By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
I just spent five glorious days at a business conference in Riviera Maya. Usually “glorious” does not go with “business conference.” But it does when you are staying at Secrets Akumal, an adults-only all-inclusive resort near Tulum.
Secrets is part of the AM Resorts group and promises “unlimited luxury.” This resort delivers on that promise and includes full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day. It has bottomless fruit juices and soft drinks, international and domestic premium beer and top-shelf spirits, nightly entertainment, three swimming pools, a fitness center, currency exchange, concierge services and taxes.
Expansive, yet private due to a lush and tropical garden atmosphere, this resort is a five-star property offering swim-out suites, a beautiful beach and VIP treatment. The world’s second largest barrier reef lies less than a mile offshore. It’s is an all-suite property, with private balconies or terraces, 42-inch satellite TV with smart system, iPod docking station, spacious bathrooms with shower and whirlpool for two, bathrobes and slippers, coffee maker and mini-bar refreshed daily.
There are multiple pools, including beachside pools with swim-up bar that becomes active later in the afternoon. A massive quiet pool near the spa features floating mats provided by the resort for your own private Zen moments. A sports bar with billiards or drinks served to your lounge chair are served by attentive staff.
Dining venues do not require reservations at any of seven restaurants, including an Argentinian steakhouse, seafood, pan-Asian, market café, Italian, wine cellar and French spot. A 24-hour coffee house is a nice touch for early morning departures and early risers.
All food is excellent (my favorite was soups and desserts) and allergies are taken seriously. Room service is available 24 hours as well. Entertainment is both authentic and unexpected, including an AkumArt show put on by local artisans and a Beatles retrospective with a great setting around the pool. Rock bands perform later at night in a theater and a disco is available.
The spa is on a grand scale with an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit and luxurious treatment rooms offering signature massages and facials, with a full beauty salon.
If you are planning a special event, such as wedding, shower, bachelor party or conference, this resort does events right. They have an average of five events going on each night, but each private event is in a protected lush garden area, or high above and looking over the property – and you have no idea that you are not the only event of the evening.
Although the resort is 60-90 minutes from Cancun Airport, its only 20 minutes from Tulum and 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen and Xcaret – accessible to all the top excursions.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.