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The Mexican Caribbean is the go-to spot for Americans touring overseas.
With its turquoise waters, charming coastal settlements, and wellness scene, there’s really no higher place for sunseekers to be, but when Cancun not appeals to you, then vacationing in a smaller seashore vacation spot away from the large metropolis that’s surging in reputation, this is likely to be your greatest guess.
Akumal Is The Next Trendy Caribbean Spot
Akumal is without doubt one of the trendiest seashore resorts within the Maya Riviera, with the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico reporting occupancy charges of 87.6% for the primary quarter of 2023.
According to a report issued by the entity, it already outpaces well-established vacationer cities like Playa del Carmen, its closest competitor within the Caribbean (86.6%), Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast (84.5%), New Nayarit (84.4%), Puerto Vallarta (83.6%), and even the mighty Cancun (80.5%).
As we have now mentioned beforehand, whereas Cancun stays Mexico’s primary sunny hub by way of total figures, largely attributable to its record-breaking tourism – final 12 months, over 30 million arrivals have been recorded in Cancun Airport – it has long ceased being the fastest-growing destination.
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For months now, it has been got rid of the primary spot by competing cities as returning vacationers and first-time guests alike search for alternate options to the jam-packed Mayan metropolis.
In a method, it seems like Cancun is yesterday’s information, and locations like Akumal, and the lesser-known Bacalar, are lastly getting the hype they deserve.
What Can Akumal Offer?
Akumal is a small coastal group of roughly 1,300 inhabitants, sitting between the a lot busier Playa del Carmen and Tulum, 62 miles south of Cancun.
It straddles each Akumal and Half Moon Bays, two of probably the most scenic swimming websites within the state of Quintana Roo, the place marine life nonetheless thrives, and overtourism has but to drive out a majority of the locals with its related gentrification.
Due to its measurement, it could possibly really feel extra unique, with a extra restricted choice of resorts, resorts, and luxurious stays than internationalized Cancun. More particularly, there are solely 23 five-star properties listed on Booking.com, in opposition to Cancun’s 48 or Tulum’s 32.
Though it’s a lot smaller, it’s not at all much less well-equipped, providing guests each all-inclusive resorts – the adults-only Unico Hotel Riviera Maya is an ideal romantic getaway for {couples} – and charming, boutique resorts nestled within the jungle, the place you’ll be able to go ‘glamping’.
Fellow price range vacationers, rejoice: not like different Caribbean locations, Akumal nonetheless warmly welcomes us.
A king room with a backyard view on the three-star Akumal Natura Glamping prices a mere USD$84 for an in a single day in June, whereas non-public stays on the colourful Del Sol Beachfront Hotel are in the marketplace for USD$89.
All in all, whether or not you’re the splurging kind or a budget-conscious vacationer, Akumal has some nice offers for you.
Beautiful Natural Attractions
Seen from above, it seems to be like a gorgeous crescent lapped by crystal-clear waters, and though it’s a miniature growth zone, it actually has no scarcity of points of interest.
Other than the gorgeous seashores, most notably the landmark Playa Akumal, a sandy extension of coast bounded by the translucent waters of the Caribbean, vacationers have entry to a monkey sanctuary, inland, shallow, family-friendly cenotes, reminiscent of Ya-kul, and leisure spas.
Basing your self in Akumal, you may as well take just a few day journeys out to discover the Tulum Ruins or spend a day on the Xel-ha aquatic theme park. Adult tickets begin from USD $89, together with all meals, drinks, and limitless snorkeling.
But at first, Akumal is a pure oasis the place individuals go to flee the hustle and bustle of Cancun.
If you’re cautious of the latter’s mega resorts and Instagram crowds, and also you’re hoping to have a more relaxed Caribbean expertise, then that is the place for you.
Mexico Is Set For A Record-Breaking Year In Tourism
Overall, Mexico has reached occupancy charges of 60.5% in Q1, 9.5 proportion factors increased than in 2022, which signifies the nation could possibly be set for yet one more record-breaking 12 months as soon as the December rely is in.
In seashore areas, a mean of 142,685 rooms have been stuffed, in opposition to 124,300 within the earlier 12 months, at a year-on-year enhance of 14.8%. In phrases of occupancy, this implies an excellent increased price of 71.7%, surpassing that of the nationwide common, which accounts not just for coastal zones but additionally for inland locations just like the nation’s capital, Mexico City, or the beautiful Guanajuato.
Though it faces robust competitors, Akumal has resurfaced as one of many main seashore zones amid Mexico’s post-crisis tourism revival.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com