FAQs

Question

Do I need to download the "Hyatt Inclusive Collection" app?

Answer

YES. This app is available on both Android and iPhones. After downloading, search for Secrets Akumal. It is your go-to for resort information such as daily activities and shows, dress codes at restaurants, hotel map, room service and housekeeping information, and more. You can also download your room key on the app.

Question

What's special about Akumal?

Answer

Akumal means "land of turtles" in Mayan and is known for the sea turtles that are drawn to Akumal Bay to feed on the abundance of sea grass. The calmer waters are also a good spot for juvenile turtles to grow. Please practice good tourism etiquette as much as possible to help preserve this sanctuary: Wear reef-safe sunscreen when in the ocean (or none at all and opt for a sunshirt), NEVER touch or crowd the turtles, and use the bathroom BEFORE you get in the ocean. There are restrooms available RIGHT by the beach, so again, please use those before you go in. Humans are doing considerable damage to the reef and delicate sea grass due to standing on them/disturbing the sediment too much (don't!), bleaching the reef with sunscreen chemicals (bad!), and using the ocean as their personal toilet (ick!).

Question

Are restaurant dress codes enforced?

Answer

Yep! We have done the walk of shame back to our room to change. At many of the nice restaurants, men are REQUIRED to wear long pants. Dress sandals are allowed, but be warned you may be asked to change if you're wearing super casual flip flops. Look at the "Restaurants and Bars" section of the app for information on each restaurant.

Question

Should I tip the staff?

Answer

Tipping is not mandatory at this resort, but it is very appreciated. American dollars are fine. We usually do $1 per drink when sitting by the pool and $10-$20 at dinner.

Question

What should we pack?

Answer

Bring your usual essentials! Note they do have shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, a steamer, and a hair dryer in the room. - Sunscreen: If you don't plan on swimming in the ocean, normal sunscreen is fine. However, we ask that all of our guests bring reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on swimming in the ocean. Many are available on Amazon. Find a list of options here: https://www.hawaii.com/reef-safe-sunscreen/ - UV shirt (Arianna uses one while snorkeling so she doesn't need as much reef-safe sunscreen) - Bug spray - Portable fans or noisemakers if you enjoy sleeping with noise - Snorkels/masks (also available for rent) - Water shoes (if you're an ocean person, as there are sometimes spots with rocks or coral) - Roku or Fire Stick - Pool float: The two main pools do not provide floats, so if desired feel free to bring your own! The lagoon pool provides floats. We have ones like these: https://a.co/d/hwqnzAr - Waterproof case for phone or underwater camera (for snorkeling, if desired) - Snacks/bottles of alcohol: There are a couple snacks, bottled water, sodas, and 8oz beers in each room that are re-supplied daily. However, if you'd like a specific bottle of liquor in the room or specific snacks, we recommend buying these at the airport in Cancun and bringing them with.

Question

Can I snorkel with turtles?

Answer

Yes! You can swim/snorkel right off the beach in front of the resort, unguided, anytime you want. Again, please use reef-friendly sunscreen if you plan on going in the ocean. Resort swimmers must stay within the roped-off area. Please practice good wildlife etiquette: stay several feet away and do not crowd the turtles so they can comfortably surface for air. Please do not touch or step on any coral. Please also try to not step on the sea grass. Do not wear flippers. Life jackets are available at the resort if you are not a strong swimmer or want an easier time floating on the surface.

Question

Any advice about drinks, food, or restaurants in general?

Answer

Try everything!! Drinks: Some of the bars in the app will show some drink options, but staff can truly make whatever you want. Our favorite drinks are the mango joe for poolside enjoyment and the espresso martini for a pre-dinner pick-me-up. If desired, specify the brand of liquor. Don’t be afraid to ask for an extra shot or floater. Here are some drink ideas: Secrets Love, Frozen Mimosa, Akumal Briza (watermelon juice and vodka), Frozen Mojito, Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita (or just cucumber), Skinny Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, Spicy Margarita, Passion Fruit Margarita, Mango Margarita, Blackberry margarita, Watermelon Margarita, Watermelon Martini, Chocolate Martini, Bikini Martini (coconut rum, pineapple juice, vodka), Riviera Maya, Paloma (spicy or regular), Miami Vice (half daquiri and half pina colada), Carajillo (Espresso + liquor 43, only at bars with espresso machines) Lunch: There are several options for lunch each day. You can go to one of the casual restaurants or eat right in your chair by the pool: Ask your poolside server for a lunch menu to place a specific order (the chicken quesadilla is amazing and really cheesy), OR every day there is a special lunch setup by the main pool. This can range from fresh seafood to taco buffets to full-blown paellas and is also accompanied by live music or a DJ. Every day there is also a fresh brick-oven pizza station near the main pool! Restaurants/Dinner: For dinner, we have especially enjoyed Himitsu (try the beef salad!) and Portofino as well as the nightly dinner shows. However, you really can't go wrong with any choice. We absolutely love the adorable Coco Cafe for coffee. Sometimes there are long waits for dinner, and our best advice is to be flexible--grab a drink while you wait, find another restaurant to go to, etc. **If you are hoping to dine with MORE than four people at a time, please speak with your building concierge.**

Question

What is the beach like? What are the bali beds?

Answer

There are tiki umbrellas with chairs available on the beach. If you sit here, you still get drink service just like at the pools. Note there is a restricted, preferred-club area only in one section near the bali beds, but a vast majority are open to everyone. The bali beds are available to rent through your building concierge. Essentially, it is a queen mattress under a large cabana with absolutely fantastic service. There are three rows with different prices--front, middle, and back. If you are considering renting one, we recommend splurging for one in front. Bottle of champagne included!

Question

What are the pools like?

Answer

Thankfully, we have found you don't have to be at the pool putting towels down by 7:00AM to get a good spot. If you want to be by the main pool, however, we'd recommend getting there before 10:00AM, depending on how busy the resort is. However, the staff is very accommodating and can help you find a spot if needed (or will sometimes even pull up extra chairs). The pool names are not completely consistent in the app, but here is a general idea of each: Main/activity pool (called the "Infinity Pool" on the hotel map in the app, but also called sometimes called the "main pool" in the app activities menu): This pool is where all the action happens and has the swim-up bar, Manatees. It is also closest to the beach. For a couple hours each day they have a large lunch setup with live music or a DJ. Most of the activities happen at this pool. Middle pool (called the "Main Pool" on the hotel map in the app): This is where you sit if you want to be near the action, but not IN the action. That is, you don't want people playing pool volleyball right in front of you. Lagoon/calm pool: This pool is closer to the back of the resort and is for relaxing with nice spa-like music. Please no loud partying or jumping in the pool.

Question

Any tips about the room?

Answer

We hope you'll find the room to your liking! A few things to note from our experiences: The floors are VERY slippery when wet (particularly outside of the shower, which tends to get water everywhere). PLEASE BE CAREFUL! Second, the A/C turns off if you have your balcony or patio door open. Lastly, place your used dishes in the room service cubby and use your Hyatt app (or call) to let housekeeping know when you're ready for your dishes to be picked up.

Question

Anything else?

Answer

Make sure to explore the grounds! There are many small paths around the resort that lead to hammocks, gardens, etc., and the staff works tirelessly to keep it pristine. Just strolling around you'll often find iguanas, coatis, raccoons, agouti, and more. While cute, there are strict rules to not feed the wildlife!

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

No, we do not have a registry or a honeymoon fund. However, feel free to send any cards with well wishes to the Pittsboro address on the envelope of your invitation!