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Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an: An All-inclusive Getaway Close to Tulum
Sian Ka’an is an all-inclusive adults-only resort related to the Grand Bahia Principe complicated situated between Tulum and Cancun. Right here’s a firsthand assessment.
Sian Ka’an: A Luxurious Adults Solely Resort in Mexico
Sian Ka’an has a get-away-from-it-all vibe with pretty grounds and a jungle setting.
It’s circuitously on the seaside, however friends have entry to a non-public seaside space in addition to all of the eating places on the different resorts.
You get round by taking the open-air trolleys that make the rounds of the 4 resorts within the complicated.
Facilities
On the Sian Ka’an property there are three essential swimming pools, 4 eating places (together with the buffet), a spa and adjoining golf course.
The actions are countless. Poolside bingo, right here we come!
My husband and I spent two weeks right here and loved it immensely, although I wouldn’t say it’s within the high tier of luxurious resorts. It’s extra on the ‘inexpensive luxurious’ stage.
That is our expertise and an in-depth assessment.
Verify Costs and Availability for Sian Ka’an Resort.
Our Overview
As I hurried down the trail to the Exercise Pool, anxious to not miss water volleyball (a sport I didn’t know existed till I stayed at Sian Ka’an), a bevy of ferns, palms and hibiscus waved me on.
For a second I paused, grateful to be in these lush environment with the solar glinting off the pool and a day of journey forward.
Particularly as my husband and I virtually hadn’t chosen to remain right here.
We’d spent days scouring luxurious resort evaluations, in search of an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Mexico at an affordable value … and these are arduous to come back by.
Selecting an Adults Solely Resort
Even skilled journey writers like me have a tough time selecting a resort over the Web, and Journey Advisor evaluations range a lot you may find yourself extra confused than ever.
Hopefully this assessment of our two-week keep at Sian Ka’an, an affordable-luxury adults-only all-inclusive on the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Tulum will make it easier to out.
Verify Out These Superb Luxurious Adults-Solely All-Inclusives in Mexico.
Why We Nearly Didn’t Select Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an is a Boutique Property
I’d seen Sian Ka’an marketed as a boutique property however I needed a big resort with a number of facilities.
On the time I didn’t notice Sian Ka’an was related to the three different Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resorts and that you can use the amenities in any respect of them. Better of each worlds.
It’s Not on the Seashore
The resort is throughout the freeway in a jungle-y setting. The resort trolley takes you on a devoted overpass to Sian Ka’an’s non-public seaside space so it wasn’t an issue.
No Model Recognition
Initially I bypassed Sian Ka’an as a possible decide as a result of I used to be confused by the title. It didn’t give me an preliminary imaginative and prescient of the resort.
What Does Sian Ka’an Imply?
I’ve since realized Sian Ka’an is called for the close by UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere website, the most important protected space within the Yucatan. Now it makes good sense.
Within the Mayan language Sian Ka’an means Origin of the Sky.
Why We Ended Up Selecting Luxurious Sian Ka’an
Worth
It’s extra inexpensive than the opposite luxurious adults solely all inclusives I’ve been to, and we needed to remain for 2 weeks so needed to be value aware.
Shade and Lush Environment
I notice most individuals go to Mexico for solar.
For me, nevertheless, there may be nothing higher than mendacity below a shady tree in a deck chair whereas the solar blazes round me and a swimming pool beckons.
Sian Ka’an has a terrific mixture of solar and leafy shade.
Peaceable Ambiance
I didn’t need a social gathering resort.
Numerous Issues To Do
As a result of Sian Ka’an is related to the three different Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resorts: Tulum, Luxurious Akumal, and Coba, you may take the trolley in all places, use the amenities on the different resorts and eat at an enormous number of eating places.
There are additionally quite a lot of actions and excursions within the area.
Verify In – From Hate to Happiness
We arrived late at night time.
The check-in course of was pleasant and easy, and the open-air foyer was nice and welcoming.
The draw back? I hated the room we got. It smelled of mildew.
In two minutes I used to be again on the desk. I hate being that individual … however I am that individual. Rooms matter to me – I wouldn’t have spent the final 20 years reviewing motels in the event that they didn’t.
The desk clerk was useful and gave me a distinct room. This one didn’t scent however I hated it, too. It didn’t have the correct really feel.
Properly conscious that ‘not having the correct really feel’ isn’t a legitimate grievance, we stayed there that night time, however I used to be again on the entrance desk within the morning.
Altering Rooms
It was embarrassing, however this was my trip, I reasoned. It was our hard-earned cash, and it wasn’t price being sad. Heck, I could possibly be sad at house.
Kudos to the workers. They have been nonetheless very good, and moved us into a distinct part of the resort.
