Perched along the famed white sands and turquoise water of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya property includes four different resorts. With beachfront villas and lush tropical landscaping, the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal is a destination for a relaxed, all-inclusive Mexican holiday. However, is it right for your getaway? Here is a Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal Resort Review.
Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal Resort Review
With 30 years of experience in hotels and resorts, the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort offers a range of resorts from an adults-only luxury all-inclusive to a more value-minded resort perfect for families. At the Bahia Principie Luxury Akumal, guests will find sought-after amenities like swim-out rooms, infinite pools and exciting nightly entertainment. The dining at the Luxury Akumal is refined and draws on international flavors, like Caribbean, Japanese and Italian.
It is open to families. However, families gravitate to either The Grand Tulum or the Grand Copa for their waterparks. The overall feel of the resort is calm and relaxing, especially near the adults-only area. Every morning of my stay, I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window.
To continue on the refined feel, the Luxury Akumul Resort features a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit and traditional Mayan rituals. Its infinity pool, attached restaurant and beach with palapas create an adults-only area within the resort.
What I Loved About the Luxury Akumal
The tropical landscaping added lushness and felt exotic.
The wildlife in the complex was well-mannered and added to the tropical feeling of the resort.
The main pool complex was large and I found lots of loungers at all the pools.
What I Wanted at the Luxury Akumal
More visible towel stations at the pools. The towels were hidden at some pools.
The signage in the resort was confusing. I got lost at least once.
The beach area is not a draw for this resort. The Grand Tulum had a better beach.
Which Resort is Right for You at the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Property
This resort includes four separate resorts with the PGA Riviera Maya golf course. Some of the resorts are beachfront and others offer a tropical garden setting.
Each offers restaurants and bars. There is a complimentary shuttle between the properties with shuttle stops throughout the entire resort complex.
The Luxury Akumal Resort
The Luxury Akumal Resort is a beachfront resort that offers 758 rooms in a range of categories, from Junior Suite Deluxe to Junior Suite Deluxe Swim Up Rooms and Junior Suite Deluxe Ocean Front. Some of the suites are connecting, and others underwent a recent renovation.
As a guest of Luxury Akumul, there is unlimited a la carte dining at the specialty restaurants and bars. Guests are also allowed to visit the other resort’s pools.
The Luxury Sian Ka’an Resort
This resort is an adults-only all-inclusive and the most luxurious, with 420 rooms. The rooms range from the Junior Suite to the Junior Suite Superior Penthouse with a whirlpool. The overall vibe is more modern than the Luxury Akumal and feels like an exclusive golf resort community.
The PGA Riviera Maya golf course is on the property. This area is also home to a residential community. Like the Luxury Akumul, guests can visit the other resorts. Worth noting, this resort is not beachfront.
The Grand Tulum Resort
With 774 rooms, The Grand Tulum is one of the two beachfront resorts at Bahia Principe Riviera Maya. The Grand Tulum Resort features Junior Suites to a Two-Bedroom Suite. It also offers seven different restaurants.
This property was renovated in 2020. The vibe here is more lively and popular with families. It features a widely popular show, Oregen, based on the Maya culture.
It features three pools, including a family pool with a lazy river. The beach is the nicest of any of the properties, with a swimming area and Palapa huts.
The Grand Coba Resort
With 1,080 rooms, this is the largest resort at the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya all-inclusive. Its expansive pool and waterpark make it the most popular with families. It is also the least expensive resort to visit.
It features 10 restaurants, including a food truck option. Guests at the Grand Coba Resort can visit the Grand Tulum for its beach.
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My Room at Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
During my getaway, I stayed in room 6115, a king room on the second floor of Villa 61, one of 758 rooms. It is a junior suite premium and features a garden view in a building with swim-out rooms. In total, the Luxury Akumal property features 36 swim-out rooms; however, more are planned.
My king bed was outfitted with white linens and featured a ceiling fan above. The headboard included reading lights on either side, with USB charging ports.
A large-screen TV mounted on the wall opposite the bed featured a wood console underneath. A matching shorter table was perfect for my luggage. Both looked to be artisan-crafted out of tropical hardwoods.
Rounding out the interior space, I found a pair of wooden chairs outfitted with deep cushions in neutral upholstery. The chairs shared a pair of nesting tables. I worked in this area during my stay. However, you could watch TV or read there as well.
