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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 linked to the Grand Bahia Principe advanced positioned between Tulum and Cancun. Right here’s a firsthand evaluation.
Sian Ka’an: A Luxurious Adults Solely Resort in Mexico
Sian Ka’an has a get-away-from-it-all vibe with beautiful grounds and a jungle setting.
It’s circuitously on the seashore, however friends have entry to a personal seashore 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 advanced.
Facilities
On the Sian Ka’an property there are three important swimming pools, 4 eating places (together with the buffet), a spa and adjoining golf course.
The actions are limitless. 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 evaluation.
Verify Costs and Availability for Sian Ka’an Resort.
Our Evaluation
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 worth … and these are laborious 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 fluctuate a lot you possibly can find yourself extra confused than ever.
Hopefully this evaluation 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 enable you out.
Verify Out These Wonderful 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 understand Sian Ka’an was linked to the three different Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resorts and that you might 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 personal seashore 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 identify. It didn’t give me an preliminary imaginative and prescient of the resort.
What Does Sian Ka’an Imply?
I’ve since discovered 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 worth acutely aware.
Shade and Lush Environment
I understand most individuals go to Mexico for solar.
For me, nevertheless, there may be nothing higher than mendacity underneath 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 celebration resort.
A lot of Issues To Do
As a result of Sian Ka’an is linked to the three different Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resorts: Tulum, Luxurious Akumal, and Coba, you possibly can 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 a variety of actions and excursions within the area.
Verify In – From Hate to Happiness
We arrived late at evening.
The check-in course of was pleasant and simple, 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 particular person … however I am that particular person. Rooms matter to me – I wouldn’t have spent the final twenty years reviewing resorts 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 fitting really feel.
Properly conscious that ‘not having the fitting really feel’ isn’t a legitimate grievance, we stayed there that evening, 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 might be sad at house.
Kudos to the employees. 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 Must Know In regards to the Resort Sections
There’s a ‘quiet’ aspect 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 aspect.
Please observe: I’m choosy. Many appear completely pleased with it.
Sian Ka’an Rooms & Lodging
Our new room was on the third ground close to the Exercise Pool. It had no elevator, so if stairs are a problem, go for a floor ground 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 air conditioning labored.
The decor wasn’t wonderful or something, not just like the dreamy model of Le Blanc Los Cabos, an unforgettable luxurious resort with a to-die-for spa, but it surely was clear, primary and nice.
My garments smelled musty after I obtained house however I didn’t discover it a lot on the time.
I needed, nevertheless, there had been a display screen on the balcony door so we might have gotten extra contemporary air.
Room Varieties
There are 4 room sorts 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 positioned 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?
Then again, Mexico is steamy scorching so I’m undecided I’d have used it.
Housekeeping and Upkeep
Our room was cleaned every single day, and the mini fridge was stored stocked, although we didn’t use it a lot as a result of we have been virtually all the time on the pool.
I’ve heard combined evaluations about housekeeping experiences however ours was effective. Cleansing and lugging bedding down three flooring is a tough job and we made positive to tip the housekeeper nicely.
Eating – A Spotlight of Our Trip
When 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 examine to high tier resorts like Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive resort identified for its effective 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.
Ebook Eating places Early – Severely
Ten days earlier than you arrive you possibly can reserve your eating places on the App. Do it. They’ll replenish quick.
However individuals additionally cancel so in case you’ve missed out, verify on the concierge desk to see if one thing opens up. We did this a number of instances.
Exploring Eating Choices
Trying out the varied eating places is an journey and taking the resort’s free open-air trollies is a enjoyable approach to get there.
Journey Tip: At time for supper there is usually a little bit of a scrum for the trolleys. Give your self a good bit of time to get to your vacation spot.
We often left about half-hour early if we have been consuming at Akumal, Coba or Tulum. I’ve seen evaluations the place individuals depart 45 minutes early however that was overly formidable for us.
Greatest Restaurant is Alux
Our favorite restaurant was Alux. Positioned at Sian Ka’an, it’s high-end French gourmand eating. We ate there thrice.
(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 intensive. I all the time 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 evening the buffet has a distinct theme.
One of the best is Friday evening for seafood. Lobster! We all the time obtained 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 positioned 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 gourmand 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 named having the highest eating places within the advanced so positively e book their two à la cartes, Alux and Maiko.
The Seashore
Although the resort isn’t beachfront, the trolly service to a personal part of Bahia Principe’s seashore made attending to the seashore fairly simple.
