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Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an: An All-Inclusive Getaway Near Tulum
Located between Tulum and Cancun, Sian Ka’an is an adults-only all-inclusive resort integrated into the Grand Bahia Principe complex. Here’s an in-depth review of our experience.
Sian Ka’an: A Luxury Adults-Only Resort in Mexico
Sian Ka’an offers a relaxing escape surrounded by beautiful landscaping and a lush jungle environment.
Although it isn’t directly on the beach, guests can access a private beach area and enjoy the various dining options at the other resorts within the complex.
The transportation around the resort is provided by open-air trolleys that connect the four resorts of the complex.
Amenities
On the Sian Ka’an property, you will find three main pools, four restaurants (including a buffet), a spa, and an adjacent golf course.
The list of activities is extensive. Let’s get ready for some poolside bingo!
My husband and I enjoyed a delightful two-week stay here. While I wouldn’t classify it as the pinnacle of luxury resorts, it certainly falls under the category of ‘affordable luxury.’
This is an account of our experience and a detailed review.
Check Prices and Availability at Sian Ka’an Resort.
Our Review
As I rushed down the path to the Activity Pool, eager not to miss out on water volleyball (a surprising sport I discovered during my stay), the vibrant ferns, palms, and hibiscus coaxed me onward.
I paused for a moment, feeling grateful to be surrounded by such lush greenery, with the sun shimmering over the pool and a day of adventure ahead.
This trip almost didn’t happen, as my husband and I spent days scouring luxury resort reviews seeking an adults-only all-inclusive hotel in Mexico at a reasonable price—something that is notoriously difficult to find.
Choosing an Adults-Only Resort
Even seasoned travel writers like myself find selecting a resort online to be challenging, especially with the wide range of opinions on TripAdvisor that can leave you feeling more confused than ever.
I hope this review of our two-week stay at Sian Ka’an, an affordable luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, helps clarify your decision.
Discover Amazing Luxury Adults-Only All-Inclusives in Mexico.
Why We Almost Didn’t Choose Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an is a Boutique Property
Although I initially bypassed Sian Ka’an due to its classification as a boutique property, I eventually discovered that it is connected to three other Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resorts, allowing full access to their facilities. It turned out to be the best of both worlds.
It’s Not On The Beach
The resort is situated across a highway in a jungle setting, but a dedicated trolley service takes guests to Sian Ka’an’s private beach area, addressing any concerns.
No Brand Recognition
I had initially overlooked Sian Ka’an due to confusion about its name, which didn’t clearly convey the essence of the resort.
What Does Sian Ka’an Mean?
I later learned that Sian Ka’an is named after the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in the Yucatan. The name makes perfect sense, as in the Mayan language, Sian Ka’an translates to “Origin of the Sky.”
Why We Ended Up Choosing Luxury Sian Ka’an
Price
It was more affordable than other luxury adults-only all-inclusives I’ve visited, which was critical as we planned to stay for two weeks and needed to be budget-conscious.
Shade and Lush Surroundings
While most visitors go to Mexico seeking sunshine, I personally cherish lounging beneath a shady tree while basking in the warmth of the sun with a swimming pool nearby. Sian Ka’an offers a fantastic blend of sunshine and leafy shade.
Peaceful Atmosphere
I was looking for a tranquil, non-party atmosphere during my stay.
Lots of Activities
Since Sian Ka’an is connected to the three other Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya resorts—Tulum, Luxury Akumal, and Coba—you can use their facilities and explore a wide variety of dining options.
There are also numerous activities and excursions available in the area.
Check-In: From Hate to Happiness
Upon our late-night arrival, the check-in process was friendly and efficient, and the open-air lobby was warm and welcoming.
However, my initial room assignment was disappointing due to a mildew smell.
Quickly, I approached the front desk for assistance. While I disliked being that person, my designation as a hotel reviewer compelled me to address my concerns.
The clerk kindly provided a different room, though I still found it lacking in the right ambiance.
I decided to adhere to my feelings, recognizing that I wanted to be happy during my vacation—after all, I could be dissatisfied at home.
Changing Rooms
Despite my embarrassment, I felt validated, noting that it was worth spending our hard-earned money on a satisfactory experience.
Kudos to the staff, who remained accommodating and moved us to a different section of the resort, which significantly improved my mood.