This made all of the distinction and I felt like Goldilocks saying, This one is simply proper.”
What You Have to Know Concerning the Resort Sections
There’s a ‘quiet’ facet to the resort. In my books that is code for boring. Let’s name it the Land of the Shunned.
To me it felt like an overflow part. I didn’t discover it as properly landscaped and virtually all of the facilities are on the opposite facet.
Please word: I’m choosy. Many appear completely pleased with it.
Sian Ka’an Rooms & Lodging
Our new room was on the third flooring close to the Exercise Pool. It had no elevator, so if stairs are a problem, go for a floor flooring room.
It had a balcony, a king mattress, not an excessive amount of space for storing, a sitting space and a stocked mini fridge. The aircon labored.
The decor wasn’t superb or something, not just like the dreamy type of Le Blanc Los Cabos, an unforgettable luxurious resort with a to-die-for spa, however it was clear, primary and nice.
My garments smelled musty after I bought house however I didn’t discover it a lot on the time.
I needed, nevertheless, there had been a display on the balcony door so we may have gotten extra contemporary air.
Room Sorts
There are 4 room varieties at Sian Ka’an:
- Junior Suite
- Junior Suite Superior
- Junior Suite Superior Backyard
- Junior Suite Superior Penthouse
So far as I can inform the primary distinction between the Junior Suite and the Junior Suite Superior is that the common Junior Suites are situated within the Land of the Shunned.
Each the Superior Backyard and Superior Penthouse Junior Suites have outside jacuzzis. How nice would that be for unwinding after a day of exploring cenotes and ruins?
Alternatively, Mexico is steamy scorching so I’m unsure I might have used it.
Housekeeping and Upkeep
Our room was cleaned each day, and the mini fridge was stored stocked, although we didn’t use it a lot as a result of we have been virtually at all times on the pool.
I’ve heard blended evaluations about housekeeping experiences however ours was positive. Cleansing and lugging bedding down three flooring is a tough job and we made certain to tip the housekeeper effectively.
Eating – A Spotlight of Our Trip
In the event you’re staying at Sian Ka’an you’ve got entry to the eating places in all 4 Bahia Principe resorts.
Whereas the meals may not evaluate to high tier resorts like Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive resort recognized for its positive delicacies, Sian Ka’an nonetheless will get wonderful evaluations for its meals, and we loved our forays out to the varied à la carte eating places.
E-book Eating places Early – Critically
Ten days earlier than you arrive you may reserve your eating places on the App. Do it. They will replenish quick.
However folks additionally cancel so for those who’ve missed out, verify on the concierge desk to see if one thing opens up. We did this a number of occasions.
Exploring Eating Choices
Testing the varied eating places is an journey and taking the resort’s free open-air trollies is a enjoyable option to get there.
Journey Tip: At time for supper there could be a little bit of a scrum for the trolleys. Give your self a good bit of time to get to your vacation spot.
We normally left about half-hour early if we have been consuming at Akumal, Coba or Tulum. I’ve seen evaluations the place folks depart 45 minutes early however that was overly formidable for us.
Finest Restaurant is Alux
Our favorite restaurant was Alux. Situated at Sian Ka’an, it’s high-end French connoisseur eating. We ate there 3 times.
(Full confession: We frequently went to the buffet after dinner for a dessert high up. We’re piggies.)
Sian Ka’an Buffet
The buffet is in depth. I at all times beelined for the gazpacho station; the nacho, cheese sauce and guacamole part; and, oddly sufficient, the jello. Mark zeroed in on the grilled meat.
I discovered many of the desserts ornamental however blah.
Don’t Miss Seafood Night time on the Sian Ka’an Buffet
Every night time the buffet has a distinct theme.
The most effective is Friday night time for seafood. Lobster! We at all times bought there early in case they ran out.
Cenote Snack Bar
Open 24 hours a day, it’s a useful place for burgers, breakfast or informal meals and is conveniently situated poolside.
Different Eating places at Grand Bahia Principe
I didn’t adore each meal at each restaurant, however we have been definitely spoiled for selection.
We opted for connoisseur eating at Don Pablo, skipped the Mexican-focused Tequila (since we have been consuming a lot Mexican on the lunch buffet), couldn’t get a reservation at Katok, which focuses on grilled meat; loved Indian at Thali, Japanese at Mikado and Maiko, and didn’t love the seafood at Frutos del Mer.
Sian Ka’an is called having the highest eating places within the complicated so undoubtedly e-book their two à la cartes, Alux and Maiko.
The Seashore
Although the resort isn’t beachfront, the trolly service to a non-public part of Bahia Principe’s seaside made attending to the seaside fairly simple.
