I have just returned from a week stay at The Gran Bahia Principe Akumal with my daughter and we had a most wonderful holiday there. We only booked it on the Tuesday and flew out two days later on the Thursday as a last minute break and we loved every moment there. We were upgraded to Golden so had our own personal lobby with free computers and internet. Whilst booking in we had a free welcome drink and the Bell boys took us round to our Villa. We stayed in Villa 62, we had two large beds which were very comfortable plus super large sofa. Flat screen TV, Jacuzzi Bath/shower, table/chairs, balcony and air conditioning. The maid service was excellent with fantastic artwork with towels, a different animal made each day.
The Hotel complex is huge and you can use all the facilities in Cobra and Tulum too. It's extremely clean, no litter anywhere, the staff work very hard there. The pools are fantastic and spent much time just enjoying lazing in the pools. The food was very good, had a wide variety of choice and you certainly wouldn’t go hungry there. We only went in one of the Gourmet Restaurants, The Mediterranean and tried the Sea Bass, highly recommended. Champagne/Bucks Fizz every morning for breakfast if you desire. Look out for the animals that live in the environment, it's wonderful to see humans and animals living side by side in peace.
The Thomson/First Choice Reps were very good, we had four trips out which although were a little expensive were worth every penny. At my age 51, I was a little hessitant of this trip but there were many older people enjoying all these activites. I recommend Xplore, where you get to zip wire over the Mexican Jungle landing in under water caves in some instances. Also went rafting and swimming in the underwater caves which was amazing, truly a magical experience for both my daughter and me. Lastly drive an amphibious vehicle through the jungle, and in the caves some filled with water. Word of advice you will get soaked on the day trip but you will have the most amazing day out. All food and drinks are included too in the restaurant and they have hammocks to relax in after your meal too. Lots of photo opportunities too as they have cameras all around the site.
Second trip I recommend swim with the Dolphins, go for the Silver programme as you get the foot push from the Dolphins too. Well worth the extra money. Take extra money to purchase the video at the end and photos if you wish.
Third trip I recommend is Fat Cat Catamaran trip. Sail out to the Caribbean Barrier Reef and snorkel in the blue sea. We were lucky enough to have a giant Turtle swim right up to us, face to face with these magnificent creatures. Truly amazing. Then we had a light lunch on the boat and drinks throughout the trip. We did the Adult only trip so alcoholic drinks were flowing. We then sailed to a secluded spot where the life jackets were put on upside down, looks like you're wearing nappies. We all then jumped in to the sea and were thrown beers and we floated in the sea, drinking our beers listening to music. This was a fantastic adult only trip which they do twice a week only. The rest of the trip is for families so the children can also experience all the fun with their family.
Lastly we did the Mayan Village and walk up the Pyramid. Walking up the Pyramid will kill your legs, be warned if you’re not fit. My legs still ache but it was worth it the views are spectacular.
I will definitely be going back taking my husband and two teenage boys next time. As this was a last minute break I wasn’t expecting too much but I had the most amazing time and even my daughter wants to have her honeymoon there. I have travelled all over Europe, USA, Mauritius, and Cruised down the River Nile in Egypt and visited some wonderful parts of the world and this resort is up there with the very best. I'm looking forward to going back there as soon as possible.
