Explore More: Akumal, Mexico

Some friends (Olivia, Ali, and Caitlin!) and I needed a little break from the Chicago winter and headed down south, somewhere warm… Mexico! It looks like Spring Break came early! But this trip was a little different from the tequila-fueled Spring Breaks from college, although there was some tequila involved – c’mon it’s Mexico! We went to the beautiful and reserved town of Akumal, located just miles of Tulum. We used Apple Vacations to help us plan the logistics of the trip. They’re one of the largest vacation companies in the states and you can find some pretty awesome last-minute deals through them. While we still flew into Cancun (hola, freshman year!),  just an hour’s drive south of the party destination that is “Spring Break” lies the quiet and unassuming town of Akumal. We used Amstar for airport transfer to and from the airport, it was reliable and seamless. It was such an easy drive with great hospitality and drinks provided! My last brush with an all-inclusive resort didn’t leave a good taste in my mouth. It was actually a watered-down-tequila taste. So, naturally, I was a little weary of jumping back into the all-inclusive pool… but after looking into the Secrets Resorts, I was warming up to the idea. Secrets Resort Akumal Riviera Maya is located on Akumal Beach, just miles from Tulum. The property is stunning. With white stucco walls and thatch roofs, the buildings are simple and elegant. There are leafy palms and tropical flora littered all over the resort, it really felt like a slice of paradise. The calm and secluded beach was beautiful with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Right at the beach, you can snorkel (and swim!) with giant Green Sea Turtles, a major attraction for the area. The resort had some amazing activities available, and I tried to experience as many as I could during my stay. The list goes on and on, but here are just a few of the activities they offer:

• Yoga on the beach
• Snorkeling with Green Sea Turtles
• Infinity pool
• Wine tastings
• Fitness center
• Spa
• Kayaking
• Ping pong
• Tennis courts
• Bike tour into the town of Akumal
• Paddleboarding
• Beach and pool volleyball
• 24-hour room service (see below.)

As for the food, I was really impressed – shocked, actually. There are 6 gourmet restaurants located on-site, and with such a high-level of culinary, you’ll have no need to leave. Market Cafe offers an international buffet unlike any I’ve seen before – we’re talking massive. El Patio is the spot for Mexican Fare, while Portofino offers Italian cuisine and you can get your French fix at Bordeaux. Most lunches were spent at the Seaside grill, and one of my favorite meals was the pan-Asian meal at Himitsu. We had sushi, Pad Thai, and bao buns ~ I was literally in heaven. I habitually refueled at the Coco Café for my daily caffeine fix. The experience was unreal and the level of the food and service from the staff made me re-think all-inclusive stays.  This trip had me looking into other destinations that Secrets Resorts had! Let me know if you have any questions about my stay, would love to tell ya a little more about it all.

Stay Risky,

– John

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Secrets Resorts, Apple Vacations, and Amstar. All blog content, personal opinions, and creative materials contained within this post are my own.