The Legend Behind Akumal's Logo

by Myrna Bush, as told by her father Pablo Bush Romero

Once upon a time, when Akumal was in its pristine splendor, an ancient Maya artifact in the shape of a turtle was found in the ruins of Akumal by its founder, Pablo Bush Romero. This turtle, carved out of stone, was unique because of its shape. It had a protrusion beside the head on the left side.

The beautiful white sandy beach of Akumal Bay attracted so many turtles during mating season, that the ancient Maya named this location “Akumal,” meaning “Place of the Turtle.” As a result, some artisan back then carved this turtle and it was lost through time until Pablo Bush came upon it. Only one of its kind was found. He picked this turtle design to be the logo insignia when he decided to develop Akumal. It was a sign from the ancient Maya.

Pablo Bush was curious to find out what the protrusion stood for. No one really knows for sure, except the artist who carved it. But legend tells that a young Maya princess, who could not bear children for her beloved, was sent out to sea, riding on the back of a huge turtle in hopes of becoming fertile. It was believed that with the help of the turtle, which can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, the Maya princess might bear children. She was never seen again. But the same turtle who took her, came back with a fetus in a sack and tears in her eyes, as a sign that she died in childbirth. This turtle carried her fetus on the left side of her neck and head—hence becoming the shape of the Akumal turtle.

This turtle logo, with its odd protrusion, has become internationally known to represent Akumal. Its uniqueness makes the logo very personal and special.

Today Akumal has attracted many single moms to make this paradise their home. Could it be because of the legend?