mother daughter trip?
@@melissaw1813 100%!!!
How many nights did you stay? We are planning to stay for 5 nights, 6 days but will only really have 4 full days at the resort due to travel. I'm wondering if that will be enough time to fully enjoy and take in all the resort has to offer. Do you feel it's worth it to do an excursion outside of the resort? If so, what do you recommend?
@@AmandaJohnson-t1i we stayed 5 nights and it was a good amount. Wished we did a full week though!!
For those that have been, how was the weather. We leave in a little over a week and it looks like rain in the forecast almost every day! Is it typically an all day rain or just some pop up showers?
The pillow choice thing on the app, are you just choosing a pillow for your stay, or is this something you take with you when you leave that you purchase?
@@witchadasouth just for your stay! So it’s free
Did they have golf carts if you don't wanna walk?
@@Laura-nt7vc I don’t remember seeing golf carts besides the resort staff using them but cannot say for certain!
No and it isnt that much walking. I have MS but had no issues with the property.
What dates did you visit?
@@Laura-nt7vc mid April!
What is the App Called?
@@ajeezyify Hyatt inclusive collection!
Did I miss a comment about the beach? How was the beach? :)
@@amyruth75 the beach was fantastic! Some seaweed but not bad, and lots of sea turtles! :)
The best
This sounded great. Checked availability and prices. 2 of us for 14 days its $22 000! CDN
@@painthammer6150 wow, 14 days! Most people tend to go for 7 so price is not as shocking
You two need to check out Secrets Playa Blanca. The properts is as nice if not better. The beach and ocean arent as great as Akumal but everything else is on par.
@@steveburford thanks for the suggestion!! We hear it’s so nice!! Must try it out.
The discount and preferred privileges included free really make it a good one
@ indeed!
I'm staying at the next door resort, but I think I'm booking Secrets next time!
@@sirisiri9581 highly recommend!
What resort did you stay at next door? I just want to snorkel 🎉
You've already done the best Secrets resort! Cap Cana and Maroma would take 2nd and 3rd in my opinion.
@@bigkrazy15 I think you are right, couldn’t imagine it getting any better than Akumal!
I thought Maroma was like the flagship
Cap cana was super. We are planning akumal next. How do the two compare? We also are not planning on upgrading to preferred at akumal. We did have preferred at cap cana.
Check out some good videos I have of cap cana on my page please.
Nice video, but I am having a hard time reconciling your "everyone is treated the same" with the "Preferred Club" getting an additional restaurant for breakfast and personal concierge (butler?). It would seem that the Preferred Club, in addition to better/nicer rooms includes a somewhat different experience (on their website, it also says: upgraded mini-bar and bath amenities; Club Lounge with premium liquors; and personal Check in/out).
We have been to many Sandals & Beaches resorts (plus other all-inclusives) and trying to compare the offerings and levels, especially since, for comparable rooms, it is significantly more expensive than even the priciest Sandals resorts (St. Vincent, Dunn's River and Royal Barbados) - and even more so when you factor in that scuba and snorkeling is free at Sandals.
What we meant by that is there aren’t any butlers. So the pool chairs were taken up, and everyone around the pool and beach had the exact service. You couldn’t tell who was preferred club. Hope that helps!
I've been here twice, once as preferred and secondly preferred/non preferred. In my opinion, liquor is pretty good depending how particular you are with a brand. I would agree that there is a slightly better option in the preferred club but I would question if it's worth it. You get a nicer glass, slightly better service, good aircon and some extra food/bar snacks. With the rooms, they are marginally larger (although you wouldn't see it), have m & m's and small pringles. Mini bar is same or very very close to the same as non preferred. You have some extra toiletries and some extra options on room service. Main difference is a type of bath on your terrace for sort of outdoor bathing (however mosquitoes would be a problem maybe at night). There is a dedicated area on the beach (slightly better sun bed) but both categories pay for bali beds (free to preferred at secrets playa mujeres). You do have the option of a preferred a la carte breakfast at seaside grill which is nice but I liked to alternate this with the excellent choice of breakfast buffet. Apparently there is now a Greek restaurant option which isn't really advertised for proffered club guests. I suspect this may be at seaside grill (which I wouldn't currently eat at in the evening due to mosquitoes). What I can say is that no matter which room category, the staff are pretty top notch and this review was in fact quite accurate. BTW, there aren't any butlers (well not at the level I can afford). Also with patience and if you have the time, you can see turtles/rays and m7ch more marine life within the buoy line in front of the hotel.
@@deej218 such helpful feedback, thank you!!