My husband and I are fairly new to the concept of all-inclusive resorts. Things we enjoyed about our stay:
1. Convenient airport transfers.
2. The location - very central to access Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza and away from the bigger tourist centres. The Tulum ruins were only 15 minutes away taking the local collectivo vans.
3. Sian Ka'an is one of five resorts connected by trams. Mostly full access to different types of resorts allowed us to try out different locations.
4. [... read more]Cleanliness - our room and all resort bathrooms were spotless.
5. Friendliness and helpfulness of staff.
6. The beach. The beach is private and kept immaculately clean. We never had any problem finding a chaise and shade palapa in the Sian Ka'an section.
The things we didn't enjoy relate more (I think) to the nature of all-inclusive resorts as opposed to criticism of Sian Ka'an
1. Food quality. Aside from a very good meal at Alux (Sian Ka'an) and a good meal at Los Corales (Brazillian Grilled Meat, Tulum Resort) we found the food to be mediocre. Some food was obviously made from powder and juices seemed to be mixed with tang-like fillers. There is lots of choice so we tried to stick to the least processed food - had lots of salads and fruit which was fine.
2. Buffet ambiance. The Sian Ka'an buffet had a real cafeteria feel to it. We ended up going mostly to the al la carte restaurants or the buffet at Hotel Akumal which has lovely views of the ocean and the buffet is in a separate room.
3. The hair nets staff had to wear. Not sure if this is a health requirement for all inclusive resorts but requiring all the wait staff to wear hair nets made the dining experience less than perfect.
4. The El Cenote snack bar at breakfast time (apart from the coffee machine which was excellent - way better than coffee anywhere else). For anyone interested in getting up early to go to Mayan ruins, golf etc etc, the only eating option was the El Cenote snack bar that advertised itself as a place to get breakfast. Yet there weren't any breakfast food options. Would be great if you could get something really simple like yoghurt, toast, eggs.
5. The sound system at the pools and in the lobby. The amplifiers were turned up way too loud making it impossible to find quiet little spots to sit around the pools. We eventually did find a separate section of the resort closer to the golf course that was very peaceful though the pool was quite small. Am pretty certain those that wanted to participate in all the games and activities could easily still hear with the volume turned down a few notches.
6. The extent of drunkenness. Again, not clear if that's the nature of all-inclusive resorts, but we were embarrassed with the number of people (mostly Canadians) who drank excessively. By the end of the week, a very large number of people had broken legs, arms and incredibly bruised faces from falling down drunk. Not great ambassadors for our wonderful country.
While we likely would not choose to stay at an all inclusive resort again based on our experience, we would certainly recommend the Bahia Principe to any friends who really enjoy that type of vacation. We met a number of people who return there regularly and just love it.
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Private -
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Best Resort
Everything about Luzury Bahia Principe is amazing. This was our second stay, first time was June 2016 and now Feb 2018. The staff, activities, property, rooms, drinks and food are all excellent. There are so many great a la cart options (do the gourmet!). They offer so many activities like water balloon fights in the pool, ping pong, huge chess, pool basketball, pool volleyball, water aerobics, poolside bingo, archery, tennis, basketball and so much more! There are shows put on every evening, ka[... read more]raoke and dancing. On the flip side if you prefer to veg poolside and enjoy nothing more than the sun and peace and quiet with a drink in hand, they also have pools that are more relaxed with no music. Sian kaan is the best. I would highly recommend!
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Chris and Barb -
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Exceptional resort!
We have travelled throughout the Caribbean. This was our first time to Mexico. To say the Sian Ka'an at the Luxury Bahia Principe exceeded our expectations is an understatement. It is smaller than the other 3 Bahia Principe resorts surrounding it and set "off beach" in the jungle. It was beautiful and tranquil. A trolley car system (we never waited more than 10 minutes) took us to any of the other resorts within minutes. We didn't miss being on the beach because it was so close and there was a r[... read more]eserved section for Sian Ka'an only guests. It was the best kept beach section in the area - a crew of resort employees worked all day every day to remove the seaweed that washed ashore and they were constantly raking the sand.
The resort itself is only 6 years old and beautiful in every aspect. The rooms are large and have high-end finishes that I've not seen in an all inclusive style resort. The employees at the Siam Ka'an were friendly, and genuine in their efforts to provide exceptional service. From the bar servers, to the cleaning staff, we were always met with an "Ola" and friendly smile. I can't say enough about how awesome our experience was. Paridise found! We will definitely be back.
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Private -
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Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Khan
The service and food at the Sian Khan was excellent. The rooms are starting to show their age and needs updating ie retiling, needs to add storage.
We stayed 10 days...at the end the trolley ride to the beach starts to get to you. The grounds are well maintained and exceptional. Its a golfers paradise.
