Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal: Where Luxe Meets Laid-Back

If sipping margaritas on a Bali bed while deciding between a deep-tissue massage or a fresh plate of ceviche sounds like your idea of paradise, let me introduce you to Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal. I spent four glorious days there in March on a press trip, and as a travel expert who has lost count of her Mexico visits (and margarita count, let’s be honest), I can confidently say this resort deserves your attention—and maybe even a suitcase with extra room for a souvenir sombrero.

First Impressions: Big Resort Energy, Boutique Resort Feel

Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal is located in between Riviera Maya and Tulum. It is one of four resorts in the Bahia Principe complex like Grand Bahia Principe Tulum a Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort where I stayed previously with my kids. When I say this place is sprawling, I mean you could probably hit your daily step goal just walking from your suite to breakfast. But don’t worry, there are golf carts (and a shuttle system) to help you glide around like the VIP you are.

What sets Luxury Akumal apart is its calm, upscale vibe. It isn’t adults-only, but it somehow manages to feel like it is. The resort boasts adults-only areas, private beach sections, and a swim-up bar that practically whispers “order another pina colada.”

All-Inclusive with Zero Sacrifices

Forget everything you think you know about all-inclusive resorts. This is elevated luxury: think freshly grilled lobster, mixology-level cocktails, and staff who remember your name (and your drink order).

Guests of Luxury Akumal enjoy access to the other three resorts: Grand Tulum, Grand Coba, and Luxury Sian Ka’an. This means more restaurants, more pools, and yes, more excuses to never leave the resort.

The Rooms: Renovated and Ridiculously Comfortable

I stayed in one of the newly renovated Junior Deluxe Swim-Up Suites, and let me tell you—waking up, slipping into a swimsuit, and sliding straight into the pool is a vibe I could get used to. The rooms are modern, with earthy tones, spacious bathrooms, and those magical blackout curtains that practically demand you sleep in.

Foodie Heaven

Let’s get to the important stuff: the food.

Yum Restaurant (Luxury Akumal)

This is your breakfast go-to, and yes, the name is accurate. The buffet includes everything from tropical fruit to custom omelets to chilaquiles that could inspire poetry.

Katok (Luxury Akumal)

Think Mexican flavors with a twist. I had dinner here on the first night and tried everything I could pronounce (and a few things I couldn’t).

Ku’uk (Luxury Akumal)

A mix of local ingredients and fine-dining flair. It felt like dining in a five-star restaurant without the pressure of putting on heels.

Don Pablo (Grand Tulum)

An elegant dining experience with impeccable service. This is the spot to pretend you’re in a James Bond movie—order the filet.

Maiko (Luxury Sian Ka’an)

Japanese-Peruvian fusion. I repeat: Japanese. Peruvian. Fusion. Surprisingly delicious, extremely creative, and completely worth the reservation.

And if you’re wondering, yes, 24-hour room service is included. You’re welcome.

The Spa: Actual Heaven

After days of exploring and eating like royalty, a spa visit is mandatory. The Bahia Spa is serene, beautifully designed, and the massages are borderline spiritual. I opted for a Mayan-inspired treatment that involved hot stones, essential oils, and possibly a brief nap.

The hydrotherapy circuit was equally impressive, and I floated out feeling like a buttered croissant: warm, soft, and very happy.

Activities: From Ancient Ruins to Fire Shows

One of the best parts about staying at Luxury Akumal is the variety of activities included (or easily arranged).

EcoBahia Tour and Workshop

This was one of my favorite experiences. The EcoBahia Foundation is genuinely impressive—their work in coral reef conservation and environmental education goes beyond token greenwashing. During the tour, I learned about local flora, fauna, and how the resort repurposes waste in creative ways. It’s both eye-opening and oddly reassuring to know your vacation spot is trying to save the planet.

PGA Riviera Maya Golf Club

Whether you’re a golf lover or just like wearing cute golf skirts (guilty), this course is stunning. Lush greens, palm trees, and a peaceful atmosphere make it a great midday outing.

Origen Show & Fire Show

Held at Don Raices Theatre, the Origen Show is part storytelling, part Cirque du Soleil, and totally entertaining. If you have energy after dinner, don’t skip it.

The optional fire show at Hacienda Doña Isabel is another must-see. There’s something about watching flames dance in the night sky that pairs beautifully with a rum cocktail.

Kid Amenities

For those traveling with kids there’s a lot of kid amenities that you have access to in the Grand Tulum section of the resort. This area of the resort is named Zama, which was the original name of Tulum’s walled city. This area has an indoor/outdoor kid’s club, water playground, splash pad, and a playground with ziplines, tunnels, slides and more. 

Insider Tips

• Download the Bahia Principe App: You can book dinner reservations, check activity schedules, and avoid getting lost. Tech-savvy and sanity-saving.
• Pack Bug Spray: The eco tour is lovely. The mosquitos? Less so. In case you forget it they likely have some for you.
• Bring Dressy Clothes: A few restaurants have dress codes. Nothing extreme—just don’t show up in your pool cover-up.
• Say Yes to the Swim-Up Suite: Trust me. Once you’ve had your morning coffee poolside, you’ll never go back.
• Make sure you have a map: I got lost repeatedly it’s so big, so I highly recommend having a map handy either with the app or a paper copy.

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal delivers everything it promises and then some. It’s luxurious without being pretentious, peaceful without being boring, and it offers enough activities and dining options to keep even the pickiest traveler entertained.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a wellness retreat, or a girls’ trip, this resort ticks all the boxes. And as someone who travels for a living, that’s not a compliment I hand out lightly.

So pack your favorite swimsuit, leave your worries behind, and let Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal do what it does best: spoil you rotten in paradise.