Private Villa for Rent in Akumal, Mexico

January 6, 2009 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles, Travel Tips

You can enjoy a memorable vacation in our private villa located directly on a white sandy beach in South Akumal, Mexico. Villa Paraiso is truly a “house in paradise” set in a lush tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific! The blend of brilliant sunlight, emerald and turqouis water, cool ocean breezes and lush tropical vegetation is breath taking.  You walk through the garden filled with hibiscus, orchids and bougainvillea and into an authentic Mexican villa!

Our four-bedroom luxury home is decorated with rich red, green and white colors of Mexico and filled with local art. The ground floor has an open plan living and dining room area with a splendid view of the Caribbean Sea. Our colorful Mexican hand carved wooden dining table seats eight and the large fully equipped gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight.  Why not have the staff cook for you?  They prepare wonderful Yucatan style food as well as Mexican and American delights!

The four bedrooms all have comfortable king size beds.  There are two identical master bedroom suites with sitting areas.  One of the other bedrooms has a ocean view and the fourth bedroom has a garden view. The villa is complete with a computer with a DSL connection, WiFi Hotspot, satellite TV, VCR, stereo system, a pair of two person kayaks and a large selection of books to read. The entire house is fully air conditioned.

Step out of the living room or downstairs master bedroom onto the marble terrace surrounding the swimming pool with it’s Jacuzzi and waterfall. This is the perfect place to swim, sun and relax!  The sandy beach in front of the pool is a perfect place to nap or read a book in the shade of a palm tree and listen to the ocean.

Mix yourself a cocktail at the wet bar and sip it in one of the double hammocks on the upstairs terrace while listening to the waves lap on the white sand beach.

In front of the villa is a spectacular reef that runs from Belize to Cancun. This world-famous barrier reef protects the lagoon and keeps the warm crystal clear water calm and safe for swimming, snorkeling, diving and leisurely cruising around in one of our two person kayaks.  The roof-top patio is a perfect place to watch the sun rise over the Caribbean or set over the jungle while listening to the tropical birds sing.  The area around Akumal is home to many spectacular Mayan ruins, golf courses and world class diving and snorkeling.

You can rent Villa Paraiso in Akumal, Mexico… a tropical paradise!

The Centro Ecologico Akumal and the Place of the Turtle

December 1, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Activities

Akumal is home to beautiful beaches, resorts and some of the best diving in the world. It is also a place that takes great pride in their ecological achievement and their preservation of natural habitats for turtles and other marine wildlife. The Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the ecosystem of Akumal from unsustainable development. They offer educational programs and volunteer opportunities for students and eco travelers who want to observe marine wildlife in their natural habitats and help maintain the integrity of the natural surroundings.

Akumal is known as the place of the turtle, and its turtle beaches are the temporary home to sea turtles that come to nest. The Centro Ecologico Akumal protects the natural habitat of the sea turtle and the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Tourists will see a variety of sea turtles nesting, and eating along the beaches. The turtle beaches stretch from Half Moon Bay, Akumal Bay to Jade Beach, and there are plenty of opportunities to observe these turtles in their natural habitat.

The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers turtle walks and tours, as well as volunteer opportunities to preserve recently redeveloped wetlands, preserving the mangroves and aiding researchers and scientists as they study the coral reefs and natural habitats of Akumal.

Turtle season refers to when the Green and Loggerhead turtles come to Akumal to lay their eggs and nest. The season runs from April when the turtles come to shore, to November when they and their hatchlings return to sea. The Centro Ecologico Akumal has a turtle protection program that tourists can get involved in and it is a true wonder of nature to witness the nesting and hatching of a whole new generation of sea turtles. Tourists and residents alike take pride in the ecological integrity that Akumal offers, and there is a lot of dedication to these gentle, lovable sea creatures who have chosen Akumal as their place to create new life.

