After tying the knot at Secrets Tulum, my husband (!) and I extended our newlywed bliss with a four-day getaway at Secrets Akumal. From Sunday to Wednesday in mid-December, we immersed ourselves in this nature-forward resort, nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya and about an hour away from Tulum Airport. Let me take you through our unforgettable experience!

A Jungle Vibe 5/5

The moment we stepped into Secrets Akumal, we were transported into a lush, tropical wonderland. Unlike many cookie-cutter resorts, this property embraces its natural surroundings, with jungle greenery covering most of the grounds. It's not uncommon to spot local wildlife during your stay; we encountered everything from playful raccoons and squirrels to exotic lemurs and impressive lizards. Fair warning: the mosquitos are also part of the local fauna, so pack your repellent!

Spacious Accommodations 5/5

We paid for the base room, which, despite not receiving a complimentary upgrade for our honeymoon (the front desk offered us upgrades for an additional $150+ per night), exceeded our expectations. The room was generously sized and impeccably shiny and clean, featuring:

Premium full-size Le Labo branded toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion)
A rain shower with a convenient clothing line to dry your swimsuit
A balcony with a large bathtub overlooking the main pool
Another roomy circular bathtub inside the room

While the resort is about a decade old and some might find the design slightly dated, it didn't detract from our overall experience. We'd rate the accommodations a solid 5/5.

Variety of Culinary Delights 5/5

Secrets Akumal boasts an impressive array of dining options:

9 restaurants, including the 24-hour Coco Cafe with grab-n-go eats
2 poolside lunch grill options
1 breakfast/lunch buffet
6 sit-down dinner venues (Mexican, Italian, Japanese, French, and two seafood-forward options)

Highlights included Bordeaux (French) and Oceana (seafood), where we indulged in leisurely 2+ hour dining experiences. The service at Bordeaux was particularly noteworthy: attentive staff refilled our wine glasses unprompted all night and refreshed our plates after each course.

For a bit of entertainment with your meal, try the Teppanyaki restaurant. While the show was fun, the food was somewhat underwhelming. You have to make reservations in advance for this one!

Overall, as all-inclusive resorts go, we'd rate the dining options 5/5.

Solid Beverage Options 4/5

During the day, we enjoyed the swim-up pool bar and a charming beachside bar decorated with sturdy swings instead of high chairs (a fun touch!). The cocktail menus were a helpful reference, though we found the daytime drinks to be on the sweeter, more diluted side.

Evening drinks at the swanky lobby bar were a definite step up in quality and strength. The bartenders were happy to customize drinks to our preferences - I highly recommend trying their espresso martini! The lobby bar had a ton of both indoor and outdoor seating, complete with fire pits and comfortable cushioned couches. In comparison, the sports bar seemed a little small.

While not mind-blowing, the beverage options were enjoyable and well-served. We'd give them a 5/5.

Exemplary Service 5/5

If there's one thing that truly sets Secrets Akumal apart, it's the impeccable service. The staff was consistently friendly, attentive, and proficient in English, and some would stop to banter and joke around with us. They went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect:

Our building concierge provided her WhatsApp number for quick communication and she never took more than a few minutes to reply to us
Staff offered personalized assistance, from locating activities to arranging transportation
Our restaurant waiters were upbeat and seemed genuinely pleased to help us
We even had a DJ come up to us at the pool bar to personally thank us for attending the silent disco the night before

Service definitely earns a 5/5.

Resort Amenities and Activities 5/5

Secrets Akumal boasts three main pools. While none are heated, we found them tolerable in mid-December as long as there was sun.

The pool closest to the beach is where most of the action happens! It's the hub for sporty activities (such as pool volleyball and basketball) and lively music. The swim-up bar here is perfect for sipping cocktails without leaving the water. It’s also attached to a "hot" tub - though "lukewarm" might be a more accurate description. Still, it was a cozy spot when the main pool felt a bit chilly.
Situated on the other side of the resort, the “quiet pool” is a haven for relaxation. With soothing ambient music, it's ideal for those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere. My husband and I enjoyed lounging here with a book in the afternoon.

Having pools with different energy levels was a fantastic touch, catering to various preferences throughout our stay.

Akumal’s beach is world famous for snorkeling with sea turtles. However, be prepared for shallow waters, which can affect visibility when it's crowded. We were also able to spot a small stingray, but otherwise there were limited fish sightings. The ocean waves were calm and relatively warm, and finding a spot to relax was never an issue, thanks to the abundance of shaded loungers and beach chairs.

Although we preferred to lounge by the pool and beach, the resort offers an impressive array of activities from dawn till dusk, including:

Daytime activities: Beach volleyball, archery, pool basketball, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even wine tasting!
Evening entertainment: Silent disco, live music performances, nightclub with DJ, and themed dance shows.

We enjoyed a few matches on the well-maintained grass tennis court, as well as paid a quick visit to the gym (which even had a barbell!). While we didn't participate in many organized activities, it was reassuring to know that they were there as an option.

We’d rate the pools and beach a 4/5, and the activities/entertainment a 5/5.

Final Thoughts

We did not choose Secrets Akumal as our wedding venue due to the higher cost of rooms for guests and lack of a sufficiently aesthetic off-beach ceremony location. However, we can confidently say it's a top-tier vacation destination. From its unique, jungle-inspired design to its outstanding service and diverse amenities, Secrets Akumal provided the perfect backdrop for our mini-moon getaway. If you're looking for a blend of nature and world-class hospitality, Secrets Akumal should be at the top of your list!