Tappys Topless Trip Report

TAPPY · 06-18-2005

June 2005 Bahia Principe Akumal Resort
Ok, I really did not go topless. The only thing topless on my trip were several bottles of ice cold Sol with Lime. This trip report is going to be really boring because we are total beach bums and there is not much to report. We did see several “No Topless” signs posted at the Bahia. I wonder why it was only posted in English.

I don’t think anyone paid any attention to the signs.

I saw several people take photos (sans top) by the “no topless” sign. (

ya gotta love rule breakers). Yes we did get one picture of me breaking the rule……but it will never be posted.

I will skip all the “we woke up at the crack of dawn and went to the airport blah blah blah” and let’s just say WE ARRIVED ON TIME!!

Check in to the Bahia was quick and easy. I had to insist politely that I did not want to be out in the “Golden Club” area of the resort. I think Golden Club is just a fancy name to make you feel better about being stuck way out in the back of the resort in no mans land.

I wanted a room close to the lobby or main pool. The nice folks at the at the check-in desk switched us to a suite close to the lobby which turned out to be a great location.

It was close to everything. The suite did not have a view of the ocean or beach. This was fine by me because we don’t stay in our room except to sleep. Our suite (An Apple Vacations upgrade) was very nice and had all the fancy trappings you get at a nice AI. (A nice Jacuzzi tub) A big plus was all the goodies the resort delivered to our room. Every day it was something new: T-Shirts, slippers, a BIG spa goodie basket, fresh flowers, fruit basket….....I could get used to this. At first I thought the Bahia would NEVER compare to my beloved Barcelo. I have had some time to reflect and I have decided that I like the Bahia better than the Barcelo.

Change is good for this gal!

I loved the beach at the Bahia because it offers a variety of scenery and some wave action. There is a large area roped off for turtle nests on the beach.
There are lots of good spots on the beach to hunt for coral and other sea treasures from the ocean. Yes it is true, parts of the beach are rocky, but there are some very nice sandy parts for swimming/snorkeling.

The natural ocean pool is also a secluded spot on one side of the beach that is very quiet and peaceful. A great place to watch the sunset.

I do think the snorkeling is better at this resort. (compared to the Barcelo) You can snorkel by the pier and see tons of fish or out by the ropes/coral reef. Bahia Divers is right on the beach and they offer a variety of snorkeling/scuba tours at great prices. (translate=cheap) We took the Akumal Snorkel Tour and a freebie 1 hour discover scuba course with Bahia Divers at the resort. I do think the Bahia Diver tours were cheaper, and more personal than the usual tours you buy/sign up for in the lobbies at the all inclusives.

The bars at the Bahia are very nice and make for a great night time hang out and a nice place to try a little Latin style dancing. (Great drinks and good live music).

Our days were basically spent at the beach and SSSS (Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunning, and Sipping Margaritas). The bartenders were very friendly and made us some yummy drinks in coconuts. (how touristy is that)

Never had any problem getting drinks and they were always good (and strong). Bartenders would make anything you asked for. My daughter made tons of friends at this resort and basically blew us off to go play with her new friends from England, Chile and Canada.

On our snorkel trip to Akumal we saw turtles, rays and coral. This was a “WOW” trip. I highly recommend this trip if you are staying at the Bahia. The downside of our trip was when the weather took a very nasty turn while we were waaaaaaay out in the bay snorkeling. Our guide was very professional and went out of his way to make sure every one was safe. He personally took care of my daughter and my snorkel newbie cousins. It was still a great day and I can’t wait to go back. This spot will always be on my "to do" list for future trips.

We did go in to Playa for the day to shop, hang out, and to a nighttime Peep Meet at the famous Beer Bucket.

We wore our Crazy Bead Lady Necklaces and were instantly recognized on the streets of Playa by the JX2s. We got to meet the owner of the Beer Bucket who was very nice. We enjoyed talking with all the other peeps from the board and having a few cold ones.

Local Celeb Jez was also at the Bucket having a drink. There was also an older man with a dog (I am bad with names…..apparently a BB regular) who sat at the end of the bar smoking his cigar. A street vendor came up selling roses. This nice guy bought a rose and gave it to my daughter. This is one of the reasons I love Playa (and Mexico)-everyone is so nice to kids and will go out of their way for them.

It was great meeting JX2s and the Bickfords. Sorry we missed StewartG and the naked table dancing.

