YAY! This place is beautiful, and I love your video editing. Thank you so much for putting so much effort into these videos. It helps people like me choose where to vacation. My husband and I will be coming here for our 1st anniversary now. We were 90% sure we wanted you choose this resort, now we are 110%
I love the salt shaker, lol. I've stayed here so many times, best Secrets in Cancun. Also has the best menu for Vegan options unlike others, this place actually accommodated our vegan and gluten free preferences.
Your videos are great. I have a question about the beach. I know it’s a public beach. How does the staff know who coming and going from the resort grounds? The resort’s I’ve stayed at in the past that didn’t have a private beach tend to have problems with theft and being harassed while try to lay out on the beach. Thank you.
Thank you! They have 3 security guards. One on each end of the property and another by the main beach entrance into the property. They communicated to one another with headsets. When I on the beach one day, I kinda figured out how they worked…. they mentioned to the one who to expect. So “family of 4 blue beach bag” or “couple in a red bathing suit”. If those people didn’t come walking, they knew they had to go looking for them. One group walked up and sat down under a palapa, and the guard immediately came over and asked for their name and room number. They know who is and who isn’t a guest. They did a great job!
You two are so lucky to have flights that get you in so early. We have a direct but even though it leaves at 7:00 we don't get to CUN until 16:00 local.
hi, big fan here. how do you think secrets compares to excellence? I'm thinking in terms of food drinks and entertainment. I've reserved a room at erc but my wife still prefers dom rep in which case it would either be epc or secrets cap cana.
I think I prefer Secrets, it appears to be more consistent. I’d go SCC, that is one of their top resorts in the brand. I’m going there myself in august!
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel El Dorado Seaside Suites. I’m just going for the Flower Pot Drink. Kidding. We got a really good deal and it looks decent. Where are you off to next?
I'm going to try and make a tipping video soon, because I'm asked this all the time. I personally budget for $50-100 per day in tips. My day looks something like this: shuttle to resort $10 bellboy $5 Golf cart ride $2 (each time) morning maid $5- $10 turndown maid $5 drink service $1 per drink breakfast/lunch $5 dinner $10-$20 pool or beach concierge $5-$10 I rarely use a concierge/butler, but when I do I usually do $20 a day room service $5 (drop off and clean up) mini bar stocker $2 I also give $5 to various people I have good interactions with: musicians, men cleaning the seaweed, lobby bathroom attendant, etc. I hope that helps!
Hard to say, they are all so different! I like the resorts for different reasons. Maroma is wonderful. I do like Akumals pools much more than Maroma. I also love Cabo, but for a beach lover that resort doesn’t work well. I’m very excited to try the new Moxche in the fall!
We are planning a trip there next April '23 right now as we speak. We had previously been to Secrets Royal Beach in Dominican. Did you think this place was amazing? We haven't booked yet but are going to in the next couple of days. I just want the trip to be incredible. So I figured I would ask your honest opinion.... Thanks
I liked it! If you keep watching the remaining days you will probably get a clearer answer 🙂. If I can get you get booked, please submit a request through my website www.memoriesandmojitos.com
Hi! I was wondering when you do the transfer, and you stopped at the 7/11, did you pay extra for that? I have had times when our driver will ask if we need to pick up anything on the way and we always are gracious and kindly decline. It is new to us. Thank you so much in advance!
One thing I noticed from other Hotels and I don't know if Secrets Akumal has this problem where if you're not tipping enough they start treating you differently, for example if you're in the pool and the waiter that's passing out drinks will only keep going back and forth with the people that are tipping and completely ignore the ones that aren't, hopefully Secrets Akumal isn's like that because sometimes you feel like relaxing in the pool without any cash on hand, but you still want someone to brink you drinks.
I don’t think that’s the case, as I don’t tip every single round. Of course, those who tip vs those who never tip, may get treated slightly better. I’ve been to many resorts where mid day I get tied up talking or whatever and don’t tip as much as I’d like. I then give $10 to make up for it as I’m leaving for the day. I know many prefer to give $20 off the bat in the morning so they don’t need to hold onto money. I do not pre-tip. I like to see the service I’m getting and reward that, not buy good service.
