Secrets Akumal Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype for Destination Weddings?

If you’re looking for a Secrets Akumal review that cuts through the fluff and tells you what you actually need to know for a destination wedding, you’re in the right place. This adults-only resort in Riviera Maya gets a lot of hype for its stunning design, top-tier service, and solid wedding packages—but is it really the right fit for your big day? More importantly, are there any red flags you should know before locking it in?

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After working with couples who’ve hosted their weddings here and analyzing real guest reviews, I’m breaking down the pros, the potential drawbacks, and the details that can make or break your experience. From ceremony locations to beach privacy (or lack thereof), let’s get into the honest truth about getting married at Secrets Akumal.

Spectacular Ceremony & Reception Venues

One of the biggest reasons couples choose Secrets Akumal for their wedding is the variety of beautiful ceremony and reception locations. From oceanfront vows to secluded garden settings, the resort offers a mix of options—but some may work better than others, depending on your priorities. Based on real guest experiences, here’s what you need to know before picking your venue:

The Arch

This terrace venue is a favorite for couples looking for an elegant, shaded ceremony with a decorative pool and lush garden views.

Guests who’ve attended weddings here loved the intimate feel and the natural breeze, which makes it a comfortable choice for up to 150 guests.

Beachfront Pergola

If you want to say “I do” with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, this beachfront option is stunning—but keep in mind that the beach at Secrets Akumal is very public. Real wedding guests noted that vendors and tourists frequently pass by, which can take away from the private, intimate vibe some couples want.

If privacy is a concern, you may want to choose another venue for your ceremony and save the beach for photos.

Plaza Akumal

This open-air plaza is the go-to for couples planning a larger wedding or reception. With space for up to 500 guests for a reception and 200 for a ceremony, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for a big celebration. Guests praised the layout and ambiance, especially in the evening when the space transforms with lighting and decor.

The Ceiba Garden

A quieter, more private setting that ditches the ocean view in favor of a lush, enclosed garden. With space for up to 100 guests, this location is ideal for couples who want a secluded, peaceful ceremony without worrying about onlookers.

Past guests mentioned how much they appreciated the tranquility here, making it a great option for an intimate wedding.

While Secrets Akumal offers a variety of stunning venues, choosing the right one comes down to your priorities. If privacy is non-negotiable, the garden or terrace venues may be your best bet. If oceanfront views are a must, just be prepared for a little extra foot traffic on the beach.

Wedding Packages to Fit Your Vision

Secrets Akumal makes planning easy with wedding packages designed to cover all the essentials—and then some. These packages offer solid value, but knowing the details upfront can help you make the best choice for your wedding.

Secrets Akumal Review-Here’s what you need to know:

Weddings in Paradise

This simple yet elegant package includes a symbolic ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, and a dedicated wedding coordinator. While it’s a great option for couples looking for an intimate and stress-free wedding, some past brides noted that upgrades and add-ons can add up quickly.

However, if you meet the booking conditions, you might qualify for this package at no additional cost.

Eternal Love

A step up in luxury, this package includes everything from Weddings in Paradise. Plus a private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a private dinner reception, and a couples’ massage for added romance. Real wedding guests appreciated the convenience of having the cocktail hour and reception taken care of. However, some mentioned that food and drink service can be affected by crowd size.

Divine

This is the most luxurious package, offering everything from the Eternal Love package plus a welcome cocktail party, a rehearsal dinner, and hair and makeup services for one member of the couple. Couples who opted for this package loved the VIP experience and extra perks.

While each package comes with a base set of inclusions, past guests have emphasized that customization is key. Décor, entertainment, and menu upgrades are available but be prepared for extra costs. Some couples also found that working with an experienced destination wedding travel advisor (instead of relying solely on the resort’s team) helped streamline the process and avoid unexpected fees.

Secrets Akumal Review: From Former Brides

While many praised the staff’s attentiveness and ability to execute a beautiful event, others noted that communication with the wedding team can be slow, especially via email.

What works well? Secrets Akumal Review

Once on-site, couples found the coordinators to be extremely helpful, ensuring that décor, setup, and event flow were handled smoothly. Many brides mentioned that their coordinators made last-minute adjustments without issue, which was a lifesaver for unexpected weather changes or minor hiccups.

The on-site team is known for their attention to detail, ensuring everything from flowers to table settings matches your vision.

What to watch out for?

Some couples reported delays in responses when trying to finalize details before arriving at the resort. If you’re someone who likes everything locked in well in advance, this can be frustrating. A few reviews suggested having all major decisions made at least a month before the wedding to avoid last-minute stress.

A Seamless, Stress-Free Planning Experience

Another thing to keep in mind? Vendors and upgrades. While the wedding packages cover most essentials, past couples mentioned that adding extras—like premium floral arrangements, additional lighting, or specific entertainment—requires working with the resort’s preferred vendors, which can be costly.

That said, those who did opt for upgrades generally felt they were worth the investment. Particularly when it came to food, photography, and private receptions.

