Well, where to start? We are a family of four, two adults and two boys aged 9 and 4. We've stayed in some amazing hotels all over the world (not all reviewed here) so this review is a balanced review based on real experiences. We wanted a 2 week holiday which would allow the kids to have a load of fun and for us parents to have fun with the kids but also unwind a litte, relax and re-energise for the coming months. I have to say that Akumal Bay met all of our expectations and more. I can wholeheartedly recomend this resort if that's what you're looking for. If it's a Cancun party / spring break you're looking for this is not the place for you. It's cool, calm and collected. We met guests who were on their 10th return trip! People come back for a reason. For me that reason is the staff but for others is may be the food, the drink, the kids club, the room service, the turtles! I must say now that I'm not a snorkler and no expert but I believe that the resort sits on possibly the finest Turtle spotting spot in the caribbean sea. So, the staff, well I have compiled a list of the guys who I was most fond of but I'm telling you that they all, no matter how little I spoke to them were fantastic. In no particular order all of these guys took time to make sure me and my family were well looked after at all times: Carolina, Alan, Lottie, Elvira, Juan Luis, Kevin, Franco and German. All these guys speak fantastic English despite me having a go at Spanish also! There really were non issues at all during the 2 weeks but I always had questions and all the above were always happy to help. On the other side of the coin are the waiting staff. I have to mention 3 ladies in particular who were so kind to my kids every day. I wish I could have taken them all home in my luggage! They are Amaparo, Rosalinda and Delphina. Nothing was ever too much, they made our holiday just wonderful. All the entertainment staff were great but in particular Karla in the kids club was so sweet. She made my boys feel at home with her and I knew they were safe while they were in her hands. Karla is one of a kind when it comes to childcare, I would welcome her in my own home any time. Final mention is for the lovely Estrella who cleaned our room daily to a very high standard. Again, if I could have packed her in my hand luggage I would have!
This is starting to feel like some what of a monologue but I will carry on as the resort really does deserve a bit of a pat on the back. The moment we arrived we were greeted with a freshly shaken Margarita! What more could you ask for after an 18 hour trip! Check in was easy we were escorted to our room, it was late at night so it was not until the morning we got the true picture of how good a room it was.
We paid slightly more for a Junior Suite with garden view and it was worth it. We had room 1004. To be clear, the rooms are slighly dated (Oct 2023) but I believe by 2024 they will but rennovated. It was not a problem for us as the room was spotless!
The first morning we opened our door onto the balcony to be greated by a lovely pool about 15m long x 5 m wide. We didn't have exclusive use but there are only a few other rooms around that pool so we did enjoy quite a lot of time there alone. The main pool is only a 2 minute walk around the corner.
If you're more beach than pool then I would ask for rooms 1001 - 1003 which all look directly over the beach but are just round the corner from the pool. There's also one of six bars right next to the small pool so we really were set for the day.
Again, if you're a family with young kids the kids club is a must. I think they can go aged 4 and up but don't quote me. it generally runs 9.30 - 12.30 then 2.30 - 4.30 so perfect for making sure they don't get too much sun. The added bonus is that they sometimes do a kids club evening where the kids all go for a meal together from 6 to 8 and this is all free!
Also free is 24hr room service! I know! WTF!? It's a life saver really. We're so used to being on holiday and having drag the kids out for a meal every night but here you don't have to. The menu is basic but fine for kids and adults alike. Examples for kids are pasta with tomato sauce, hot dogs, french fries, grilled chicken breast and for adults you can get fresh salads, burritos, pasta, fish tacos etc.. All in all it's just another string to the bow.
Regarding the facilities we used the tennis courts a few times which were well looked after and free to use if you book with reception. We used the gym, suana, spa etc... my wife had a massage and said it was very good. Everywhere is so clean. Each corner you turn there is a cleaner or gardender there making sure the standards are kept high. The paddle boarding is free, starting 9am and you just show up to the hourly sessions and Karen will take you out subject to weather. Over at the Dive Centre you can hire mask and snorkle and life jacket for 1 hour a day for free, you just make a one off payment for a snorkle which you keep.