What You Need to Know About the Resort Sections
There’s a ‘quiet’ side to the resort, which, in my perception, felt uninspired—like an overflow area. The landscaping wasn’t as impressive, and many amenities are located on the opposite side.
Please note: I can be discerning, and many guests seem perfectly content in that section.
Sian Ka’an Rooms & Accommodations
Our new room was on the third floor near the Activity Pool, and while there is no elevator, those concerned about stairs should opt for a ground-floor room.
The room featured a balcony, a king-sized bed, limited storage space, and a lounge area with a well-stocked mini fridge. The air conditioning worked well.
The decor was simple and pleasant—not as luxurious as Le Blanc Los Cabos, an unforgettable high-end resort with an exceptional spa—but it was satisfactory and clean.
While my clothes had a musty odor upon returning home, it didn’t bother me much during my stay.
I did wish there was a screen on the balcony door to allow more fresh air into the room.
Room Types
Sian Ka’an offers four types of rooms:
- Junior Suite
- Junior Suite Superior
- Junior Suite Superior Garden
- Junior Suite Superior Penthouse
The primary distinction between the Junior Suite and Junior Suite Superior appears to be that the regular Junior Suites are situated in the overflow area.
Both the Superior Garden and Superior Penthouse Junior Suites feature outdoor jacuzzis, which would be delightful for unwinding after exploring cenotes and local ruins. However, considering the humid climate, I wondered how much we would actually use them.
Housekeeping and Maintenance
Our room was cleaned daily, and the mini fridge was regularly stocked. Though we hardly utilized it as we spent most of our time at the pool.
While I’ve heard mixed reviews regarding housekeeping, we had a good experience. Cleaning and lugging bedding up three floors is a challenge, and we made sure to tip the housekeeping staff well for their efforts.
Dining – A Highlight of Our Vacation
Guests at Sian Ka’an enjoy access to the restaurants across all four Bahia Principe resorts.
While the culinary offerings may not rival the top-tier facilities like Grand Velas Riviera Maya, known for its exquisite dining, Sian Ka’an still garners favorable reviews for its food, and we delighted in exploring the varied à la carte restaurants.
Book Restaurants Early — Seriously
Ten days prior to your arrival, you can reserve your dining spots through the App. I highly recommend doing this, as they can fill up quickly.
However, cancellations do happen, so if you miss out, check at the concierge desk to see if any slots open up. We had success with this on several occasions.
Exploring Dining Options
Sampling various restaurants was an enjoyable adventure, and using the resort’s complimentary open-air trolleys added to the fun.
Travel Tip: During dinner time, trolley access can be competitive, so give yourself plenty of time to reach your dining destination.
We typically left around 30 minutes early if dining at Akumal, Coba, or Tulum. Some reviews suggest leaving 45 minutes early, but that felt overly ambitious for us.
Best Restaurant: Alux
Our favorite dining spot was Alux, located at Sian Ka’an, offering upscale French gourmet cuisine. We dined there three times.
(Full disclosure: We often visited the buffet for dessert afterward. We can’t resist!).
Sian Ka’an Buffet
The buffet offered an extensive selection. My personal favorites included the gazpacho station, nachos with cheese sauce and guacamole, and, surprisingly, the jello. Mark, on the other hand, gravitated towards the grilled meats.
I found most desserts visually appealing but lacking in flavor.
Don’t Miss Seafood Night at the Sian Ka’an Buffet
Every night at the buffet has a different theme, with Friday night being the best for seafood. Lobster! We always arrived early to ensure we didn’t miss out.
Cenote Snack Bar
This casual dining spot is open 24 hours, offering burgers, breakfast options, and light meals, conveniently located poolside.
Other Restaurants at Grand Bahia Principe
While not every meal was to my taste, we certainly enjoyed a plethora of dining options.
We dined at the gourmet Don Pablo, skipped the Mexican-focused Tequila (as we had plenty of Mexican cuisine at the lunch buffet), couldn’t secure a reservation at Katok, which specializes in grilled meats; experienced Indian cuisine at Thali, Japanese at Mikado and Maiko, and found the seafood at Frutos del Mer lacking.
If you’re considering dining at Sian Ka’an, know that it is renowned for having the best restaurants within the complex, so be sure to secure reservations for Alux and Maiko.
The Beach
Although the resort is not located directly on the beach, the trolley service offers convenient access to a private section of Bahia Principe’s beach.
