Hello! Here I share my experiences traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. I will be retiring to Mexico in a few short years, so I will add content when traveling and planning for that. Learning how to be a "RU-vidr" is not easy and my struggle is real. So I'll add content dealing with that too.
How I got my channel's name: I needed a new hobby after shoulder surgery ended my golfing addiction. I had always enjoyed all-inclusive resorts and back then RU-vid was only kids pointing a phone at themselves. I decided I could do better and in late 2019 I started this new hobby. Needing a camera I got a used GoPro Hero6 off eBay. When UPS delivered it my wife was on a FaceTime call with our oldest grandson, 6 years old at the time. I unboxed it and showed it to him - he got real close to his screen and said in wide eyed wondrous amazement - "Papaw got a GoPro!!!"
Before the most recent hurricane The best beach & water was on the Grand Tulum beach straight out from the beach volleyball area. I don’t know if that has changed.
Great video once again!! We are hoping to go down in November for a couple of weeks!!....question for you...when you put the drone up taking shots of the pools could you see where the Myan Train is behind the resort? Wondering how far from the Bahia property it is? Just curious...Sian Kaan and the BP Ambar in Punta Cana are the only resorts we go to anymore we love them both!!!...viv
Thank you for watching! Yes, I saw the train track is literally adjacent to the west side of the Sian Kaan. When that section opens we will find out if it makes for a noise issue.
Thanks Pawpaw. Yes, the rooms at Sian Kaan always were the weakness. Aside from being drab and boring there never was enough storage. Now it looks like the side tables that had a drawer and shelf are gone! I’ve never understood why there was never any dresser. The coffee in that dark cubbie was an issue too. But the rest of the resort is awesome, food great and staff top marks! 🇨🇦👏
I don’t think the rooms are a weakness. Not enough storage in the regular junior suite for certain. But the larger rooms have double the closet space are great. I like the coffee.
Hi thank you for your video, we are going there for the first time in November, we chose basic room called junior suite superior, we understand it will be an old room...we will try to check in on line, any recommendation on blocks to avoid due to nearby construction or blocks you recommend
Beach at Bahia is not a strong point. It is a bit under average when compared to many other resorts. If great beach quality is your top priority then I’d suggest either Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal or one of the RIU Palaces in Playacar. RIU Palace Costa Mujeres is top notch as well. Watch my recent Walkaround videos of the RIUs.
Absolutely beautiful hotel with extremely friendly staff. My girlfriend and I stayed there for 2 weeks back in April and have already booked for another 2 weeks in May 2025! Couldn’t recommend this hotel enough. Happy to answer any questions :)
the refurb is not finished at all. In full force right with tourists present :( NO AC worked in July as i've seen in this video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L8juqiWwa1M.html - total unrepaired trash in many places.
Nice to see another Akumal video from you. We were there last November and just booked for this November too. I agree with you about more umbrellas needed at the quiet pool. We feel more are required at all pools really. We usually stay at Sian Kaan but feel it is looking a little tired. Do you have any thoughts on that and will you have a ‘24 Sian Kaan video? Great video by the way, very professional! 🇨🇦👏
Thank you for watching! I don’t disagree Sian Kaan needs some TLC. It’s still our favorite and I only go elsewhere for short stays to support the channel or we stay at Luxury Akumal or Grand Coba when grandsons are with us. Sian Kaan 2024 Walkaround upload is planned for September 5 or 6. After last years Sian Kaan video I’ve been asked by many viewers to expand on why it’s my favorite. So I’m adding a thorough explanation near the end.
I think all bars shut down at 11:00pm. Generally, after a full day of buffet food, booze and tropical sun, most do not mind it. I believe The Truck snack bar is 24 hours.
Hey Paw Paw with a Go Pro! Do you happen to have a link to the transfer Shuttle service you used with door to door service? I looked up Canada Transfers on Trip Advisor, and only came up with the Cancun location. Thanks for this video! Very well shot, and veryyyy helpful!
I think we might return to Sian Kaan in December. This past December we did RIU Palace Costa Mujeres. It was nice, but we very much prefer Bahia Principe.
Always great to see your videos, coming back here again ourselves in February. What month was this, and is this trip the one you utilized the Tulum Airport? How were the transportation options from the airport to the resort? Thank you for sharing.
Hello! As it happens I recently returned from another trip staying at Luxury Sian Kaan. While there I recorded all 4 resorts and for another ala carte video. Right now I and editing up the Grand Tulum Walkaround. Luxury Akumal will be next in a few weeks. Stay tuned!