Congrats! I really loved them both! If I had to choose, I'd probably pick Atelier for the food, but Akumal had a better atmosphere. If your in the US and you'd like my help selecting the best option for you and getting you booked, please submit a quote request: memoriesandmojitos.com/quote-request/
Hi Brittney, are you reviewing Secrets Papagayo any time in future?We‘re visiting Secrets Akumal for the second time in Ocotber. This time 13 Days. ❤❤❤ your video helped us a lot
Not on the list at the moment! We are currently booked until November 2024. So the only time we aren’t booked next year is December 2024….so you could pray hard for that to be the choice. It is high on Kevin list…
That would be awesome. Maybe we choose it next year, we wanted to go there already this year, but the flights would have been so horrible , would have been 1 stop at least
Spicy tuna or shrimp tempura is a good start! I think I had a specialty spicy tuna on the plate and kevin got the steak one. I’d eat sushi everyday! My son and I get it often 🙂 All inclusives are the best place for you to try a bunch and see what you like! VIM has a great sushi bar 🍣
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel Ha! We’ll be there in June and I didn’t want to look foolish not having ANY clue as to what sushi to order 😆 I’m making a little list of sushi suggestions to take with me. I’m adding this!
Hey Brittany!! Thank you so much for your informative and helpful videos!! I appreciate all the work you and Kevin do to make us feel like we’re there! 😂 I love the music you played during your himitsu dinner at Secrets AK, what is the song/group?
I love your videos I am currently planning to go to this hotel in August - I heard you say you had the basic room, is the only difference access to the club lounge and continental breakfast? Are you restricted to any restaurants with the Junior suites vs Preferred?
Those are basically the main differences! No lunch/dinner restrictions. I didn’t miss preferred at this location at all. Sometimes I do get it depending on the resort, but felt the money was better saved here. Thanks for watching 😊
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel this is just what I needed to hear - and from watching ALL of your videos I knew there had to be a reason why I didn't hear you say something specifically about the upgrade - I am obsessed with your videos 🙂
The salt is actually such a great idea! I would have never considered that. Is there anything else you bring that others would consider unusual? Also I know you bring pedialite and emergency, are there any other emergency items you bring or do you have a travel med bag? I'm not as an experienced a traveler and would love to know what a pro brings! Hope you two enjoyed the trip!
I bring so many unusual items! Perhaps I will make a video on that some day, because honestly, it’s too much to list here. The main thing is being any and all medications you think you might need. They are very expensive in resort gift shops, and if you need something in the middle of the night, the store won’t be open. I bring things like: bandaids, Neosporin, tums, Advil, bendedryl, DayQuil, NightQuil, Dramamine, Imodium, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, aloe, insect bite cream, Azo, tampons (even if I don’t think I’ll need them), etc.
Love your videos ! A new subscriber here :) I’m planning on surprising my partner for our five year anniversary this October ! How is the party scene at secrets ?
Thank you! I like to go to bed at 9pm, so I’m not the person to ask about parties😬 There is a disco, but that will vary by who is there during your week. Breathless is a good resort for a party atmosphere!
If I had a dollar for everything this has been asked! My packing is so precise, yet so haphazard, I don’t know how I’d film it! It does always end with me sitting on it to get it zipped 😂
Depends on how many flights land when you do! I’ve had it take less than 2 minutes, and also 2.5 hours. This time was less than 10 minutes. Baggage claim has had serious delays all year, so consider not checking a bag if you can help it.
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel thanks for responding. Why isn’t it a fair comparison? We were booked at Atelier but they had a fire this week and won’t open again til June
You’re comparing a family resort (that costs half the price of SA) to an adults only resort that is much higher rated. They just aren’t comparable to me. I’d see what your travel agent recommends for you. I can’t believe The Fives would be in the same email as Secrets Akumal. All my Atelier clients rebooked to Le Blanc, TRS Coral, Live Aqua, Unico or Secrets Moxche/Akumal/ Playa Mujeres. I’m sure you’ll land somewhere great. Best of luck.
It’s depends on your idea of nightlife. There are shows (which you will see in each video) and a nightclub. Secrets’ aren’t generally booming resorts. By midnight/1am, everyone is usually back in their rooms.
