Back to All Resorts
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya 1
1 / 5

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Akumal, Mexico
4.7(4,757 reviews)
Adults Only

Check availability at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Your dates carry over to every other resort you look at.

Check Availability

We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. This never affects which resorts we list or how we rank them.

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Akumal, Mexico with 434 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Buffet Dining, Diving, Free Wi-Fi and Gym. Travelers rate it 4.7/5 across 4,757 Google reviews.

Price Range
$$$$
Rooms
434
Brand
Hyatt

Atmosphere

ModernRomantic

Room Upgrades

Swim-Up Rooms

Amenities

Beach
Buffet Dining
Diving
Free Wi-Fi
Gym
Heated Swimming Pool
Nightclub
Nightly Entertainment
Room Service
Snorkeling
Spa
Swim-Up Bar
Tennis
Walk-In Dining Available
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Girls Trip
Solo Travel
Babymoon

Quick answers

Is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya adults only?
Yes — Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an adults-only resort, so children are not accommodated.
Where is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is in Akumal, Mexico. Its address is México 307 Km 254-+ 600, 77760 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico.
How many rooms does Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya have?
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya has 434 rooms.
Is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya all-inclusive?
Yes — Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.

Traveler Insights(2,892 discussions)

Secrets Akumal is one of the most talked-about all-inclusive resorts online, and for good reason. It's an adults-only property that hits a sweet spot between luxury and approachability. The standout feature everyone mentions is the snorkeling - you literally walk off the beach into a protected turtle sanctuary and swim alongside sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish without spending an extra dime. Multiple travelers describe it as a place they'd 'happily spend every vacation for the rest of their life,' and repeat visitors are common. The vibe is relaxed, romantic, and grown-up without being stuffy or boring.

The service consistently gets the highest marks. Staff remember returning guests by name, pool concierges will find you chairs and clean your sunglasses, and the building concierges help with everything from restaurant timing to airport transfers. The food is described as 'really good for an all-inclusive' - think solid mid-tier restaurant quality rather than fine dining. The hibachi and the poolside pop-up lunches (especially the quesadillas and tacos) get specifically called out as highlights. Three distinct pool areas mean you can always find your vibe, whether that's social energy or the quiet pool with its zen spa music.


This resort is ideal for couples in their late 20s to 50s who want a beach vacation that's more than just lying around. If snorkeling, nature, and a calm atmosphere matter more to you than wild nightlife or Instagram-perfect pools, Akumal is your place. Budget-wise, it sits in the upper-mid tier of Mexican all-inclusives - less expensive than Le Blanc or Xcaret Arte, but a clear step up from Riu or basic chains. The nearby Mayan ruins at Coba and Tulum plus local cenotes give you easy day-trip options if you want to explore.

Pros

  • +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
  • +Nightly entertainment and outdoor shows with full buffet meals are consistently praised as surprisingly good
  • +In-room jacuzzi tubs that couples rave about using every night with room service
  • +Walkable to the town of Akumal for a taste of local life outside the resort

Cons

  • 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
  • Aggressive timeshare sales pitches at check-in and through breakfast invitations to other properties
  • Sargassum seaweed can be an issue on the beach, though staff work hard to clear it
  • Wedding coordination and planning through the resort has been frustratingly unresponsive for some couples

Common Questions

Can you really snorkel with sea turtles right from the resort beach?
Yes, this is the real deal. The resort sits on Akumal Bay next to a protected sea turtle sanctuary. You can walk right into the water with a mask and snorkel and see turtles, tropical fish, rays, and coral reef. Most guests report seeing 3-6 turtles per day. Snorkels cost $4 to buy (you keep them), and masks and vests are free to borrow for one hour at a time. There's also a guided tour in the restricted sanctuary zone, but many travelers prefer just going on their own.
Is the swim-out room upgrade worth it?
Most travelers say no, especially in winter. The swim-out pool can be cold from November through February, and once you're in the shared pool there isn't much privacy. The resort's main pools are already beautiful and spacious. Several guests recommend putting that money toward Bali beds ($100/day) or a spa treatment instead. The in-room jacuzzi tub is available in most room types and gets more use than the swim-out.
How is the food compared to other all-inclusives?
Travelers consistently rate the food as 'above average for an AI' but not fine dining. One memorable comparison: 'the food quality I'd expect of a midsize city in Ohio.' The hibachi restaurant is the hardest to get into and a fan favorite. Poolside pop-up lunches (quesadillas, tacos, grilled items) are surprisingly good. The breakfast buffet gets solid marks. The biggest tip: arrive at restaurants early (before 6:30pm) to avoid long waits, and check out the themed evening buffet shows which are excellent.
Do I need to worry about sargassum seaweed?
Sargassum varies by season. It's worst from May through September. The resort staff work constantly to clear it from the beach, but during peak seaweed season they can't always keep up. If sargassum is a concern, visit November through April. Even during seaweed season, the snorkeling is largely unaffected since you go out beyond the beach area.
Is this resort good for solo travelers or just couples?
While it's heavily couples-oriented, solo travelers do visit and enjoy it. Rooms with two beds are available. The no-reservation restaurant policy means you never feel awkward waiting alone, and the snorkeling gives you a great solo activity. That said, the romantic atmosphere means you'll be surrounded by couples, so it depends on your comfort level with that.
How does Secrets Akumal compare to other Secrets resorts?
Travelers consistently rank Akumal as one of the top Secrets properties, usually alongside Maroma and Moxche. Akumal wins on snorkeling and beach (hands down), Maroma wins on the beach beauty and romantic vibe, and Moxche wins on modern aesthetics and pool design but has a worse beach. Many travelers have been to multiple Secrets and keep coming back to Akumal specifically for the turtle snorkeling and the service culture.

Google Rating

4.7(4,757 Google reviews)

Google Reviews

Nikki
a week ago

My family all went with our spouses and had on of the best trips ever! My mom is amazing at finding the best places and she’s outdone herself finding this resort. It was my partners 6 year anniversary and my brother’s birthday and they made it so spe...

Liz B.
a week ago

Just back this morning, had the best time at Secrets Akumal, i miss it already, first from the lobby blows you away and from there it just gets better! The service, the rooms, the food and entertainment is perfect! What an experience always something...

Salisha V.
a month ago

My Husband and I visited the resort for our late honeymoon and were blown away by the service. Before we had even arrived, we were contacted by the incredible Cici who reached out to confirm any dietary requirements (We are both Vegetarians, and i ha...