At the beach, you will find a bar, thatched umbrellas, and ample loungers. We also utilized the beach areas and pools at the other resorts within the complex.
Is the Beach at Bahia Principe Good?
While the beach isn’t the best for swimming, certain areas are more appealing than others. I particularly enjoyed taking long walks along the shoreline.
The staff works diligently to clear seaweed from the beach each morning, ensuring a pleasant experience.
In fact, I became so fond of the Activity Pool at Sian Ka’an that I ended up forgetting to visit the beach after just a few days.
Sian Ka’an Pools
Sian Ka’an boasts several pools, with three main ones. If you prefer absolute peace, the pool next to Alux is perfect.
The largest pool, situated next to the Cenote Bar, is beautiful and offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with options for both sun and shade.
Let’s talk about the Activity Pool.
Initially, I had little appreciation for the Activity Pool, perceiving it as too chaotic for the romantic getaway I envisioned at an adults-only resort, and I planned to avoid it entirely.
However, a day later, as we lounged by a serene quiet pool, I realized that the Activity Pool had its charm and was quite entertaining.
I didn’t want to miss AquaFit!
Activity Pool Experience
Eventually, we found ourselves back at the Activity Pool.
With comfortable loungers, a welcoming atmosphere, beach umbrellas, and a poolside bar, this is where all the fun unfolds.
We connected with more fellow guests here than anywhere else.
I participated in pool volleyball twice a day, admittedly performing rather poorly. The only other participant who was worse than me was a margarita-loving woman who forgot her team and floated over to the opposing side.
No one seemed bothered. It was all in good fun.
I did earn a bottle of tequila for winning the daily ping pong championship! (Although I also lost once, but let’s focus on the positives, shall we?).
Deck Chairs at Sian Ka’an Pool
We never had to scramble for sun loungers, whether in the sun or the shade. There were a couple of times when it was a tad challenging but we eventually found a spot.
Once we found our ideal locations, we would drop our towels down on the way to breakfast, although we never woke up early enough to be proactive about it. We’re simply too relaxed!
Despite others’ reports of difficulties securing loungers, we encountered no such issues.
Adult-Only Pool at Akumal
Numerous guests rave about the adults-only infinity pool at Akumal that overlooks the ocean, which Sian Ka’an guests are allowed to access.
I visited once but found there wasn’t sufficient shade for my liking.
Check it out and see which ambiance you prefer.
Tours, Activities, and Excursions
The resort offers two complimentary bike tours daily. While the bikes leave something to be desired, they are a good way to get oriented, exercise, and mingle with fellow guests.
Visiting Tulum or Playa del Carmen via Colectivo
One afternoon, Mark and I took the colectivo (a shared van-style bus) to Tulum, a much cheaper option than a taxi. Once we arrived, we explored, enjoyed a drink, and eventually returned home.
The same applies to visiting Playa del Carmen in the opposite direction.
To access the bus from the resort, ask the trolley driver to drop you off near the highway. The Tulum bus stop is located on the highway to the left. For Playa del Carmen, you’ll need to cross the overpass.
Be aware that returning from Tulum, the colectivos can get crowded, and it might take some time to find a seat.
Tulum Ruins
Having explored the Riviera Maya before, we opted for only one organized excursion—to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, which we arranged at the hotel’s tour desk.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is one of the last ancient Maya cities built and inhabited, making it an ideal afternoon outing.
Travel Tip: The Tulum Ruins are conveniently close to the resort, so you won’t spend all day in a van.
Other Things to Do from Bahia Principe Riviera Maya
Options abound for cenote excursions, visiting magnificent ruins like Coba, Chichen Itza, or Ek’ Balam, or enjoying nearby Xel-Ha, a natural water park.
Service and Staff
The staff at Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an were exceptional. While we encountered one snooty server at Maiko (the reason remains unclear), the majority of our experiences were overwhelmingly positive.
Helpful trolley drivers and cheerful buffet wait staff—who remembered just how many cups of coffee Mark required each morning—struck me as highlights of our stay. Special mention goes to the energetic activity staff, who never made me feel awkward about my lack of skills in pool volleyball.
Other Amenities
Golf
Golf is a popular pastime for guests at Sian Ka’an due to its proximity to the PGA Riviera Maya Golf Club.
Crafted by Robert Trent Jones II, the course spans 90 hectares and offers both 18-hole and 9-hole options.