The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers tourists a chance to participate in the betterment of the environment through its many educational and volunteer programs. If you are looking to take a vacation to make a difference, Akumal may just be the perfect ecotourism destination for you. You can be an active participant in maintaining and preserving the integrity of the sea turtle habitats, as well as explore the ecological wonders of this region of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Rent our luxury Villa in Akumal, Mexico.

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The Best Time to Travel to Akumal

November 29, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Travel Tips

Like many other vacation spots in the world, Akumal and the Riviera Maya region definitely has it high season and low season for travel. This is based mainly on the fact that this region of the Yucatan does not have the traditional four seasons, but two – rainy season and dry season.

Obviously, high season is when dry season is happening. Dry season begins in the middle of December and lasts through April. The weather is pleasant, with the average temperature being 80 degrees and every day is sunny. It’s almost guaranteed the every day will be a beach day, diving day or day for exploring the jungles and ruins of the area. It’s also guaranteed that hotel rooms and villa rentals are a lot higher in high season, and shop owners are less likely to want to bargain when selling their wares.

Low season is rainy season and that lasts from late April through November. It used to be the case that accommodations during low season were much cheaper to come by in Akumal and throughout the region because of rainy season, but with the area’s increasing popularity, hotels and other accommodations are less likely to come down too much in price as people are willing to chance taking the trip during low season. You will still have less crowds and it will be easier to find accommodation during the low season. However, extreme discounts like 50% off on hotels and other accommodations are a thing of the past.

There are deals to be found during low season if you are willing to take the chance on the fact that there will be rainy weather, and when there is no rain, temperatures can soar to a sweltering 110 degrees. There are fewer tourists in town during low season as compared to high season, so this can make access to the jungle tours, ruins, accommodations and wildlife preserves a little easier. While fewer hotels are slashing their prices during low season, there are cheap accommodations that can be found if you do a little homework.

If water temperature is important to you, travelling during low season may be a better option. While the weather during high season is dry and pleasant, many find the water temperature of the ocean too cold to comfortably swim and snorkel in. The low season offers hotter temperatures and the water is a lot warmer. People who want to take advantage of swimming in the natural sinkholes known as cenotes will appreciate an icy dip in these fresh water sources that dot the landscape surrounding Akumal. They can be refreshing on a hot 100 degree day, but may be too cold for bathers in the high season.

Choosing when the best time to travel to Akumal depends on your preference. High season offers sunny weather, dry conditions but very cold water for swimming. Low season offers extremely hot temperatures and the possibility of a lot of rain, but warm water for swimming and snorkeling. Whichever season you travel to Akumal in, you are bound to enjoy this beautiful town located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. For more information on hotels and lodging in Akumal, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Akumal is an Ideal Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Spot

November 1, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles

The quaint town of Akumal, Mexico in the Riviera Maya region offers couples the perfect locale for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Known for its laid-back style, beautiful surroundings and unspoiled Caribbean beaches, Akumal has been a popular destination for honeymooners who prefer the tranquil setting of Akumal to the more bustling beaches of Cancun and Playa de Carmen.

Akumal is a small town, but offers many lodging choices that can set the tone for a romantic trip. Couples have their choice of all inclusive resorts, hotels, or condominiums. Many people choose to rent a private villa which affords them more privacy and adds a special touch to their honeymoon. There are many private villas and houses for rent through agencies and owners.

Akumal is the perfect place to go for romantic strolls along its beautiful unspoiled beaches and through the quaint town. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon for the couple that wants to unplug and forget the world for a while. There are also many activities to engage in and lots to see and do while staying in Akumal.

One favorite thing to do is to take a romantic cruise at sunset on Akumal Bay. You can hire a catamaran and take a private cruise of the bay and watch the sunset. You can make reservations for just the two of you so you can enjoy a private sail in the beautiful bay and take in the sunset as it bathes the area in beautiful colors that compliments the beautiful jade green landscape and turquoise water.

There are many bars along Half Moon Bay where you can also enjoy the sunset in their unique crows nest tables that offers a superb view of the bay. The best time to go is just before sunset, where you can grab a bottle of wine at the bar and sit together and watch the sun go down on the bay.