My Indiana cousins met us at the Bahia on this trip. My cousin proposed to his girlfriend on the beach at sunset one evening. We had been plotting and planning this for a few weeks and how it would all take place..... it was a total surprise to his girlfriend. She said yes. (whew) We all got to see him get down on bended knee and do the deed. He produced a nice hunk of rock for the occasion. We got it on film (per his request). If I get his permission I will see if I can find a way to post his sunset beach proposal video. It was very touching and not a dry eye was to be found.

It was a very sweet and special evening for all of us. They both had lost a spouse due to a terrible illness, so it was nice to see two people get another chance at happiness and to be in love. We all did a lot of celebrating that night.

The next day we had planned a snorkel trip to Cozumel for my daughter’s 11th birthday. She decided she wanted to stay at the resort and hang out at the activity pool with her new friends. (and we were still slightly hurting from the previous night)

So we had another chill out day on the beach and by the pool watching her take part in all the crazy pool games. The activity staff made a big deal over her birthday so she had a great time. Kids !!!!

Our trip ended way too soon

and we are all ready planning the next trip. Where to stay, what to do. I loved the Bahia (and the Barcelo) – but I like to try something new every year. So Shammy get on your thinking cap (not the Red Sox one

) for next year…..you have not let me down yet !

Thanks to all the peeps on this board for all the hints, tips, ideas, suggestions, maps, secret beaches, secret ice cream shops, and everything else in between that adds to our vacation experience !!

Mikey · 06-18-2005

Great report short and sweet....Like the SSSS. When you said bad weather while out in the bay was it lightning?

Banzoomba · 06-18-2005

Great report....we also are total beach bums....not much action till the sun goes down

TAPPY · 06-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikey

Great report short and sweet....Like the SSSS. When you said bad weather while out in the bay was it lightning?

Lots of thunder, heavy rain, wind......... (we saw a small water spout off in the distance) - It came up fast. It was very overcast when we went out...but we were so hyped about this trip we wanted to go.

It was a great trip(about 3 hours) - for about 15-20 minutes it was miserable.

A few people who did not wear snorkel vests were wishing they had !!!!

TAPPY · 06-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banzoomba

Great report....we also are total beach bums....not much action till the sun goes down

A beach and some drinks are all we need !!!!

(a little music in the background is nice too)

cpfstich · 06-18-2005

Fantastic trip report Tappy..it's peeps like you who keep peeps like me striving to do better with our reports. Thanks again!

Trish · 06-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAPPY

The next day we had planned a snorkel trip to Cozumel for my daughter’s 11th birthday.

Lucky little lady... she also has a birthday trip planned for Schlitterbahn, doesn't she?

Great report, Tappy. Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation!

06-18-2005

Glad to hear you had a great time...and I like that you want to try something new each year. We too are trying something new for Peep Fest...staying in Playa instead of an AI...but we did love Barcelo...and we are totoal beach bums during the day...we like to find the action at night.

**SunKneeMarie** · 06-18-2005

Great trip report, Tappy! Sounds like you had a great time just hanging out... and that's not a topless comment either...

Loved the proposal on the beach. How special is that to be a part of?

Looking forward to some SSSS time of our own next month!

Seakony · 06-18-2005

fab report Tappy, Looks like you were enjoying those drinks in the coconuts.

Kellyk · 06-18-2005

Loved your report Tappy. I won't be going until next

year so these reports keep me going.

Thanks!

**Shammy** · 06-18-2005

And to think I called you right when we got back and told you "Ummm....Tams, I think I made a mistake booking you here, I don't think you're gonna like the beach".

DOH!

Anyhooo, just to clear one thing up....

The "Golden Club" (where we were

) isn't the section ALLLLL the way in the back, in no man's land. Those are the new, NEW buildings, and will eventually be part of the "Coba" section I believe. And if they're not, they're still the new section and not at all where the Golden Club is located. The Golden Club is the area right by the 24 hour snack bar, 5 buildings (64 - 68) and they are considered the biggest upgrade you can get because they are oceanfront.
This was the view from our room:

Definitely not baddddd!

They are certainly further from the pool and lobby than some buildings, but not nearly as bad as no man's land! And by day two, it was no big deal to be located there, even though I would have preferred to be in building 47...so I could roll out of bed and into the pool or the more populated part of the beach. :p But people kill for these rooms, so I gotta consider myself lucky we had one I suppose.

OK, carry on...just wanted to make sure we didn't get these two areas confuggled.

Mikey · 06-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kellyk

Loved your report Tappy. I won't be going until next

year so these reports keep me going.

Thanks!

Thats Brutal...

caramba · 06-18-2005

Sounds like you had a great trip!