I travel a bunch, the resort is considered part of their Euro Plan Resorts, almost completely self service. No drink servers at the beach or pool, want a drink go wait at the bar. The bulk of the travelers are from the UK, who are used to self service. Booked this place by the reviews at the last moment, most if all reviews are from the UK, my mistake! This place is just gross.
I do not agree that it is “gross”. It is a budget friendly resort geared towards UK budget conscious holiday goers. I think the reviews generally take that into account. This is by far not the worst resort I’ve been to, that is definitely Allegro Cozumel. I went before I started my RU-vid channel and my TripAdvisor review was brutal.
@@papawgotagopro "It is a budget friendly resort geared towards UK budget conscious holiday goers.". Can't argue with that, but the euro catagory needs to be noted and/or highlited for guests guests from North America, the resort is basically self-service. Let's be clear, here is your key, find your room. Need a drink at the pool or bar, go get in line at the bar, no wait service here.The big problem is the guests do not tip and the staff attitudes reflect that.
@@papawgotagopro Yes, have stayed at Cozumel Allegro and agree, never stay there again. I separate Cozumel and the mainland, so many more options on the mainland.
I’ve been twice to this resort and going again in September , if your unhappy at this resort all I can say is your a snob, a person who is never satisfied, sounds like you think people from the Uk are second class, think again, no man is better than the other, some people just think they are. Are people that entitled or too lazy to go walk to a bar, I’d be surprised if you didn’t want someone to breath for you, whilst your entitled to your opinion so am I , yes I’m from the UK and proud of it.
@@jackjordan8093 Glad there's no tipping and its geared toward UK travellers, the ridiculous tipping culture from the USA has basically ruined traveling for the rest of the world!
Hah! Stay tuned! I just completed a trip and more videos coming soon. There will be 4 new walkarounds, a new Dining video, a new "All About" video and one that has been requested many times - "Why I keep Coming Back TO Bahia Principe Riviera Maya".
Most often I use my GoPro Handler because it floats and simplicity is best at a beach resort. When I’m doing an extended recording session I will use my GoPro Volta powering my Hero12. My extension & tripod option is my PGYTech Mini Tripod grip I modified to work with the Media Mod.
I have been 3 times since this tax was initiated. I haven’t paid it because the instructions and payment method is unstable. I’m not sure how “they” would be able to crack down.
What a nice looking airport. "New Airport Smell"...LOL. Once the shops are completed it should even nicer. Nice tour. I am like you. I am very picky who I follow on RU-vid. You are one that I am happy to follow.
@Marilyn: It is the law to pay Visitax, which makes it mandatory, and each person should be taking it upon themselves to go online to pay it. That said, it is also the law to wear your seatbelt in the car, which makes it also mandatory. Does each person wear it? No. Does each person pay the visitax? No. I haven't paid it. Because the system has no repercussions yet, it is supposed to be tied to your passport somehow in the future, I will continue to "forget" to pay it.
It is some nice architecture. They will need more seating at the gates. But I do fear the future. First, it’s only a matter of time before the timeshare crooks and taxi mafia get their claws in and the arrival area gets blocked off. Then we’ll have to run a gauntlet of them to get to the outside. Next, There’s a maximum of 12 gates. It won’t be long before the prices skyrocket for planes to land, and ticket prices increase accordingly. Finally, my travel time from TQO to the Bahia Principe took right at an hour. 20 minutes of the was grinding traffic in Tulum. This will only get worse. But until all that comes to be the experience is a massive improvement over CUN.
👋 I found your channel a few days ago, me and my son are looking at coming to Mexico, I really like your videos, so well informative and nicely put together 😊 I’ve subbed and hit the notification button. We are watching from the England. Good luck with your channel!
Thanks so much for the video! My husband and I are going to Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an in November for our anniversary and I’m trying to figure out which restaurants are the best and especially which one to go to for our anniversary. I think the Don Pablo might be the pick for the anniversary. Because I think it may look better than the Gourmet restaurant at Sian Ka’an. Did you ever eat at the Alux? Also the Tequila Restaurant looks amazing. Definitely gonna try this one.
Thank you for watching! As it happens I’ve recently returned from another stay at my favorite resort of all, Sian Kaan. While there I recorded 3 ala cartes and 2 buffets for a new evening meal video.
I’ve eaten at Alex a total of 4 times, twice it was wonderful and twice it was not good at all. DO NOT order the lobster. The beef fillet was great. The one that replaced Arlequin was terrific. Don Pablo was perfect again. You’ve plenty of time to decide and please understand the restaurants can have an off night. Don’t let the enjoyment of your celebration hinge on a dinner.
@@papawgotagopro Thanks for your reply. I look forward to seeing your new videos. And definitely we wouldn’t let one meal ruin anything if it wasn’t great. 😊