We just booked our vacation here and your vlogs helped us make our decision! Thanks for posting these!
We have been here twice. We love it there. The beach is outstanding.
YAY! This place is beautiful, and I love your video editing. Thank you so much for putting so much effort into these videos.
It helps people like me choose where to vacation.
My husband and I will be coming here for our 1st anniversary now. We were 90% sure we wanted you choose this resort, now we are 110%
Exactly why I make them! Hope you enjoy the rest. Have a blast 😬
I love the salt shaker, lol. I've stayed here so many times, best Secrets in Cancun. Also has the best menu for Vegan options unlike others, this place actually accommodated our vegan and gluten free preferences.
Enjoyed watching it. The water/ beac is beautiful. Wating for the next one😊
Looks fun. My wife and I are shopping for an all inclusive like this. Thank you for the great video.
Your videos are great. I have a question about the beach. I know it’s a public beach. How does the staff know who coming and going from the resort grounds? The resort’s I’ve stayed at in the past that didn’t have a private beach tend to have problems with theft and being harassed while try to lay out on the beach. Thank you.
Thank you! They have 3 security guards. One on each end of the property and another by the main beach entrance into the property. They communicated to one another with headsets. When I on the beach one day, I kinda figured out how they worked…. they mentioned to the one who to expect. So “family of 4 blue beach bag” or “couple in a red bathing suit”. If those people didn’t come walking, they knew they had to go looking for them. One group walked up and sat down under a palapa, and the guard immediately came over and asked for their name and room number. They know who is and who isn’t a guest. They did a great job!
You two are so lucky to have flights that get you in so early. We have a direct but even though it leaves at 7:00 we don't get to CUN until 16:00 local.
Where do you live?
hi, big fan here. how do you think secrets compares to excellence? I'm thinking in terms of food drinks and entertainment. I've reserved a room at erc but my wife still prefers dom rep in which case it would either be epc or secrets cap cana.
I think I prefer Secrets, it appears to be more consistent. I’d go SCC, that is one of their top resorts in the brand. I’m going there myself in august!
He really is catching on 😂 38 days and we’re in Mexico. The countdown is on!
Where are you staying?! My Mexico countdown is 64 days ☀️
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel El Dorado Seaside Suites. I’m just going for the Flower Pot Drink. Kidding. We got a really good deal and it looks decent. Where are you off to next?
Planet Hollywood Cancun- my sons pick. He’s bringing a friend, so it should be a wild time 😅 enjoy that flower pot drink 😬
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel ah we were considering Planet Hollywood but the prices skyrocketed by the time we booked. Have a great time!
You do NOT want to know what I paid for 4 people. It was absolutely ridiculous, but the boys already had their heart set on it. So 🤷🏻♀️
Can you tell me how much and how you tip everyone? We’ve never done all inclusive. Who do you specifically tip? How much do you give each person?
I'm going to try and make a tipping video soon, because I'm asked this all the time. I personally budget for $50-100 per day in tips.
My day looks something like this:
shuttle to resort $10
bellboy $5
Golf cart ride $2 (each time)
morning maid $5- $10
turndown maid $5
drink service $1 per drink
breakfast/lunch $5
dinner $10-$20
pool or beach concierge $5-$10
I rarely use a concierge/butler, but when I do I usually do $20 a day
room service $5 (drop off and clean up)
mini bar stocker $2
I also give $5 to various people I have good interactions with: musicians, men cleaning the seaweed, lobby bathroom attendant, etc.
I hope that helps!
Very informative. Thanks. We're going in December for our 25th Anniversary
Do you prefer this all inclusive or Unico? I trust your advice.
Overall, Akumal.
patintly waiting for day 2 lol. do you have a favourite secrets resort? I think maroma looks incredible
Hard to say, they are all so different! I like the resorts for different reasons. Maroma is wonderful. I do like Akumals pools much more than Maroma. I also love Cabo, but for a beach lover that resort doesn’t work well. I’m very excited to try the new Moxche in the fall!
I've been to Maroma several times, and hands down prefer Akumal- higher quality experience and facility is newer.
Did you pay for food at Sea Side or anywhere on the resort?
