The Vibe
Upon stepping out of our transfers at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, I immediately felt a warm welcome feeling. Perched above the property, the lobby offers a beautiful view of the amazing maze of tropical landscape winding throughout the grounds. As if it was waiting for us to arrive. Of course a margarita from a gracious staff member was then another welcoming treat.
How I Felt
Relaxed, peaceful and wanting to see more. I was excited for the journey to start as I was here (with 95 additional family and friends) for the celebration of matrimony for my niece Brieanna and her fiance Bryan. Immediately I knew they had picked the perfect resort to host their special day and guests. The resort has the perfect layout: not too big not too small and easy access to all that is good.
After the first night, running to my room in the rain (which was quite nice, actually), I discovered they have covered paths throughout the resort if need be. You can enjoy the extraordinary main pool layout while viewing the white sandy beach and turquoise waters at the same time. I cannot say enough about the staff from all categories of service. I have been vacationing all-inclusive resorts since 1990. This is definitely at the top of my list.
The Digs
My room was a junior suite tropical view. The layout, size and décor were pleasant. They do offer three higher levels of room categories in addition to their Preferred Club Level. Some of my family did partake in this category and were very pleased. But I was very content with mine as well. My balcony was spacious and had two chairs, a comfortable couch and pillows. A great double walk-in rainfall shower as well as a handheld shower with a bench and a double basin with ample vanity shelves for storage made for excellent accommodations. The in-suite whirlpool for two was a nice touch as well. My favorite thing was a sort of private cupboard that staff could access from outside the room to deliver 24-hour, contact-free room service.
The Agenda
The focus of my stay was the wedding celebration for my niece. Then, of course, the rest of the days and nights were filled with fun, food and lots of laughs with family and friends. I loved the silent disco entertainment, where everyone wears a head set listening up to four options of music. Quite entertaining watching people dance and you do not know the beat!
With such a big group, we were all spread out enjoying water cycling classes, volleyball on the beach and me camping out in my very cushioned lounge chair on the beach sipping Don Julio (and water, too), catching up on my reading. I truly did not need to leave my view and comfort as the staff brought everything to me (food, drinks, etc.). There are so many options with nooks and crannies to hang throughout the resort that caters to all.
The Eats
Well, I lost five pounds before I left the U.S., however I did bring it home with me! With six gourmet a la carte restaurants, a grill and a buffet, the many options to choose from make the resort a foodie’s heaven. I did not have the opportunity to indulge in them all but for those I did visit, I had an amazing Chilean seabass with all the trimmings at Oceania that was amazing. On a couple of the days, there was homemade pizza at the pool bar baked in a stone oven and on another day, there was a seafood stir fry with all my favorites from the sea. Of course due to my residence at the beach chair I was growing to love. I did manage a great burger, chips and guacamole (many times) and awesome quesadillas that the great staff brought to me (while I was reading). I also took advantage of the 24-hour room service which was very satisfying.
Why I Would Go Back
One of the best Mexico all-inclusive vacations I have had in a very long time. The service, staff, food, accommodations, beach, pools were unmatched. Need I say more? Oh! And the chilled Don Julio.
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