4 Private Villas to Experience Akumal, One of the Riviera Maya’s Most Astounding Beaches
Written by Alex Ruelase
It is perhaps not one of the best-known places in the Riviera Maya. Compared to household names like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Akumal still feels like an unassuming little corner hidden somewhere along the coastline. Yet, to those who know it, it is an absolute marvel that needs to be re-discovered.
Akumal is truly a natural wonder. Its Maya name means The Place of Turtles, and it is one of the finest snorkeling spots in the Mexican Caribbean. It even hosts a marine research center dedicated to protecting its ecosystems. Precious nature and tranquil energy make the bay an extraordinary place to rest away from all outside disturbance. Of course, to experience the best of it, one needs to find the perfect accommodation. These are the villas that constantly remind us of how special Akumal really is.
Villa Bellamar
40 guests • 13 bedrooms • 13 bathrooms – Step inside
Grand. If we had to define Villa Bellamar in a single word, that would be it. The 13-bedroom beachfront residence is simply striking. And saying that it has a hotel-sized swimming pool, a jacuzzi with its own terrace, private beach, and ocean views from all the bedrooms doesn’t begin to tell the full story
The property can comfortably lodge up to 40 guests –each bedroom sleeps three adults or two adults and two children under 12– and is ideal for hosting all kinds of events, from weddings to corporate retreats. Located in a quiet little inlet, shielded from all disturbance, it is a world of its own where you and all your guests can have an unforgettable time by the sea.
Villa Alma Rosa
12 guests • 4 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms – Step inside
Just a few hundred meters south of Akumal proper, in a gorgeous little bay known as Jade Beach, you’ll find a colorful abode that gives Mexican motifs a new artistic touch. Villa Alma Rosa is a spacious and vibrant refuge where a fusion of traditional and modern styles makes you feel instantly at home.
A gorgeous pool and sundeck, lovely interiors, and stunning outdoors –the secluded beach is as private as it gets– are the hallmarks of this 4,000 square feet property. And with a rooftop bar, barbecue, and even kayaks to explore the bay, there is plenty to fill your days with Caribbean joy.
Villa Zen del Mar
18 guests • 7 bedrooms • 7 bathrooms – Step inside
Privacy and unsurpassed comfort were the two main things in mind when this cozy seaside home was built. Palapa roofs, warm lighting, and beautiful stone baths make it feel more like a self-care retreat than a private residence. That is probably why zen, that feeling of utter inner peace, is part of its name.
Nonetheless, the villa never relinquishes a homey feeling. Handmade terracotta tile floors and fine rustic furnishings confer the spacious common areas with soothing energy. While outdoors, an inviting pool, sundeck, and oceanfront terrace set the stage for tranquil days while feeling very close to the ocean.
Villa Zen del Sol
21 guests • 8 bedrooms • 8 bathrooms – Step inside
Staying at Villa Zen del Sol is delving into the Mexican jungle for a journey of self-renewal. The colors, materials, and style of this beachfront home submerge guests in a romantic atmosphere that fuses with a traditional identity. Each of the eight bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, holds a surprise, from private gardens and outdoor bathtubs to rainforest showers and balconies with ocean views. All of them are an invitation to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The outdoors are equally jaw-dropping. A long hallwayike palapa hosts a gorgeous alfresco dining table and, close to the oceanfront terrace, comfortable hammocks to spend days by the waves. And if you’re feeling active, the lap pool has lanes for you to practice that stroke and then bask in the Caribbean setting.
