Stay & Play

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – A Stellar Seaside Playground

by Susan Campbell

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Secrets brand resorts, I have visited over a dozen in the past few years and I’m addicted to their Unlimited Luxury® adult-only experience. But what I really like the most about this brand is that each resort is so different in every other way. These are not cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all all-inclusives. They consistently go out of their way to blend into the region’s culture and style, sourcing and hiring locally, and environmentally aware. And each destination has unique attractions, so I’m always seeking out new ones to explore. And for me the attraction at the new Secrets in Akumal was sea turtles!

Now for many it would be enough that it is situated on a stellar white sand beach with glorious calm sea swimming, but there is so much more to this resort than a great beach and super service. My ocean front suite was one thing that was above and beyond. I was in the Preferred Club- always an extra upgrade worth splurging on – and my huge dipping tub on my balcony was always competing with my deep Jacuzzi bathtub and the endless pools and outdoor whirlpools, so it was hard to figure out where to get wet next! And the private cabana day beds on the beach with butler service were also constantly beckoning. And then there’s also a glorious spa with a water circuit! So much pleasure to partake in and so little time! But I’m always seeking to interact with marine life, so everything else was simply icing on the cake. I was there to swim with sea turtles. However, there is a definite dilemma there. But you can help.

The Riviera Maya’s only natural Sea Turtle sanctuary is at Akumal Bay right in front of the resort. And though I applaud the resort’s ongoing effort to ask their guests to forego plastic straws with their drinks, (sea turtles mistake them for jellyfish) and they are vigilant about you’re not wearing flippers within the protected marine park, sadly it is public property. There are far too many local tour operators bringing groups in from outside which stresses the turtles. They need their space. So my recommendation is to NOT take a tour but just snorkel around the shallows on your own quietly. I did that, and a sea turtle came right up to my mask as if to say thanks for not making a racket and disturbing my habitat! Hopefully the government will crack down on the number of tours so that this new beautiful playground will still be full of sea turtles for generations to come. And even if marine life encounters aren’t your thing, you will surely enjoy Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya for its plethora of other pleasures; it’s truly a gorgeous resort.

www.secretsresorts.com/akumal-riviera-maya