Hi. You don't say if you have kids or not. Sounds like you do. My only concern would be that the Akumal would be too quiet for them. It's smaller than the Cat. and is definately quieter. I wouldn't think that my teens would enjoy it there as much as the Cat. Anyway, just my opinion.

Thanks, travellin fool. I have a 9 year old daughter, who is mainly interested in cool pools. She will be swimming all the time. I am also bringing my husband this time, which is fairly major because he doesn't like to leave the country. (he's done it once, and it didn't go so well!) He will be interested in coral and marine life, cleanliness, safety and good food.

My daughter enjoyed the silly antics at Catalonia.

I have been to both resorts and really like both. We have taken our daughters to both also. They weren't bored in Akumal but then both are water bugs and spent most of their time snorkeling. There is only one pool at the ABR. The staff at the ABR are fantastic but then so is the staff at the Cat. I think the food is better at the Cat. They have a larger selection.

Both resorts are very clean, the ABR is only about 200 rooms and has a very initmate feel to it. Even the ABR's superior rooms are simple so keep that in mind.

The beach at the ABR is one of the best I have experienced in the Riviera Maya. The reef off shore keeps the waves down and there are very few rocks close in. There is sea grass in some areas but then that's where the fish live. We were able to see some great sea life snorkling right from shore. We also saw several sea turltes.

If you go to locogringo dot com youwill find a board that gives lots of info about the ABR and the Akumal area.