Akumal provisions?

[kenny2skidoos]

We have a ten night stay in a condo in Akumal this January, and were wondering if the grocery store is adequate for some of our food needs. We plan on eating out for dinner most nights, but would like some other small snacks and fresh fruit etc in the room. we also need some liquor and are not sure if the stores there have it.

Should we make a stop in Playa to load up, or can we get what we need there in Akumal? Not too concerned if the price is higher, as long as it isn't ridiculous!

Thanks in advance and all is appreciated!

[WaterRat]

We always stopped by Soriana on our way down. It's on the West side of the road, so no highway exit/entrance issues. Soriana is a lot cheaper than groceries in Akumal. Cost was more important to us than you perhaps, because we ate more in the condo than it sounds like you will. We always did breakfast and lunch in, then ate dinner out. (We're a family of 4).

There are three stores in Akumal. Two are right inside the arch, across the street from one another. The third is over the overpass and into Akumal Pueblo. The groceries in the Pueblo are cheaper.

Shopping hint: The boxed milk on the shelf is very good. We like LaLa brand the best. We buy 2% here, and LaLa's semidescremada in Mexico.

[Bret and Yvonne]

We normally stop at Wal-Mart in Playa either on the way down or when we’re in town. Where are you staying?

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by Bret and Yvonne

We normally stop at Wal-Mart in Playa either on the way down or when we’re in town. Where are you staying?

I'm sorry.

Why would you shop there?

[roni]

Originally Posted by WaterRat

I'm sorry.

Why would you shop there?

Why not?

We have shopped there on three Christmas Eve's

We also shop at Mega and Aki and DAC when in Playa. We get some specialty meats, like prosciutto at the new store on Calle Corazon, Europea.

Where do you shop?

[kenny2skidoos]

Originally Posted by Bret and Yvonne

We normally stop at Wal-Mart in Playa either on the way down or when we’re in town. Where are you staying?

we are at La Joya on Half Moon Bay, so thought stopping in Playa might be good, but if Soriana is more convenient we might stop there. what about hard alcohol, is it available or should we hit the Duty free at the airport?

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by roni

Why not?

We have shopped there on three Christmas Eve's

We also shop at Mega and Aki and DAC when in Playa. We get some specialty meats, like prosciutto at the new store on Calle Corazon, Europea.

Where do you shop?

My primary frame of reference was to the OP who was on their way to Akumal. Stopping at Walmart would seem to me to be the least convenient of all shopping choices if I were on my way to Akumal.

Secondarily, I avoid all Wal-Mart's when possible, and especially the one in Playa, as I think that it smells particularly unpleasant in there, they often have POS promotions and Demo's accompanied by blasting music, I think that the store is merchandised peculiarly, i.e. merchandise that I would expect to be here, is over there. Lastly, I've found that Soriana, Chedraui, and Mega are all cleaner.

I think that pricing among the 4 that I've mentioned is similar.

Wal-Mart did save me once. I'd forgotten to pack my flip-flops. Found a nice pair of size 12's in the store on Calle Corizon (sp?), for about $30.00 USD. No thank you. The only other place that I found my size was at Wal-Mart.

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by kenny2skidoos

we are at La Joya on Half Moon Bay, so thought stopping in Playa might be good, but if Soriana is more convenient we might stop there. what about hard alcohol, is it available or should we hit the Duty free at the airport?

It is.

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by kenny2skidoos

we are at La Joya on Half Moon Bay, so thought stopping in Playa might be good, but if Soriana is more convenient we might stop there. what about hard alcohol, is it available or should we hit the Duty free at the airport?

Excellent location. Excellent.

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by roni

Where do you shop?

Mega.

[kenny2skidoos]

Originally Posted by WaterRat

Excellent location. Excellent.

Thanks we were hoping so. Where is Sariana and Chedraui located in relation to Akumal or Playa?

[WaterRat]

Soriana is on your right as you pass through the main part of Playa. It's in a big strip mall, callled Centro Maya. You're about 40 minutes from Akumal.

Chedraui is a little North (before Soriana) on the South end of Playa, but on the other side of the highway.

[juanrojo]

We do exactly as the water rat suggests . Soriana has very easy access just after the overpass ends heading south on 307 . We prefer Soriana on it's own merits and it is very easy in and out . Buy lots of heavy liquids of all kinds , booze , beer, milk , juice for mix and mornings and some coffee ( just bring filters from home ), yogurt , cheese , bacon and eggs and other snacks and excellent baked goods, cake by the kilo , etc . If you have a car there is more shopping in Tulum after a few days including a newer Chedraui with good selection and there is a "half sized" Chedraui just off the highway in Puerto Aventuras that also is very simple to get in and out of from 307 before Akumal . We still prefer Soriana . Transfers will do a grocery stop for a fee of thirty dollars , I'm told . In any case it is easily worth it to stop for the better pricing and especially selection at a larger store . Buy lots and leave any excess for the staff to share . La Joya is very nice as is Halfmoon Bay and our unit was well equipped with cutlery and pots and things . Ask a local about a cart style food truck that services that area . Please be happy always . My own self given native name is three hats .