Overall, while Secrets Akumal offers a beautiful, well-organized wedding experience, the key to a truly stress-free event is staying proactive and securing details early. If you’re flexible and willing to go with the flow, you’ll likely love the experience.

World-Class Dining Without Reservations

One of the biggest perks of staying at Secrets Akumal is the top-tier dining experience—no reservations required. Unlike some all-inclusive resorts where guests scramble to book restaurant spots days in advance, here you can walk into any of the gourmet restaurants at your leisure.

This is a major win for wedding groups who want flexibility without stressing over dinner plans.

Gourmet Restaurants with Rave Reviews

Real guest reviews consistently highlight the food quality as one of the resort’s standout features. Here are some of the must-try spots:

• Oceana – Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked fish, and a beautiful open-air setting. This spot is ideal for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with wedding guests. Some reviewers mentioned that portions were on the smaller side, so if you’re a big eater, you may want to order extra.
• Portofino – Authentic Italian cuisine with standout pasta dishes. Guests raved about the homemade bread and creamy risottos.
• Bordeaux – The French fine-dining option, known for rich flavors and indulgent desserts. Many couples specifically called out the pistachio crème brûlée as an absolute must-try.
• Himitsu – The Asian fusion restaurant, featuring hibachi tables and a sushi menu. Guests note that while the hibachi experience was entertaining, the food was more standard compared to other restaurants.
• El Patio – Traditional Mexican dishes with bold flavors. Reviews praised the margaritas and tacos, making it a fun option for a casual but delicious meal.

Hidden Foodie Gems

Beyond the gourmet restaurants, guests also called out a few unexpected highlights:

• The Poolside Fire-Oven Pizza – Guests raved about the fire-oven pizza by the pool, calling it one of the best they’ve had at an all-inclusive. It’s a go-to for a laid-back lunch in between swim sessions. Perfect for a laid-back lunch by the pool.
• Private Dining Options – Couples booked room service and private beach dinners to elevate their stay. If you’re celebrating your wedding, booking a private chef’s dinner could be a special touch.

Secrets Akumal Review: Dining Tips from Real Guests

• Peak dining hours tend to get busy, and guests often experience long wait times. Many recommend eating earlier in the evening to avoid the rush and enjoy a more relaxed meal.
• Drink service varies by restaurant. Some serve quickly, others move at a slower pace, so guests suggest bringing a little patience to certain spots.
• If you’re a foodie, consider upgrading to preferred club status, which gives you access to an exclusive restaurant and premium liquor selections.

Overall, Secrets Akumal delivers on its promise of exceptional dining, making it a great choice for food-loving couples and their wedding guests. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, sipping cocktails, or grabbing a late-night bite, there’s something for everyone—without the hassle of planning ahead.

Incredible Guest Experience

Your wedding weekend isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s the full experience your guests get from the moment they land. Secrets Akumal gives you enough built-in entertainment and relaxation options to keep everyone happy without you having to organize every minute of their stay.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles: A Highlight in Every Secrets Akumal Review

One of the biggest draws of Secrets Akumal is the chance to snorkel with sea turtles right off the beach. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick—multiple guests confirmed that spotting turtles is practically guaranteed. The crystal-clear waters and nearby coral reefs make it an easy, bucket-list-worthy experience that requires zero planning.

Guest Tip: A few reviews mentioned that while the turtles are always around, the beach can get crowded with snorkelers, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. If you want a more peaceful experience, try heading out early in the morning when the water is calm and fewer people are around.

Hydrotherapy at the Spa – A Pre-Wedding Luxury

If you or your guests need some serious relaxation before or after the big day, the Secrets Spa by Pevonia offers a hydrotherapy circuit that was frequently mentioned in reviews as a must-try experience. Think hot tubs, cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms, all designed to help you unwind.

Many brides mentioned booking spa treatments as part of their pre-wedding prep, and couples who opted for the Eternal Love or Divine wedding packages loved that a couples’ massage was included.

Guest Tip: The 3-hour spa experience (which includes hydrotherapy and a massage) got rave reviews, with many saying it was worth every penny. If you’re looking for a way to de-stress after the wedding, this is the way to do it.

Themed Nightly Entertainment – A Hit or Miss?

Secrets Akumal offers live entertainment every night, including silent discos, themed parties, and live music. Guest reviews on the entertainment were mixed—some absolutely loved the lively energy and unique events, while others found the nightlife dependent on the crowd size. If your group enjoys a party atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to do. If not, the resort still offers quiet spaces to relax with a drink in hand.

Guest Tip: If your group loves nightlife, the silent disco was one of the most frequently praised events. On the other hand, the nightclub was hit or miss, depending on the crowd that night.

Final Thoughts:Secrets Akumal Review

With so many activities available, Secrets Akumal makes it easy for your wedding guests to turn your celebration into a mini vacation. Whether they’re snorkeling with turtles, unwinding at the spa, or exploring ancient ruins, there’s something for everyone. And based on real guest feedback, the best experiences come from planning a mix of relaxation and adventure throughout your stay.

Of course if you want to chat further and if you are looking for someone to help you with your day, just click below to schedule a call!