Why We Recommend It:
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum is a lively upper-range all-inclusive, part of a giant four-resort complex in Akumal, near Tulum, Mexico.
It has two pools, a spa, a fitness center, twelve restaurants & bars, a PADI diving center, a stunning stretch of white sand beach and, just off-site, access to an 18-hole golf course and a casino.
It is child friendly, and can be enjoyable for families – they have a great kid’s club for example, though the crowd seems to be more youngish adults.
Its prices are reasonable too and Bahia Principe Grand Tulum is to our mind one of the best value all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya.
Rooms & Suites:
Grand Bahia Principe Tulum has nearly a thousand rooms and suites in total and so you’ll have plenty of choices.
Space is plentiful, even the most basic rooms are a minimum 330 sq. ft. and all have a seating area with at least a study desk and some chairs.
They all come with some outside space too, usually a furnished balcony, and though they are in general un-excitingly decorated, they are well furnished, comfortable, and clean.
Amenities include a minibar, satellite TV, coffeemakers, and ice buckets, and the suites come with hydromassage tubs and sofas.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum is at the very heart of the enormous four-resort, Bahia Principe All-Inclusive complex and feels younger and livelier than the other three.
It has a spa, a scuba diving center, thirteen restaurants, six bars, and two swimming pools among its facilities and has the widest stretch of beach among the four resorts.
The resort’s main restaurant is The Yucatan which serves huge buffets of international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Then there is Burger Andrade which serves up burgers, salads etc., and The Food Truck – great Mexican street food with more than a touch of haute cuisine.
There are ten relatively formal a la carte restaurants offering a huge range of world cuisines – including Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, Indian and Mexican.
The food is excellent in all venues, though all-inclusive guests are only allowed three à la carte dinners in the latter listed ten venues per week of stay, and reservations can be required.
There are six drinking venues here including three pool bars, a beach bar, one, Bar Akumal, with a dance floor and the chic, theater-themed Broadway Bar.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, except for some premium drinks, are all included.
Guests can enjoy the usual water-sports at Grand Tulum: kayaking, surfing, snorkeling etc. but the equipment is limited to one hour per activity per guest per day.
You can also play volleyball and tennis on land, and water polo in the pool.
Scuba diving at their PADI-certified center is an extra charge, though your all-inclusive package includes a free introductory diving lesson.
An extra charge is also required for catamaran rides, banana boat rides, and other motorized activities, as is pretty standard in all-inclusives.
Access to the adjacent dolphinarium is also extra, as is a round of 18 or 9-hole golf at the Riviera Golf Club or a few rounds of blackjack at Hacienda Dona Isabel’s casino, both of which are also just off-site.
There is daily and nightly entertainment around the resort, plus lots of classes and fun activities that guests can join.
Though the main focus of Grand Tulum might not be on children they do a great job in keeping them occupied with an all-day kid’s club including a children’s only waterpark. All of which are thoroughly enjoyable by all accounts and they also offer babysitting services if needed.
Location:
Between Akumal Beach and Tulum, the resort complex can be reached in just over an hour from Cancun Airport.
Tulum center is about fifteen minutes away while Playa del Carmen is just over half an hour.
Some Guest Reviews:
“The property was in a beautiful location and the amenities were outstanding. There was easy access to food and beverages and lunch and dinner were excellent, breakfast not so much. The staff was extremely friendly and there was endless activities especially for children to keep you fully entertained. Located within 20 minutes of multiple beautiful Cenotes. I would highly recommend especially for families…….”
“Very spacious and clean. Although the property was huge, there was always someone ready to transport you. The workers are very helpful and nice. Staff was friendly and great. Overall had an amazing experience and would definitely come again…..”