Las Villas Akumal

Akumal Bay Beach is known for its soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and great snorkeling (sea turtle sightings are common). Over the years word has spread, and the once quiet and relaxing beaches have become littered with tourists, and the waterline speckled heavily with snorkeling tour boats shuttling hundreds of snorkel-masked turtle peepers a day. With the influx of tourism, many long-time visitors lament the loss of a once tranquil and “secret” place. Luckily, development hasn’t spread too far, and just a few minutes down the road guests at Las Villas Akumal can still get a taste of Akumal’s quiet side.From the highway, an unmarked dirt road leads down toward the water -- and a few beachside villas. Las Villas Akumal is clearly marked by a large white and blue flag, verdant grounds, and condos with slightly dated exteriors. Iguanas scurry into holes in the ground or sunbathe on the pavement out front. There's no lobby, just a motel-style glassed-in front desk at the start of a hallway leading towards the pool and beach. The property is quiet, even with kids running around, as most people are on their private terraces, reading by the pool, or soaking in sun on the beach loungers. This is not a party spot, but the large units, which have up to three bedrooms, have pretty good sound control indoors -- and the strong winds take care of the ambient or neighbor noise in the evenings. It's an ideal spot (and total bargain in larger units) for families or couples looking for a quiet getaway along a beautiful (if rocky) coastline. 

Just a few minutes south of the main exit for Akumal Beach, Las Villas Akumal is located down an unmarked dirt road off Highway 307 (on the northbound side). Public transportation only drops riders off at the highway, so you’ll need to grab a cab or rent a car (or take a hard and bumpy 15-minute walk) to get to the hotel’s reception. Because of the off-highway location, there’s not much in walking distance, although the town center can be reached within a 30-minute walk north along the beach. Cancun Airport is about an hour-and-15-minute drive north, Playa del Carmen is around 30 minutes north, and the beachside ruins of Tulum are about 20 minutes south -- all directly off main Highway 307. Popular adventure parks like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor, are all conveniently located off the main highway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

All 26 individually owned villas are simple and clean and have a true beach house vibe. Units are spacious with contemporary decor, white walls, and wicker furniture, but beware of some of the floor tiling which can have rough spots made of decorative sand and pebble mosaics. The one-, two-, or three-bedroom oceanfront rooms are the brightest, with great sunrise and sunset views from massive porches sporting swinging chairs; each has a full kitchen with a four-burner gas stove, microwave, coffeemaker, and enough gadgets, cups, and dishes for blending up drinks or serving a feast. There are separate living and dining areas and full bathrooms off each bedroom. Junior Suites are noticeably smaller in comparison and have truncated kitchens (that are still equipped enough to fully self-cater). Note that ground-level units get less sunlight and can feel dim and cave-like. They also lack the homey beach condo vibe of the larger units, but are a great budget option along the coast.

Unlike Akumal Beach central, the beach area at Las Villas still feels private and is far less trodden by tourists. Thanks to the location a 30-minute trek away from the center along the sand, even during peak season it’s rare to get too many people walking along the beach just behind the hotel. This frees up the view, the vibe, and the loungers for Las Villas guests only. Multiple stone paths lead toward the beach and are punctuated with small water pools to clean your feet upon return. Sunsets are great (and sunrises better) though it can get windy in the evening hours. 

Features at Las Villas Akumal are bare bones and simple but, thanks to the hotel’s slightly secluded location, welcome. Between the beach and the villas, the hotel has a nicely landscaped grassy area and two small pools -- a shallow one with seats and jets and a larger (but still relatively small) swimming pool. From late morning until just after sunset, a small poolside hut opens as a bar. There’s also free kayak and snorkel gear rental at the front desk. Just up a floor from the reception desk, guests will find a small and simple spa with body and massage treatments, and a basic open-air restaurant, La Vista Azul, overlooking both the pool and the beach. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is the spot where guests can grab their share of the free breakfast buffet (or order off the menu). Street parking and high-speed Wi-Fi are free.