Our 5 A La Carte Restaurants At Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal & Grand Tulum Mexico All Inclusive

[@janetklassen8732]

I would love you to continue the food only videos atop of your regulars , I find it very informative , I have never been to Mexico at all and will be going in 2 weeks , your videos have helped get a feel for what we are in for .Thank you

[@papawgotagopro]

Where are you going? We are returning January 29 to Bahia Luxury Akumal and I’ll be recording all new content. Definitely will do the restaurants again as the first one was very popular. Also I’ve many requests to show all 4 buffets in a video as well.

[@stevecopley6922]

We have stayed at Akumal twice and coba in May/ June 2024. Our favourite restaurants are Mashua Nikkei and Portifinos at Coba and the two restaurants at Sian Kaan.

[@dsmithwick7105]

Thank you for your videos which do show numerous restaurants such as the ala carte you cant find many for reviews, so this put together is much appreciated

[@papawgotagopro]

You're welcome and thanks for watching. Jeff (Papaw)

[@msseadreamers]

Thanks for posting and letting folks get a good look. Keep up the good work Pappy.

[@papawgotagopro]

Thanks for watching! We just got back from another stay. New videos coming soon!

[@trasan1967]

Really enjoyed this video. Will be there next week. Thanks Jeff.

[@papawgotagopro]

Let us know how it goes! When we ere there only Akumal and Tulum were open. My top favorites among all 4 resorts are Mashua at Coba, Don Pablo & Tequila at Tulum and Dulce Vita at Akumal.

Merci pour cette vidéo. Je serai en vacances au sian kaan bientôt et je testerai ces restaurants. Bravo car tu as fait beaucoup de progrès en technique de montage !

[@papawgotagopro]

Merci. Sian Ka'an est notre station balnéaire préférée. Lorsque nous étions à Akumal en avril, Sian Ka'an et Coba étaient fermés. Nous espérons pouvoir revenir très bientôt. Jeff (Papaw)

@@papawgotagopro I will stay at sian ka'an from 12 to 27 december this year...I am so excited !

[@sandyfranklin552]

Thanks for the great videos!!!! I was wondering which restaurants do men have to wear long pants in ? And is cargo shorts ok in all the others? Can men wear tank tops to the buffet?

[@papawgotagopro]

Tell your man to put on his big boy pants and take you to a romantic meal at a nice restaurant. Tank tops, dry swim trunks and sandals are fine in the buffets. The "regular" a la cartes require shirt with at least short sleeves, nice shorts and covered toes. The 4 "Gourmet" restaurants; Alux at Sian Ka'an, Don Pablo at Tulum, Le Gourmet at Coba and Arlequin at Akumal all require collared short sleave shirt, long pants and covered toes. Yes, this dress code for men is intermittently enforced with varying degrees of strictness. Go prepared and go with the flow.

[@mangedlamardecolisse]

You guys are lucky... I cant wait till travel reopens here in canada...

[@papawgotagopro]

It will happen for you. Do your best.

[@LS-id5hc]

Us too booked for Nov 21. We will be double jabbed let us fly FREE.

[@alexarmstrong1134]

Great video thx

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you for watching. We are returning in a few days and will be doing a new one: “Our 4 A La Carte Restaurants and 1 Buffet…”.

[@lapeter100]

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.

[@papawgotagopro]

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.

[@papawgotagopro]

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.

[@lapeter100]

@@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. 😊

[@Lee.S..B]

Great video, just to add for anyone reading the comments. The Tequila restaurant is now a la carte apart from the dessert course.

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you for the update!

[@davidmacdonald6935]

Thanks for the work you do on your videos. We have found them very informative. Your videos on the the restaurants was great. We are getting married at Tulum the first week of October 21. I am not sure if you have covered this in another video but do you know where the best place to snorkel is at the Bahia ? We are staying at Akumal. Thanks again.

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you for watching and congratulations! I show the Tulum Wedding Gazebo in my Tulum Walkaround Part 2 video. We'll be in Aguascalientes the first week of July researching it as a possible retirement location. The whole family wants to return to Bahia RM the 1st half of December. The protected area just north of the swing bar is the better area for snorkeling. If you have time take a trip to Akumal Bay for the best snorkeling anywhere. Jeff (Papaw)

[@davidmacdonald6935]

@@papawgotagopro That's great. Thank you so much for the tips for snorkeling. We are having the ceremony at the Tulum Gazebo. We are very excited. Do you think it is possible to request that our wedding guests stay in same area or building? I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@dansu3135]

Great Video thank you so much ! I am planning to reserve at the Sian Ka an. If I understand well we have acces to all 4 resorts ?

[@papawgotagopro]

Yes, Sian Kaan guests have full access to everything at all 4 resort sections. It’s my favorite of all, been to about 25 different resorts. Jeff (Papaw)

[@candygirl5350]

We are going to Luxury Akumal at the end of June. Can you please tell me how many ala cartes you get for a 6 night stay? I really don’t want to do the buffet all the time. Thanks and I love your videos. They are so detailed and I get excited every time I watch them!!

