Hi Glen, thanks for sharing this information. Long time clients had mentioned to us the information in the video. Our room in Building #4 was spacious and clean but dated. Cheers
Hello, I do not recall seeing a screen door at this resort or any resort for that matter. It is likely something that would break frequently. That being said, it seems like an appropriate feature for a high end resort. Cheers
Hi Andy, we did not eat off the resort given that we enjoyed the a la carte restaurants so much. We went to some of them twice to try different menu items. There are some restaurants in Akumal. There is a popular Facebook group called Akumal Bay - Beach and Wellness Resort Friends. You may be able to obtain a recommendation from that group. Cheers
Hello, thanks for the kind note! We did not visit any ruins or take any concierge sponsored excursions. For Tulum, you could book transportation through the resort or you can cross the street at the front of the resort and take a collectivo for about $3USD. You pay when you disembark. I hope this is helpful.
Thanks for the kind note! The cocktails were good. You can ask the bartender for a drinks menu when you are at the main bar. Similar to other resorts, the drinks do tend to get sweet given that they use concentrated juice in some of them. Each a la carte restaurant has a signature drink and we enjoyed them all. You can ask for a second and larger glass of that signature drink. Have a great trip! Cheers
Thank you so much for the review! We are coming to this resort in Septemeber and are very excited! Question about Collectivos, I know you mentioned you can get them outside the resort? Where do you catch them in Playa del Carmen or Tulum? Also, did you use uber or Didi while down there? Thank you :)
Thanks for the kind note! I can only comment on Playa del Carmen. The Collectivo will drop you off at a bus station in PDC which is about a 15 min walk from Fifth Avenue. You will walk a few blocks towards a main road, then turn right to head towards the beach and Fifth Avenue. When I say bus station, it is an area in a large parking lot where the Collectivos gather to bring people to their next destination. On the way back to the resort, we went back to this station. You will stand in a line and eventually inform an agent that you are going to Akumal. That agent will direct you to a Collectivo. When you embark, show the driver your bracelet and mention the resort name. You will get dropped off in front of the resort on the opposite side of the highway. The highway is busy so be careful when you cross it. The return trip was $3 USD. I anticipate that it is a similar experience for Tulum. We did not take Uber or Didi on our trip. Cheers
Hello, the yoga classes are scheduled throughout the day, from early morning right into the afternoon. A schedule will be available at the resort. We really enjoyed them. The yoga room is facing the ocean and it is really relaxing and peaceful. I included some images in this video. Feel free to check out my channel for a Dining and a Beach Walk video. Overall, we really enjoyed this resort and would recommend it. Cheers
Hey, considering heading there next month! Everything looks super nice, except for the beach which worries me a bit being used to cuban resorts... In cuba I am used to seeing palapas that provide shade everywhere and in what I have seen of the resort thus far from your video and others is lounge chairs that seem to be out in the open, except for the sun beds that I'll be too lazy to ever wake up early to reserve... Is there a decent amount of shade for chilling @ the beach assuming we don't get to the sun beds in time, or should I assume that I'll have skin cancer when I'm back home? Thanks for the vid!
Hello, I have travelled to Cuba as well and the beach in Akumal is not comparable to the beaches in Cuba, which are usually beautiful. We were there in mid March and there were always loungers available in front of Buildings 3 and 4. You cannot swim in front of these buildings as there are too many rocks. You will often be able to find a lounger in front of the more popular areas (Buildings 1 and 2). People come and go and a lounger usually becomes available. Many of the loungers are covered and provide some shade. I would not worry about it too much. The real pros about this resort are its smaller size, the service, the food and the relaxing atmosphere. We recently stayed at Riu resort in Costa Mujeres near Cancun. That beach is of the same quality as the beaches in Cuba. Check out the beach walk video on my channel. The Riu resort was very busy however and not the same atmosphere or vibe as the Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort. Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 Hey, thanks for the detailed and quick response! I'll make sure to checkout your new videos! I must admit that the idea of the calmness and the excellent food are quite attractive on this one... It'll be a hard choice!
Hello, there are Facebook groups and websites that monitor the sargassum levels in this region. It really is unpredictable and can be worse during the hotter months. Parts of Isla Mujeres and Costa Mujeres may receive less sargassum. If your heart is set on this wonderful resort, then sargassum is something that you will have to accept. There will be good days and bad days. I hope this is helpful.