No, it’s an all inclusive resort.
Your in room tub looked really nice! I was booked here in 2020, but covid.... I'm ready to get away to somewhere...
It was huge! I never used it 🙈 hope you get to paradise soon ☀️
We are planning a trip there next April '23 right now as we speak. We had previously been to Secrets Royal Beach in Dominican. Did you think this place was amazing? We haven't booked yet but are going to in the next couple of days. I just want the trip to be incredible. So I figured I would ask your honest opinion.... Thanks
I liked it! If you keep watching the remaining days you will probably get a clearer answer 🙂.
If I can get you get booked, please submit a request through my website www.memoriesandmojitos.com
Hi! I was wondering when you do the transfer, and you stopped at the 7/11, did you pay extra for that? I have had times when our driver will ask if we need to pick up anything on the way and we always are gracious and kindly decline. It is new to us. Thank you so much in advance!
No, but I tip extra and offer a drink or snack from the store
Up to $100/day in tipping? WHAT THE HECK
How do you make payment for the shuttle? Cash or credit card? And what was the price for it? Do you pay going back to airport too?
Your travel agent will book your shuttle. Ask them for the details.
Love you videos! Where do you get the little bags for the candy bags ?
Walmart in the craft section!
One thing I noticed from other Hotels and I don't know if Secrets Akumal has this problem where if you're not tipping enough they start treating you differently, for example if you're in the pool and the waiter that's passing out drinks will only keep going back and forth with the people that are tipping and completely ignore the ones that aren't, hopefully Secrets Akumal isn's like that because sometimes you feel like relaxing in the pool without any cash on hand, but you still want someone to brink you drinks.
I don’t think that’s the case, as I don’t tip every single round. Of course, those who tip vs those who never tip, may get treated slightly better. I’ve been to many resorts where mid day I get tied up talking or whatever and don’t tip as much as I’d like. I then give $10 to make up for it as I’m leaving for the day. I know many prefer to give $20 off the bat in the morning so they don’t need to hold onto money. I do not pre-tip. I like to see the service I’m getting and reward that, not buy good service.
Hello,
What do you think is better atelier or secrets akumal? We are going on our honeymoon.
Congrats! I really loved them both! If I had to choose, I'd probably pick Atelier for the food, but Akumal had a better atmosphere. If your in the US and you'd like my help selecting the best option for you and getting you booked, please submit a quote request: memoriesandmojitos.com/quote-request/
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel I would but we are from canada, but thank you very much!! By the way in akumal is it premium alcohol?
Yes! Plenty of liquor options. I do always suggest buying a bottle at duty free if you love something in particular 😊
what is the best....maroma or akumal......thanks
Best is relative to what you enjoy, but I preferred Akumal! 🙂
Trying to decide between Akumal and Moxche, which would u recommend??
Akumal for me, but I don’t know you!
Nicely done!
Thank you 😊
Looks beautiful and fun resort. How far of a walk was your room to the beach?
7ish minutes. Not far!
Hi Brittney, are you reviewing Secrets Papagayo any time in future?We‘re visiting Secrets Akumal for the second time in Ocotber. This time 13 Days. ❤❤❤ your video helped us a lot
Not on the list at the moment! We are currently booked until November 2024. So the only time we aren’t booked next year is December 2024….so you could pray hard for that to be the choice. It is high on Kevin list…
That would be awesome. Maybe we choose it next year, we wanted to go there already this year, but the flights would have been so horrible , would have been 1 stop at least
What sushi do you recommend for someone that isn’t super familiar with it? What you had on your plate looked really good. Thanks for the help! 😊
Spicy tuna or shrimp tempura is a good start! I think I had a specialty spicy tuna on the plate and kevin got the steak one. I’d eat sushi everyday! My son and I get it often 🙂 All inclusives are the best place for you to try a bunch and see what you like! VIM has a great sushi bar 🍣
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel Ha! We’ll be there in June and I didn’t want to look foolish not having ANY clue as to what sushi to order 😆 I’m making a little list of sushi suggestions to take with me. I’m adding this!
