Straight-from-the-hotel travel hacks on how to make the most out of a stay at the new Secrets Impressions Moxche, Secrets Moxche, Breathless Cancun Soul, Riu Latino, La Casa de la Playa, plus Planet Hollywood Cancun, El Dorado Seaside Suites, and Explorean Cozumel.
We’re the Mexico experts. Just ask any of our agent-only brands, particularly Apple Vacations, the “world’s #1 vacation company to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.” Then add on the might of Travel Impressions, Funjet Vacations, Southwest Vacations®, and United Vacations® to see what undisputed looks like.
So it goes without saying that we have a mind-blowing amount of Hotel Confidential Insider Tips, making this halfway point of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month a super-sized third edition of the series! Get to know four of the dozen New for You giveaway prize properties, plus four others that show a whole lot of Mexican style, character, and spirit with these Insider Tips straight from the resort (re)source.
Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
A New for You Giveaway Prize Property!
Newly opened only a couple of short months ago, this resort has been dominating springtime opening buzz.
- Master Chefs
As the first hotel in the AMR™ Collection portfolio to have master chefs create and develop custom menus for the resort, it’s worth it to step out of your culinary comfort zone here. The dishes must first pass muster through a gastronomy board comprised of professional chefs and food experts who taste test recipes well ahead of you to ensure every bite is extraordinary.
- Wine
If you thought Secrets The Vine had it right, you’ll want to get to this new property ASAP. With a wine cellar and wine boutique, both available for individual and group tastings, oenophiles will find this resort a vintner’s delight. A team of two sommeliers and a mixologist stand by to guide guests through the experience.
- Plant-Based
Vegetarians and vegans deserve to eat well, too, and their programs aren’t just an afterthought here. Bamboo restaurant —an all-new concept to the AMR™ Collection—has a plant-based menu, and gives their ingredients their due with Southeast Asian preparations. For those who may not be strict about their preference or just want to enjoy a more veggie-forward option, another secret is that you can add protein if you desire. Just ask for it.
Secrets Impression Moxche, Riviera Maya
A New for You Giveaway Prize Property!
A resort within the greater Secrets Moxche property, this soon-to-open super-exclusive upgrade will take guests beyond even AMR™ Collection’s esteemed Preferred Club for luxury.
- Teodoro
Commonly referred to in travel as “author’s cuisine,” this restaurant has a Chef’s Table-style menu that changes every day—well worth the additional cost, which is discounted for Impression guests. It’s named after an ancestor of a Mayan king who was captured by Spaniards during their invasion of the region. He was then educated and granted rights of ownership of the land now known as Playa del Carmen.
- Rooftop
The room count may be more intimate at 198 suites, but the rooftop? Well, it’s one of the largest in all of Playa del Carmen, boasting a full bar, restaurant, and a luxurious pool. The Observatory is open only to Moxche Preferred Club and Impression guests only for a truly exclusive, VIP feel.
- Presidential Villa
Double dating doesn’t get any better than sharing the Presidential Villa at Secrets Impression Moxche, where a large dining room and living room separate private accommodations suitable for two couples. By offering a shared gathering space and privacy enough for each pair to enjoy their own romantic moments, it’s the ideal BFF or siblings-and-spouse getaway. Plus, with butler service included and 6,100 square feet, you can be assured that no toes will be stepped on—just covered in the white sands beyond the villa.
- Impression Privileges
Obviously, this elite experience means you get free-flow access to the whole Moxche grounds, plus access to Sip, Savor & See at other nearby resorts. But that’s only one way, because only Impression guests have access to their three designated restaurants, beach club, Luxury Lounge, a manager’s cocktail party, thrice daily housekeeping, in-room continental breakfast, and daily tea time. Plus, you’ll also get one complimentary hydrotherapy session per stay.
Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa, Cancun
A New for You Giveaway Prize Property!
Since its grand opening this winter, true to their name, they hit the ground running so fast that they left guests of ALG Vacations’® recent Executive Advisor Retreat—you guessed it!—breathless.
- Pelican’s Eye View
The Skyline Tower at this all-suites resort is one of the tallest high-rise buildings on the Cancun strip, making for an unspoiled, panoramic perspective that will be hard to (literally) top. From a point of view even higher than the pelicans that soar over the Hotel Zone, you’ll have a chance to dine on Asian food at the Silk City pan-Asian restaurant. Xhale club members get the added bonus of automatic invites to sunset parties, too.
- Ocean Everywhere
Water, water is certainly everywhere, particularly at the dining venues here! Every single restaurant offers an ocean view, so no matter what’s on the menu, the shoreline is served up with every meal. There are ten chic, social spots to choose from, so the only question is, from what angle would you like to see the sea?
- Live Big Suite
The convivial vibe of the Breathless resorts and spas make them ideal for small group gatherings like bachelor/ette parties, but even better still is booking a Live Big suite for it. You’ll get extra space and amenities like an in-room bar, extra mirrors for getting ready, and a wall between the living room and bedroom if privacy is needed.
- Spa Party
Another great idea for a bachelorette or hen parties is to book the party suite at the on-site world-class spa. Up to six relaxing revelers can be accommodated here at the same time, with a variety of treatments and beauty services served up in sync.
Riu Latino, Costa Mujeres, Cancun
A New for You Giveaway Prize Property!
This stunning, bright white new build isn’t even yet open yet, so we don’t have too much to share about it yet. However, here’s one as an appetizer.