Bumper · 06-18-2005

Welcome back, Tappy. Glad the jaunt went so well. Sounds like you were taken care of in grand style, especially your youngster. We're planning on adding a week at an AI in Akumal to our four in Playa next trip, and are really looking forward to being spoiled rotten.

06-18-2005	#1 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 21,141	Tappys Topless Trip Report June 2005 Bahia Principe Akumal Resort Ok, I really did not go topless. The only thing topless on my trip were several bottles of ice cold Sol with Lime. This trip report is going to be really boring because we are total beach bums and there is not much to report. We did see several “No Topless” signs posted at the Bahia. I wonder why it was only posted in English. I don’t think anyone paid any attention to the signs. I saw several people take photos (sans top) by the “no topless” sign. ( ya gotta love rule breakers). Yes we did get one picture of me breaking the rule……but it will never be posted. I will skip all the “we woke up at the crack of dawn and went to the airport blah blah blah” and let’s just say WE ARRIVED ON TIME!! Check in to the Bahia was quick and easy. I had to insist politely that I did not want to be out in the “Golden Club” area of the resort. I think Golden Club is just a fancy name to make you feel better about being stuck way out in the back of the resort in no mans land. I wanted a room close to the lobby or main pool. The nice folks at the at the check-in desk switched us to a suite close to the lobby which turned out to be a great location. It was close to everything. The suite did not have a view of the ocean or beach. This was fine by me because we don’t stay in our room except to sleep. Our suite (An Apple Vacations upgrade) was very nice and had all the fancy trappings you get at a nice AI. (A nice Jacuzzi tub) A big plus was all the goodies the resort delivered to our room. Every day it was something new: T-Shirts, slippers, a BIG spa goodie basket, fresh flowers, fruit basket….....I could get used to this. At first I thought the Bahia would NEVER compare to my beloved Barcelo. I have had some time to reflect and I have decided that I like the Bahia better than the Barcelo. Change is good for this gal! I loved the beach at the Bahia because it offers a variety of scenery and some wave action. There is a large area roped off for turtle nests on the beach. There are lots of good spots on the beach to hunt for coral and other sea treasures from the ocean. Yes it is true, parts of the beach are rocky, but there are some very nice sandy parts for swimming/snorkeling. The natural ocean pool is also a secluded spot on one side of the beach that is very quiet and peaceful. A great place to watch the sunset. I do think the snorkeling is better at this resort. (compared to the Barcelo) You can snorkel by the pier and see tons of fish or out by the ropes/coral reef. Bahia Divers is right on the beach and they offer a variety of snorkeling/scuba tours at great prices. (translate=cheap) We took the Akumal Snorkel Tour and a freebie 1 hour discover scuba course with Bahia Divers at the resort. I do think the Bahia Diver tours were cheaper, and more personal than the usual tours you buy/sign up for in the lobbies at the all inclusives. The bars at the Bahia are very nice and make for a great night time hang out and a nice place to try a little Latin style dancing. (Great drinks and good live music). Our days were basically spent at the beach and SSSS (Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunning, and Sipping Margaritas). The bartenders were very friendly and made us some yummy drinks in coconuts. (how touristy is that) Never had any problem getting drinks and they were always good (and strong). Bartenders would make anything you asked for. My daughter made tons of friends at this resort and basically blew us off to go play with her new friends from England, Chile and Canada. On our snorkel trip to Akumal we saw turtles, rays and coral. This was a “WOW” trip. I highly recommend this trip if you are staying at the Bahia. The downside of our trip was when the weather took a very nasty turn while we were waaaaaaay out in the bay snorkeling. Our guide was very professional and went out of his way to make sure every one was safe. He personally took care of my daughter and my snorkel newbie cousins. It was still a great day and I can’t wait to go back. This spot will always be on my "to do" list for future trips. We did go in to Playa for the day to shop, hang out, and to a nighttime Peep Meet at the famous Beer Bucket. We wore our Crazy Bead Lady Necklaces and were instantly recognized on the streets of Playa by the JX2s. We got to meet the owner of the Beer Bucket who was very nice. We enjoyed talking with all the other peeps from the board and having a few cold ones. Local Celeb Jez was also at the Bucket having a drink. There was also an older man with a dog (I am bad with names…..apparently a BB regular) who sat at the end of the bar smoking his cigar. A street vendor came up selling roses. This nice guy bought a rose and gave it to my daughter. This is one of the reasons I love Playa (and Mexico)-everyone is so nice to kids and will go out of their way for them. It was great meeting JX2s and the Bickfords. Sorry we missed StewartG and the naked table dancing. My Indiana cousins met us at the Bahia on this trip. My cousin proposed to his girlfriend on the beach at sunset one evening. We had been plotting and planning this for a few weeks and how it would all take place..... it was a total surprise to his girlfriend. She said yes. (whew) We all got to see him get down on bended knee and do the deed. He produced a nice hunk of rock for the occasion. We got it on film (per his request). If I get his permission I will see if I can find a way to post his sunset beach proposal video. It was very touching and not a dry eye was to be found. It was a very sweet and special evening for all of us. They both had lost a spouse due to a terrible illness, so it was nice to see two people get another chance at happiness and to be in love. We all did a lot of celebrating that night. The next day we had planned a snorkel trip to Cozumel for my daughter’s 11th birthday. She decided she wanted to stay at the resort and hang out at the activity pool with her new friends. (and we were still slightly hurting from the previous night) So we had another chill out day on the beach and by the pool watching her take part in all the crazy pool games. The activity staff made a big deal over her birthday so she had a great time. Kids !!!! Our trip ended way too soon and we are all ready planning the next trip. Where to stay, what to do. I loved the Bahia (and the Barcelo) – but I like to try something new every year. So Shammy get on your thinking cap (not the Red Sox one ) for next year…..you have not let me down yet ! Thanks to all the peeps on this board for all the hints, tips, ideas, suggestions, maps, secret beaches, secret ice cream shops, and everything else in between that adds to our vacation experience !! Last edited by TAPPY; 06-18-2005 at 08:53 PM..

