You’ve probably seen the photos. Those impossibly green turtles gliding through turquoise water while someone in a white robe sips a coconut on a balcony nearby. That is the standard pitch for Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, but honestly, the reality of the place is a bit more nuanced than a glossy brochure suggests. People obsess over this property. Like, "book a year in advance" kind of obsess.
It’s located right in the heart of Akumal, which translates to "Place of the Turtles" in Mayan. Most resorts in the Riviera Maya are isolated fortresses tucked miles down a bumpy dirt road. You’re trapped. Not here. Secrets Akumal is actually integrated into the village of Akumal. You can walk out the front gate and find a local pharmacy or a tiny taco stand in five minutes. That’s rare.
The Turtle Situation is the Real Draw
Let’s talk about the turtles because that’s why you’re even looking at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in the first place. The bay is a protected marine area. Because of the seagrass beds right off the shore, Green Sea Turtles live here year-round. It’s not a seasonal thing where you have to time it perfectly to see them. They are just... there.
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But here is the thing people get wrong: you can't just dive in anywhere. The Mexican government (CONANP) has incredibly strict rules to protect the habitat. There are buoyed-off channels. You have to wear a life jacket. You often need a certified guide if you want to go into the primary feeding zones. If you stay at the resort, you have a huge advantage because you’re already on the sand, but don't expect a free-for-all. The resort staff and the local cooperative guides take the "no touching" rule very seriously. If you poke a turtle, expect a very loud whistle and a quick exit from the water.
The water clarity varies. Some days it’s like glass. Other days, if a storm rolled through or the sargassum (that brown seaweed) is heavy, it’s murky. It’s nature. It’s not a swimming pool.
Beyond the Buffet: The Food Reality
Most all-inclusive food is, well, mediocre. It’s mass-produced. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya tries harder, though. They have this "Unlimited-Luxury" concept which basically means you don't wear a plastic wristband like a high schooler at a water park and you don't have to make reservations for dinner.
The French restaurant, Bordeaux, is usually the winner. Order the sea bass. Or the onion soup. Actually, just get both. El Patio does Mexican food that feels a bit more authentic than the standard "taco bar" you find at cheaper resorts, though it’s still definitely tailored for a global palate.
The real secret? The coffee shop in the lobby. It’s open 24 hours. If you’re jet-lagged and wandering around at 4:00 AM, you can get a decent espresso and a pastry. It’s the little things. Also, the breakfast at Market Cafe is massive. They have a gluten-free station that actually has edible bread, which is a miracle in the hospitality world.
Room Categories and Why You Might Want to Upgrade
The resort is laid out in a way that feels intimate despite having over 400 rooms. It’s lush. It feels like a jungle. You will see iguanas. You will hear tropical birds screaming at 6:00 AM.
If you get a bottom-floor room, you might get a "swim-out" suite. These are polarizing. Some people love being able to step off their patio into a pool. Others hate that people can see right into their room from the main walkway. If you value privacy, ask for a higher floor in buildings 1 or 2. Those are closer to the ocean and generally quieter.
The "Preferred Club" is the upgrade option. Is it worth it? Maybe. You get a private lounge with better booze and a separate beach area. But the standard service is already so high that the gap isn't as wide as it is at other AMResorts properties. If you want to save a few hundred bucks for excursions, the standard Junior Suite is honestly fine. They all have those massive whirlpool tubs on the balcony.
The Logistics of Getting There
Flying into Cancun (CUN) is the standard move. From there, you’re looking at a 75 to 90-minute drive south. Do not take a public taxi from the airport. You will get ripped off. Seriously. Pre-book a private transfer. Companies like USA Transfers or Canada Transfers are the gold standard for this route.
Tulum’s new airport (TQO) is another option. It’s actually closer to Akumal than Cancun is, but the flight options are still catching up. If you can find a direct flight to TQO, take it. It’ll shave 40 minutes off your commute.
Seasonal Reality Check
The Riviera Maya has a "sargassum season." This is the influx of brown algae that can coat the beaches. It’s a Caribbean-wide problem. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya has a dedicated team that rakes the beach every single morning starting at sunrise. They are relentless. However, if the tide is heavy, the water can turn a bit brownish right at the shore. Usually, once you swim out past the first 20 feet, it clears up, but it’s something to check on Facebook "Sargassum Seaweed" groups before you fly out. Usually, November through February are the clearest months.
What Most People Miss
People spend all their time on the resort grounds. That’s a mistake.
Walk five minutes down the beach to the Akumal Dive Center. Even if you don't dive, the vibe there is great. Or, walk out the main entrance to the Yal-ku Lagoon. It’s a bit further, maybe a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi. It’s a "caleta" where fresh water from the cenotes mixes with the ocean. The snorkeling there is arguably better than the beach because it’s protected from the waves. There are no turtles there, but the fish variety is insane.
Sustainability and the Reef
The Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest in the world. It’s right there. Please, for the love of everything, use "reef-safe" sunscreen. Standard brands contain oxybenzone which kills the coral. The resort sells the good stuff, but it's expensive. Buy it before you leave home. Or better yet, wear a long-sleeve rash guard so you don't need much sunscreen at all.
The Verdict on Service
The staff here is the reason the "Return Guest" rate is so high. You’ll meet people who have stayed at this specific hotel ten times. The pool servers—shoutout to guys like Silverio—remember your drink order by the second day. It’s that kind of place. It’s not robotic. It feels genuinely warm.
Is it perfect? No. The humidity can make the rooms feel a bit damp if you don't keep the AC running. The nighttime entertainment can be a bit cheesy (fire shows, "Rock Through the Ages" covers). But if you’re looking for a spot that balances luxury with an actual sense of place, this is it.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book Your Transfer Early: Use a private service, not a shuttle. Sharing a van with people going to five different resorts is a nightmare after a long flight.
- Pack Snorkel Gear: The resort provides it, but having your own mask that actually fits your face makes a massive difference when you’re trying to spot a turtle 10 feet down.
- Download the Hyatt/Secrets App: You can order 24-hour room service and see the daily activity schedule without leaving your bed.
- Bring Small Bills: Tipping is "included," but a few dollars to your maid or your favorite bartender goes a very long way in Mexico.
- The Tulum Factor: If you want to visit the Tulum ruins, go at 8:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, it's a furnace and packed with tour buses. Secrets can arrange a private driver for this.
Akumal is special because it hasn't quite become the concrete jungle that parts of Playa del Carmen have. It still feels like a village. Staying at Secrets gives you a front-row seat to that without sacrificing the high-thread-count sheets and the top-shelf tequila. Just remember to respect the turtles; they were here long before the swim-up bars arrived.