During Caribbean Journal’s (CJ) recent coverage of AMResorts’ inaugural “Amazing Agent Celebration,” which drew roughly 60 top selling AMResorts producers to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, we got a first-hand look at the popular Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya.

The property reopened over summer; here’s what it’s like to stay at one of AMResorts’ most popular all-inclusives in Mexico right now. 

The Rooms

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offers a total of 434 suites, many offering ocean views. Rooms are outfitted with Mexican art.

CJ stayed in a Junior Suite Tropical View room. We loved the partial views of the ocean, the beds were comfortable and the bathroom amenities were extensive. Also, the mini-bar was filled daily.

The highlight, however, was the private balcony. Other rooms in this category come with two double beds and a terrace.

Although the capacity limits at AMResorts’ hotels vary by destination, Colette Baruth, senior vice president of global commerce and distribution for AMResorts, told CJ it usually ranges from a 50-60 percent capacity cap.  

It ranges throughout Mexico for most hotels, in fact, but she did tell CJ the capacity limit in the Quintana Roo region, where Secrets Akumal is located, is 60 percent. She said this is a decision made by local law makers and not the hotels.  

The Spa Experience

The spa seemed to operate as it used to. It is recommended to make a reservation in the morning or the day before, but walk-ins are also more likely to be taken these days since hotel occupancies are much lower. 

The highlight was the hydrotherapy offerings, which we were told guests can take advantage of even if they do not get a spa treatment. 

The hydrotherapy included everything from massage beds in the outdoor pool to both hot and cold bath tubs, a large steam room, sauna and more.

Some popular treatments include the Seaweed Wrap, the Swedish Massage and the Secrets Exclusive Facial.

Restaurants

As was the case during our recent visit to Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, our favorite restaurant here was the hibachi restaurant, Himitsu. Apparently, this restaurant is consistently satisfying brand wide. 

The entertainment, like that of Secrets Royal Beach, was almost as good as the cuisine and service. 

There are no reservations for a general table at this restaurant, but if you want a seat for the cooking demonstration, a reservation needs to be made. We recommend at least 24 hours in advance or at the time of the booking. 

We also recommend the Italian restaurant, Portofino. There are no reservations required here and the tables are spaced at least six feet apart. We recommend the pasta Bolognese with a bottle of Syrah. 

Safety

Guests were recommended, but not required to wear masks. Guests have their fever tested upon arrival. 

There were so many available beach chairs. While it was sad to see any empty beach chair, it made social distancing on the beach very manageable. Again, aside from families and couples, most guests took advantage of the opportunity to socially distance.  

We even observed most guests keeping their distance in the ocean, which, like the beach, was very easy to do because of the small amount of people in the water compared to pre-coronavirus days.  

It was clear AMResorts is paying attention to every detail, as afar as safety and health protocols are concerned. For example, all remote controls in the rooms came in a plastic wrapper, as did the bathrooms amenities and utensils at restaurants. 

The remote controls are reused, said Baruth, but disinfected first before they are re-wrapped in plastic for the next guest. Speaking of disinfecting, Baruth said every bag a guest brings to Secrets Akumal is disinfected before it is brought to the rooms. She said no one goes into the bags, but just sprays the outer portion that could have been exposed. 

Entertainment

Entertainment at resorts is perhaps an even more desired amenity amid the current relates of travel, considering many travelers are often not going to want to leave their resort.

Secrets Akumal is strong in this category as the nightly entertainment we experienced from choreographed, flame-throwing dance routines to live music, a mix of American covers and Mexican originals, was impressive.  Other nightly entertainment includes bonfire parties on the beach and theme nights. 

For more, visit Secrets Akumal. 

— CJ