With a glass sliding door, my room had a garden view. Overlooking the tropical landscaping, the tropical birds woke me up every morning. The landscaping features bananas, hibiscus and blooming plumeria.
My Bathroom
I entered my room from an exterior corridor, and it featured an open-concept plan. Ideal for single travelers or couples traveling together, the bathroom opens to the room without a privacy door.
The enclosed water closet was accompanied by a solid surface vanity area with a single sink, outfitted with a makeup mirror and a large, back-lit mirror. I found a hairdryer, and in the reach-in closet, there was a white robe.
The standard walk-in shower had an obscured glass door with a rain shower head. The Bahia Principe uses wall-mounted eco-friendly toiletries.
I found a reach-in closet opposite the bathroom. It was outfitted with a golf-sized umbrella, an in-room safe and an iron and board.
There was a combination of hanging rods, shelves and drawers. During my stay, I unpacked and used the bank of drawers located next to the reach-in closet and bathroom.
Next to the closet, the in-room beverage area offered a basic four-cup coffee maker, several large bottles of complimentary water, and a complimentary minibar. In the mini bar, I found several Mexican beers, juice, milk and chocolate milk (I used it in my morning coffee) and sparkling water. Additionally, I found a couple of bags of chips. All were included in the all-inclusive plan and refilled daily.
The area is home to wildlife as part of the jungle environment of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Coati, related to raccoons, are well-mannered and root for insects. The Agouti, which looks like a baby capybara, is also found across the resort. Iguanas are another species that live in the area and like to sunbathe.
Additional amenities include a pillow menu and a scent menu. However, I did not know about these options during my stay.
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Outdoor Spaces at the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
As a Mexican beach holiday, the outdoor spaces are central to the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal resort. From its pools to activities like golf and water sports, most guests spend their time outdoors.
Its tropical landscaping makes the property feel lush with banana trees, hibiscus flowers and roaming wildlife. The buildings are partially hidden by the mature plantings and large palm trees.
The Beach at Luxury Akumal
Guests will find stairs and steps to the water. There, I found lots of loungers, some with sun and others under palapas. This area also features a bar with chair service.
Worth noting, this area features a partial sea wall, and several areas of the beach are rocky. For the best beach swimming experience, make the trip to Grand Tulum Resort, a quick shuttle ride away.
The Pools at Luxury Akumal
This property features three pools, one main pool steps from the lobby. It’s in a serpentine design with bridges and lots of loungers and cabanas. At the main pool, I found a swim-up bar. This area offers entertainment from Mariachi bands to fitness classes.
Its infinity pool is an adults-only space. With views of the Caribbean below, guests can spend the day in this area. The Katok restaurant is open from breakfast to dinner. There is a poolside bar.
There is a smaller additional pool that was nearly empty for my entire stay. I sat here one afternoon just for the solitude.
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Where to Eat at Luxury Akumal Resort
This resort offers seven different restaurants and unlimited a la carte dining at its specialty restaurants. Many of the restaurants offer a signature drink for dinner, and some serve an amuse-bouche before appetizers.
Katok
In the all-adults section of the property overlooking the pool and the beach, Katok offers a breakfast and lunch buffet. During my stay, this was my preferred place to eat for breakfast and lunch. It was refurbished in 2023.
Since Katok is in a corner of the property, it is quieter than the other options. The buffet offers a nice selection of continental favorites for breakfast, plus a made-to-order egg section.
For lunch, I enjoyed the salad bar. However, it also served made-to-order items from the grill.
Its dinner menu features tropical flavors. From Mexican entrees like brisket tacos to Jamaican Jerk Chicken, diners can enjoy a bit of spice. A highlight was the Mexican Fried Ice Cream.
Ku’uk
Ku’uk is open for dinner only and is the nicest of the restaurants at the Luxury Akumul. During my stay, I dined at Ku’uk, located in the main lobby building and also refurbished in 2023.
During my visit, I enjoyed unique entrees, like the Huitachoche cream soup with lemon grass foam. I started my meal with a beautiful Beet Ceviche.
For my main entrees, I sampled the Barra Vieja Style Fish with Guajillo Chilies. Like most dinners at the Bahia Principe, I enjoyed its signature cocktail, and the chef sent out a Yellow Pepper Hummus.
One of the highlights of my trip was the dessert at Ku’uk. It was half a coconut shell filled with coconut, ginger, lime, and tapioca ice cream, pairing a stunning presentation with a decadent dessert.
