I’m glad this resort has changed names again because Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort was just too much of a mouthful at one time. Look for this resort to now be called Akumal Bay Resort (much better); however, online wholesalers are still referring to it by its older convoluted name–ABBWR. If you know the history of this resort, it used to be called Akumal Beach Resort, then did a renovation top to bottom and reopened in 2014 with a completely new look.
This resort sits on one of the most popular beaches in the Riviera Maya. Akumal Bay is best known for its multitudes of sea turtles and the ability of vacationers to snorkel with them. It is one of the most popular excursions in the Riviera Maya and guests of hotels and resorts in both Cancun and the Riviera Maya travel here in order to have the privilege of seeing them up close in the water. Several years ago Akumal Bay experienced a tumultuous time when locals fought over the rights to continue their excursion business while still protecting the turtles and the life of the reef, but I won’t be rehashing that issue in this post. Suffice it to say there are lots of new rules which have been implemented about snorkeling with the turtles and buoys now clearly demarcate where only excursion recipients may snorkel.
There are two major all-inclusive resorts which are located in Akumal Bay–Secrets Akumal and Akumal Bay Resort; while they are next to one another, they are miles apart in ambiance and price point. Akumal Bay Resort is a very casual family-friendly resort which offers select amenities which tend to attract vacationers who are there primarily for the beach and the snorkeling opportunities and not the overall resort experience. Secrets Akumal is an adults-only luxury resort experience with the added incentive of snorkeling with sea turtles.
Just a few honorable mentions in general about Akumal Bay Resort:
- 324 guest rooms
- on-site gym and spa
- four pools on the small side, but no swim-up bar in any of them
- a buffet restaurant, four a la cartes, a snack bar which is open almost 24-7, and a sushi bar which people typically rave about. Room service is complimentary and offered 24-7.
- multiple bars including two beach bars
- all rooms have an ocean view
A great opportunity for vacationers at this resort is the ability to stay in a rooftop terrace suite for a lesser price point than many other resorts with a similar room category. The Jr. Suite Penthouse may look a little spartan, but it has everything a guest needs to feel comfortable during their vacation. Be aware that the bathroom is open concept in this room category, you will have no privacy whatsoever when it comes to bathroom duties. The rooftop area is awesome with a plexiglass panel maximizing the view, a round Jacuzzi tub with a view, two full loungers, and a shade umbrella (there is no built-in shade structure up there).
Booking this room category can be done with online wholesalers (Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, etc.). If you book via the resort’s website it will take you to Apple Vacations and you can book your room there (a booking through Apple will get you free shared transportation), or you can book through your trusted travel agent. If you want more info on this resort you can join the Friends of Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort Facebook group–I have found the resort’s website to be less than adequate in knowing what’s available when planning a vacation here.
Below is a video of the penthouse jr. suite–what do you think? Would you book this resort and this room category? Let us all know what you think in the comments section below.