In a stunning confirmation of Mexico’s premier standing in luxury travel, the Riviera Maya is officially home to the best hotel on the planet for 2025. In its annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards, global travel platform Tripadvisor crowned Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya as the number one hotel in the entire world. Here at The Cancun Sun, we remain incredibly proud to see this adults-only, all-inclusive resort earn such a prestigious global title, reaffirming the Riviera Maya as a destination that truly sets the standard for hospitality.
This is the most meaningful honor in the travel industry, as it comes directly from the people who matter most: the guests. The ranking isn’t determined by a small panel but is the result of a full year’s worth of real-world reviews and opinions from millions of travelers. Landing on the “Best of the Best” list places a hotel in the top 1% of all properties worldwide; earning the number one spot signifies a level of excellence that is simply unmatched.
So what is the formula that elevates a hotel from merely great to the best on Earth? It’s a masterful blend of a breathtaking location, truly luxurious amenities, and a service philosophy that resonates deeply with its visitors.
Why It’s Truly The World’s Best
The experience at Secrets Akumal begins with its spectacular setting. Nestled on a serene beach, the hotel’s shoreline is a world-famous feeding ground for green sea turtles. This gives guests the rare opportunity to snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures right off the beach—a magical experience that forms a lasting impression. The name Akumal itself, meaning “Place of the Turtle” in Mayan, speaks to the unique natural wonder of the location.
The property itself is an immaculately designed sanctuary. Guests can wander through lush tropical gardens, discover thirteen different sparkling pools, and find their own perfect version of paradise, from a vibrant swim-up bar to a quiet, shaded hideaway.
Furthermore, the resort’s “Unlimited-Luxury” concept elevates the all-inclusive experience. This means no wristbands and, for most of its nine gourmet restaurants, no need for reservations. The culinary journey is a celebrated part of the stay, with options that span the globe from high-end French cuisine at Bordeaux to authentic Mexican dishes at El Patio and exciting hibachi shows at Himitsu. This is world-class dining, entirely included.
“They Treat You Like Royalty”
Beyond the beauty and the food, the hotel’s reviews consistently point to one defining factor: its people. The staff at Secrets Akumal are universally praised for providing service that is not just efficient, but profoundly personal and intuitive. They are masters of anticipating needs and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Countless traveler stories on Tripadvisor paint a vivid picture. One guest recently summarized the experience, stating, “The staff at this location were top notch and always pleasant. Our concierge… was always going out of his way to make us feel at home and help us with anything we needed.”
Another review from a couple celebrating a milestone highlighted the thoughtful touches that define the stay, from a “Happy Anniversary” banner on their door to surprise champagne and rose petals. It’s this consistent delivery of small, personal gestures that transforms a great vacation into an unforgettable one. As one visitor wrote simply, “From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Every single staff member we encountered was helpful.”
This unwavering commitment to creating a flawless and personal guest experience is what earned Secrets Akumal its global crown. For discerning travelers planning their next getaway, Tripadvisor’s community has made it clear: the definitive best-of-the-best experience for 2025 is waiting on the pristine shores of the Riviera Maya.
Check prices at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
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