The Yum Buffet
Located off the main lobby, I had breakfast several times at the buffet. It offered the largest breakfast buffet at the Luxury Akumul.
During my visit, I found international stations from traditional Mexican breakfast foods like made-to-order quesadillas and Cafe de Olla, a spiced Mexican coffee. Other options include made-to-order eggs, crepes and waffles, cold cuts and a fresh fruit and yogurt bar. A Bloody Mary bar was available, as were Champagne Mimosas.
My only complaint was the two hours it was closed between breakfast and lunch times. I would have preferred a limited brunch buffet since I had to leave the resort for the airport before the lunch option opened. The Tulum Airport options were limited, compared to the buffet.
Tikalito Snack Bar
For a quick lunch or snack, this open-air option is located near the main pool along the beach area. During my visit, I had lunch here once.
The salad bar offered sushi, which I enjoyed in addition to the salad offerings. However, during my visit, the touchscreen ordering system was down, and the food delivery was slow.
I preferred the Katok buffet for lunch. The Tikalito Snack Bar was refurbished in 2023 and offers extended overnight hours.
Other Restaurants at the Luxury Akumal
This resort offers two other restaurants, both only open for dinner service. The Frutos De Mar is a seafood restaurant. The Dolce Vita Restaurant features an Italian menu.
Where to Get a Drink at the Luxury Akumal Resort
There are two indoor bars and a coffee shop at the Luxury Akumal. The Sports Bar opens in the afternoon and is located next to the game room. Worth noting, there is no lobby bar. The closest bar to the prime gathering space is the Hollywood Theater Bar, tucked down a hall.
The Coffee Shop at Akumal
Located off the lobby, this is where you go for pastries and coffee drinks. During my stay, I had a barista-made iced coffee. It also serves cookies and pastries.
It is open from 7 a.m. to midnight.
The Pool Bars
In a perfect pairing of sun, sand, and tropical cocktails, each pool offers a bar. The main pool features a swim-up bar.
On the beach, guests will find two beach bars. The 66 Beach Bar features swings.
Where to Eat at the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya
Guests at the Luxury Akumal get unlimited a la carte restaurant visits. I dined at the Grand Tulum Resort and the Luxury Sian Ka’an, an adults-only property.
Don Pablo at The Grand Tulum Resort
During my stay, I had dinner at Don Pablo before a show. It offered the most inventive menu at the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resort.
For appetizers, I chose Juniper mousse on crisp Salmon skin with Ikura. Other options included Oysters Rockefeller. There was a soup course, and the tableside presentation of my tomato and basil bisque added to the theatrics of the meal.
For my entree, I chose the Tiger Shrimp with basil, tomato and Serrano ham. Overall, the ambiance was refined yet approachable.
Maiko at the Luxury Sian Ka’an
For Japanese cuisine, I hopped a shuttle to the Luxury Sian Ka’an to the Maiko restaurant. Nestled in the tropical landscaping, this restaurant had floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the space with light.
During my visit, I enjoyed a passionfruit signature cocktail to start. Then, I selected Crispy Spicy Tuna Rolls, followed by Tuna Sashimi. Both were fresh and satisfying. This was followed by Thom Cha Kai soup, a blend of chicken and coconut with citrus and ginger.
For my entree, I enjoyed a Coconut Shrimp Curry with jicama, cucumber and peppers. It was light, and the curry wasn’t overpowering to the rest of the ingredients.
The dessert I chose was beautiful. Named Camelado, it was a meringue dome filled with coffee jelly and vanilla ice cream and a coffee liqueur.
Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal Perks
Guests at the Luxury Akumal property enjoy resort-wide access to the accompanying properties: Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Bahia Principe Grand Coba and the Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Kaan, an adults-only property.
While Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal is open to kids, families gravitate to the Grand Tulum with its swimming beach and the Grand Coba for its waterpark and its overall value. The Luxury Sian Kaan is a tropical enclave near the PGA Riviera Maya and the on-site residences.
Activities at the Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya
One of the best features of an all-inclusive resort is the included amenities and activities. From golf to spa treatments to classes, guests can fill their days with fun and entertainment.
Bahia Spa
Flanking the main pool complex of the Luxury Akumal property, the Bahia Spa offers a thermal circuit to enjoy before treatments. The spa attendants will swathe guests in the smells and sounds of the Mayan culture with incense and music.
The Bahia Spa includes separate changing facilities, a cold plunge shower, a rinse-off shower, a redwood sauna and a large whirlpool for indoor treatments. There are individual treatment rooms for guests and larger rooms for couples.
