Playa Caribe, Condo #2

We had a great time. The condo was perfect. Its is in a great location, right on the beach. There are also several restaurants in the area, that we highly recommend. David and everyone at Akumal Direct were amazing. They were able to help with excursions but also with just simple questions we had about the area. If you dont rent a car, have David help rent a golf cart. It's perfect for getting around. We also suggest you get some Pecos or smaller bills for tipping before getting to the area. We HIGHLY recommend Akumal Direct.

Manager's Response

LACK OF DISCLOSURE. When we entered the condo we were overcome by the strong smell of mildew. Thinking it would subside by opening the doors, it remained strong, resulting in my companion contracting an upper respiratory infection overnight. We also discovered the two bathrooms featured tile showers with steep steps down to access. There were no grab-bars to assist one in or out of the shower and the tile becomes quite slicK. The bathroom door in one bath opened right up into the deep-dropped shower presenting a serious fall hazard. Both bathrooms also have two steep steps to access, none of which were noted in the rental description. This rental should NOT be considered if the renter has mobility issues or children. The property management company, Akumal Direct, arranged for a transfer for a few nights to another unit while working with the property to remove all the linens that were mildewed and deep clean the unit. They were unable to find another unit for us to move into due to being high season. Because the rental fee was nonrefundable and Akumal Direct was unable to find any other option in Akumal, we were required to move back into the unit with the hazardous showers that my companion could not access. The property manager and housekeepers were mindful and did everything they could to make our stay pleasant, but Akumal Direct didn’t seem too concerned with addressing our issues and rectifying the situation. And lastly, the unit is steps from the pool which is available to all tenets staying at Playa Caribe so be prepared for lots of people walking across your porch to access the pool and lots of people/children within earshot. Another aspect of this unit that was not included in the description. Lessons learned: DO NOT rent a non-refundable unit and ASK if it is safe for older travelers. While Akumal Direct claimed the bathrooms were clearly depicted in the rental description, they were not.

Beautiful condo in heart of Half Moon Bay. Great accommodations. Only issues were all water was salty inside unit as water system was seized by salt water and trash would wash up directly in front of this condos beach as it was centered on Half moon bay.

Manager's Response

The condo was perfect in every way! Loved being on the ground level - the patio had view of both pool and HMB. The location was great and the office staff took great care of us. Condo had everything we needed and we will certainly book another stay at this place again.

Manager's Response

This is the third time we have stayed at Playa Caribe in Akumal. Again, it was a wonderful and relaxing time. Everyone is happy and friendly. We will be coming back.

Manager's Response

Great trip, although very different to 15 years ago. The beach unfortunately has been significantly eroded due to hurricanes and sargassum, so the photo depicted is not what it looks like today. Snorkeling and swimming in the bay is still possible and the recent installation of the barrier seems to be having an effect on preventing the Sargassum somewhat. The turtles are still nesting and hatching which is a bonus. There's loads to do apart from swimming in the bay and we found a great Cenote just north of the town of Akumal called Puerto Maya, inexpensive and not crowded. Yal-Ku lagoon is worth a visit for snorkeling but go early before the big groups get there. We discovered some great restaurants in Akumal town, just over the bridge, Cuvea for fish tacos and Xmirnas Cafe Town for pizza. Jungle Fish Beach Club is worth a visit for lunch/dinner, swim and relax. Tony, the owner is so accommodating and the fish is fresh and delicious. Le Buena Vida is still a great local restaurant and has a great Happy Hour. There's a new outdoor gym which is very cool and a new coffee shop which has great coffee and yummy pastries. Akumal Direct were great to work with regarding booking our condo, car rental, airport transfer and general suggestions. I would absolutely recommend their services. This was our 6th trip to Akumal and Half Moon Bay and we had a enjoyable, relaxing, fun filled 2 week vacation.

Manager's Response

We first came to Playa Caribe 20 years ago. This was our 4th Akumal visit, 3rd to PC, The good, town is lovely and has managed to stay small, sea is beautiful, people are warm and helpful, restaurants are all beautiful. The bad, 1) the bus loads of visitors everyday have left the coral in Half Moon and Akumal Bays damaged badly; 2) the intensity of sales as you enter town and walk on Akumal Bay is way up; 3) the seaweed storm was very bad and made the beach on Half Moon Bay unuasable. The condo associations need to find a way to address the seaweed when it comes, since it comes every year. Our best memory from last visits was snorkeling from the beach in front of the condo, which was impossible due to seaweed. Playa Caribe is still a great place to stay and excellent value. The kitchens/baths are due for updates, but everything worked fine and manager and staff were great.

