Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun vs Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Couples set on the Secrets brand in the Riviera Maya usually narrow it to these two: the best-beach flagship at Maroma vs the newer, lusher property beside Akumal village. Same Unlimited-Luxury inclusions, very different settings.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
At a Glance
| Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun | Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Rating | 4.7 ★ | 4.7 ★ |
| Google Reviews | 4,547 | 4,757 |
| Price Range | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Resort Type | Adults Only | Adults Only |
| Location | Playa Maroma, Mexico | Akumal, Mexico |
| Rooms | 412 | 434 |
| Brand | Hyatt | Hyatt |
| Vibe | Green, Romantic | Modern, Romantic |
| Room Upgrades | Swim-Up Rooms, Plunge Pool Rooms, Over Water Rooms, Preferred Club | Swim-Up Rooms |
What Real Travelers Say
Distilled from real traveler discussions and reviews for each resort.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
What travelers love
- +Maroma Beach is regularly ranked among the top 10 beaches in the world - pristine white sand, calm turquoise water, and never overcrowded
- +The most romantic Secrets resort according to most travelers - intimate size, gorgeous grounds, and a dreamy couples atmosphere
- +Overwater bungalows (first in Mexico) are a bucket-list experience with glass floors, private plunge pools, and direct ocean access
- +Smaller property creates an exclusive, boutique feel where staff learn your name and preferences within the first day
- +Exceptional spa that takes advantage of the jungle setting with outdoor treatment rooms and a cenote-inspired hydrotherapy area
Common complaints
- −Overwater bungalows are extremely expensive ($1,500-3,000+/night) and book months in advance
- −The smaller size means fewer restaurant options, fewer pools, and less variety than larger Secrets resorts
- −Preferred Club is practically required to access the best areas, adding significantly to an already premium price
- −Some travelers find the intimate size boring after 4-5 days - there's simply less to do than at Moxche or Cap Cana
- −Active construction from July 18 through November 30, 2026 - an entirely new signature Jungle Pool area is being built and the Sugar Reef Bar redesigned (existing pools stay fully operational), and restaurant kitchens are being rebuilt August 22 to November 30 with affected menus temporarily relocated to other venues
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
What travelers love
- +World-class snorkeling right off the beach - swim with sea turtles daily without paying extra or booking a tour
- +Exceptional service that travelers describe as 'royalty treatment' - staff clean your sunglasses, remember your name, and deliver drinks to your chair
- +Three large pools including a beloved 'quiet pool' with spa music, so you never fight for a chair
- +Lush jungle-like grounds that feel like a private oasis, with winding paths and dense vegetation
- +No restaurant reservations required - just walk in, which travelers love compared to other resorts
Common complaints
- −Sit-down dinners can take a very long time, and popular restaurants have 30-60 minute waits if you arrive after 7pm
- −Need to arrive at the beach or pool before 9:30am to guarantee a good chair, especially in peak season
- −Only one espresso bar (Coco Cafe) which always has a long line - nowhere else to get proper espresso drinks
- −Swim-out rooms can be cold in winter months (November-February) and lack privacy once you're in the shared pool
- −The resort is so large and winding that it's easy to get lost when you first arrive
Amenity Differences
Only at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Nothing Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya doesn't also have.
Only at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
- Heated Swimming Pool
The Verdict
Maroma is the serenity pick — a wide, consistently top-ranked beach and a quieter, more secluded feel. Akumal is the experience pick: snorkeling with wild sea turtles right off the beach, dense jungle landscaping, a walkable village next door, and typically a slightly lower rate. Beach purists and honeymooners chasing quiet go Maroma; snorkelers and couples who like leaving the resort for tacos go Akumal.
Choose Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun if…
You want the most beautiful, serene beach the brand offers and total seclusion from towns and crowds.
See Full Details & ReviewsChoose Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya if…
Swimming with sea turtles, lush jungle grounds, and strolling into Akumal village beat a few extra points of beach ranking — especially at a lower price.
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