Unveiling the Secrets of Akumal
A Tropical Paradise
By Amy Lively Jensen
Nestled on the pristine coastline of the Riviera Maya in Mexico, Secrets Akumal is a haven of luxury and tranquility. Recognized as one of the world’s best hotels in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, exceptional service and romantic ambiance.
From sunlight to starlight our vacation was magic. The first glimpse of the pure white sandy beaches and the ocean’s breathtaking palette of turquoise and deep blue revealed the start of a dazzling trip. The staff greeted us with “it is my pleasure to help you,” a refrain heard throughout the resort. Every member charmed us with their courtesy and professionalism; anticipating our every need with a caring response.
The resort boasts 434 spacious suites designed with a fresh interpretation of Mexican art and elegance. Each faces the Caribbean Sea and includes private balconies, marble bathrooms and whirlpool tubs for two. There is an option to choose the elevated experience of the Preferred Club. It offers upgraded suites, access to an exclusive lounge and restaurant, 24-hour room service and special concierge services. Indulging in this luxury seemed like it would take our holiday to an extraordinary level. We chose the swim-out room which had a terrace furnished with lounging beds and we dangled our feet in the warm water of the swirling stream. The stunning ocean views from our room made us feel blessed to be here.
The soft, white powder beaches at Secrets Akumal make you forget that shoes were ever invented. It’s fine and cool beneath your feet, even in the heat of the day thanks to its high coral content which reflects rather than absorbs the sun. The pristine and gently sloped shoreline makes long walks very enjoyable. Lining the beach are swaying palms, tree swings and hammocks. Umbrellas at the pools and beach are plentiful if you need them. Charming thatched-roof huts dot the seaside, some open sided, and others with gauzy curtains that can be drawn for a touch of privacy. They offer a shaded spot to lounge, nap or enjoy a good book without sunburn. The shallow and warm water is protected by a barrier reef that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The servers on the beach will bring drinks (try the coco loco, “crazy coconut” in Spanish), cold towels, and even offer to clean your sunglasses. For those seeking adventure in the ocean, you can choose snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and beach volleyball.
The grounds of the resort are lush with winding pathways through dense greenery, guiding guests past vibrant flora and shaded alcoves. Spanning over 4,000 plant species, the design incorporates native jungle plants, creating a serene setting. Koi ponds and flowers add to the verdant landscape.
There are three main pools: an infinity pool with a bevy of activities nearest to the beach, another directly behind it which is a bit quieter and a truly serene and secluded lagoon pool. Mimosa, fruit, and ice cream carts make the rounds at the pools. You can participate in pool volleyball, water polo, water yoga and aerobics classes. There is lively daytime entertainment with a DJ at the Infinity pool, the swim-up bar and pool parties. Dance lessons teach guests the salsa, bachata or merengue from resort instructors. At their cooking classes, you can join in traditional Mexican cooking sessions or ceviche-making demonstrations. Tequila and wine tastings highlight local spirits and Mexican wines. To fit into the culture, try Spanish lessons to pick up basic Spanish phrases.
Secrets Akumal’s nine top-tier gourmet restaurants provide a myriad of dining choices. The resort has received several prestigious awards for its exceptional culinary offerings earning a coveted AAA Five Diamond Award granted to only .4% of hotels for gourmet dining. You’ll find restaurants specializing in Asian fusion, Italian, authentic Mexican , French and Grilled seafood. Our favorite was Oceana offering fresh seafood with ocean views. The coconut shrimp had the lightest crispy coconut breading and extra-large roasted shrimp. Secrets high-quality buffet restaurant, The Market Café, has an almost overwhelming number of food choices, including international cuisine. You will also discover a taco and smoothie bar, a wood-fired pizza stand, rotating food specials at the infinity pool and a daily barbeque. After trying all the restaurants, we took advantage of another amenity. At sunset, we were served a romantic dinner on the beach. The table was elegantly set with the soft glow of candles reflecting off the water, enhancing the romantic ambiance. We savored a multi-course meal including seafood bisque, grilled steak and lobster and a luscious Crème Brule dessert.