Hey Brittany!! Thank you so much for your informative and helpful videos!! I appreciate all the work you and Kevin do to make us feel like we’re there! 😂 I love the music you played during your himitsu dinner at Secrets AK, what is the song/group?
Thank you! I’m not sure about the song. I pay for a music subscription that allows it to be used in videos 😌
I love your videos I am currently planning to go to this hotel in August - I heard you say you had the basic room, is the only difference access to the club lounge and continental breakfast? Are you restricted to any restaurants with the Junior suites vs Preferred?
Those are basically the main differences! No lunch/dinner restrictions. I didn’t miss preferred at this location at all. Sometimes I do get it depending on the resort, but felt the money was better saved here. Thanks for watching 😊
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel this is just what I needed to hear - and from watching ALL of your videos I knew there had to be a reason why I didn't hear you say something specifically about the upgrade - I am obsessed with your videos 🙂
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel who did you use for airport transfers?
I used “VIP Rivera Maya” to Akumal.
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel Thank you
The salt is actually such a great idea! I would have never considered that. Is there anything else you bring that others would consider unusual? Also I know you bring pedialite and emergency, are there any other emergency items you bring or do you have a travel med bag?
I'm not as an experienced a traveler and would love to know what a pro brings!
Hope you two enjoyed the trip!
I bring so many unusual items! Perhaps I will make a video on that some day, because honestly, it’s too much to list here. The main thing is being any and all medications you think you might need. They are very expensive in resort gift shops, and if you need something in the middle of the night, the store won’t be open. I bring things like: bandaids, Neosporin, tums, Advil, bendedryl, DayQuil, NightQuil, Dramamine, Imodium, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, aloe, insect bite cream, Azo, tampons (even if I don’t think I’ll need them), etc.
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel thank you! And yes that would be a video I would love to see! Lol
Who do you give the candy to? Can you tell me more about that? We're going next month.
th-cam.com/video/pE67MshPEcc/w-d-xo.html
Love your videos ! A new subscriber here :) I’m planning on surprising my partner for our five year anniversary this October ! How is the party scene at secrets ?
Thank you! I like to go to bed at 9pm, so I’m not the person to ask about parties😬 There is a disco, but that will vary by who is there during your week. Breathless is a good resort for a party atmosphere!
Could you do a packing video? I have no idea how you fit so much stuff in carry on! I’m a chronic over packer….lol
If I had a dollar for everything this has been asked! My packing is so precise, yet so haphazard, I don’t know how I’d film it! It does always end with me sitting on it to get it zipped 😂
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel Wish I had a $ for every time I told you to do that !
Unico or Secrets if you had to pick?
Depends what you’re after! I’d pick Secrets Akumal, for the entertainment and the beach. Unico, for the food and smaller resort with modern touches.
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel Thanks for the reply I know someone who is super excited to go, I will use the transfer company you used.
when did you go? We were thinking mid february.
April 2022
I am going here in September!
You will love it! I hope you find these videos helpful before your vacation
How was getting out of immigration? I heard stories that I could take up to a hour to get through immigration
Depends on how many flights land when you do! I’ve had it take less than 2 minutes, and also 2.5 hours. This time was less than 10 minutes. Baggage claim has had serious delays all year, so consider not checking a bag if you can help it.
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel well going to a wedding there so we need to check bag but my plane is landing 10am in cancun
Secret akumal or fives beaches and residences????
Akumal, but it’s not a fair comparison at all.
@@MemoriesandMojitosTravel thanks for responding. Why isn’t it a fair comparison? We were booked at Atelier but they had a fire this week and won’t open again til June
You’re comparing a family resort (that costs half the price of SA) to an adults only resort that is much higher rated. They just aren’t comparable to me. I’d see what your travel agent recommends for you. I can’t believe The Fives would be in the same email as Secrets Akumal. All my Atelier clients rebooked to Le Blanc, TRS Coral, Live Aqua, Unico or Secrets Moxche/Akumal/ Playa Mujeres. I’m sure you’ll land somewhere great. Best of luck.
Any night life??
It’s depends on your idea of nightlife. There are shows (which you will see in each video) and a nightclub. Secrets’ aren’t generally booming resorts. By midnight/1am, everyone is usually back in their rooms.