
World's best hotel revealed with swim-up bars and private plunge pools – and it can be booked with TUI
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya can be found in Akumal, Mexico, and is home to 434 rooms and suites.
6
6
6
Just 150 metres offshore from the adults-only resort is the second largest barrier reef in the world, while the historical Mayan sites of Tulum are nearby.
Inside the all-inclusive hotel are natural interiors inspired by the surrounding jungle.
Some of the suites even come with a private plunge pool.
Depending on the room or suite you choose, there are also hot tubs, rainfall showers, private balconies and even swim-out access from the terrace.
Other amenities include bath robes, Nespresso coffee machines and air conditioning.
Heading outside, guests can enjoy three pools, including an infinity pool with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a swim up bar called Manatees.
Alternatively, head to the spa for a bit of self-indulgence, including a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna and steam room, a reflexology pool, and different treatments.
The fitness suite also offers guests the opportunity to get their workout in, with cardio and strength training equipment as well as group classes.
For those who love an adventure, there are many activities to embark on such as kayaking, s norkelling with turtles, paddle-boarding and beach volleyball.
For those who don't like sporty activities, the resort also offers culinary classes, such as wine and tequila tastings and dance classes as well.
The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives
In total, the resort has nine restaurants (none of which you have to reserve ahead of time) and seven bars.
And each offers something different, so everyone will have something they like.
There is traditional Mexican cuisine at El Patio, French dishes at Bordeaux, authentic Italian staples at Portofino and Pan-Asian specialties at Himitsu, for example.
Or you could head to Coco Cafe, which offers snacks and late-night bites.
And if you don't fancy these options, the 'Sip, Savor, and See' programme allows guests to dine and enjoy entertainment at nearby sister resorts.
At night, head to one of the bars as the resort comes alive with live music, themed nights and beach parties.
Even skilled performers demonstrate their skills there.
6
6
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is just an hour's drive from Cancun Airport making it easy to get to.
The Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best title awards the destination with the highest level of excellence in travel, which means it goes above and beyond for its guests.
Out of eight million listings on Tripadvisor, less than one per cent of hotels achieve the award.
For Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in the number one spot, it has over 14,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, averaging an impressive 4.8 out of five.
One visitor said: "This resort exceeded all expectations — beautiful beach, crystal-clear water, and top-notch service."
Another added: "The walking paths are surrounded by lush trees, flowers and plants that provide shade while walking around and gives it a cozy, romantic feel."
A third stated: "This place is immaculate, pristine, gorgeous. Like pinch me, is this place paradise? Heaven on earth?"
Prices vary depending on the season but a holiday package can be booked with TUI.
For example, through TUI, you could head there in November for £1,997 per person for the week.
When is the best time to visit Mexico?
MEXICO is a fantastic year-round destination, but it truly shines as a winter escape.
With its magnificent sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich historical sites, this tropical treasure offers an incredible getaway.
The best time to travel to Mexico is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
This period offers high temperatures of up to 32C with almost no chance of rain, guaranteeing sunny days for your holiday.
While the dry season is generally warm, it's worth noting that the coldest months are from late December to early February.
However, temperatures still comfortably fluctuate between 24C and 28C, so you'll still enjoy plenty of warmth.
Conversely, the wet season lasts from the end of May until October.
If you prefer to avoid rain and enjoy continuous sunshine, this is the time to steer clear of.
For those wanting a cultural experience, consider planning your trip around one of Mexico's vibrant events.
Cinco De Mayo on May 5 celebrates a key Mexican victory and features lively street food, parties, and parades.
Meanwhile, surfers should take note of the regional seasons.
The busiest surfing season in Los Cabos is from November to April, while Cancun's surf season runs from June to November.
A popular resort has also been named among UK's best seaside towns with stunning castle and Tudor streets.
Plus, the little-known seaside resort town with one of the cleanest beaches in the world.