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KenW -
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Great resort
We liked almost everything about this resort. The food was great, the service wonderful. Nice and clean. The quiet pool at the resort is actually quiet (so often someone brings their own music to the quiet pool to the annoyance of other patrons - none of this here.) The resort is adults only, and fairly small so the restaurants are within 5 minutes of your room. The entertainment was truly amazing, unlike the rather mundane repetitive entertainment so many of the big resorts have. The ente[... read more]rtainment here was highly polished and professional. Great singers. We attended and danced almost every night.
This resort isn't on the ocean, but there is a a private beach reserved for the resort guests on the ocean, plus full use of all the Bahia Principe facilities in the ocean based resorts. The ocean is a 2.4 km walk from the resort, which took us about 25 minutes each way (a casual walk.) There is also a shuttle that runs about every 10 minutes if walking isn't your style.
We had a ground floor room with a large private patio garden and a Jacuzzi. The room was a good size, and we made good use of the patio and Jacuzzi. The room had to AC units so temperature control was simple. The bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept on. The room has one large wall that includes two large patio doors opening onto the patio.
The only thing we didn't enjoy can't really be held against the resort - as we find it at every resort we go to. That is cigarette and cigar smoke. While Mexican resorts have come a long way in the last 15 years by banning smoking inside, they need to go a lot further in keeping the smokers away from the outdoor areas too. We were constantly moving to new seats at the resort outdoor bars or on the beach, trying to avoid inhaling smoke. I'm not sure if smokers don't realize that 50-75 meters is the minimum distance away you need to be (or if they just don't care) - but we struggled to find a spot where we couldn't smell cigar smoke. If there was a resort that banned all smoking - indoors and out - it was would definitely get our business, but until then, this resort gets top marks in all other categories.
One other issue - the lights in the room aren't all that bright. We used our cell phone flashlights a bit when looking in the makeup mirror and at other times. In the future, I might throw a headlamp in my luggage. Not a big deal, and I appreciate that less bright lighting is probably more eco friendly - but I'd suggest bring a small headlamp to help see at times.
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Shthomas -
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Great resort
If you are looking for a resort that is luxurious and quiet, Sian Ka'an is the place for you. The villa suites are spacious, clean and bug free (considering you're living in the forest). The food was good, the customer service was amazing and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. The only downside was the entertainment at night was boring (it was better at the other Bahia Principe resorts across the street which you get access to when you stay at Sian Ka'an). Also, since this resort is not o[... read more]n the beach, you have to hop on a quick shuttle that will take you directly there. Sometimes, we would have to wait a few minutes to get a shuttle but they come pretty frequently.
I went to the spa 3x's during my 7-day stay and each and every time, I had a great experience. Frida and Aimee did a fantastic job when my husband and I bought a valentines day package that included hydrotherapy and a massage. They were very professional and my husband and I agreed that it was one of the best massages we have ever had.
All in all, Sian Ka'an and the other Bahia Principe resorts in Riviera Maya are amazing and you will definitely enjoy yourself when you stay there.
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Pokerpete -
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Best Vacation EVER!!!
The service was extraordinary. The hotel was clean and the grounds pristine. The staff were friendly and very accommodating. Even thought he resort is not on the beach, the jungle atmosphere added a new dimension to the vacation. It was a short trolley ride to the beach, and was always a good opportunity to see all of the resort .
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TorontoSandra -
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Perfect paradise
Everything was exquisite. Cleanliness was impeccable in the rooms, dining facilities, walking trails and amenities.
The food was fresh, safe to eat and options a plenty. A la carte restos were top notch with service, style and taste.
Met some great people and the golf course was gorgeous. Highly recommend the hydrotherapy and athletic massage. I would definitely go back.
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Dave -
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One of a kind resort
Sian Kaan is very quiet and beautiful. Well manicured, luxuriant lawn. The food is healthy and taste great. The staff is very friendly. We will definitely return to this amazing resort. Judy Donaldson come through again for us. She worked relentlessly to accommodate all our request.
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Private -
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Wonderful Resort
Enjoyed our stay. Wonderful friendly staff. Food at a la cart restaurants was fantastic!!
We had access to other resorts and went to them for meals, beaches and entertainment.
Enjoyed the Michael Jackson show and saw it twice. The theatre at Akumal was a perfect venue and sound system etc. was top notch. Show at Sian Ka'an was terrible. Poor acoustics, no integrated video support and people were walking out. (Show at Akumal was standing room only).
The grounds at Sian Ka'an were beautiful a[... read more]nd staff were constantly sweeping, and caring for the gardens.
