zootsi

We just got back from a week in Playa Del Carmen and Akumal and had a fabulous time. Since we are not the AI or big resort type, we stayed at small beachfront hotels. Both areas are totally different in feel, but we loved them both. We were pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of the people, and safety and cleanliness of the area. Big scale development is rampant, however. I can try and answer any questions you may have.

JuliePA

We did this same trip a couple of years ago - stayed mostly in Akuaml at Vista del Mar just a couple of nights in PDC - the snorkelling in Akumal is fantastic - did you snorkel at Yal Ku? Was the Turtle Bay Bakery (I think that was the name) still there - they had the best breakfasts!

Glad to hear you liked the area - sorry to hear that the "big scale development" is still going on.

zootsi

We did basically the same thing - 3 nights in PDC, 4 nights at the Vista Del Mar. Yes, the Turtle Bay Bakery is still there and the breakfasts are great. We ate most of our meals at the Buena Vida which we loved. Yal Ku lagoon is truly amazing. We had a long talk at the Bakery with the guy who heads up the environmental office in Akumal; apparently there could be a major development on the other side of the lagoon. He's also not happy about the modern sculptures that have been placed around the lagoon.

MWNY

Where did you stay in Playa? Also, I'v taken day trips to Akumal and I think it is beautiful but what is it like in the evening? Would you recommend for a single woman to stay there?

zootsi

In Playa we stayed at the Treetops , which is a small hotel about 1/2 block from Playa's nicest section of beach. The hotel was clean, very roomy and fairly quiet (except for the noisy parrot!), and had a jungle like courtyard.
Akumal at night was pretty quiet. There was a beach party with a live band at the Buena Vida one night, but in general there's not too much going on. I can't see a problem with a single women staying there, it seemed perfectly safe - just not too much night life.

SweetD

We are heading down to Akumal in December. I have stayed at Caribe but not impressed. Looking at staying at Oasis Akumal. What do you think?

RobertSDF

Nice to know that you enjoyed Treetops. I have known Bill and Sandy (the owners)from almost the time they first bought the place. Really a nice place with many repeat customers.

SweetD

The Turtle Bay Cafe is unbelievably great. Just when you think you'd had enough of the "omelette bar". Talk a short walk and MmmMMmm! La Buena Vida, "The Good Life" is also an awesome place to swing and drink then go upstairs and eat an incredible meal.The view of Half Moon Bay is beautiful.
We are heading back to Akumal this December. Going to stay at Akumal Beach Resort. Any comments? [email protected] would be appreciated. Have 2 kids 15 & 17

zootsi

Robert, apparently Bill and Sandy are selling the Treetops, they feel it's time for a change.

Ryberg

Well a lot of hotel owners are theoretically in a perpetual selling mode down here, and still never sell (or don't do so for years). It's a sort of anything's-for-sale-for-the-right-price effect. Hard to imagine Bill & Sandy not there...

Steve

frydom

in reply to SweetD about going to Akumal in December. We went to Akumal about a year ago, and stayed at the Oasis Akumal. It has one of the best beaches in the area as there is a big coral reef in that specific part that blocks all big waves and the water is very shallow and very clear. It was perfect for snorkeling and wading. The hotel was great, too. The staff was so friendly, and we had an all around wonderful time.

NanfromNapanee

We stayed in Akumal from Feb 19 to the 16. What a lovely place. We rented a condo over the internet through vrbo.com. It was Lol Ka'naab. We stayed in the Penthouse Suite which was absolutely gorgeous. The maid service was fantastic. The caretaker and his wife were super nice. The snorkeling in the bay is great. We took day trips to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Hidden Worlds. We also went to Yalku Lagoon. Luckily we got there early enough before the skads of tours showed up. The Restaurants we went to were all fantastic. "LOL HA, Turtle Bay, Oscar Y Lalo's at Soliman Bay, and Cuevo de la Pescador. The biggest thing we've learned is though to take either $Usd or traveller's cheque or get lots of pesos. Visa is not accepted very many places. We can't wait to go back.