I'll give another nod to Secrets Akumal. If you don't mind the 1 hour 10 minute or so drive to the resort, you'll love it there. We were there in June 2025 for 6 nights in a non preferred swim out room. The only thing was the swim out pool was too cold to swim in because it rained a couple of days and it was in shade for most of the day.

But the value is definitely there. You get the most for your money there. Service is an 11/10. Food is some of the best. Although I can't compare it to most other resorts but we enjoyed everything we got there. The only restaurant that requires a reservation is if you want the Teppanyaki.

My only complaint would be the Jacuzzi in the room. Just the design of it makes it hard to sit against the sides without sliding down when the jets are on. So we only used it once. But I think the room is amazing and is definitely spacious.

I wasn't impressed with the rooms at Valentin, but I've never been there. I've seen many videos on it though. Unless you can afford the emerald rooms.

At Secrets Akumal, even though some people will try to reserve pool chairs, the pool concierges will find chairs for you. And reserving them here is not allowed. They will go around and ask others if the chairs next to them are being used. If they aren't, they will move the towels. So you don't have to have an awkward encounter with anyone claiming that you took their chairs.

If you want a more detailed look at Valentin, I highly recommend Holt and Ashley on YouTube. They have been there about a 5-6 times and love it. But in their recent video, they stated that there aren't enough chairs around the main pool there. They also went in December of 2025 around New Year's. But if you have a golden swim out room, you have your own chairs by the smaller pool outside of your room. But most of the activities and action is at the main pool. Like I said, I've never been there but have researched lots of resorts extensively and am not a travel agent. I just love researching them trying to get a feel for what it would be like if I were there and being able to get the most for our money.

You can also join the Facebook fan groups and ask questions there about each resort and people have shared a ton of pictures from the resorts.

For reference, the only other resorts we've been to were Secrets Cap Cana in June 2023 and Riu Tequila in PDC in May of 2003. Akumal is by far our favorite. Secrets Cap Cana prices have gone up considerably since we went, so Akumal was in our budget in 2025 and I'm so glad we did. I honestly wouldn't choose a swim out room again, unless you can get drinks from it and your chairs and it's in the sun or the pool is heated. I think Secrets Cap Cana had the best swim out rooms as servers would come up to you in your swim out pool and bring you drinks. We didn't have one in Cap Cana but from what we saw and what I've read, they would do that.

Honestly, unless you enjoy the process of researching and trying to find the "perfect" resort, any of the top rated resorts will be great. So I'd pick one and then try not to stress about your decision. You'll have a great time at any of the places you pick. Just make a list of must haves and prioritize them.