Rating8.2Adults OnlyRating8.3Adults OnlyGood
Based on 15.3k reviews
Outstanding Service
Guests consistently laud the staff for being exceptionally friendly, attentive, and proactive in ensuring a memorable stay, often going above and beyond expectations.
Unique Beach & Snorkeling
The resort's direct access to Akumal Bay offers calm, clear waters and the unparalleled experience of snorkeling with green sea turtles just offshore, a major highlight for visitors.
Gourmet Dining Experience
The variety and quality of the dining options, particularly the buffet breakfast and reservation-free themed restaurants, receive high praise for delicious food and diverse choices.
Luxurious Ambiance & Pools
The romantic atmosphere, elegant design, well-maintained grounds, and multiple beautiful pools, including a stunning oceanfront infinity pool, contribute to a serene and luxurious escape.
Impeccable Cleanliness
The entire property, including suites, common areas, and the beach, is frequently commended for its pristine condition and high standards of cleanliness.
Leisurely Dinner Service
Some guests report slow service at themed restaurants, with dinner often extending to 2.5-3 hours, which may impact plans for nightly entertainment.
Lounge Chair Availability
Securing prime pool and beach loungers, particularly in Preferred Club sections, can be challenging during peak times as they tend to fill up quickly.
Airport Transfer Time
While the resort's location is beautiful and secluded, the drive from Cancun International Airport is noted as a minor inconvenience due to its length.
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AAA Five Diamond Award
2022-2024
AAA
AAA Five Diamond Award
2022 & 2023
AAA
AAA Five Diamond Award
2025
AAA
#1 Hotel in the World
2025
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
#1 All-Inclusive Resort in the World
2025
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
Travelers' Choice Best of the Best
2021
TripAdvisor
The single reason to choose Secrets Akumal over other Riviera Maya all-inclusives is the beach itself: Akumal Bay is a protected feeding ground for green sea turtles, and on most mornings guests can wade in from the sand and snorkel alongside them at no extra cost. That access — calm, shallow water a short walk from any room — is not replicable at neighboring resorts in Playa del Carmen or Cancún.
This is a resort built for couples who want quiet over nightlife. The property skews romantic: there are no children (adults 18+ only), the main entertainment is low-key nightly shows rather than loud pool parties, and the architecture favors shaded garden pathways over the open concrete layouts common at larger chain properties. Travelers who want a buzzy, activity-dense atmosphere will likely find it too sedate — the animation team exists but does not dominate the pool deck.
The honest drawback is service pace at the themed restaurants. Multiple guests report dinners at the à la carte venues running 2.5 to 3 hours — not because the food is elaborate, but because staffing levels produce slow table turns. Plan accordingly: eat early if you want to catch the 9:30 p.m. entertainment, or accept that dinner is its own long evening activity. Pool and beach loungers in Preferred Club areas fill before 8 a.m.
Practical context: 434 suites across multiple categories, all with private balcony or terrace and jetted tub for two. The Unlimited-Luxury plan covers all restaurants, bars, 24-hour room service, non-motorized water sports, fitness center, and most daytime activities. Preferred Club upgrades add plunge pools, exclusive lounge access, à la carte breakfast, and one complimentary hydrotherapy session. Airport transfer from Cancún (CUN) runs 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes; the newer Tulum airport (TQO) is closer at about 1 hour. Mid-tier pricing for the Secrets brand.
High season runs December through April when turtle numbers are highest and weather is most reliable. Book direct through Hyatt Inclusive Collection or a travel advisor — the resort participates in the Hyatt World of Hyatt points program, and Globalist members receive recognition at the Preferred Club tier. Download the Hyatt Inclusive Collection app before arrival; it functions as a digital room key and holds restaurant menus and dress codes.