Hi David, I think that we misunderstood Alan who brought us to our room and explained the long list of services available at the hotel. While room service is definitely available and many people were using it, we did not see a menu in the room. Your comment is appreciated.
Hii, random question, me and my wife are heading out for our first visit in a month time from the UK and we was wondering what plug socket is used in the hotel so we can bring the appropriate adapters, thankyou and great video!🤙🏻
Hi Adam, thanks for the kind note! It is a North American plug socket. USA, Canada and Mexico all use the same type of socket. There are two prong and two prong with a ground adapters as North America uses both formats. The prongs are flat and vertical. I hope this is helpful! Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 perfect thankyou for the reply! Just been watching your other videos on the resort and are taking every bit of information and tips and tricks we can! Thankyou again!
Hello, as you walk outside of the front gate you will see the main road. I show you the front gate at the beginning of the video. Stand to the right of the gate and wave down the white van (collectivo) as it approaches. It brings you to the bus station in Playa del Carmen. The bus station in PDC is about a 10-15 walk to the beach and Fifth Avenue. When you return back to the resort from the PDC bus station, inform the driver that you are staying at the Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort. You can also show him your bracelet. They will drop you off directly in front of the resort. The collectivo comes by on a regular basis. Cheers
I am referring to putting your belongings there. I hate doing it and rarely do… but keeping it real, it is often necessary. If you leave your belongings for a long period of time, they may take them away to provide the lounger for somebody else.
I'm heading there in September and I'm new to all-inclusive resorting. What is the tipping etiquette? How much to you tip housekeeping, serving staff, bartenders?
Hello, this is a great question. The most convenient way to tip is to bring US $1 dollar notes with you. For housekeeping, I suggest $2-$4 per day. Note that there is often a separate staff member refilling your mini fridge in the room. For serving staff, I suggest approximately $2 per person. (eg. If 2 are dining, then leave $4.) For bartenders, we often tipped $1 when they brought us drinks or specialty coffees. We did not tip for every single drink, especially if it was the same bartender or if we were out and about at the beach and did not have money on us at that particular moment. We also tipped a yoga instructor $5 after our second class with her and she appreciated it. There are many people who tip more than what is stated above and there are some people who do not tip at all. The service at this resort is outstanding therefore it is easy to leave tips for the wonderful staff. I invite others to share their views on this. Cheers
Nice video! Is there free wifi as well? The booking site I am using is saying "24/7 wifi available" and I want to make sure you do not have to pay for it- thanks! =)
There is a small gym in the hotel. Should be enough to get a workout. Definitely try the yoga classes. I am not big into yoga but definitely enjoyed taking those classes in a palapa facing the ocean.
Thanks for sharing a great and very helpful video. I am considering renting a car from a company outside of Cancun Airport. Do you recommend renting a car if I am going to be doing activities like visiting XPLOR park and going to the playa del carmen ferry port for a day trip to Cozumel? I will be visiting other places like Xel-HA and the Gran Cenote in Tulum. Thanks for your help!
Hi Tareq, thanks for the kind of words! Regarding the car rental, I recommend that you proceed with caution. Many of the car rental agencies in this area add alot of extra charges to the initial quote that is provided. These charges will be for insurance or for upgrades that are forced onto you. Read the reviews carefully so that you are well prepared for the unavoidable hussle and hassle at the rental counter. For tourist sites along the main highway, the collectivo will work just fine. I saw many people jumping off at different sites. Without a doubt and given your itinerary, a car rental will come in handy during your trip, as long as you are cool with paying the extra costs and working your way through that process.
Hi Gary, you will definitely have to contact the resort to address your question. The good news is that they should respond. They have excellent customer service. Cheers
It is all included and you can go every night if you want. There are no limitations. On my channel, I created a video that highlights the dining options. You may find it to be informative. Cheers
Hi Stacy, it takes about 40 minutes to get to Playa Del Carmen and 30 minutes to get to Tulum. Super easy as you can catch it right outside the resort. Cheers
@@xxmuchxxpat Hello, we did not go to Tulum but it is as simple as crossing the highway and catching a collectivo from the other side of the road. The collectivos stop directly in front of the resort. Cheers
Hello, there is a small gym with minimal free weights. I am not really into yoga but attended several classes and really enjoyed them. Yoga, swimming and walking were my exercises for the week.
