As you turn onto the road leading to the resort, you can’t help but wonder where you’re going. A jungle of twisted trees flanks the road, and numerous speed bumps make the ride seem long when you’re impatient to be there already. Eventually, the trees part, and you get your first glimpse of the resort’s perfectly manicured landscaping.
Step into the main lobby of Moon Palace Sunrise. You are surrounded with marble. Tropical plants cascade over balconies. Ceilings reach toward the sky. You are handed a drink as you wait to check in. Welcome to Moon Palace.
Moon Palace is made up of two parts: Punta Nizuc and Sunrise. Punta Nizuc is the original part of the resort; Sunrise is the newest part. We stayed in Sunrise.
After we checked in, we were referred to an Activities Specialist who pointed out all Moon Palace had to offer and gave us maps and coupons. Moon Palace is partly a timeshare property; prepare to be asked to attend a presentation during your time with the specialist. You get U.S. money you can spend at the resort if you listen to their 90-minute presentation. It was $100 when we were there. They can’t require you to go, but they are persistent about getting you to sign up for an appointment. Since we were on our honeymoon, we firmly refused their invitations. Eventually they gave up.
We were assigned a room in one of Sunrise’s three-story buildings. The building names are recognizable Spanish words, such as piñata, tequila, and sombrero. When we had a late night, the signs with words and pictures helped us back to our room.
The Deluxe room is just enough for a couple. The floors, showers, and countertops are all marble. A minibar with liquid refreshment in the form of bottled purified water, soft drinks, and Mexican beer is restocked every other day. A two-person whirlpool looks out over the semi-private balcony, where a pastel-colored hammock sways in the salty breeze. Rooms also include a television, alarm clock, and a small safe. Since we were honeymooners, we were honored with a fruit basket and a bottle of champagne on our first day there.
The pool at Sunrise is the epitome of sun-worshipping pleasure. Billed as the largest pool in Cancun, this water wonderland boasts almost three kilometers of open pools, waterways, and Jacuzzis. With two swim-up bars and servers who offer lounge-chair deliveries, we had it made. Sunrise also has a quirky poolside bar, with swings in place of bar stools. Lounge chairs line the perimeter of the pool and thatch-covered tables for two provide endless options for rest and relaxation.
Over the wall from the pool, the Caribbean Sea twinkles and sparkles in the tropical sun. While the sea is impressive, a drawback to the otherwise pristine Moon Palace Resort is the beach. Seaweed is constantly present in the water, due to the position of a coral reef in the ocean. Grounds staff comb the beach twice each day to help remove it from the shore, but can never remove it entirely. We enjoyed sitting on the beach and gazing out over the water, but we left the swimming for the pool.
Restaurants
There is plenty to eat and drink at the resort. The resort has 10 restaurants and seven bars/lounges. These are the restaurants we visited.
One place I looked forward to eating at everyday for breakfast was Bugambillas. The bountiful buffet had something for everyone. From the omelet station to a fruit smoothie counter, even the pickiest of eaters could find morsels to fill up on. The fare includes traditional American breakfast foods with a few Mexican specialties thrown in. The fresh fruits and breads were outstanding. Musical groups serenaded us during breakfast on several days. They roamed the restaurant, providing a cultural feast for the eyes and ears. There is sometimes a wait in the mornings, but it is well worth it.
Bungambillas also serves a lunch buffet and dinner is ala carte. Their dinner is more international fine dining cuisine. Bugambillas is located in the lobby of Sunrise and is air-conditioned.
La Gondola is an Italian restaurant that is open for breakfast buffet and dinner ala carte. On some nights, there was a pasta bar where you can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients to make your own dish. This restaurant is not air-conditioned; it is located off of the main lobby of Sunrise and is partially screened in.
Palapa Barracuda is a good choice for lunch buffet or dinner ala carte. Their lunch buffet included a freshly made salsa that beats anything in a jar. You can get food like chicken wings, mashed potatoes, salad, and fajitas. This is the place to go for a good steak dinner. It is located near the pool. For lunch, you can come as you are.
The Swing Bar by the pool is a fun place to be throughout the day and in the evenings. The bartenders are friendly and will pour you anything you want. They’ll take your picture and even pose for some.
Activities
There is always something going on at Moon Palace. There are scheduled activities each day, including water aerobics, salsa lessons, and water polo. The three nine-hole golf courses weren’t open when we were there, but they are now. Their Golf Club is a full-service establishment, offering rental clubs, practice range, putting and chipping greens, lockers, showers, clubs storage, lessons and merchandise.
Moon Palace also has other great amenities, including weddings services, beauty salons, messages, travel agency, dry cleaning and laundry services, currency exchange, concierge staff, mini-golf and Kids Play ground.
With all there is to do, there really isn’t a need to leave the resort. But if you are itching to explore Cancun, transportation is readily available from the resort at any time. Palace Resorts, the company that owns Moon Palace, also has hotels in the Hotel Zone in Cancun and offers free daily bus service there on a schedule. It’s first come, first serve, so get in line early. Or, if you’re willing to shell out a few pesos, just hop in a cab. When you get into Cancun, about six pesos will get you a bus ride within the downtown area and Hotel Zone – cheap and quick.
If you’re looking for a different kind of Cancun vacation, away from the Spring Break atmosphere of the Hotel Zone, choose Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort for luxurious accommodations and first class service in the Riviera Maya.
Reference:
- www.palaceresorts.com – The official site of Palace Resorts www.applevacations.com – Book your Moon Palace vacation!