The beaches of Akumal are not crowded and afford the honeymooners ample privacy and time to sunbathe and swim in the beautiful water. Couples can also enjoy the snorkeling and diving opportunities that Akumal is famous for. Akumal is home to many beautiful lagoons and has the world’s second largest barrier reef conveniently located just off its coast. Whether you are experienced divers or want to try something new and adventurous, there are plenty of dive shops that can arrange diving and snorkeling excursions and instruction, along with sea kayak and canoe rentals.

Akumal has a quaint charm and is a peaceful haven for honeymooners and romantic getaways. For couples who want to spend time in a laid-back atmosphere with natural beauty and lots of activities to explore, Akumal is the perfect destination for the trip of a lifetime. For more information on romantic accommodations in the area, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Where to Stay When You Travel to Akumal

October 30, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles

While Akumal may be a small town compared to other resort areas in the Riviera Maya region, it offers tourists a big range of lodging options. The beauty of vacationing in Akumal is enjoying the quaint town and the convenience of being close to nearly all of the attractions and sightseeing activities available. Choosing your type of lodging is strictly a matter of personal preference and you will not be disappointed no matter what type of lodging situation you choose.

There are a diverse range of hotel rooms and suites available in Akumal and the surrounding area. There are luxury all inclusive hotel resorts, with all the amenities and activities where you pay one price and enjoy everything, room, food, drinks and organized activities without having to reach for your wallet. Once you check in, everything is covered. The only thing you may have to pay for is day trips and diving and sailing excursions. Akumal also offers cheaper, quaint hotels for people on a budget. An important consideration when selecting a hotel is location. You should do some homework and find out if the hotel is located near a good snorkeling beach or a good swimming and sunbathing beach if these things are important to you. Also, if you want to be in walking distance to the shops or restaurants, this is another important consideration.

Akumal also has many private homes and villas for rent. There are a lot of advantages to renting a private villa. They are more private than a hotel and a resort, and many are located in secluded areas by the lagoon and the rocky cliffs, away from the public beaches and the crowds. Private homes and villas can be rented through agencies or private owners and offer you more spacious accommodations. They may have their own swimming pools which is a nice amenity. They also have kitchens so you can prepare your meals if you do not want to dine out every night. If you are a big group or a family, staying in a private villa may be the best choice, as there are more bedrooms and bathrooms that can accommodate larger groups.

There are many different kinds of rentals, ranging from villas to condos. Some of these private rentals offer maid service, and are equipped for the various water activities that can be found in Akumal. There are many beachfront properties for people that want to wake up and walk right out to the beach in the morning. Renting a private home or condo can offer you some special touches that a hotel or resort cannot. The owners care about their homes and take pride in offering their guests a luxurious and comfortable environment to enjoy the Riviera Maya vacation experience. The choice of where to stay in Akumal is up to you and what your preferences are for accommodations. The town has many lodging choices for every type of traveler. For more information on the variety of lodging and hotels available in the area, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Benefits of a Villa Rental in Akumal, Mexico

October 2, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles, Featured

There are many benefits of renting a house in Akumal, Mexico that put renting a home for your vacation at the top of the list. And it’s usually best to rent directly from the owners instead from some rental agency.  You can rent our house in Akumal, Mexico directly from the owners.   Here are just a few of the benefits that you   may enjoy:

1. The most important benefit of a home rental in Akumal is privacy. Privacy is important if you want to relax and rejuvenate or just spend much needed time together. Whether you are a couple that wants privacy for a romantic getaway or are a family that wants privacy to relax and getaway with the room to spread out and enjoy yourself, a villa rental can do that for you.

2. Another home rental benefit is space. When you have a home, you are going to have more space for your stay than you will with a hotel, condo or resort. Not only does this give your family or group of friends the room to spread out and do their own thing, but it also means that you will not be sharing a swimming pool or other facilities with anyone else throughout the duration of your stay.