Hello, I don’t recall seeing the physical location of the kids club but definitely saw a group of kids being led by a facilitator. The website states that the kids club is for children between the ages of 4 and 12. This is a smaller resort with 310 rooms. We were there on March break and I would estimate that there were approximately 30 kids at the resort. The experience at this resort is very different in comparison to a mega resort with waterslides, etc. It looked to me like the kids were having fun. Cheers
Please do not attempt to reserve sun beds. This is not allowed by the resort and you run the risk of not just being rude to fellow guests but your belongings can and often will be taken to the reception desk by the beach manager.
oooo Love the snorkeling. Looks amazing
It was!
Like 1 thanks for sharing this beautiful resort and beach ⛱️ hope you had a beautiful day
Thanks Robert! Wishing you and your family all the best on this holiday weekend!
I have been there since 2006. Bldg 1 is NEW, Bldg 2-4 are refurbished. But I have heard they are updating the rooms. THX for the review!!!!!
Hi Glen, thanks for sharing this information. Long time clients had mentioned to us the information in the video. Our room in Building #4 was spacious and clean but dated. Cheers
Great video! Looking forward to seeing it😊
Have fun!
Do you remember if they had screen doors for the balcony so you can get a breeze with no bugs?
Hello, I do not recall seeing a screen door at this resort or any resort for that matter. It is likely something that would break frequently. That being said, it seems like an appropriate feature for a high end resort. Cheers
Thanks for sharing very nice
Are there any local restaurants that you would recommend
Thanks in advance
Hi Andy, we did not eat off the resort given that we enjoyed the a la carte restaurants so much. We went to some of them twice to try different menu items. There are some restaurants in Akumal. There is a popular Facebook group called Akumal Bay - Beach and Wellness Resort Friends. You may be able to obtain a recommendation from that group. Cheers
Great review!
Thanks!
Thanks for the great video. Going there next week! Did you take any concierge sponsored excursions? I'm wondering about visiting ruins, perhaps Tulum.
Hello, thanks for the kind note! We did not visit any ruins or take any concierge sponsored excursions. For Tulum, you could book transportation through the resort or you can cross the street at the front of the resort and take a collectivo for about $3USD. You pay when you disembark. I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for the great video. We will be staying at this place for 2 weeks in May. Just a question regarding drinks, how where the cocktails?
Thanks for the kind note! The cocktails were good. You can ask the bartender for a drinks menu when you are at the main bar. Similar to other resorts, the drinks do tend to get sweet given that they use concentrated juice in some of them. Each a la carte restaurant has a signature drink and we enjoyed them all. You can ask for a second and larger glass of that signature drink. Have a great trip! Cheers
Thank you so much for the review! We are coming to this resort in Septemeber and are very excited!
Question about Collectivos, I know you mentioned you can get them outside the resort? Where do you catch them in Playa del Carmen or Tulum? Also, did you use uber or Didi while down there?
Thank you :)
Thanks for the kind note! I can only comment on Playa del Carmen. The Collectivo will drop you off at a bus station in PDC which is about a 15 min walk from Fifth Avenue. You will walk a few blocks towards a main road, then turn right to head towards the beach and Fifth Avenue. When I say bus station, it is an area in a large parking lot where the Collectivos gather to bring people to their next destination. On the way back to the resort, we went back to this station. You will stand in a line and eventually inform an agent that you are going to Akumal. That agent will direct you to a Collectivo. When you embark, show the driver your bracelet and mention the resort name. You will get dropped off in front of the resort on the opposite side of the highway. The highway is busy so be careful when you cross it. The return trip was $3 USD. I anticipate that it is a similar experience for Tulum. We did not take Uber or Didi on our trip. Cheers
Hi, we are planning to go to this resort. Looks great. At what time are yoga classes?
Hello, the yoga classes are scheduled throughout the day, from early morning right into the afternoon. A schedule will be available at the resort. We really enjoyed them. The yoga room is facing the ocean and it is really relaxing and peaceful. I included some images in this video. Feel free to check out my channel for a Dining and a Beach Walk video. Overall, we really enjoyed this resort and would recommend it. Cheers
Hey, considering heading there next month! Everything looks super nice, except for the beach which worries me a bit being used to cuban resorts... In cuba I am used to seeing palapas that provide shade everywhere and in what I have seen of the resort thus far from your video and others is lounge chairs that seem to be out in the open, except for the sun beds that I'll be too lazy to ever wake up early to reserve... Is there a decent amount of shade for chilling @ the beach assuming we don't get to the sun beds in time, or should I assume that I'll have skin cancer when I'm back home?