- Oceanfront Water Park
This new build is adults only, but that no reason not to include a water park on the premises! Their on-site Splash Water World park is oceanfront, which means unobstructed, spectacular views at the top of every slide … and on your way down! Obviously, these rides are well worth scaling the stairs for, even beyond the usual thrill.
La Casa de la Playa, Riviera Maya
A new, ultra-luxe, wellness-focused premium brand from Grupo Xcaret, the inclusions—like these below—for this resort are miles beyond the expected.
- Callejoneada Xcaret
Xcaret Park comes to musical, magical, joyful life at night with this “xclusive” night tour accompanied by a rondalla—a string instrument ensemble—as you tour the park’s most important locations. The experience ends with a wine and cheese tasting in the cellar. Make sure to stay on a Tuesday to take part, and make your reservations early for the 9:30 PM pickup as capacity is maxed out at just eight.
- Cenote Private Dinner
Cenotes are fabled and enchanting as they are in the light of day, but a private dinner at the cusp of one? Once in a lifetime. This extraordinary experience takes place in the Rio Azul cenote of Xcaret Park and is made even more romantic by the strains of jazz in the breeze, played by live performers. Pickup for dinner is at 7:30 and reserved for just four, so snag yours as early as possible if you happen to stay on a Monday or Wednesday.
- Sacred Ritual
As part of the holistic wellness emphasis of this resort, guests can book a sacred ritual called Light, the Path to the Purification of Your Being at Xel Há. Reservations are open for Wednesdays and Fridays with a 3:15 PM pick-up for up to eight participants, who will together experience a spiritual harmony with nature, their senses, and their inner selves in hidden, wondrous corners of this park.
- Xpeleo
No one but guests of Casa de la Playa get this Xplor park option of a tour through virgin caverns, including portions of total darkness. Therein waits a dynamic of relaxation and connection, before ending with getting back to the excitement of the everyday with the park’s regular activities. Available every day except Sunday for up to six people, this is great for early risers who want to pack the most into their vacation, as pickup is at 7:15 AM.
Explorean Cozumel Discovery Resort, Cozumel
With a name like this, it’s no surprise that there are bonus inclusions that let you explore the island the resort is located on. We touch on some here, and add on below.
- Snorkeling Adventure
Included with stays here are access to the Mesoamerican Reef and the gear and transportation you need to experience it at its finest. The resort includes a 20-minute boat ride to one of the most colorful parts of the second largest reef in the world, where 26 species of coral, 500 varieties of fish, sea turtles, lobsters, and crab wait to meet you.
- Screen Freedom
For anyone looking to unplug and reconnect, this nature-driven resort is perfect. There aren’t even any TVs in the rooms, which is intentional for relaxation and to encourage guests to go out and explore nature after a lovely hand-delivered continental breakfast had at leisure with your travelmate.
Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Costa Mujeres
This resort took their fantastic Costa Rican concept and made it an even bigger superstar in Cancun … which means even more fun insider perks to know about.
- STAR Class™ Suites
This elite level is comes with a long, long rider of upgrades and special features, including a Personal Agent, private pool, private fitness center, a special bar and grill, and complimentary access to the FlowRider® machine. To make it even more glam, book the Producer or Director Suites. These come in one- to two-bedroom configurations and some of the best views in the resort. And life doesn’t get better than the Three-Bedroom Producer’s Suite, whose 4,187 square feet accommodates 12 guests, a fully stocked bar, billiards table, and hyper-glam seating area for partying all night and day.
- Star Kids Club
Nearly every kid dreams of being a star, and they get to live this out at no extra charge at this resort. Diverse Talent Managers offer opportunities to act, dance, sing, design costumes and sets, shoot scenes, direct a show, edit video, write songs, and more. Not only are classes available, there are also social events like Movie Night Under the Stars, Walk of Fame Scavenger Hunt, and Stars Kids Club Hall of Fame Parties to look forward to.
- PH Attractions
There are a lot of them, from mini-golf to movies in the theater to a lazy river that will take you where you want to go. Jurassic Splash Park and Shipwreck cove are immensely popular and well known, but don’t forget to check out the trampoline zone, too, and the giant green hedge labyrinth. For additional cost, take a ride on the surf simulator or hang in the arcade, Planet Play, where guests’ high scores will keep their name in lights until their next visit.
El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma, Riviera Maya
Set between Akumal and Puerto Aventuras, this adults-only, all-suite, all oceanview resort blends traditional Riviera Maya luxury with contemporary chic, thanks to an innovative expansion.
- Balcony Pools
There aren’t many resorts that can offer the novelty of a swim-up pool right on your balcony … but when they do, they’re Karisma properties. The newer section of the resort offers rooms that trade terraces for elevated swim-up, and for an upgrade that’ll have you feeling on top of the world. Order the floating breakfast tray (additional cost) to enjoy in your swim-up for ultra-premium aqueous vibes.
- Party Hard
The Mexican Fiesta is a hot ticket at this resort, where they celebrate the authentic spirit of Mexico through live mariachi, exquisite food, and libations. Don’t skip the carne asada, is our pro-tip. Keep an eye out also for foam parties at the main pool. Bubbles, entertainment, and music make it a must. - Taco Station
Head to guest favorite Driftwood restaurant for something extra special, simple, yet still Gourmet Inclusive®! Look for a taco cart station there, where visitors can try a variety of fixings and fillings in real Mexican tradition, in terms of flavor and an oceanfront view. Live music and poolside service make this a must for lunch.
Where else are we offering Insider Tips to? Try ... all of our New for You Giveaway prize properties! Stay tuned every Tuesday for more through Travel Advisor Appreciation Month as we celebrate what it means to Ask a Travel Advisor.