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you for watching! Guests staying at Luxury Akumal can get reservations for ala Cartes every night except day of arrival. About 5-6 days before arrival email them at [e-mail] with your ala carte requests. Include your name, booking company, booking ID# and dates of arrival and departure. Give the 5 ala cartes you want and a time range. Like say "...all between 18:30 and 20:30 please." That's what we did, 6 night stay - buffet first night then 5 restaurants. Don't fret if you cannot an ala carte every night, a few buffet nights aren't a bad thing. That roast beef was melt in my mouth tender and delish. Saturday night is the Gala Buffet with lobster and shrimp. Jeff (Papaw)

[@hebs398]

Great question! We are going to be there the same time 😁

[@gemcat100]

Hi, how much do we need to tip after each meal for 4 people at these restaurants? Love your videos!! We are going for the first time in a week or so!!

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you for watching! When my wife and I go to one of the a la cartes I typically tip US$5 or Mex$100 pesos. So for 4 it would be 10/200. Let us know how it goes!

[@jbsbigadventure521]

Hello Jeff. This is Jim with JBsBigAdventure. Great video!Have you ever made it back to Lake Chapala?

[@papawgotagopro]

Hey Jim. We were in Ajijic a few weeks ago. Sorry our schedule was packed and we couldn’t get together.

[@martiniguy7877]

Bahia complex or Barcelo Maya Complex, if you had to choose which one would you take. I'm looking at the Bahia Akumal and Barcelo Maya Palace

[@papawgotagopro]

I’ve never stayed at the Barcelo Palace. So I can’t really give a knowledgeable comparison. But complex-wise they’re both great. If I won a free trip and I had to choose one of them I’d pick Bahia Principe. The four resorts have their own vibe.

[@danielarias8099]

Muy util tus videos gracias

[@papawgotagopro]

De nada. Y gracias por mirar. Jeff (Papaw)

[@dsmithwick7105]

Is Tequilla restaurant back to being ala cart do you have to make reservations to eat there?

[@papawgotagopro]

I have heard that on the Bahia Lovers facebook group, but I haven't been back to verify for myself.

[@deenaandrews1869]

Did you have to pay at ala carte restaurants? I read one thing that says unlimited food at ala carte, then another thing said there was a fee for themed dinners?? Just not sure what is included for free.

[@papawgotagopro]

The “Themed” dinners are like romantic tables for two on the beach with you own waiter. Definitely NOT worth it. Also at every restaurant they’ll shove a wine menu at you that is extra cost, we’ve never done that. Otherwise no, no additional fees other than customary tipping. Everything you saw in this video was included at no extra cost. Jeff (Papaw)

[@Jaywtfff]

Do you have to pay for the a la cart restaurants?

[@papawgotagopro]

No. They are included as all-inclusive.

[@erikadiestel886]

Great video, I'd love to know which are your favorite a la carte. I have a couple of questions for you, I'm planning a trip for next month and having trouble deciding which hotel to stay at, would you recommend Lux Akumal over GT renovated premium rooms? I'm thinking Akumal may have less people at buffets and a la carte restaurants but I'm really tempted about the renovated rooms at GT. Would love to get your feedback. Traveling with family and 2 kids. Thank you so much!

[@erikadiestel886]

Also, if we choose Akumal, can we walk to GT Waterpark or do we need to take the tram? Thanks 😊

[@papawgotagopro]

You will need to take the trolley. They are an enjoyable breezy ride and the kids will love it. Jeff (Papaw)

[@papawgotagopro]

Hello Erika, You cannot go wrong with either. Honestly. Just go with your best feeling. Jeff (Papaw)

[@erikadiestel886]

@@papawgotagopro Thank you so much!

[@LS-id5hc]

I booked Coba and am regretting this choice as we will be visiting for two weeks and feel limited by only six a la carte. I feel the rooms at Grand Tulum look nice but limited draws and wardrobe.

[@ojVFX1IXV37gK9Imc]

How is the weather inside the restaurants? Not to cold i hope. Thank you

[@papawgotagopro]

We were very comfortable at all of them. Jeff (Papaw)

[@Laura-eh3by]

Hi random Q. Are the bracelets you are wearing the room key?

[@papawgotagopro]

Nope. Those are in use at the Grand Tulum. Akumal still uses key cards and the bracelet color just IDs guests as Luxury Akumal. Jeff (Papaw)

[@bmacneil603]

Hi Jeff, great videos! We stayed at Coba a couple of years ago and your videos and responses helped make the trip a memorable one. Next month we are staying at Lux. Akumal so just looking to confirm that we can make A La Carte reservations at Tullum and Coba? I believe we have access to all 4 resorts, but just making sure. Also is there a building(s) at Akumal that you would recommend? Looking for a happy medium between somewhat quiet and relatively close to lobby/beach. Thanks again!