Right here you’ll discover a bar, thatched seaside umbrellas, and loads of loungers. We used the seaside space and swimming pools on the different resorts, too.
Is the Seashore at Bahia Principe Good?
Properly, it’s not stellar for swimming. Sure areas are nicer than others, and I loved some lengthy seaside walks.
They do a superb job cleansing up the seaweed off the seaside each morning.
The factor is, I bought so hooked on the Exercise Pool at Sian Ka’an I forgot to even go to the seaside after a number of days.
Sian Ka’an Swimming pools
There are a number of swimming pools at Sian Ka’an, however three essential ones. If you would like absolute quiet, head to the pool close to Alux.
The biggest pool, situated subsequent to the Cenote Bar, is attractive. It’s relaxed, amiable and you’ve got your selection of solar or shade.
Now let’s speak concerning the Exercise Pool.
Right here’s the humorous factor about it: For the primary 24 hours I hated the Exercise Pool much more than I hated the Land of the Shunned.
It appeared noisy and probably too party-ish, nothing just like the elegant kind of romantic trip I’d had in thoughts after I booked an adults solely resort, so I made a decision I might keep away from it in any respect prices.
Then, the following day, as we have been mendacity by a blissfully serene quiet pool with birdsong and butterflies, I spotted the Exercise Pool was truly fairly entertaining.
Additionally, I didn’t wish to miss AquaFit.
Exercise Pool Expertise
Again to the Exercise Pool we went.
Along with snug loungers, a congenial environment, seaside umbrellas and a poolside bar, the Exercise Pool is the place issues occur.
We met extra folks right here than wherever else.
I performed pool volleyball twice a day and, I admit, I’m abysmal. The one individual worse than me was the margarita-loving lady who forgot what facet she was on and floated on over to the opposite workforce.
Nobody cared. It was hilarious.
In my defence, I did win a bottle of tequila for acing the each day ping pong championship. (I additionally misplaced as soon as, however we’ll give attention to the optimistic, lets?)
Deck Chairs at Sian Ka’an Pool
We by no means needed to struggle for lounge chairs in both the shade or solar. I feel a couple of times it was difficult to search out one thing however we finally did.
As soon as we discovered our most well-liked spot, we did begin throwing our towels down on the way in which to breakfast although we didn’t stand up early to do that. We’re far too lazy.
I’ve learn evaluations saying others have had issues getting loungers, however it didn’t occur to us.
Grownup-Solely Pool at Akumal
Many friends rave concerning the adults-only infinity pool at Akumal that overlooks the ocean, and Sian Ka’an friends have entry to it.
I went as soon as however there wasn’t sufficient shade.
Test it out and see which you like.
Excursions, Actions and Excursions
There are two completely different free bike excursions each day. The bikes are horrid however it’s a great way to get oriented, get some train and meet different friends.
It’s Doable to Go to Tulum or Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
One afternoon Mark and I took the colectivo, a van-sized bus into Tulum. It’s less expensive than a taxi. As soon as on the town, we shopped round, had a drink and got here house.
In the event you go the opposite path, you may go to Playa del Carmen.
To get the bus from the resort, ask the trolly driver to allow you to off close to the freeway. The bus cease for Tulum is on the freeway to the left.
You’d must go over the overpass for Playa del Carmen.
Getting back from Tulum, the colectivos have been crowded, and it took awhile to get an area.
Tulum Ruins
We’ve explored the Riviera Maya earlier than so we solely did one organized tour. That was to the Mayan ruins of Tulum. We booked it on the tour desk on the resort.
The ruins, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, are one of many final historical Maya cities constructed and inhabited, and made for a great afternoon tour.
Journey Tip: The Tulum Ruins are near the resort so that you’re not sitting in a van all day.
Different Issues to Do from Bahia Principe Riviera Maya
You are able to do cenote excursions; tour magnificent ruins like Coba, Chichen Itza or Ek’ Balam; or head to close by Xel-ha, a pure water theme park.
Service and Workers
The workers at Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an was terrific. As soon as we had a snooty wait staffer at Maiko (unsure why), however there have been many different experiences that have been very good.
We had useful trolley drivers, kindly buffet wait workers – who remembered what number of a whole lot of espresso refills Mark required every morning, and we particularly favored the energetic exercise workers who by no means made me really feel like a loser as a result of I’m so terrible at pool volleyball.
Different Facilities
Golf
Golf is a well-liked exercise for Sian Ka’an friends as a result of the PGA Riviera Maya Golf Membership is subsequent to the resort.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, it covers 90 hectares of land and provides each 18 gap and 9 gap programs.
PS: The closest I bought to {golfing} was stepping onto the inexperienced to see a bit of cenote throughout our bike tour.
