Riviera Maya is one of the most popular destinations in the world for its gorgeous beaches. It's also highly sought after for the wide variety of attractions, services, and unique accommodations. Travelers can hand pick their vacation rental and customize their experience to their liking. Akumal in particular has quickly become the go-to spot for friends and families looking for a private getaway without the large crowds and even larger pricing.
One guest decided to return to Akumal with her family of 16 and stay in a private villa after 14 years. Upon returning home she sat down and wrote in extensive detail about traveling with local companies like LocoGringo and Akumal Direct. Here's what she and her party had to say about their experience.
Akumal Direct/Loco Gringo
Villa Turquesa Akumal South
July 2 to July 9 A perfect week’
A big part of what made this the perfect vacation was the lightning-fast, competent, and friendly service I received from David at Akumal Direct. We have visited the area many times but have only rented a house twice, the first was 14 years ago thorough LG and went perfectly. This trip was a major one for us as it took 2 years to co-ordinate 16 people and an infant but David was instrumental in making it run flawlessly. He arranged everything but the airfare which we did through a credit card company so we would all be on the same flight.
Our first meal on arrival was delicious fajitas prepared gratis by the homeworkers. About ½ of us were vegetarians and they accommodated them beautifully and cleaned the kitchen. David from Akumal Direct arranged for us to have an in-home Chef Company for the next four meals and everyone was outstanding they managed to make everything vegetarian, which the meat eaters enjoyed, with one entrée of meat, poultry or fish and sometimes the side of meat to add to the veggie dishes.
Everything was fresh, not a box or package in sight.
They too left the kitchen spotless and made some interesting nonalcoholic drinks for dinner. Price was about what you would spend going out to dinner every night and I found Chef Daveed very easy to deal with and amiable to some negotiation. He even gave us a 5% rebate because they didn’t spend it all on groceries. We had 2-3 cooks every night and they were all friendly, super people who treated our grandkids as their own when they were being a little annoying,
David also arranged the hotel transfers which were only around $500/rt it included two vans that were clean and comfortable, one of which stopped at Wal-Mart for about 45min so we could get some groceries. I thought the price was very fair. We needed a car for 5 of the 7 days and David at Akumal Direct arranged for that to be delivered Sunday at 9 am, when it didn’t arrive on time, I waited until 11 to call him, and even on his day off he had the car there within a ½ hour. Thank you, Super Dave!
This is an outstanding property that is one of the few places the pictures don’t do it justice; the rooms are bigger than they look in the pics and the view is outstanding from sunup to sundown. The master suite was enormous, 6 people could have stayed in it comfortably. Although this is in a security-protected neighborhood at no time do you feel as though you have neighbors. The foliage and high natural fencing make it feel like your own little part of the jungle. One of the nicest places I have ever stayed and my 16 family members agree. The pool is on the small side but at no time did any of us feel in the slightest crowded, even with 6 kids in most of the day.
The housekeepers were as if they weren’t even there but the house just magically became spotless every day. We all thank them and hope they enjoyed the cards the kids made for them.
On our 5th night, we ate pizza at Taverna Akumal, which I can highly recommend. We got 8 pizzas some were vegetarian which they loved, not just steamed mushrooms but really tasty food combinations. The bill with tips, that seem to please our excellent servers was just a bit over $200. Someone else paid the drinks bill but I think it was about the same.
The Beach
Lolli and the kids made a new friend. They didn’t understand each other’s language but had a blast together.
It was a very short walk to an open spot to launch the kayaks, and paddle boards and just swim so we have no complaints. I did find on the left side of the house you could walk up and avoid the 3 flights of steps in the front. Again, a minor issue, and should not put you off.
I would 100% recommend this house for vacation and point out that going through Akumal Direct will enhance your vacation tremendously.
Learn More About Akumal
This small village on the coast of the Yucatan peninsula is known for its low-key Caribbean Vibes and resident sea turtles. It is also centrally located between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum allowing guests to explore more of Riviera Maya on their own. Travelers from all over the globe prefer this destination for its family-friendly atmosphere and accessibly priced vacation rentals ranging from beach studios to luxury villas. Contact us to find more information and details about planning a vacation to Akumal with our team of local experts.