06-18-2005	#2 (permalink)
Mikey he likes it! Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 27,429	Great report short and sweet....Like the SSSS. When you said bad weather while out in the bay was it lightning?

06-18-2005	#3 (permalink)
Banzoomba big sexy speedo guy Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Top of the Chesapeake Bay, Md Posts: 9,691	Great report....we also are total beach bums....not much action till the sun goes down

06-18-2005	#6 (permalink)
cpfstich añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Badger State! Posts: 16,621	Fantastic trip report Tappy..it's peeps like you who keep peeps like me striving to do better with our reports. Thanks again!

06-18-2005	#8 (permalink)
Rubio~ Guest Posts: n/a	Glad to hear you had a great time...and I like that you want to try something new each year. We too are trying something new for Peep Fest...staying in Playa instead of an AI...but we did love Barcelo...and we are totoal beach bums during the day...we like to find the action at night.

06-18-2005	#9 (permalink)
SunKneeMarie character encapsulator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 32,808	Great trip report, Tappy! Sounds like you had a great time just hanging out... and that's not a topless comment either... Loved the proposal on the beach. How special is that to be a part of? Looking forward to some SSSS time of our own next month!

06-18-2005	#10 (permalink)
Seakony añejo Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 16,151	fab report Tappy, Looks like you were enjoying those drinks in the coconuts.

06-18-2005	#11 (permalink)
Kellyk añejo Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dallas,TX Posts: 6,437	Loved your report Tappy. I won't be going until next year so these reports keep me going. Thanks!

06-18-2005	#12 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 17,465	And to think I called you right when we got back and told you "Ummm....Tams, I think I made a mistake booking you here, I don't think you're gonna like the beach". DOH! Anyhooo, just to clear one thing up.... The "Golden Club" (where we were ) isn't the section ALLLLL the way in the back, in no man's land. Those are the new, NEW buildings, and will eventually be part of the "Coba" section I believe. And if they're not, they're still the new section and not at all where the Golden Club is located. The Golden Club is the area right by the 24 hour snack bar, 5 buildings (64 - 68) and they are considered the biggest upgrade you can get because they are oceanfront. This was the view from our room: Definitely not baddddd! They are certainly further from the pool and lobby than some buildings, but not nearly as bad as no man's land! And by day two, it was no big deal to be located there, even though I would have preferred to be in building 47...so I could roll out of bed and into the pool or the more populated part of the beach. :p But people kill for these rooms, so I gotta consider myself lucky we had one I suppose. OK, carry on...just wanted to make sure we didn't get these two areas confuggled.

06-18-2005	#14 (permalink)
caramba añejo Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 6,641	Sounds like you had a great trip!

06-18-2005	#15 (permalink)
Bumper Class Clown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 14,212	Welcome back, Tappy. Glad the jaunt went so well. Sounds like you were taken care of in grand style, especially your youngster. We're planning on adding a week at an AI in Akumal to our four in Playa next trip, and are really looking forward to being spoiled rotten.

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