3. As you look at the benefits of a home rental, you cannot forget the availability to cook your own meals or even hire your own private chef. Whether you just want to enjoy a simple breakfast or a snack later in the day, a fully furnished kitchen can be a top feature for any home. With all the cooking utensils that you may need, you can cook as little or as much as you wish for your vacation.

When you take a large group to Mexico, cooking a few of your meals can beneficial in terms of time, budget, and levels of stress that you experience on your vacation getaway. In addition to your kitchen, some home rental properties also provide an outdoor barbecue grill for you to cook some of your meals. Outdoor cooking and dining can be a fun way to break up different meals throughout your trip.

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Top Three Accommodations in Akumal, Mexico for Your Stay

September 14, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles

As you search for your accommodation options for your vacation to Akumal, Mexico, you will find that there are three main options from which you can choose. From these three options, you can choose which ones fit best for your group, length of trip, and vacation budget.

The first type of accommodations in Akumal, Mexico is hotel rooms and suites. Hotels and suites provide guests with much diversity in rooms, prices, and availability. Hotels also provide several amenities for guests to enjoy from a breakfast spread to pools and hot tubs.

Similarly, the second type of accommodations in Akumal is found in resort locations. Much like hotels, resorts provide individual rooms and a number of amenities for all guests to enjoy. However, the difference between hotels and resorts come in the activities that a resort will provide for its guests.

Resorts often provide group activities as well as resources for individuals to plan their own activities throughout their stay. Some activities will be at an additional cost and others are included in the vacation package. They will often provide tour leaders and professionals for various activities for a positive experience.

The last type of accommodations for Akumal visitors is home or condo rentals. Once a group or family commits to this type of accommodation, most will choose a home rental over that of a condo because it affords them more space, in the form of living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

However, many couples will choose to stay at condos simply because they do not need the space and because many condos are available at a more economical price. There are several different types of home and condo rentals, including those that provide daily maid service, those that provide some activities and equipment for guests, and those that provide their own stretch of beachfront property.

While most hotels and resorts are run by a corporation, many homes are being run differently. Although there are some that are run by an agency, there are homes that are provided by the homeowners, which offer guests a more personal experience. Not only do many homeowners provide extra touches and considerations not available in hotels or resorts.

To find a complete list of the best deals on accommodation in Akumal, Mexico, travel sites like HotelsCombined.com can provide those for you. Upon entering your travel information, you will find out the most recent deals available from various travel groups available online.

Tips for Your Stay in Akumal, Mexico

September 11, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Travel Tips

There are many tips that you may already know and many that you should know, which is why you should always know these tips before your stay in Akumal. These tips are not only helpful once you arrive in Akumal, Mexico, but they are also helpful when you are packing as well.

The first, and most important, tip is not to drink the water. Many people have heard that you should not drink the water in Mexico and they have heard it for a reason. Instead, have access to plenty of bottled water and remember that ingesting water can also happen when you are brushing your teeth, making your morning coffee, or taking a shower. While it is okay to bath or wash dishes with the tap water, you want to make sure that you do not directly swallow the water.

The next tip for your stay in Akumal is to pack a flashlight. From night travels on dimly lit roads to the frequent power outages and lack of generators, having a flashlight with you is always a good idea. Although this flashlight does not need to be big, it should have a fresh set of batteries and be able to fit in whatever you plan to take with you, like a purse or a bag, throughout the duration of your vacation.

Another tip for your stay in Akumal is to make sure your health insurance covers you while on vacation. If something were to happen, most businesses that provide medical services will not cost what they would in the United States. However they will still need upfront payment for service to be performed. You can then take the receipt to your insurance company and request a reimbursement.

Furthermore, on your way to Akumal, and even while you are there, you should insure that you have the proper documentation for everyone in your family, including any minors who may be traveling with you. Not only will they need their passport, but each airline traveling to and from Akumal may have a unique set of requirements so it is important that you know what those are ahead of time.