Right here you’ll discover a bar, thatched seashore umbrellas, and loads of loungers. We used the seashore 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 seashore walks.
They do an excellent job cleansing up the seaweed off the seashore each morning.
The factor is, I obtained so hooked on the Exercise Pool at Sian Ka’an I forgot to even go to the seashore after just a few days.
Sian Ka’an Swimming pools
There are a number of swimming pools at Sian Ka’an, however three important ones. If you would like absolute quiet, head to the pool close to Alux.
The biggest pool, positioned 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 in regards to 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 sort of romantic trip I’d had in thoughts after I booked an adults solely resort, so I made a decision I’d 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 noticed the Exercise Pool was truly fairly entertaining.
Additionally, I didn’t need to miss AquaFit.
Exercise Pool Expertise
Again to the Exercise Pool we went.
Along with comfy loungers, a congenial ambiance, seashore umbrellas and a poolside bar, the Exercise Pool is the place issues occur.
We met extra individuals right here than wherever else.
I performed pool volleyball twice a day and, I admit, I’m abysmal. The one particular person worse than me was the margarita-loving girl who forgot what aspect she was on and floated on over to the opposite group.
Nobody cared. It was hilarious.
In my defence, I did win a bottle of tequila for acing the day by day ping pong championship. (I additionally misplaced as soon as, however we’ll deal with the constructive, lets?)
Deck Chairs at Sian Ka’an Pool
We by no means needed to battle for lounge chairs in both the shade or solar. I believe a couple of times it was difficult to seek out one thing however we ultimately did.
As soon as we discovered our most popular spot, we did begin throwing our towels down on the best way to breakfast although we didn’t rise up early to do that. We’re far too lazy.
I’ve learn evaluations saying others have had issues getting loungers, but it surely didn’t occur to us.
Grownup-Solely Pool at Akumal
Many friends rave in regards to 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 favor.
Excursions, Actions and Excursions
There are two completely different free bike excursions day by day. The bikes are horrid but it surely’s a great way to get oriented, get some train and meet different friends.
It’s Potential 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.
When you go the opposite course, you possibly can 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 have to 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 an excellent 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 employees at Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an was terrific. As soon as we had a snooty wait staffer at Maiko (undecided why), however there have been many different experiences that have been very good.
We had useful trolley drivers, kindly buffet wait employees – who remembered what number of lots of of espresso refills Mark required every morning, and we particularly preferred the energetic exercise employees 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 obtained to {golfing} was stepping onto the inexperienced to see slightly 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 evening there was some form of modest present at Sian Ka’an within the open air foyer space, often 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 way of 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 procuring and leisure centre is a cutesy market plaza positioned between the resorts, and is a central cease on the trollies. There are small shops, memento distributors, a pharmacy and physician.
At evening 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 embrace airport transportation. As our flight arrived in Mexico within the night and left early within the morning we opted for a personal switch to save lots of time.
Worth for Cash
For the extent of service, facilities, and setting, I felt the resort supplied good worth for the worth 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 go away.
The tropical setting, coupled with entry to Bahia Principe’s bigger resort advanced, meant there was all the time one thing to do, however the peace and quiet of Sian Ka’an made it really feel like a real escape.
We have been all the time glad to return to the calm of Sian Ka’an after spending time outdoors the resort.
Would I Suggest Sian Ka’an?
Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an is nice for these looking for a mix of leisure, leafy nature, and luxury within the Riviera Maya.
Its proximity to Tulum additionally makes it a sensible choice for exploring the realm’s cultural and pure areas.
It’s an excellent 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 significantly trendy, and in case you’re after wild instances, finest 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 Evaluations
To get a way of how different friends felt about their keep at Bahia Principe Luxurious Sian Ka’an, I explored varied 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 surroundings, 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. Company continuously commented on how the employees went out of their approach to make their keep gratifying, whether or not by way of personalised service on the eating places or small gestures, like remembering particular events.
- Wonderful 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 stress-free remedies and the great 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 immediately on the seashore as a slight draw back. Whereas the shuttle service was fast and handy, just a few guests most popular the concept of being nearer to the shoreline.
- Night Leisure: Whereas the resort provides nightly leisure, some friends felt that the choices might be extra assorted.
- In-Room Facilities: A handful of reviewers famous that some rooms might 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 opulent, quiet retreat, particularly well-suited for {couples} and adults in search of leisure. Whereas there are minor areas for enchancment, the constructive points of the resort, significantly the service and eating, far outweigh any negatives.
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