Thanks for the vid!
Also just for reference, what month did you go in?
Hello, I have travelled to Cuba as well and the beach in Akumal is not comparable to the beaches in Cuba, which are usually beautiful. We were there in mid March and there were always loungers available in front of Buildings 3 and 4. You cannot swim in front of these buildings as there are too many rocks. You will often be able to find a lounger in front of the more popular areas (Buildings 1 and 2). People come and go and a lounger usually becomes available. Many of the loungers are covered and provide some shade. I would not worry about it too much. The real pros about this resort are its smaller size, the service, the food and the relaxing atmosphere. We recently stayed at Riu resort in Costa Mujeres near Cancun. That beach is of the same quality as the beaches in Cuba. Check out the beach walk video on my channel. The Riu resort was very busy however and not the same atmosphere or vibe as the Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort. Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 Hey, thanks for the detailed and quick response! I'll make sure to checkout your new videos! I must admit that the idea of the calmness and the excellent food are quite attractive on this one... It'll be a hard choice!
I want to go to mexico in September. But is there a lot of sagassum at that time?
Hello, there are Facebook groups and websites that monitor the sargassum levels in this region. It really is unpredictable and can be worse during the hotter months. Parts of Isla Mujeres and Costa Mujeres may receive less sargassum. If your heart is set on this wonderful resort, then sargassum is something that you will have to accept. There will be good days and bad days. I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for the video! You mentioned being able to order room service from the restaurant menus. When were you there last? Is this something new?
Hi David, I think that we misunderstood Alan who brought us to our room and explained the long list of services available at the hotel. While room service is definitely available and many people were using it, we did not see a menu in the room. Your comment is appreciated.
Hii, random question, me and my wife are heading out for our first visit in a month time from the UK and we was wondering what plug socket is used in the hotel so we can bring the appropriate adapters, thankyou and great video!🤙🏻
Hi Adam, thanks for the kind note! It is a North American plug socket. USA, Canada and Mexico all use the same type of socket. There are two prong and two prong with a ground adapters as North America uses both formats. The prongs are flat and vertical. I hope this is helpful! Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 perfect thankyou for the reply! Just been watching your other videos on the resort and are taking every bit of information and tips and tricks we can! Thankyou again!
@@Adam93001 The staff are fantastic at this resort. It makes a world of difference. Have a great trip!
Great to see how much you enjoyed your stay!
What about the sargassum?
It is unpredictable.
Where do you get the Collectivo from for Playa Del Carmen? Does it drop you off outside the Hotel? What are the times for it?
Hello, as you walk outside of the front gate you will see the main road. I show you the front gate at the beginning of the video. Stand to the right of the gate and wave down the white van (collectivo) as it approaches. It brings you to the bus station in Playa del Carmen. The bus station in PDC is about a 10-15 walk to the beach and Fifth Avenue. When you return back to the resort from the PDC bus station, inform the driver that you are staying at the Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort. You can also show him your bracelet. They will drop you off directly in front of the resort. The collectivo comes by on a regular basis. Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 thank you so much! ☺️
Have a great trip!
@@DBExplorer1 thank you! I may have questions further down the line if you don’t mind? ☺️
It’s my pleasure. No worries.
You mention reserving the sun beds - do you have to pay for them? Or do you just mean to put your belongings on the bed?
I am referring to putting your belongings there. I hate doing it and rarely do… but keeping it real, it is often necessary. If you leave your belongings for a long period of time, they may take them away to provide the lounger for somebody else.
I'm heading there in September and I'm new to all-inclusive resorting. What is the tipping etiquette? How much to you tip housekeeping, serving staff, bartenders?
Hello, this is a great question. The most convenient way to tip is to bring US $1 dollar notes with you. For housekeeping, I suggest $2-$4 per day. Note that there is often a separate staff member refilling your mini fridge in the room. For serving staff, I suggest approximately $2 per person. (eg. If 2 are dining, then leave $4.) For bartenders, we often tipped $1 when they brought us drinks or specialty coffees. We did not tip for every single drink, especially if it was the same bartender or if we were out and about at the beach and did not have money on us at that particular moment. We also tipped a yoga instructor $5 after our second class with her and she appreciated it. There are many people who tip more than what is stated above and there are some people who do not tip at all. The service at this resort is outstanding therefore it is easy to leave tips for the wonderful staff. I invite others to share their views on this. Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 Thank you. So, I can anticipate about $200 for the week, based on two people. Seems very reasonable.