The last tip for your stay in Akumal is to know when to go. Akumal typically has a low season and a high season, which means that it will either be rainy or dry. The dry season is usually from December to March and will prove to be the best time for your vacation. You can find several hotels and accommodations for throughout the year at HotelsCombined.com.

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Shopping Tips for Your Akumal Vacation

September 1, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Travel Tips

For many people, shopping is on the list of things to do while on your Akumal vacation. Whether you plan to only purchase a few souvenirs for others back at home or you want to buy something new for yourself, here are a few shopping tips for Akumal, Mexico.

The first of many shopping tips for your Akumal vacation is to purchase all of your souvenirs from one of the many gift shops in the center of town. These shops include everything from souvenir t-shirts to hand-crafted jewelry. They also include the popular sarongs, which make great gifts and do not cost a lot, and original pieces of art. This folk art ranges in price, but can often be more on the expensive side.

If you plan to purchase alcohol on your trip, one of the best shopping tips for Akumal is not to search too hard for anything other than beer. “Cervesa” can be found anywhere throughout Mexico, but wine and other types of hard liquor may be harder to locate. Therefore, your shopping tip for alcohol in Akumal is also to try something new. Although beer may not be your favorite, you should embrace the local customs and have a few drinks with your meals during your stay.

Another one of the shopping tips in Akumal is to be careful of the groceries that you purchase in town, especially local fruits and vegetables. From convenience stores to pueblos to supermarkets, there are several places that you can buy the items that you need. If you cannot find the produce that you need in Akumal, feel free to travel a short distance to Playa del Carmen. However, no matter where you purchase your fruits or vegetables, you should always soak them in an anti-bacterial solution for approximately 15 minutes before you cook or eat them. This will help ensure that they are safe to eat and that you will enjoy the rest of your trip.

The last shopping tips in Akumal are related to clothing. Purchasing local clothing can be an exciting venture and help you feel at home in the Akumal area. There are several local shops from which you can choose and many high-end stores, like Sak’s 5th Avenue, if you want to travel to nearby Playa del Carmen. The items you purchase can be what you need while on vacation, just for fun, or to take back with you. Regardless, you should be able to get a good deal on any item that you buy.

Rent our luxury Villa in Akumal, Mexico.

What to Pack for Akumal, Mexico

August 29, 2008 by M Gravlee  
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles

Knowing what to pack when traveling to Akumal, Mexico can prepare on how to handle anything unexpected on your trip. These tips will help you have the safest, happiest vacation possible.

The first step in learning what to pack in Akumal is preparing for what you plan to do. Once you know what you plan to do, you can easily move on to figuring out what to pack for your trip. Even if you only have a broad idea, like that you want to take a few day trips, you want to spend time in the water, and that you want to try some interesting restaurants, you will know that you need to pack your beach gear, some good walking shoes, and a nice outfit for your dinner plans.

Now that you know what to pack for Akumal for all of your daily adventures, you can begin packing your clothing and accessories. Knowing your plans is extremely helpful so that you bring along the right items, especially if you are going on a family vacation and need to pack for several people. At the top of your list should be a hat, sunglasses, and waterproofs sunscreen for each member of your group.

Clothing for your trip should be light weight, like sundresses, shorts, and cotton shirts. Linen and khaki can also be much cooler than a pair of jeans either day or night. While you want to plan a number of clothing items that will keep you cool, you should bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

Part of your packing will include items that prove that you know that you will not always be able to anticipate what to expect in Akumal, Mexico. This list of items include a flashlight if you plan to be out at night, insect repellant in case you take a trip to the jungle, and a carry-on bag to keep your passport, cash, and other important documentation on you or with you at all times. Copies should also be made of all of this documentation in case something was to happen to them.

No matter where you go on vacation, knowledge is power. This includes what you need to expect in Akumal. Although it may turn out that you are over prepared, that is far better than not being prepared nearly enough for whatever situations may arise.

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