Manager's Response

We had an unbelievable time at Playa Caribe! We were a large family of 12 using 5 unites (Condos 1, 2, 6, Studio Natasha and Studio Maria). The pool and location were amazing. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Akumal is a very relaxing and beautiful place!

Manager's Response

We were excited to revisit Akumal, and share the experience with my brother and his wife. Our Condo is located right in front of the beach and next to the pool. We were notified in advance about the Sargasso Sea weed. The time of year dictates if this would be a problem. We got in the heavy time but the boys on the beach sprayed it so we had no odor. Maybe a couple times for an hour or so. We loved snorkeling in the Cenote’s and rented a golf cart to go to all the amazing restaurants. Lol Ha our favorite. My brother and I went fishing with Loipuis JR. caught a 130lb Sail fish! Amazing day the help is amazing our room was cleaned day.

Manager's Response

We enjoyed our stay in Playa Caribe #2. We chose ground floor this time which we liked for easy access from the pool and beach. The property is clean and management is very attentive. The only concerns were the refrigerator could use replacing as it was not level and the air conditioner was quite loud. The manager did have the a/c checked the day we asked about it but was going to take several hours so we passed on having it taken care of during our stay and just got used to it. He was also very helpful in scheduling our Covid tests even though we had to have it on a Sunday. We loved meeting other guests around the pool and on the beach.

Our family and friends had such an amazing week in Akumal. Playa Caribe was such a perfect place to stay for all 20 of us. Clean, safe, beautiful beach, comfortable, I could go on and on! We can't wait to stay here again!

The place very clean, maid service and property management very helpful. The condo is nice, spacious, patio private, pool on the small side but great to have. Be ready the beach is very rocky. Location is perfect. Be careful with speedbumps though.

We had a lovely time at Playa Caribe, the apartment was perfect for our family. Lovely to be right on the beach listening to the waves at night. Nice snorkeling on the reef also. The apartment was very clean and everyone was very helpful. We look forward to visiting again. Thank you

Thanks to the Flakes for sharing their beautiful condo. We love the location and neighborhood. The condo has everything most would want for a beach vacation. The kitchen is well equipped for cooking if you want to. Having the reverse osmosis water was a fantastic feature. The staff were very helpful, reliable and a pleasure to work with. We would love to come back!

For my first visit to the Yucatan Peninsula, I chose this property because of my desire to by steps from the ocean, a pool for my daughter, ability to watch sunrises, peace, safe environment, away from major mega tourist traps, snorkeling walking distance and a comfortable practical place to spend my days. I’m hesistant to write such a good review as I don’t want to let the secret out of the bag. Playa Caribe met all of my expectations and then some. It’s location, peacefulness, design, pool, staff and communication with the owner. Tip Hilda every day, she’ll appreciatte it. Be kind to the area as we are only visiting ths beautiful planet for a short while. “Can’t take it with you.”

The building is very nice. Probably the nicest looking in the area with its thatched roof, open roof foyer and more authentic architectural style. The pool was lovely and our kids (7 & 9) had loads of fun in it.Unit 2 was very spacious and bright. We loved the ground floor with beach, garden and pool right off the patio. The kitchen was well equipped with everything apart from a kettle and sharp knife and/or knife sharpener but we managed. It was very clean and comfortable. We loved being able to drink the water and make ice - a total bonus! The shower/spa baths were a little odd and the steps in are quite high and hard on bad knees.The beach was perfect with the best snorkeling straight out front with coral and every fish imaginable, rays, barracuda (only 1 turtle). A bit rocky getting in and out but there are a few smooth clear areas to walk on. We usually had shoes or fins on so no problem.Overall this place was fantastic and we had a great time!

The condo is located right on the beach and by the pool. It was great to have that convenience. We really enjoyed snorkeling in the bay and seeing coral and small fish. My family and I enjoyed exploring the Half Moon Bay area and restaurants. We ate at La Buena Vida, La Lunita and the Turtle Bay Bakery. All were very good with great atmospheres. It was wonderful to hear the waves crashing every night as I fell asleep. In addition, the staff at the complex was really helpful and friendly. I would definitely come here again and will recommend it to friends and family!