As for me, the closest I got to golfing was while on a bike tour when I spotted a little cenote from the green.
Please Don’t Do a Dolphin Encounter
Engaging in dolphin encounters is detrimental to the animals. While Bahia Principe Tulum has a dolphin exhibit, I wish they wouldn’t. I haven’t met anyone who expressed an interest in that experience.
Entertainment
Each evening featured modest entertainment in the open-air lobby, typically music, although it wasn’t a central aspect of our stay.
The highlight is the ‘Origin’ show at one of the theaters, which presents a journey through Mexican history.
Another prominent show is ‘Blackbird,’ themed around the music of The Beatles.
What is the Hacienda?
The Hacienda Dona Isobel is a charming market plaza nestled between the resorts, serving as a central stop for the trolleys. Here, you’ll find small shops, souvenir vendors, a pharmacy, and even a doctor.
In the evenings, it transforms into a hub for entertainment, complete with performances and a nightclub open until 2 a.m.
Location and Surroundings
Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an is located about 93 km from Cancun airport and 64 km from the new Tulum airport (though it reportedly takes the same time to reach Sian Ka’an from both airports).
Many all-inclusive packages include airport transportation. Since our flight arrived in Mexico late in the evening and departed early, we opted for a private transfer to save time.
Value for Money
Considering the level of service, amenities, and setting, I believe the resort offers good value for the price.
While many reviews might rate it as more of a 4-star experience rather than 5-star, I wouldn’t entirely disagree.
Overall Experience
Although I wasn’t particularly impressed by the decor and design initially, the resort grew on me, and I was sad to leave.
The tropical ambiance, combined with access to Bahia Principe’s expansive resort complex, ensured there was always something to do, while the tranquility of Sian Ka’an truly provided a peaceful retreat.
We always looked forward to returning to the serenity of Sian Ka’an after exploring outside the resort.
Would I Recommend Sian Ka’an?
Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation, lush nature, and comfort in the Riviera Maya.
Its proximity to Tulum makes it a solid choice for exploring cultural and natural attractions in the area.
This resort caters well to couples or other adults looking for a refined yet laidback getaway. While it predominantly attracts a mature crowd, some younger couples also visit.
It’s not flashy or trendy, and if you’re in search of wild entertainment, you might want to look elsewhere.
For those who prefer cutting-edge design and high-end finishes, other luxury resorts may be more suited to your taste.
Would we return? Yes, without a doubt. The variety of activities, numerous dining options, peaceful atmosphere, and lush tropical surroundings contributed to a fantastic experience.
Summary of Traveler Reviews
To gauge how other guests felt about their stay at Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an, I reviewed various traveler feedback.
While I’m not a fan of AI-generated content, I wanted to see how my experience aligned with others, and this is what I found.
Overall, the results echoed my sentiments, although it appears others were less concerned than I was about the availability of shade!
Positive Highlights:
- Peaceful Adults-Only Environment: Numerous travelers appreciated the tranquil adults-only atmosphere, which offered a refreshing break from daily life’s chaos (read: kids lol).
- Attentive and Friendly Staff: Exceptional service was a common theme among reviews, with guests noting how staff went out of their way to enhance their stay, whether through personalized service at restaurants or thoughtful gestures.
- Excellent Dining Choices: Guests praised the variety and quality of the food, particularly at the à la carte restaurants.
- Beautiful Grounds and Pools: Many visitors praised the well-kept grounds, complemented by lush gardens and elegant pools that created a calming tropical atmosphere.
- Spa and Golf: The spa and golf course received commendations, with reviews highlighting relaxing treatments and the picturesque golf course amid natural beauty. (We didn’t try the spa.)
Areas for Improvement:
- Beach Access: A few guests noted the inconvenience of not being directly on the beach. Although the shuttle service was efficient, some preferable being closer to the shoreline.
- Evening Entertainment: Although the resort provides entertainment each night, some guests felt that the options could be more diverse.
- In-Room Amenities: A handful of reviewers suggested that some rooms could benefit from upgrades in furniture or technology, although this did not significantly impair their overall experiences.
Overall Traveler Sentiment:
The consensus among travelers is that Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an delivers a serene and luxurious retreat, notably suitable for couples and adults seeking relaxation. While minor improvements could be made, the positive aspects—especially regarding service and dining—significantly outweigh any drawbacks.
