Best for travelers, including those with children, who want a beachfront stay in Tulum without a prepaid meal plan. Meals and drinks are not included in the rate, so you choose where and how much to spend.
Resort Comparison Guide
Best for travelers, including those with children, who want a beachfront stay in Tulum without a prepaid meal plan. Meals and drinks are not included in the rate, so you choose where and how much to spend.
Better for adult travelers who want an adults-only all-inclusive on the Riviera Maya coast, with meals and drinks covered in the rate and fewer decisions to make once you arrive.
If you want a beachfront stay in Tulum that welcomes all ages, including travelers with children, and you prefer to pay for meals and drinks as you go, La Zebra Tulum is usually the better pick.
If your priority is an adults-only, all-inclusive stay where meals and drinks are covered in the rate, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya typically comes out ahead, especially for couples and adult groups who want to budget up front.
Bottom line: choose La Zebra Tulum for an all-ages, room-only beachfront stay in Tulum, and choose Secrets Akumal for an adults-only all-inclusive in Akumal.
| Category | La Zebra Tulum | Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe |
Beachfront Tulum stay that welcomes all ages, with a flexible, pay-as-you-go approach to meals and drinks.
Best for Flexible Stays
|
Adults-only all-inclusive on the Riviera Maya coast, with meals and drinks covered in the rate.
Best for All-Inclusive
|
| Location | On the coast in Tulum, on the beach, with the town's dining and shopping options nearby to explore. | In Akumal on the Riviera Maya coast, north of Tulum, as a self-contained resort base. |
| Who It's For | All-ages property with facilities for children, so it suits families as well as couples and friends. | Adults-only property, so it suits couples, honeymooners, and adult groups traveling without children. |
| Rooms & Suites | Beachfront accommodations in Tulum, booked on a room-only basis without a meal plan. | Suite-style accommodations on an all-inclusive rate, with food and drinks bundled into your stay. |
| Dining | Not all-inclusive. Meals and drinks are charged separately, on site or around Tulum. | All-inclusive. Restaurants and bars are covered in the rate, so there is no bill at each meal. |
| Pools & Beach | Beachfront setting in Tulum that suits travelers who want the beach at the center of the trip. | Resort-style beach and pool setting in Akumal, designed as an adults-only retreat. |
| Price & Value | Best value if you prefer to pay only for what you eat and drink, or want to eat out around Tulum. | Best value if you want predictable costs, with food and drinks included in one rate. |
La Zebra Tulum is a beachfront stay in Tulum that welcomes all ages. The property lists facilities for children, so it works for travelers bringing the family.
La Zebra Tulum is the better pick if you want a Tulum beachfront base and the freedom to choose how you eat and drink.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offers an adults-only all-inclusive stay with suite-style accommodations on the Riviera Maya coast.
If you want an adults-only stay where food and drinks are already covered, Secrets Akumal is usually the stronger fit.
La Zebra Tulum is not an all-inclusive property. Rates do not include meals and drinks, so dining is something you pay for separately during your stay.
Expect:
Budget for food and drinks separately when comparing the total cost of your stay.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive resort, so meals and drinks are covered in the rate.
If you would rather not manage a dining budget on vacation, Secrets Akumal is usually the better match.
La Zebra Tulum puts you right on the beach in Tulum, which makes the coastline the center of the stay.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is a resort-style, adults-only setting in Akumal, on the Riviera Maya coast.
If you want a resort-style, adults-only beach day with everything included, Secrets Akumal usually wins.
La Zebra Tulum is an all-ages property and lists facilities for children, making it a workable option for families.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is adults-only, so the whole property is designed for travelers without children.
If children are in your travel party, La Zebra Tulum is the one that accommodates them. If not, both are open to you.
La Zebra Tulum offers the most value when you want a Tulum beachfront stay and control over what you spend on food and drinks.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is the better value if your priorities are predictable costs and an adults-only all-inclusive stay.
Choose La Zebra Tulum if you are traveling with children. It welcomes all ages and lists facilities for children, with a beachfront setting in Tulum.
Secrets Akumal is the better pick for an adults-only all-inclusive with meals and drinks covered in the rate.
For travelers who want to choose where and when they eat, La Zebra Tulum keeps meals and drinks separate from the room rate.
If you want an adults-only getaway with food and drinks already included, Secrets Akumal is the better match.

Questions? Contact Us!