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"Sugary white sand gleams under the bright Yucatan sun, aquamarine water teems with tropical
fish and lazy sea turtles, cold Mexican beer beckons beneath the shady thatch of palapas -
it's hard to imagine a sweeter spot than Akumal, Mexico, to contemplate the joys of being
alive." - by Claudia Wallis in "The New Science
of Happiness" in the 2005 Special "Mind & Body Issue" of Time Magazine.
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Akumal, the place of the turtle in Maya, is actually the oldest resort town along the Quintana
Roo coastline, attracting travelers before anyone had ever heard of Cancun. First accessible
only by boat from Cozumel, this coconut plantation transformed into a diver’s paradise for
those lucky enough to be privy to its existence.
Through the past 30 years, eclectic groups of “expats” from around the globe have melded their
styles with the local materials and traditional architecture to create a place like none other.
Funky shops, sheik boutiques, worldly restaurants, legendary bars, and the finest
accommodations along the coast are just part of Akumal’s charm. Combine those with an
ecological center, dive shops, jungle tours, sailing adventures, and two stunning protected
bays as well as Yal-Ku lagoon for snorkeling splendor and you’ve got a vacation spot for the
whole family.
Still a one road town, Akumal has avoided the booming growth of other coastal towns and
managed to hold onto much of its original relaxed, unhurried atmosphere synonymous with Mexico
itself. Happy hour is a way of life. Golf carts and bicycle rentals are as prevalent as rental
cars as chosen means of transportation. And, people are happy to help.
Rarely do you find a place that inspires such vacation loyalty. Perhaps it's the so visible mix
of Mayan, Mexican, American ex-pat and tourist. Or it's the fact that while so much has changed
along the Riviera Maya, Akumal stays the same. Or maybe it's just a vibe of some kind that
draws us back again and again.
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