My honest review of the food is that it's overall (6 restaurants) good. It's not amazing, I'v eaten better but seriously for my holiday this year it was just right.
What is amazing however is the Sushi bar. I think it's open 11-6pm each day. Chef Nataly is very good. You have a few options of tuna, salmon, crab or veg. She can make sushi, sashimi, temaki hand rool, and it's all prepared while you wait with fresh ingrediants. I must have eated £1000 worth of sushi is 2 weeks! Other things to note: There is a clothes washer and dryer on site. There is no ATM!! The nearest ATM is in the village of Akumal Beach and it never has any cash. If you need cash for tips etc.. you need to go to the Pemex gas station. It's a 15 Min walk, you turn left out of the main entrance. You can also get a cab there which is much easier.
Fianlly, not realting to the hotel itself but one thing that really made our trip so good. We were lucky enough to be picked up in the street as we made our way to Tulum for a day trip by a local taxi driver named Henry. We exchanged numbers and have been in touch ever since. He has taken us on all our excursions saving us countless waiting time and money. He is completely trustworthy, reliable and I genuinely would call him a family frind now. You can scan the QR code in my pictures and send a whattsapp or call him and he will take you anywhere you need. His number +52 984 111 8077. He speaks English as well as Spanish.
I really hope this review gives you the confidence to go and stay at Akumal Bay as I think you will love it. I sincerly hope to return soon and I hope that all the staff are still there as it is them that make the experience so special.
Things to Do: Get up early for the sunrise Swim in the sea at sunset Drink espresso from the coffee machine "de la machina" don't drink the filter coffee from the jugs. Hire a golf buggy from Mexicarte and take it to Yal-Ku lagoon for some amazing snorkling followed by lunch at a lovely spot called La Buena Vida. Take a taxi to Akumal Nature Rescue and take the guided environmentalist tour and swim. (seperate TA review coming soon) Stay the night in Tulum in a brand new condo with roof top pool (seperate TA review coming soon) - I have a contact there who can arrange everything for you so message me if you're intereted.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aug. 1 thru 5th, 2018. As always a wonderful trip thanks to Raul in Fidelity and Emmanule Bissoli for setting things up for me. Want thank Marnia for the babysitting in the evening allowing my daughter to eat and enjoy great music with all of us. Luis the beach manager. Raul front desk, German, Wilbert and Cintia to many to name at the resort. maid service was great we had 2 little ones that are messy a long with room service for the kids at night. You know you have found the best resort when the life guard is building sand castle with a 3 year old on his break! I can't tell you what your missing going anywhere else.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Quiet rooms are in building 3 and 4. Easy access and listen to music until 1030pm building 2
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from ABBWR, Guest Relations Manager at Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort
Responded Aug 8, 2018
Dear Patty,
Thank you , it is always a pleasure to have you here with us.
We all look forward to welcome you back in the near future to your home under the sun.
Warm regards,
Emanuele B.
I'NA YANA KIN (my home under the sun)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sorry for the late review, had problems with my login for my tripadvisor! Firstly, I would like to say about this amazing little gem of a place, that all the staff are so fantastic and go above an beyond to give their customers the best experience possible. It my my first ever long haul trip, and first trip out of Europe and had planned it almost 2 years prior to our trip. Everyone was so welcoming and my 4 year old had the most amazing time. He loved the kids club and he fell in love with Mirna, who was there everyday to plan activities, play and look after the children. She was amazing with him, he even learnt a bit of Spanish. 5 months later he talks about her and how much he wants to see her. Would definitely recommend this hotel for a quiet family holiday.
The rooms are lovely, clean and spacious. They had everything we needed for a room that you sleep in for two weeks. The showers are lovely too (better than at home)! I can’t be thankful enough for the maid service. The hotel is spotless and so are the rooms due to the staff working so hard to keep the rooms and grounds clean.