6

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
The historic English country estate which is now a hotel with private spa and grand bedrooms
MIDDLETHORPE Hall is arguably one of the hidden gems in the Yorkshire countryside, but still with a taste of the city not too far away. Here's everything you need to know - from room rates to dining options at the hotel's restaurant. 2 Where is the hotel? Just two miles from York city centre, Middlethorpe Hall is a William III country house set in 20 acres of rolling parkland. It is found just an 11 minute drive from York Train Station, so easily accessible. What is the hotel like? If your mates were landed gentry, this would be their country pile. The 29-bedroom National Trust hotel on York's outskirts has the wow factor plus a warm, homely vibe. Think grand wooden staircase, squashy sofas and delightful staff who waved us off with water and biscuits for our trip home. What are the rooms like? No sterile identikit decor here. Expect four posters, quirky antiques and old paintings, but still with the mod cons. If you opt to stay in the main house, you'll be met with a glorious view of the gardens. The range of rooms available includes Courtyard Suites, Courtyard Bedrooms, Cottage and Garden Suites, Main House Bedrooms and Main House Suites. Rooms for two available at £289 per night on a bed and breakfast basis with use of the spa. What is there to eat or drink there? Dine in. The afternoon is fit for royalty- inventive open sandwiches, delicate cakes and an apple and black pudding sausage roll. Dinner was three fine courses, including dick with plum and a fig parfait, in the wood-panelled dining room with roaring fire. My companion, who has both gluten and dairy allergies, was also offered plenty of indulgent choices. No wonder it has two AA Rosettes. What else is there to do at the hotel? The hotel boasts a miniature spa complex on site, with a pool, sauna, steam room and other spa treatments available, as well as the walled garden to relax in whilst you take in the countryside. You are also well-placed for York's sights and shops, with the racecourse also just a few minutes away. It is a picturesque place to take a walk on a sunny day. The hotel also offers connections to multiple tours in and around York, including The bespoke private walking tours in York and the Downton Abbey film locations in Yorkshire tour. For more information, click here. Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, the hotel welcomes families with children aged 6 and over for a stay at the hotel, and aged 8 and over in the spa during specified swimming times. Dogs are also welcome in select rooms. Is the hotel accessible? Yes, Middlethorpe aims to be as inclusive as possible, and where not possible due to extenuating circumstances, they will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2


BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Anger as 'seeping' raw sewage runs on to Llandudno beach
Raw sewage has been "seeping" on to a popular north Wales beach during the school holidays, a Member of Senedd has Finch-Saunders, who represents Aberconwy, has called for Welsh Water to invest more in its pumping stations after beachgoers reported sewage running on to West Shore in Llandudno, Conwy reportedly came from under a roller-shutter door of the pumping station at Dale Road Water said the leak had been caused by a blockage, but the "foul water" did not "enter any watercourse and had no detrimental environmental impact". Finch-Saunders said she was concerned due to the incident occurring during the height of the summer tourist season."This is when the residents and visitors want to take a dip in the sea," she said."It is not acceptable. Our hotels are working flat out to accommodate our visitors. The kids are off school."I've written to Welsh Water... they are going to have to invest some money to stop this happening."Welsh Water said a crew had attended to clear the blockage of wet wipes and carried out an initial clean-up."Due to the requirement for a deep clean, we have arranged for a full clean up using specialist kit."We would like to remind our customers not to dispose of any materials other than toilet roll down the toilet."The issue of sewer abuse and the resulting flooding costs the company around £5 million a year."Conwy county was contacted for comment.


Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
How traditional Scottish food is causing stir on world stage, bringing tourists and trade
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... All around the world, food is becoming more than simply a fuel. It is a cultural experience rooted in place, heritage and story. Social media and increased travel for leisure have amplified this shift, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram thriving on vibrant, shareable content about food. Diners want meals that connect them with the culture and character of where they are or where they dream of going. As a result, under-explored cuisines and ingredients like Mayan sikil pak and Filipino banana ketchup are taking centre stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With rich traditions and an enviable natural larder, Scottish food has the opportunity to thrive as a result of this growing appetite for exploring global food experiences. It is tough for food producers at the moment, so looking for a competitive edge is more important than ever. However, despite the challenges, it is also an exciting time for producers in Scotland; and the time is ripe for us to stand proudly on the world stage and turn local flavours into global fascination. Scotland's unspoilt landscapes and traditional Scottish ingredients like heather are part of the reason why global food tourists want to come here (Picture: Peter Thompson/Heritage Images) |Tapping into tradition The global culinary tourism market is growing, driven not just by food but by the stories behind it. According to Skyscanner, San Sebastian in northern Spain is rising in popularity partly because of travellers looking to try Basque cheesecake and pintxos – a Basque version of tapas – which are both rooted in regional identity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This reflects a broader trend: consumers value food that connects to heritage. And this authenticity is something Scotland offers in spades. Our research found that if an item is identifiably grown, reared or produced in Scotland, it makes it more attractive to 87 per cent of UK tourists. And that enthusiasm isn't limited to people living overseas – just over half of Londoners say the same. Traditional Scottish ingredients like oats, seaweed, heather and barley are part of Scotland's story. There's a renewed interest in these ingredients, with many of them inspiring new and exciting products, such as Six Degrees North's Foraged Saison beer, made with foraged elderberries and heather. Scotland's sensory appeal Visual appeal dominates on social media as well as on our plate – as the old adage goes, we eat first with our eyes. And with regulatory pushback against artificial dyes in countries around the world, producers are exploring natural ways to appeal to consumers' senses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This shift is opening the door to other sensory experiences, particularly scent. Our sense of smell is not only central to flavour, but also closely linked with memory and emotion. Scottish cuisine is naturally rich in evocative aromas and colours: briny seaweed and green samphire evoke our coastline; purple heather and yellow-green juniper recall untamed countryside; and woodsmoke and peat offer a dark depth that contrasts with our open skies. These elements create a sensory landscape on our plates that resonate with visitors, locals and expats alike. For those who have visited, Scottish food brings back memories. For those planning a visit, it's a taste of what's to come. And for Scots abroad, it delivers a comforting sense of home. READ MORE: Our 4 favourite blended Scotch Whisky releases that are as good as any single malt Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Culinary curiosity As consumers search for authentic experiences, hybrid flavours are gaining ground – especially when they balance novelty with familiarity. We see this in crisps with globally inspired flavours like Manchego and olive or Thai red curry. Scottish producers are making their mark here, too, fusing international techniques with local ingredients to make something distinctly Scottish – such as Matugga, bringing African rum distilling techniques to a Scottish distillery. These reflect Scotland's long-standing openness and culinary curiosity, both parts of our culture. Products made in Scotland, by Scots or for Scots, are embraced as part of our identity. That sense of hospitality and inclusion is something to celebrate and is a strength as Scotland's food and drink sector continues to evolve for a global audience. Naturally nutritious Authenticity isn't the only thing driving consumer decisions. Wellness plays a central role in how people choose what to eat. Health is no longer a niche concern. Consumers are increasingly aware of the link between soil health and human health, and they're beginning to avoid ultra-processed foods in favour of naturally nutrient-rich options. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland is already well-suited to meet this demand. Our well-earned reputation for unspoilt landscapes, crystal-clear waters and open skies reinforces perceptions of purity and quality. Many traditional Scottish ingredients also align with contemporary dietary preferences, whether natural animal protein, gluten-free or nutrient-dense. They appeal to a broad and health-conscious market. Even trends like fermentation – despite their polarising flavours – are opening the door to more adventurous products with added health benefits. Scottish brands are well-placed to innovate here and use familiar local ingredients to create products that resonate globally and have functional value; consider Slow Sauce's miso made from fermented Aberdeenshire oats. A global presence Scottish cuisine has long been valued for its quality: just look at the £844 million of Scottish salmon and £5.4 billion of whisky exported last year as proof of the global appetite for our products. But there's more to share than seafood and spirits. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From heritage grains and foraged botanicals to health-driven innovation and cross-cultural creativity, Scottish food is already delivering on the values that modern consumers want: authenticity, quality and nutrition. To fully embrace this momentum, Scottish producers must continue to pair innovation with approachability and lead with the compelling stories which show we deliver on the authentic, meaningful food experiences that consumers are looking for.