This sleek all-suite, all-inclusive resort dotted with pools and fire-pits occupies a plum spot on a beach that was listed among TripAdvisor®’s top 10 in Mexico, and fittingly – given that ‘Akumal’ means ‘place of the turtles’ – it’s a prime place for sea-turtle spotting and snorkelling within view of these spellbinding creatures just metres offshore (courtesy goggles provided).

There’s all manner of fun ways to spend time together at the resort, including bike tours, meet-the-chef sessions, Spanish and dance classes, and water sports. But there are plenty of enticements to simply kick back and relax too, whether at the beachfront infinity pool or the swim-up bar, in nine tempting restaurants, in the first-rate spa, or in your chic suite – some of which offer swim-up access.

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya’s Unlimited-Luxury® package goes way beyond what you’ll experience at most all-inclusives, including waiter service by the pools and on the beach, reservation-free à la carte dining, 24-hour room and concierge services, and a vast array of brilliant daytime activities, live evening entertainment and themed parties.

Just a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen’s famous Quinta Avenida, this expansive resort boasts an array of international flavours amongst its culinary offering, from over a dozen restaurants and bars. There’s à la carte Italian dining at Allora, plant-based flavours of Southeast Asia served poolside at Bamboo, and authentic Mexican delicacies from Dos Almas to name but a few. Each of the 485 lavish suites have a contemporary feel with luxurious amenities, in-room rolling bar and stunning views.

When it’s time to unwind, head to the Spa By Pevonia® to treat yourself with one of the pampering facials and massages, or take a dip in the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit. There are cooling instant relief treatments to soothe burnt skin, that utilise water lily wraps, and hot stone massages that deliver deep tissue therapy without the need for heavy pressure.

Hosting everything from mixology lessons to zen-inducing yoga, and from sommelier-led wine-tastings to beach parties, the first-built of Cancun’s four adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets resorts is the perfect place for a spot of seclusion away from the crowds yet lies within easy reach of the famous local nightlife, restaurants and shopping.

Its chic contemporary rooms and suites with their lagoon or sea views, and its seven restaurants including a laid-back poolside grill, give you all the reasons in the world to hole up and enjoy each other’s company in the knowledge that just about everything is taken care of in your Unlimited-Luxury® package. There is a fabulous spa, too, with a unique design inspired by local cenotes and a vast menu of state-of-the-art solo and couples’ treatments using local chocolate, green coffee and seaweed.

Renovated for its 2021 reopening, with a new family water park, new beachfront swim-out suites and new yoga room among its fresh offerings, this extensive all-suite resort with its architecture and decor inspired by ancient Mayan culture offers the famous Unlimited-Luxury® all-inclusive package to couples, families and groups. This includes reservation-free dining in eight restaurants (one adult-only), unlimited top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service and a daily-replenished mini-bar.

With such a vast array to do here, your only problem will be knowing where to start: among your options are water sports on a lovely beach, big-screen movies on the sand, golf on nearby championship courses and excursions to the likes of Akumal (famed for its nesting sea turtles) the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum and the X-Caret ecological/archaeological theme park.