For outdoor treatments, the Bahia Spa features palapa treatment huts. Guests can enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean waves while receiving a massage, like the Mayan Experience Massage.
The Bahia Spa offers beauty services for special events, like weddings. It also offers braiding services.
PGA Riviera Maya
On the Sian Ka’an property, guests will find the PGA Riviera Maya golf course, designed by architect Robert Trent Jones II. The course includes an 18-hole and a 9-hole course.
Due to its environment, the PGA Riviera Maya showcases the lush tropical scenery and includes water features. In addition to the two courses, there is a covered driving range and a chip course.
Reservations are required, and there is a discount for guests. There is a PGA Academy with a pro available for lessons. Rentals are available at the pro shop.
Eco Bahia Program
Located at the Grand Tulum Resort, guests can learn more about the Mayan culture and the environment. The Eco Bahia is part of the Ecological Foundation Bahia Principe Tulum.
During my stay, I went on a guided tour of its sanctuary and learned about the native plants of the Yucatan Peninsula. Additionally, the naturalist shared how the Mayan people lived in this area, including their housing and the plants they used.
During their excursion at EcoBahia, guests can also participate in an enrichment activity, such as making paper from recycled paper. This is an excellent option for families traveling to any of the Bahia Principe Resorts.
Hacienda Dona Isabel
Unique to the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Property, there is a large plaza with shops and even a chapel. Located close to the Grand Tulum Resort, the open-air shops and boutiques at the Hacienda Dona Isabel are the place to buy souvenirs without a trip into Tulum.
This area offers entertainment. There is also a chapel for weddings. Guests can take a shuttle to the Hacienda Dona Isabel during their stay.
Entertainment at the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya
Another top thing to do while staying at the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya All-Inclusive is to see one of its nightly shows. There is also live music at the resorts most evenings.
Origen Show
Located in the Don Raices Theatre at the Grand Tulum property, this show draws on its Mayan roots for a dazzling combination of music, acrobatics and visual imagery. Divided into acts, musicians, gymnasts and even a dancing cockroach take to the stage in an immersive experience.
Part of the Origen Show is performed above the audience. The acrobats hang feet from the ceiling, and they spin and virtually tie themselves in knots. The performance is choreographed to music and received oohs and ahhs from the filled-to-capacity crowd during my visit.
The Origen Show is an additional cost. Tickets can be reserved in advance or at the resort.
Fire Show
Located in the Hacienda Dona Isabel at the Grand Coba, a group of four performers mixed fire and acrobatics for a dazzling show in the plaza of the Hacienda Dona Isabel. This show appealed to all ages with its mix of artistry and daring acts with fire.
Using multiple lit props, the performers juggled and danced to music as they dared their fire-breathing hoops and whips. The show was fast-moving and was well worth the journey from the Luxury Akumal resort.
Excursions
When I visit the Yucatan Peninsula, I enjoy learning more about the area. During my numerous trips, I enjoyed several different excursions. Day trips can be booked at the resort.
Tulum Ruins
Surrounded by limestone walls on three sides, this Mayan city faces the water. Used as a seaport, turquoise and jade were shipped from this area.
Visitors enter the walled city via small portals. Inside, the area is large, with many buildings to see. From foundations to well-preserved buildings, my guide showed me the remnants of the frescoes that decorated the buildings during my tour.
Guests can explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum with an organized tour that provides transportation, admission, and the history of the ruins and culture of the Mayan people.
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How to Get to the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resorts
For this trip, I used the Tulum International Airport (TQO). It opened in late 2023 and receives nonstop flights from the U.S. and Canada. It offers several places to eat, an indoor playscape and a smaller duty-free area. I used a transfer arranged through the resort property, and it took about an hour to get to the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya.
You can use the Cancun International Airport (CUN). It serves over 125 worldwide destinations with nonstop service and offers a large duty-free shopping area. It is about two hours by transportation.
The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in and around the Yucatan Peninsula. Though change will be in returned in Mexican Pesos, so bring lots of smaller bills for small purchases and tips.
Safety is always important when traveling. I have a cell phone plan that includes Mexico, so I have data service. When traveling off the resort, I always know where I am going and use reputable transportation companies.
All vehicles are required to pass through a checkpoint to enter the lobby area. So passengers need to be prepared to give their name to the guard.
Disclosure:
This article was created after a media stay.
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