Akumal is a pretty short drive down from Cancun. We flew into Cancun, rented a car, and were in Akumal in about an hour or so. The area is pretty quiet, very “vacation home” feel to it, versus the rampant, cosmo tourism of Cancun. Most of the units on the beach are condos, so you feel pretty at home. The bay is great for snorkeling and diving. I would love to go back.