Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal

**(If you skip this review - must read at end) A friend and I were originally scheduled to stay at the Bahia Copa but requested an upgrade. The rooms we were shown at the Copa and Akumal were very similar, but the Akumal is closer to the ocean and the room we ended up with was a minimal walk to the infinity pool and adults only beach - pure heaven. No seaweed and beautiful, clear water. The geotube like barrier broke the waves and allowed a nice, calm current to come in and out. Water was so clear you can see the fish that hang around the jetty without sticking your head under. We only had 3 full days and they were spent lounging. Saturday was our first full day and I assume the most common check in/check out day. The beach and pool were fairly quiet. Sunday we noticed more crowds at both the beach and pool and also noticed there was now someone serving at the beach - almost perfect! A bar on this beach would have made it perfect. The upgrade allowed us to travel, eat and drink anywhere on the compound and allowed us specialty restaurants each night. Of course nothing was available our first night but we did book the remaining 3. There appears to be set seating times with limited capacity so if you want 6 or 7 , you need to try to book as soon as possible. We ate at the Gran Tortuga - Rodizio (churrasco) which was very good, Don Pablo - very good and Cozumel - not so good. We did not care for the steak at all. The Cozumel did not get out spirits down because just prior to eating there, we visited the newly opened Sports Bar off the Akumal lobby. So much fun and delicious fish tacos and nachos. In hindsight we should have skipped dinner and had a second round of tacos. There was a comment that food was not supposed to be eaten at the bar - I hope they do away with that policy. The bar is big and should be able to handle both. Maybe its a night time thing only? Not sure, but do not think you should have to leave the bar to eat. Shout out to Miguel for being a great bartender that night. Breakfast and lunch was always in the Akumal buffet by the infinity pool. At night this was posing as two restaurants, I think one was under renovation. The food was typically the same each day - but it was good and we enjoyed the atmosphere. The staff was attentive and always asked mimosa - at breakfast and cerveza - at lunch. Speaking of cerveza... 1 brand - 2 types Dos Equis pale/regular and Amber. Amber was by far the better tasting of the beer and of course they ran out at times. First experienced at the adults beach/infinity pool - part way in on Saturday or on Sunday (cannot remember). I was able to get it in the restaurant for lunch. We also checked out the swim up bar at the pool near the lobby - no amber. However, Alessio(?) was a fabulous guy and asked someone to bring the amber from another bar. Thanks to our new friends who shuttled the beer across the pool, I had my amber at the swim up bar. Fun afternoon! We really didn't look for entertainment however Caesar at the infinity pool was awesome. Played Bingo poolside with him and caught a little of his aqua aerobics. He's hilarious and ensures people have a good time. He kind of reminded me of Ramone from the Proposal movie (Sandra Bullock/Ryan Reynolds) - if you've seen the movie, you know. One night we went to The Hacienda, a shopping area on property. At first you are dropped at a flea market type area, a little disappointed for the build up. But walking beyond, you enter an open air courtyard surrounded by stores and a bar. The Casino is also here. It was a nice night to walk around. Watch and participate in Karaoke - no professionals there!! ** After reading all the reviews, I cannot believe I did not read anywhere to BRING YOUR OWN INSULATED MUG!!! The plastic cups of beer are tiny and get warm fast. The mixed drinks get warm and sloppy quick. We were too cheap to purchase $24 mugs poolside. Slightly cheaper in the Hacienda, but nothing less than $10. Remove clothes if you must - fit them in your luggage!

Doing a week in Akumal. Staying at the luxury bahia principe Absolutely beautiful resort. Great location. The staff are friendly helpful and fun. Great entertainment with siso and angelo at the infinity pool. The beach is beautiful. The buffet is mediocre, book your a la Carter asap. Go see the nightly shows at the diffirent resorts. Many are outside and worth the shuttle ride. Shopping is not great. But the odd deal is to be found and be ready to barter. Our room is perfect. And a few pesos in the fridge get you a couple of extra cervesa. Tip the cleaning staff. They will make it worth it. Overall this place restored my ambition to travel to mexico again. But the Cancun airport needs to change. 800 plus people in line with 3 immigration officers is wrong. 6 hours to get to our hotel is far too much. And the hotel should try harder to ensure missed transport is available for the guests. Fix these few things and you are in paradise. Try it and enjoy the wonderful people and beach4s of mexico.