The 18,000 square foot Secrets Spa offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Try out the hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and full-service salon. Guests can also enjoy indoor or outdoor massages for singles or couples in a serene setting, which is a perfect way to spend a rainy day.
You can top off your evening with terrific nightly entertainment. Local bands, mariachi and professional musicians perform throughout the resort. Secrets offers special theme nights such as Mexican fiesta nights with skilled fire dancers, beach bonfires and karaoke evenings. Classic and recent films are shown under the stars. There are also dance shows where professional dance troupes perform salsa, flamenco and traditional Mexican dances. Each night, the resort’s theatre hosts a different performance, including a Cirque du Soleil inspired acrobatics and fire show; a silent disco where guests dance to music of their own choice on headphones creating a unique party atmosphere; and comedy and magic acts. You can also enjoy live piano, violin or vocal performances in the elegant setting of the Rendezvous lobby bar. For late night fun, put on your dancing shoes and party at the night club called Desires.
In the waters just off the Secrets beaches, snorkelers have direct access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Schools of vibrantly colored fish surround swimmers and the coral reefs are teaming with life. But the stars of the aquatic stage are undoubtedly sea turtles. These gentle giants, some of the oldest inhabitants of our planet, have become synonymous with Akumal, enchanting both locals and visitors alike. Majestic and serene, these reptiles gracefully move through the water, often spotted munching on seagrass, their favorite delicacy. Akumal, which translates to “Place of the Turtles” in the Mayan language is home to the green turtle, as well as the loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Each day, the sight of these tranquil creatures gliding through the water captivates the hearts of those lucky enough to encounter them. I was thrilled to see one and surfaced with a deeper appreciation for these prehistoric marvels.
Just when you think you’ve soaked up every last drop of paradise at Secrets Akumal, you discover that there’s an ancient world beneath your sandy feet. They’re called cenotes (pronounced se-NO-tays) which are sacred and mysterious underground caves. Cenotes surround this area, like nature’s secret swimming clubs. We chose Cenote Azul because it’s stunning, not commercialized and not difficult to access. For some you must rappel down a rope, or shimmy through a bat-filled tunnel to get there. It is free of tourist crowds; a guide takes down a small group of snorkelers into the clear cool water with natural limestone ledges. As you begin snorkeling through the caves, you find time frozen in stone. Sculptured by centuries of time and water, the limestone rocks are astounding. Look up. There they are stalactites, icicle-shaped calcite formations formed by dripping water from the top of the cenotes. They hang from the ceiling like nature’s own chandeliers, delicate and dramatic. They have grown millimeter by millimeter since dinosaurs walked the earth, some 66 million years ago. Now look down. Stalagmites rise up from the cave floor growing upward and are made by mineral rich water dropping from stalactites above. They are blunt, broad and knobby like knuckles, reaching toward their ceiling cousins, sometimes growing together to form a column. You must be careful swimming around the rocks as there are tight spaces and low arches. Touching these formations can significantly slow their growth. It takes roughly 100 years for a stalactite to grow one inch. Near the end of the tunnel, the sun comes shining in and there are flat rocks to rest on while you contemplate the ancient underworld.
Just beyond the resort’s opulent walls lie charming cities waiting to be explored. Within the quaint village of Akumal, you’ll find crystal clear waters and sea turtles. Beyond the beach there are local shops and eateries offering fresh seafood and handmade crafts. About a 30-minute drive south will bring you to Tulum, a city with the must-see Tulum Ruins. Wandering through these ancient Mayan ruins allow you a glimpse of the remnants of a once-thriving walled seaside city from the 1400’s. The panoramic views are breathtaking.
As the vacation concluded, I realized that Secrets Akumal was more than a getaway, it’s a serene oasis that resets your spirit.
