During Caribbean Journal’s (CJ) recent coverage of AMResorts’ inaugural “Amazing Agent Celebration,” which drew roughly 60 top selling AMResorts producers to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, we got a first-hand look at the popular Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya.

The property reopened over summer; here’s what it’s like to stay at one of AMResorts’ most popular all-inclusives in Mexico right now. 

The Rooms

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offers a total of 434 suites, many offering ocean views. Rooms are outfitted with Mexican art.

CJ stayed in a Junior Suite Tropical View room. We loved the partial views of the ocean, the beds were comfortable and the bathroom amenities were extensive. Also, the mini-bar was filled daily.

The highlight, however, was the private balcony. Other rooms in this category come with two double beds and a terrace.

Although the capacity limits at AMResorts’ hotels vary by destination, Colette Baruth, senior vice president of global commerce and distribution for AMResorts, told CJ it usually ranges from a 50-60 percent capacity cap.  

It ranges throughout Mexico for most hotels, in fact, but she did tell CJ the capacity limit in the Quintana Roo region, where Secrets Akumal is located, is 60 percent. She said this is a decision made by local law makers and not the hotels.  

The Spa Experience

The spa seemed to operate as it used to. It is recommended to make a reservation in the morning or the day before, but walk-ins are also more likely to be taken these days since hotel occupancies are much lower. 

The highlight was the hydrotherapy offerings, which we were told guests can take advantage of even if they do not get a spa treatment. 

The hydrotherapy included everything from massage beds in the outdoor pool to both hot and cold bath tubs, a large steam room, sauna and more.

Some popular treatments include the Seaweed Wrap, the Swedish Massage and the Secrets Exclusive Facial.

Restaurants

As was the case during our recent visit to Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, our favorite restaurant here was the hibachi restaurant, Himitsu. Apparently, this restaurant is consistently satisfying brand wide. 

The entertainment, like that of Secrets Royal Beach, was almost as good as the cuisine and service. 

There are no reservations for a general table at this restaurant, but if you want a seat for the cooking demonstration, a reservation needs to be made. We recommend at least 24 hours in advance or at the time of the booking. 

We also recommend the Italian restaurant, Portofino. There are no reservations required here and the tables are spaced at least six feet apart. We recommend the pasta Bolognese with a bottle of Syrah. 

Safety

Guests were recommended, but not required to wear masks. Guests have their fever tested upon arrival. 

There were so many available beach chairs. While it was sad to see any empty beach chair, it made social distancing on the beach very manageable. Again, aside from families and couples, most guests took advantage of the opportunity to socially distance.  

We even observed most guests keeping their distance in the ocean, which, like the beach, was very easy to do because of the small amount of people in the water compared to pre-coronavirus days.  

It was clear AMResorts is paying attention to every detail, as afar as safety and health protocols are concerned. For example, all remote controls in the rooms came in a plastic wrapper, as did the bathrooms amenities and utensils at restaurants. 

The remote controls are reused, said Baruth, but disinfected first before they are re-wrapped in plastic for the next guest. Speaking of disinfecting, Baruth said every bag a guest brings to Secrets Akumal is disinfected before it is brought to the rooms. She said no one goes into the bags, but just sprays the outer portion that could have been exposed. 

Entertainment

Entertainment at resorts is perhaps an even more desired amenity amid the current relates of travel, considering many travelers are often not going to want to leave their resort.

Secrets Akumal is strong in this category as the nightly entertainment we experienced from choreographed, flame-throwing dance routines to live music, a mix of American covers and Mexican originals, was impressive.  Other nightly entertainment includes bonfire parties on the beach and theme nights. 

For more, visit Secrets Akumal. 

— CJ

The post Checking in to the All-Inclusive Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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A number of hotels in Saint Lucia have launched free antigen (rapid) testing for qualified guests, following the announcement of the new CDC rule requiring testing for returning travelers to the United States. 

So far, 18 hotels on the island are now offering the free option, including Anse Chastanet; all five Bay Gardens properties; Calabash Cove; Caille Blanc; Cap Maison; Coconut Bay Jade Mountain; Ladera; Marigot Bay; Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia; Serenity at Coconut Bay; Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort; Stonefield Villa Resort and Ti Kaye. 

Travelers can make appointments for the tests once they arrive on the island, or through their hotel. 

More Saint Lucia hotels are expected to add the program in the coming weeks. 

The new CDC protocol requires all travelers to the U.S., including Americans returning from trips abroad, to show proof of a negative test within 72 hours before their return. 

For more, visit Saint Lucia. 

— CJ

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A new airline is coming to The Bahamas with a fleet of seaplanes, Caribbean Journal has learned.

It’s called COCO Bahama Seaplanes, and it’s the brainchild of Brian Hew, the chairman and founder of the legendary Kamalame Cay private-island resort off the coast of the island of Andros.

“Recovery of the Family Islands will be accelerated with the arrival of COCO and importantly, without the need for additional direct government investments to expand, rehabilitate or build new airports,” Hew said in a statement. “COCO will benefit visitors to our beautiful country and will help support a more reliable domestic travel infrastructure allowing residents to move quickly and efficiently throughout The Bahamas and reducing the burden on the government to fly to small, unprofitable markets with large aircraft.”

The 100-percent Bahamian-owned airline will have a fleet of seaplanes, two-pilot crews and “world-class safety standards,” according to the company.

While the company has not yet revealed its routes, COCO also said it planned to help expand tourism offerings for visitors in larger markets like Nassau and Grand Bahama.

COCO is already working aggressively with both independent and multinational hotels and resorts to spread tourism dollars to the Family Islands through day trips and excursions,” the company said.

COCO also will be investing in pilot development within The Bahamas, with plans for a scholarship program for young Bahamian pilots that will include a cash contribution for the flight school of their choice — and a contingent offer to join the COCO crew.

“I am pleased to welcome a new aircraft option to The Bahamas that will increase access to our islands and allow travelers to experience the secluded paradise they are looking for right now” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “I cannot help but feel proud that in these challenging times a Bahamian company such as COCO Bahama Seaplanes is prepared to invest in the future of tourism in The Bahamas. I sincerely believe that with Bahamian ingenuity and determination, we will once again take our rightful place as the destination of choice for travelers worldwide.”

The airline would complement the strong Florida-Bahamas network operated by longtime carrier Tropic Ocean Airways, which flies across The Bahamas from its base in Fort Lauderdale.

COCO’s official launch will take place in February.

For more, visit COCO Bahama Seaplanes.

— CJ

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Aruba says it has expanded its testing capabilities ahead of the new CDC mandate that all incoming travelers to the US show proof of a negative test.

Aruba tourism officials said “All necessary facilities and procedures are in place for any visitor needing to take a Covid-19 test” while in Aruba as a requirement for re-entry to their country of origin.

The island has expanded its testing facilities and has a range of hospitals and medical facilities that provide PCR tests for outbound travelers, with an average turnaround time of 24 hours, according to the destination.

Aruba’s primary testing areas are located near hotels, with appointments available in advance.

“In Aruba, we’ve been at the forefront of innovating as quickly as possible to ensure a safe, and seamless travel experience for our visitors. As such, the Aruba Government and Department of Public Health were prepared for the CDC’s new mandate that all US travelers need to provide a negative COVID-19 test and can reassure our travelers they will have easy access to testing in time for their departure,” Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority said. “All travelers coming to our One happy island can rest assured they can still visit our shores. The safety of our visitors and locals is of the utmost importance to us.”

Aruba has been open for tourism since last summer.

— CJ

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