The food was good, and a lot of choice so there was always something to eat in one of the restaurants (I’m not fussy but if you are, it won’t be a problem). The cocktails were a bit hit and miss (very sweet), but it depends what kind of drink you like to drink. I definitely recommend the flavoured tequila!!
This holiday was a special one, I got engaged and the ring was from the jewellery shop in the hotel. Mona Lisa who works in there is so lovely and friendly, and the jewellery is beautiful.
I can’t comment on the excursions, as I didn’t get the opportunity to do any really, due to childcare, but I will definitely be returning to Akumal Bay to swim with turtles, and go on some amazing day trips. We will come back with family, so I have a babysitter on hand so we can explore more of Mexico and the amazing places it has to offer.
I had a massage in the spa and it was the best ever! Worth every penny, so relaxing and the staff were obviously very experienced. Definitely a very “zen” experience.
I could go on forever about this beautiful place, but I will wrap it up. I had a wonderful holiday, it was as close as you could get to perfect! You can never please everyone in every single way, but it is a place I would definitely put on my bucket list if you want a luxury, relaxing and amazing experience.
Thank you Akumal Bay and we hope to come back very soon :)
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Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from ABBWR, Guest Relations Manager at Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort
Responded Oct 7, 2018
Dear princesshanz,
We would like to thank you for the kind comments, we are glad you have enjoyed your stay with us and hope you found in Akumal Bay - Beach & Wellness Resort the perfect spot for your next vacation, we are “your home under the sun”.
Looking forward to seeing you again anytime soon.
Warm regards,
Emanuele B.
I'NA YANA KIN (my home under the sun)
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We went over Labor Day weekend, 2022. We have stayed here numerous times, and each time is excellent. The staff is friendly and accommodating. We took our 18-month old son with us this time, and members of the staff (especially Daniela and Cielo at the main buffet) were exceptional with him. They have in-house childcare which was very affordable and fantastic (Priscilla did a wonderful job, giving us a few hours to snorkel and hang out as adults). This certainly won't be our last time here, and we're already planning for another trip next year!
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Date of stay: September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
There are so many wonderful things I could say about our stays here, but the staff are what truly make this place exceptional. We have gone twice now with our now two-year-old, and multiple staff remembered him from the previous year! Everyone is so friendly. We especially appreciated Adrianna and Daniela at breakfast every day, who were so great with our kiddo. We used the babysitting service for several days to take a parenting break for a few hours, and our son LOVED Daniela the babysitter! He kept talking about how much fun he had with her.
Iñaki at the front desk was also SO helpful and really gracious. He helped us get a prescription delivered from a local pharmacy.
I also appreciate very much that the staff seem happy in their jobs and stay for multiple years. In the same vein, I like that the hotel is Mexican-owned and not an international chain. It also has a lot of environmentally sustainable practices.
The location is beautiful, we went snorkeling and saw sea turtles after swimming just five minutes. The snorkeling gear is free for one hour a day for hotel guests.
The only negative for us is the food. The breakfast is great, and the sit down restaurants are pretty good. Since we had a toddler with us the sit down restaurants were a little too fancy, and the buffet options at lunch and dinner were meh. If you didn’t have kids with you and ate dinners at the sit down restaurants it would be less of an issue.
Pools, rooms delightful. They do clean the sargassum up daily if that is something you’re concerned about. It was about a 10 min walk to the protected beach area where you can snorkel with a guide to see the sea turtles (although like I said above, we got lucky and saw them right outside the hotel).
Definitely recommend!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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If you are looking to avoid the loud, Foreign owned, enormous resorts, then this is the place for you. You will absolutely love it! No walking for miles to get anywhere...everything is just a few steps away, including the beach. We enjoyed the amazing snorkelling RIGHT FROM THE BEACH every day - but you should get up early for that. I would wait to book your Excursions when you get there so you can get suggestions from ABBW resort staff. Also, we brought pesos with us before we left home so that we could tip the locals in their own currency. Resort workers often only get one day off, so for them to spend that time in a bank line up to exchange foreign currency may not be the most convenient. We are returning to this resort in June and can't wait to go!