[Paw'boy]

Originally Posted by WaterRat

I'm sorry.

Why would you shop there?

I have to agree, Wally world is only a necessary evil for specific items when we need them. The place is a zoo, their meats have not been great, smelly at times, I have seen a produce guy pick his nose and then handle various vegetables.........mmmmm, yummmy.

Mega is the best all around store hands down IMO, they have the best tasting meats, and Russell/Carboncitos agrees with me on this. Excellent produce, great deli and food to go and more.

We use Soriana a lot as they are the closest to Puerto, they are good, they sell Newcastles and I would agree it is the most convenient place to stop on the way to Akumal. Take the flyover and exit at Juarez, then you can access the shopping center.

Originally Posted by roni

Why not?

We have shopped there on three Christmas Eve's

We also shop at Mega and Aki and DAC when in Playa. We get some specialty meats, like prosciutto at the new store on Calle Corazon, Europea.

Where do you shop?

If you go to DAC, save yourself the hassle of CC and get specialty meats and killer cheeses at the Italian deli 1 block east of DAC.

Originally Posted by kenny2skidoos

we are at La Joya on Half Moon Bay, so thought stopping in Playa might be good, but if Soriana is more convenient we might stop there. what about hard alcohol, is it available or should we hit the Duty free at the airport?

If you drink Grey Goose or Mount Gay rum, get it at airport, otherwise you are good to go in the grocery.

Originally Posted by WaterRat

My primary frame of reference was to the OP who was on their way to Akumal. Stopping at Walmart would seem to me to be the least convenient of all shopping choices if I were on my way to Akumal.

Secondarily, I avoid all Wal-Mart's when possible, and especially the one in Playa, as I think that it smells particularly unpleasant in there, they often have POS promotions and Demo's accompanied by blasting music, I think that the store is merchandised peculiarly, i.e. merchandise that I would expect to be here, is over there. Lastly, I've found that Soriana, Chedraui, and Mega are all cleaner.

I think that pricing among the 4 that I've mentioned is similar.

Wal-Mart did save me once. I'd forgotten to pack my flip-flops. Found a nice pair of size 12's in the store on Calle Corizon (sp?), for about $30.00 USD. No thank you. The only other place that I found my size was at Wal-Mart.

I concur!!

Originally Posted by WaterRat

Soriana is on your right as you pass through the main part of Playa. It's in a big strip mall, callled Centro Maya. You're about 40 minutes from Akumal.

Chedraui is a little North (before Soriana) on the South end of Playa, but on the other side of the highway.

Correct

Originally Posted by juanrojo

We do exactly as the water rat suggests . Soriana has very easy access just after the overpass ends heading south on 307 . We prefer Soriana on it's own merits and it is very easy in and out . Buy lots of heavy liquids of all kinds , booze , beer, milk , juice for mix and mornings and some coffee ( just bring filters from home ), yogurt , cheese , bacon and eggs and other snacks and excellent baked goods, cake by the kilo , etc . If you have a car there is more shopping in Tulum after a few days including a newer Chedraui with good selection and there is a "half sized" Chedraui just off the highway in Puerto Aventuras that also is very simple to get in and out of from 307 before Akumal . We still prefer Soriana . Transfers will do a grocery stop for a fee of thirty dollars , I'm told . In any case it is easily worth it to stop for the better pricing and especially selection at a larger store . Buy lots and leave any excess for the staff to share . La Joya is very nice as is Halfmoon Bay and our unit was well equipped with cutlery and pots and things . Ask a local about a cart style food truck that services that area . Please be happy always . My own self given native name is three hats .

Correct, and the lunch truck is one of the best lunches in Akumal, we love it!!!!! I will say, Super "pay more" Chomak has amazing frozen ribeyes, expensive, but 2 persons can split one and the flavor is fab!

[lovetheroo]

You have gotten excellent advice from everyone here - shop before you get to Akumal. But there generally is no way to avoid having to replenish some items mid-week there, unless you go into Tulum (highly recommend spending a day there). The two convenience stores in Akumal are pretty well stocked for this purpose, but the prices are quite high. But at least it is there if you really need something. Their souvenirs are pricey as well - buy your t-shirts in Playa or Tulum.