Just returned from one week at Moon Palace Resort on the Mayan Riveria. We booked on a Monday and flew out on the Friday- very last minute. Before going away we noticed no current reviews of this resort. We took it as a good sign of few problems. We were correct.
Flight by Sky Service: Uneventful both ways. Resort is only 15 minute drive from Cancun airport to main lobby of resort. Resort has 2 sections, older Nuzic and newer, Sunrise. All services offered at both- full access at both. Easy walk even though 123 acres of property. If you don’t like to walk always rides provided in minutes throughout resort via chauffeured golf carts. We stayed on the Sunrise side, beautiful 2nd floor room, 3732 in Pina building. Nice view of ocean with swaying palm trees in front. A little noisy at night from hallway traffic- same at most resorts we have been too. We arrived at resort by 9:45 am, did not get room until 3 pm but given full run of resort immediately. Leave your luggage locked up, put on your swimsuit and have your beach bag packed… You are good to go. We did not mind this and came prepared for it. You should too.
We have traveled a lot of the Caribbean and stayed only at 4 and 5 star resorts. Moon Palace is top ranks with us. On all aspects!
Rooms:
Very clean, great housekeeping (new towel figure almost everyday), bar in room- restocked every day, 2 person jacuzzi in room, marble shower- great hot water. Lots of pressure. 2 Man hammock on balcony- not available on Nuzic side, otherwise rooms exact same- Nuzic side has smaller balconies also. Definitely a bad moldy smell on Nuzic side, no problems on Sunrise side.
Food:
Great for a 5* AI. We tried Italian first night- this is buffet only- not ala cart as indicated.. Very good. Mona Hana’s Sushi and Oriental ala cart 2nd night- wonderful food, drinks and service. 2 Pool side restaurants on Sunrise side- great grilled food- especially the rib steaks and t-bones!!! Had 3 meals this way. Tried Bougainvillea’s- Brazilian cuisine for another ala cart dinner- very tasty. Overall, great food at all restaurant offerings and buffets.
Drinks:
Service was good at all bars. Drinks were as strong as you asked for. If you want a double shot, ask for it, they will keep pouring them they same way for you over and over. Drink service on beach- every 20 minutes if you tip a buck every once in a while. Served Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s every morning at buffet breakfasts- or make your own- we did and took in our travel thermos to drink while we walked the entire beach front each morning.
Pool:
Heaven! Meandering free form pool- spotless. Max depth 4′- fine for swimming or walking with drinks. Not heated- couldn’t be because of the size- it was fine temperature wise. Several whirlpool areas- again not heated- you wouldn’t be able to stand it heated in 90 degree weather! Lots of loungers in and out of sun. Resort was at 98% capacity and we never felt crowded or had to wait for anything. Loungers in pool along edge was nice. Kid’s area at far end, 2 swim up bars, pool activity centre if you wanted to participate but also lots of quiet areas too. Great balance offered.
Beach:
Notice folks, tides are high in the entire Caribbean- so many great beaches are in bad shape everywhere. Same true for Cancun and Mayan Riviera. Beach at Moon Palace one of the best this year. Yes, there is a little bit of seaweed- racked up several times a day at Moon Palace by large tractor. Sand at beach- smooth and beautiful. Although Moon Palace is on the windy shore and it was windy while we were there, you could swim. Most days bottom was stirred up due to wind but what do you expect on this side of Mexico? Last 2 days, winds died down, calm ocean and clear water. Lots of loungers and papalyas (shaded thatched roof). More on Sunrise side.
Activities:
Anything you could want. Non-motorized- all included. Motorized available at cost. Parasailing to kayaking, Sunfish sailboats, Hoby Cats, paddleboats. Bikes, mini golf…pool tables, all there and readily available for us. Be as busy as you want or not at all. No one hounds you at this resort… Nice change!!!
Timeshare presentation:
Older reviews had complained about timeshare presentations. Well, we were told on the airplane by the Captain not to get caught up at the airport with the time share folks, just walk past, ignore and go collect your luggage. At the resort, the Hotel staff have oval name tags and the Time Share Staff/ "Guest Services" have rectangular name tags. Common sense folks, if approached by phone in your room or at the Guest Services desk, just say "No, gracias" and that will be the end of it. If you attend the very brief welcome meeting offered by your Tour Operator you will be also be notified of these tips, so go to it. You might be very surprised at the information provided that you might not otherwise learn of. Additional tours, how to book other activities you are interested in and how far away certain day tours really are…. Better informed, better holiday!!
Tours:
We were in Cancun 10 years ago and did all the tours, Chichen Itza is the best in our opinion. But several are included in your package- take advantage, it will save you over $400 US by doing so.
Golf:
Looked like a great course. Not cheap. Did not play. But many did and enjoyed it. If you are a golfer, book the golf package through your tour operator don’t do it once you arrive at resort!!!
Overall:
For a 5* All Inclusive resort – we will recommend and likely return someday. Still other places to see…