@@suemo613 Yes, that will be more than enough. Have a great trip! Cheers
Nice video! Is there free wifi as well? The booking site I am using is saying "24/7 wifi available" and I want to make sure you do not have to pay for it- thanks! =)
Thank you! The wifi is 100% free and is pretty good!
Hi, is there a gym in the hotel? We are booked to go in just over a week 😅
There is a small gym in the hotel. Should be enough to get a workout. Definitely try the yoga classes. I am not big into yoga but definitely enjoyed taking those classes in a palapa facing the ocean.
@DBExplorer1 thanks v much 😄. I will give it a go 😄💪🏼
Thanks for sharing a great and very helpful video. I am considering renting a car from a company outside of Cancun Airport. Do you recommend renting a car if I am going to be doing activities like visiting XPLOR park and going to the playa del carmen ferry port for a day trip to Cozumel? I will be visiting other places like Xel-HA and the Gran Cenote in Tulum. Thanks for your help!
Looking forward to checking out your video of the food at Akumal Bay Resort once you upload.
Hi Tareq, thanks for the kind of words! Regarding the car rental, I recommend that you proceed with caution. Many of the car rental agencies in this area add alot of extra charges to the initial quote that is provided. These charges will be for insurance or for upgrades that are forced onto you. Read the reviews carefully so that you are well prepared for the unavoidable hussle and hassle at the rental counter. For tourist sites along the main highway, the collectivo will work just fine. I saw many people jumping off at different sites. Without a doubt and given your itinerary, a car rental will come in handy during your trip, as long as you are cool with paying the extra costs and working your way through that process.
The food was really good at this resort! Working on that video. Cheers
@@TareqNabulsi The food resort will be posted this evening! So many edit needed on that one! Cheers
we have two infants 2/12 years old. does the resort have cribs available for the room.
Hi Gary, you will definitely have to contact the resort to address your question. The good news is that they should respond. They have excellent customer service. Cheers
Do you have to pay for the a la carte separate even though its all-inclusive? I know normally most all inclusive allow one visit normally
It is all included and you can go every night if you want. There are no limitations. On my channel, I created a video that highlights the dining options. You may find it to be informative. Cheers
@@DBExplorer1 thank you we are looking to book for February 2024
@@hayleywiggins6963 Awesome, great time of year to go!
Are cappuccinos available all day plus ice cream??
Cappuccinos are available all day at the main bar. Not too sure about ice cream. It is definitely available at the lunch and dinner buffet.
How long does a collectivo take to get to playa Del Carmen and tulum?
Hi Stacy, it takes about 40 minutes to get to Playa Del Carmen and 30 minutes to get to Tulum. Super easy as you can catch it right outside the resort. Cheers
Did you get to Tulum by bus?
@@xxmuchxxpat Hello, we did not go to Tulum but it is as simple as crossing the highway and catching a collectivo from the other side of the road. The collectivos stop directly in front of the resort. Cheers
Are you able to control the temperature in your room?
Hi Kayla, yes, there is a thermostat in the room. Cheers
Is there a fitness area?
Hello, there is a small gym with minimal free weights. I am not really into yoga but attended several classes and really enjoyed them. Yoga, swimming and walking were my exercises for the week.
Where is the kids club? Are there a lot of kids at this hotel? We have young children x
Hello, I don’t recall seeing the physical location of the kids club but definitely saw a group of kids being led by a facilitator. The website states that the kids club is for children between the ages of 4 and 12. This is a smaller resort with 310 rooms. We were there on March break and I would estimate that there were approximately 30 kids at the resort. The experience at this resort is very different in comparison to a mega resort with waterslides, etc. It looked to me like the kids were having fun. Cheers
Please do not attempt to reserve sun beds. This is not allowed by the resort and you run the risk of not just being rude to fellow guests but your belongings can and often will be taken to the reception desk by the beach manager.
I totally agree with you! The reality is… people wake up, put their towels down, then go for breakfast.
You gey that anywhere you go unfortunately
Where’s the video on Dining as mentioned in the video?
I am finishing that one shortly. Cheers
The dining video will be posted this evening. Thanks for your patience. Cheers
The best place to see the turtles is in front of the Secrets hotel at 7:30 am in the sea grass area.
Thanks Helen! Good for everyone to know. We saw a beautiful spotted stingray and a grey stingray in a sandy area right in front of Building #1.