For those who follow ALG Vacations®, sneak peeks are never far off on the horizon. Recently on the radar? Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, a stunning, super-sized property that shares its seawater with the turtles it’s named after and recently, the setting for ALGV’s Pros in Paradise event and where Jacki Marks, ALGV’s Global Head of Trade Brands, and Carson Kressley, our Travel Advisor Champion, held their most recent Facebook Live.

If you missed the Facebook Live session, don’t worry! Watch it here.

But of course, sneak peeks are only glimpses – teasers at best when a resort has a lot to offer. Even with attendees posting from the resort April 14-17 on this social media-focused FAM and tagging the trip (#ALGVProsInParadise and #TravelAdvisorsGetYouThere) from touchdown in the new Tulum airport (TQO) to renovation coverage at Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, these snippets are separate snapshots from the overall experience. They’re great to give you an idea of the vibe and bring you into the experience, but with a longer format like TravelBlogue, we’re able to go into the details. 

So to tide you over until you can get there yourself, here’s what you should know was happening off-camera, behind the scenes, and in the background of that Facebook Live.

The Rooms

With 752 rooms and suites available, including categories for adults only and locations overlooking the ocean, choosing accommodations is only a matter of (great) taste. Family-friendly categories include Jr. Suite Superior rooms with assorted views and available connectivity; Jr. Suite Deluxe swim-ups; and the new Junior Suite Premium and Two-Bedroom Suites, the latter of which offers a maximum four adult occupancy, plus children, as opposed to the usual three.

For those ages 18 and up, options open up to Junior Suite Deluxe and Junior Suite Deluxe Oceanfront rooms.

In all categories, guests can expect a balcony or terrace, free WiFi, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, satellite TB, and in-room amenities such as slippers, bathrooms, a pillow menu, and bathroom toiletries, and a stocked included minibar. Compliments of the all-inclusive plan, guests of any Bahia Principe Luxury property get unlimited à la carte dinners at specialty restaurants, too.

The Dining

Speaking of dinner, how does seven on-site restaurants sound? If the answer is, “like a lot,” then the actual number of available venues will be revelatory. That grand total is 25, since Luxury guests are able to dine around freely (buffets excluded) at Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, and the adults-only Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an. However, with live cooking stations and global themes highlighted for Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, no guest is short of choice at this base resort’s buffet.

It's the specialty restaurants that diners will want to take advantage of. For best chances and best times, it’s recommended to make reservations ahead of time through the Bahia Principe app, mentioned in Travel Hacking the Bahia Principe Bavaro Megaresort Complex.

Pro tip: Downloading the app also allows guests to self-manage room service, spa appointnentsm concierge services, entertainment schedules, and a map of the entire complex.

Prioritize:

• KU’UK, a gourmet restaurant that celebrates the role and flavors of corn in Myaan culture
• Dolce Vita, a unique blend of Italian and Mexican flavors
• Frutos del Mar, for seafood so fresh, you can order by catch at the Fish Market
• Katok, which focuses on grilled meats, particularly steak
• Maiko, an upscale Japanese fusion venue with floor to ceiling views
• Alux, another view-heavy romantic restaurant with a gourmet European slant
• Restaurant Don Pablo, whose Modernist design is reflected in the unique menu
• Mashua Nikkei, which blends Japanese and Peruvian cuisine and ingredients

Eight bars pouring international and premium liquors on the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal property round out the provisions part of any stay here.

The Activities

As part of a mega-resort directly on the beach, there’s no shortage of vacation activities to take part in. Obviously, lounging at the pool or on the shore is the default way to spend a day, especially when waiter service directly to your chair is included with the stay. But why not get in? An hour of non-motorized water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding is also part of every guest’s privileges.

There’s also live music and impressive shows that make up a lively day and evening schedule, but on your own time and schedule, venture out to the Bahia Principe Village, Hacienda Doña Isabel. This lively feature has shopping, more live performances, bars, karaoke, dance venues, and even a casino.