Please Don’t Do a Dolphin Encounter
It’s not good for the animals. Bahia Principe Tulum has a dolphin present. I want they wouldn’t. I didn’t meet any friends who needed to do that.
Leisure
Each night time there was some sort of modest present at Sian Ka’an within the open air foyer space, normally a band, however leisure wasn’t an enormous a part of my keep.
The large factor is the Origin present on the Hacienda, which takes you on a journey by highlights of Mexico’s historical past.
The opposite present on the Hacienda is Blackbird, which has a Beatles theme.
What’s the Hacienda?
The Hacienda Dona Isobel purchasing and leisure centre is a cutesy market plaza situated between the resorts, and is a central cease on the trollies. There are small shops, memento distributors, a pharmacy and physician.
At night time it’s a centre for leisure, with reveals and a nightclub open till 2 a.m.
Location and Environment
Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an is about 93 km from Cancun airport, and 64 from the brand new Tulum airport (although stories say it takes simply as lengthy to get to Sian Ka’an from Tulum as from Cancun).
Many all-inclusive packages embody airport transportation. As our flight arrived in Mexico within the night and left early within the morning we opted for a non-public switch to avoid wasting time.
Worth for Cash
For the extent of service, facilities, and setting, I felt the resort provided good worth for the value we paid.
Many evaluations, and I wouldn’t essentially disagree, say that it’s extra of a 4-star expertise than a 5-star.
General Expertise
Whereas I wasn’t blown away by the decor and design, the resort grew on me and I hated to depart.
The tropical setting, coupled with entry to Bahia Principe’s bigger resort complicated, meant there was at all times one thing to do, however the peace and quiet of Sian Ka’an made it really feel like a real escape.
We have been at all times pleased to return to the calm of Sian Ka’an after spending time exterior the resort.
Would I Suggest Sian Ka’an?
Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an is sweet for these looking for a mix of rest, leafy nature, and luxury within the Riviera Maya.
Its proximity to Tulum additionally makes it a sensible choice for exploring the world’s cultural and pure areas.
It’s a superb chance for {couples} or different adults in search of a reasonably refined however laidback and pleasant getaway. It’s principally a mature crowd, although there have been some youthful {couples}.
It’s not hip, flashy or notably trendy, and for those who’re after wild occasions, greatest to decide on elsewhere.
For connoisseurs of cutting-edge design and high-end finishings who need the very best of the very best, there are different increased finish resorts within the luxurious class which may swimsuit them higher.
Would we return? Sure. Completely. Due to the number of actions, the variety of eating places, the calm of all of it and the luscious topical setting, we ended up having a number of enjoyable.
Abstract of Traveler Opinions
To get a way of how different friends felt about their keep at Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an, I explored numerous traveler evaluations.
Whereas I’m not a fan of AI, I needed to see how my expertise tallied with others, and that is what it got here up with.
It comes fairly near my expertise, although nobody appeared as involved as I used to be about discovering sufficient shade!
Constructive Highlights:
- Serene Adults-Solely Ambiance: Many vacationers appreciated the peaceable, adults-only setting, noting the way it supplied a much-needed break from life’s hustle and bustle (ie youngsters lol).
- Attentive and Pleasant Workers: A recurring theme in lots of evaluations was the distinctive service. Visitors steadily commented on how the workers went out of their option to make their keep fulfilling, whether or not by customized service on the eating places or small gestures, like remembering particular events.
- Glorious Eating Choices: The range and high quality of meals, particularly on the à la carte eating places, was extremely praised.
- Stunning Grounds and Swimming pools: Many guests have been impressed by the well-maintained grounds, with lush gardens and stylish swimming pools that created a relaxing, tropical setting.
- Spa and Golf: Each the spa and golf course obtained excessive marks, with guests highlighting the enjoyable remedies and the fantastic thing about the golf course amidst the pure environment. (We by no means tried the spa.)
Areas for Enchancment:
- Seashore Entry: Some friends talked about the resort not being straight on the seaside as a slight draw back. Whereas the shuttle service was fast and handy, a number of guests most well-liked the thought of being nearer to the shoreline.
- Night Leisure: Whereas the resort provides nightly leisure, some friends felt that the choices could possibly be extra different.
- In-Room Facilities: A handful of reviewers famous that some rooms may use upgrades when it comes to furnishings or in-room expertise, although this didn’t considerably have an effect on their general expertise.
General Traveler Sentiment:
Most vacationers agreed that Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an provides an expensive, quiet retreat, particularly well-suited for {couples} and adults in search of rest. Whereas there are minor areas for enchancment, the optimistic elements of the resort, notably the service and eating, far outweigh any negatives.
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