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank You! Yes - All restaurants at all 4 resort sections are fully open to Luxury Akumal Guests - except under 18 cannot go to Luxury Sian Kaan at all. There definitely are better building spots for standard Jr. Suite room classes; 53 and 54. Theres a sidewalk between these that cut straight to the lobby and its far enough from noise sources. When are you going to be at Luxury Akumal? I'll be at the Barcelo complex May 8-12 filming everything there and I'm planning a Day Pass trip to shoot Grand Coba on Tuesday May 10 (it was still closed when we were at Luxury Akumal April 2021). Jeff (Papaw)

[@bmacneil603]

@@papawgotagopro Thanks for confirming, I figured as much, but it's good to get it from someone who's been there many times. We are not going until the end of May, otherwise I would have stopped to say hello. We look forward to your next video and learning about whatever property you visit.

[@daniellahak71]

Hello how are you. Would you recommend for solo traveler

[@papawgotagopro]

I think a solo traveler can have a very relaxing stay at any of the 4 sections. If I were a single I think I’d prefer the Sian Kaan. It’s may favorite of any resort I’ve visited, about 20 so far. Jeff (Papaw)

[@nikkipate1087]

Hi love your channel! Is the Thali restaurant new at the Akumal? I am traveling there next week & don’t see it listed. Thanks!

[@papawgotagopro]

The Thali is at Grand Tulum, you have access. It was great and portions are plenty. Jeff (Papaw)

[@elizaalmabuena]

Got to go for a few days, a friend had her wedding there. Really liked it and seemed like a really good price, seems like a good vacation spot for the family in which we can have plenty to do or relax to our leisure. Honestly I am a bit confused about the mention that Akumal and Sian Kaan (being the luxury options) are able to use all the 4 resorts' amenities except for buffets..... mainly because most of the restaurants seem to function as buffets for breakfast and lunch. Do they mean the main buffet? and the others (like Coral and Aquario in akumal) can be used by guests in the two luxury options? Also, if you don't mind me asking, are there worthwhile upgrades when staying at any of the four sections of the resort?

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you for watching, Eliza! That is a false rumor and wrong info on various websites. We’ve stayed at the Akumal and Sian Kaan sections a combined 8 times. We’ve always had full and complete access to everything at all 4 resorts. Including any an all buffets. It isn’t a rule at the Riviera Maya complex. I think it is true in Punta Cana, DR. But not Mexico. Our favorite thing of all is staying at Sian Kaan in a ground floor Superior Garden Suite. That’s the only upgrade I consider worthwhile. Jeff (Papaw)

[@doriemckay6935]

Skirt steak!!love it. do they marinate it too?

[@debraclifford6717]

Hi Jeff! Been watching watching your videos - we are going to Coba next week. How many a la cartes do we get for a week stay? And we can reserve at Tulum as well, correct? Thanks!

[@papawgotagopro]

Hi Debra. With a 7 night stay you get 3 a la cartes. Yes, you can go to the a la cartes at Tulum. For reservations Email them at [e-mail]. Include names, dates of arrival and departure, booking company and booking ID number and a list if a la cartes you want. My favorites are Mashua at Coba and Tequila & Don Pablo at Tulum. Last week I was at Barcelo and went to Coba on a day pass to film a walk around update. It’ll be a few weeks before I can get that video up though. Jeff (Papaw)

[@debraclifford6717]

Perfect, thanks! I'm emailing them tomorrow to request building so I'll request a la carte as well.

[@peggy-ann1961]

@@papawgotagopro great info...didn’t realize we should include booking company and booking Id number. Thanks. We’re heading to Akumal in November and are sooo looking forward to it. We ran the PCR covid test gauntlet last year and said never again! Sooo glad we don’t have to do it anymore!🇨🇦

[@LinoVelizEskpado]

Happy Anniversary!

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you!

[@dobentiapon8481]

papaw is sian kaan closed for now?

[@papawgotagopro]

Yes. Both Sian Kaan and Coba closed. Both scheduled to open up this month or next. I just don't see that happening. Akumal & Tulum are still down around 25-30% occupancy and Brits & Canadians still cannot go. Jeff (Papaw)

[@LS-id5hc]

We are bloody trying. As we will have had two Covid-19 jabs. Also when we return to UK we have to have a PCR test 48 prior to leaving mexico and then again on day 3 and 8 and quarantine for TEN DAYS. We can also get another PCR test on day 5 for early release. This is the fun part you are allowed to travel home via public transport first before you quarantine.

[@roberte8654]

Great video papaw

[@papawgotagopro]

Thank you! It was very difficult cutting it down to only be 17 minutes. The initial edit was 27. Jeff (Papaw)

[@roberte8654]

@@papawgotagopro We will take as many minutes as we can get. Never long enough.

[@ybc8495]

richman this is all I want to say.