Why Buy in Akumal

by Marieke Brown

What Akumal lacks in size, it makes up for in charm.

This tiny beach community in the southern Riviera Maya sits on some of the clearest water and whitest sands in the entire Caribbean. With incredible snorkeling spots at every turn and lovely local bars and restaurants like La Buena Vida or Turtle Bay Bakery, Akumal has become a haven for buyers in search of that laid-back Mexico beach vibe.

We sat down with real estate advisor and Scottish expat Marieke Brown to talk about why Akumal is such a great place to buy a permanent home or a vacation home. Not only is she a local real estate expert, Marieke has also been living in Akumal for 11 years! Below are Marieke’s insights into buying a home in Akumal, Mexico:

What do you think is so special about Akumal?

“Akumal is a small eco village located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, with each town an easy 20-minute drive in either direction. It was the first tourist community to be developed on the coast more than 55 years ago, long before Cancun, founded by a group of adventure divers looking for gold on Spanish ship wrecks. Today both the adventurous spirit and laid back beach vibe continues in Akumal, with its beautiful beaches, Yalku Lagoon, eco center, good dive shops, spa, yoga, and no less than nine delicious eateries along the mile and a half of beach road that makes up the village."

What kind of properties can be found in Akumal?

"Prices in Akumal range from casitas as little as US$129,000 all the way up to large luxury mansions at US$3million+.  There are a great range of properties in the area to suit everyone’s budget and needs. Akumal is a great investment as it is one of the few communities where you can still find beachfront property at a very accessible price. There are large 2-bedroom condos directly on the Caribbean here, with pool, for under US$300,000, Akumal offers large, luxury homes, right on the beach, without the hustle, bustle and overcrowding of the urban areas of the coast."

What kind of lifestyle can one expect when buying a home in Akumal?

"Akumal has been the Riviera Maya’s secret place for many years. However many more people are discovering and falling in love with Akumal.  Akumal means “place of the turtle” in Mayan, and the bays are home to a large number of resident sea turtles that can be seen all year round. Just last year, Akumal was declared a Federal Marine Protected Area, further guaranteeing that Akumal will retain its pristine beaches and low density charm for years to come.

"As Akumal was the first village to be established, there is no place available for large hotels or commercial operations to move in. With the exception of a handful of empty lots, the beach community of Akumal is complete.

"When you buy into Akumal, you become part of a safe, friendly, and inclusive community of expats and nationals alike, with regular social gatherings, and always someone interesting to talk to should you wish to. 

"Properties in Akumal also enjoy profitable rental programs and property management offered by local well established companies, making ownership a breeze."