Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal COVID review

Posted on 10/27/2020 | About Cancún, Mexico

Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal COVID Review

I'm back from Mexico and halfway through my 14 day quarantine.

I spent 7 days earlier this month at the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal in the Mayan Riviera. It is the only one of the four Bahia Resort open. Next month they will re-open the Tulum Resort after extensive refurbishing.

Everyone is curious to know how the resorts are handling Covid-19 safety and cleanliness. I can report, in my opinion, the Bahia Principe chain of resorts is handling it professionally and thoroughly.

To see the protocols for any resort, go to their website. For the Bahia resorts follow this link. https://www.bahia-principe.com/en/health-and-safety-measures/

Our Room

Our room was exceptionally clean. I checked doorknobs, light switches, sink taps. I could not find any fingerprints and dirt smudges. (Unfortunately, I left my white gloves at home). The notable difference was the absence of the coffee maker, and the throw pillows. These have been deemed uncleanable between guests and have been removed.

The Restaurants

The a la carte restaurants are open and serving guests. Noticeable differences included a "No Touch Menu" that is accessed on your phone from The Resorts APP. And, of course, tables are six feet apart or more. Staff are wearing protective PPE.

The buffet was a unique experience. The first thing we noticed was a line up to go in. We were unable to simply walk in and choose a table. We were greeted at the door by a maître d who escorted us to a clean table. Tables and chairs are cleaned between each user. Silverware is brought to you by a waiter who places it before you using tongs. The silverware and napkin are wrapped in plastic. You can then remove your mask while you are sitting.

The Buffet food is prepared in individual servings for salad, fruits, dessert, appetizers, bread, etc.

There are ropes between you and the food to keep people back. Staff serve you at every station. Main courses are still in large serving dishes but are served to you by the staff. At no time can you touch the food until your plate is given to you with your selections.

All beverages are served at the table. There is no longer a beverage station where you can serve yourself.

The most difficult things were guests who forgot to put their masks on while getting their food. Even I admit, I forgot occasionally. Because the wearing of masks by guest is not mandatory, no one will say anything if you forget.

Social Distancing

Markers on the floor for social distancing were laid out outside of every restaurant, and at every bar. Even the Pool Bar had marking on the cement.

The most difficult place for social distancing was in the Lobby. An open-air lobby with no windows or doors and a nice breeze is just like standing outside.

No mask required. Right?

Until a group of people pass by or stand near. Then, out comes the mask. We had difficulty with the idea of; are you outside? or you inside? When do we wear a mask? The simple answer is, All the Time.

The Staff

The staff are decked out in PPE all the time. Dining room staff wear masks, face shields, and rubber gloves. All staff always wore masks. Not once, did I see a staff member without a mask.

Overall, I was very pleased with my stay at the Bahia Principe Akumal and I would recommend it to anyone.

Joan Kingston

Trent Travel