The room: We upgraded to a Junior Penthouse suite. Large area but painted all white and felt like a hospital ward. No colour and no decor. Expected a Mexican motif. Roof top patio was very dated and drab. Hot tub was difficult to get in and out of. Pillars were rusted. Our first hot tub was a disaster. Had to call front desk as there were ants all over the outside of the tub and crawling on walls and floor. A maid was sent up with a tin of bug spray which she emptied. The ants were killed on contact. Our mood was also killed!! This area was washed down the next day but still had dead ants visible.
In Closing: If we return we would NOT stay at Sian Ka'an. We would stay at Akumal. Beautiful beaches. Great entertainment. Great restaurants.
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Angela -
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Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka'an
We had a great time at this resort. Its our second time even better stay. Would like to return as I love this hotel. As the service is so excellent. Check in to room service to entertainment amd meals. Thank you Manuel from the dining room. Excellent service
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Private -
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Perfect resort for Rest and Relaxation
Extremely well kept grounds, amazing service, quiet and respectful environment, delicious food, nice entertainment with the option to go to the other sister resorts which are a short shuttle ride. But definately not somewhere you want to go to party. Most clientele are adults in their late 40’s and older. A bit far from airport at 1hr45min drive. Had the penthouse with rooftop jacuzzi and used it everyday!!
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Charles 54 -
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A good 5 star
FOOD---- 5 Star
ROOM--- 4 1/2 Star---Insufficent space for clothes. No drawers,limited number of shelves .
Cleanliness of Restaurants,Rooms, and Grounds---5Star
Transportation---4 Star--A bit of confusion when one is trying to find the A La Carte
restaurants due to drivers not able to speak English or they
simply dont' know.We know the complex we want,but not
[... read more] the location of the restaurant.
Service---- 5 Star --- We went to several A La Carte restaurants,most were great
except for one. Service was always good at our complex.
Over-all, a long trip from the airport,but we would be still consider returning.
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Bob B -
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Great resort
Very good value....only complaint would be the rooms....very large but lack of closet and storage space and poor lighting. Staff, service, food, entertainment drinks etc were all top notch. Although not on the beach, regular transportation is provided to an adults only section. Only about a 10 minute ride
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Loumary -
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Best of the best!
We stayed here Jan 21-28 and absolutely loved it!! Such fantastic staff. Amazing food and drinks. Nice quiet location and rooms. Everyone was so relaxed, happy and friendly. We have been to many five star resorts
To compare and for the price,
Sian Kaan beats them all!
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Jackie -
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Excellent Yet Again
We love this resort. This was our 7th trip there. We have been to many of the other 5* resorts along the Mayan Riviera and this one is still our favorite. Good food, Good service, Good accommodations, Good beach, Good pools. We will return
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Private -
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2 perspectives
4th time to this resort. Waited for sale price. The resort is very consistently good. Stayed at Sian Ka'an adults only and the staff there bend over backwards to please more so than other 3 locations.
A la carte restaurants are well worth going to. Tenderloin filet was a surprise 10/10.
Ground floor room was damp and musty. Was moved to higher room.
For most resort goers, this resort has it all. Staff service was excellent and instructed to please the guests in all circumstances. They c[... read more]ouldn't be trained better in this regard.
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Private -
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Perfect
Hotel was still one of the best I’ve ever stayed at!
Right across from the golf coarse. Just a five minute ride to the exclusive beach area. The staff are the best and the food is top notch. They have 24 hour room service along with butler service. The spa is very nice. Everything is nice and close in this compact hotel.
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Thom -
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Good resort
We arrived late 10 Pm due air plane problem, but the restaurant was still open with nice and good food selection.
The room was dark, night table missing, we ask other room (41403) the room identical with the previous but the night table was there. Light bulb burnt out curtain dirty and not hang properly. .We left Do not disturb sign outside the door, but housekeeping wake us up for 3 nights at 8.30 AM. A very cold nigh we ask butler service for an extra blanket and delivered promptly (thanks)[... read more]. The ground was very nicely kept, the restaurants was peasant with extremely good, nicely prepared in the buffets and restaurants. The staff extremely helpful and friendly Pools, transportations wery good between properties. We have good time except the room can be in better shape.
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Private -
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Paradise in Mexico 🇲🇽
The Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an was outstanding. Our Air Transat guides from Manuela who helped book the place to Evelyn and Antonia - all three were very informative and helpful in arranging our stay in the Mayan Riviera.
Our room and the gardens were immaculate! Jorge gave us directions to the other beautiful resorts on the beach and topped it by having Ivan our butler decoratie our bed with rose petals and a bottle of wine! Could not have asked for better service- from the greeter at the buf[... read more]fet, to servers like Luis and Faustino and the variety of food made by such a creative chef was topped by the nightly entertainment! We would definitely come back but next time for 2 weeks! Great holiday to beautiful area of the world!