This past spring, I had the opportunity to visit Atelier Playa Mujeres for the first time. To be honest, I wasn't initially excited about the trip. I had visited Mexico several times before, staying at luxury all-inclusive resorts, so I expected this to be more of the same. This was a business trip, and I was simply accompanying my mom, so I figured I’d spend the four nights relaxing by the pool without much else to do.

Pre-Trip Excitement

However, my feelings started to shift as the trip approached. I began receiving emails highlighting the latest awards and accolades Atelier Playa Mujeres had won or been nominated for, including the prestigious I Prefer Members’ Choice Awards 2023, where it was the only Mexican resort winner, chosen from 600 destinations in over 75 countries.

The email stated, "The I Prefer Members’ Choice Awards celebrate the best in the business, and Atelier Playa Mujeres stood out for its distinctive blend of luxurious accommodations, breathtaking surroundings, gourmet dining experiences, and the Addictive Service® provided by our exceptional Arteleros. This recognition is a global acknowledgment of the outstanding experiences we offer.”

The next day, another email arrived, announcing that the luxury adults-only resort was once again nominated for a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotel award (spoiler alert: they won). As these emails kept coming, my interest in the adults-only, all-suite resort grew, and by the time I arrived on April 8, I was buzzing with excitement.

Arrival and First Impressions

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed in the lobby with a refreshing green specialty cocktail. After checking in at the reception desk, our vacation officially began.

Resort Highlights: Pools

Atelier Playa Mujeres boasts three pools, each offering a unique experience:

The Main Pool: This pool features a swim-up bar, hot tub with a sandy bottom, and a lively atmosphere with a DJ. I was even coaxed into joining an aerobics class, which turned out to be a fun experience, despite the audience of onlookers and photographers. The instructors were funny and would let the DJ know when to change songs so they could change-up the moves.

The Quiet Pool: Situated not far from the main pool, this pool offers a surprisingly peaceful retreat, complete with a swim-up bar and in-pool lounge chairs. It was the perfect spot to unwind and relax with a cocktail.

The Rooftop Pool: With its stunning infinity edge, this pool is exclusive to Inspira Suite guests during the day but opens to all guests at night. The views from here are amazing!

During my stay, I spent time at each pool. At the main pool, I enjoyed a frozen cocktail and a tasty burger from Limon y Sal, a poolside restaurant. I also tried an Aperol Spritz for the first time, thanks to a dedicated cart that popped up around the resort.

Luxurious Suites

Atelier Playa Mujeres is an all-suite property, so every room is a winner, starting from the Junior Suite. During a property tour with Teresa del Peral, the Leisure Sales Manager, I had the chance to explore some of the larger and more luxurious suites:

Inspira Rooftop Suite: This suite features a beautiful spiral staircase leading to an upper level with the best views of the beach and resort.

Inspira Business Suite: The first suite I've seen with its own meeting lounge that seats six—a unique feature for business travelers.

Inspira 2-Bedroom Master Suite: Composed of an Inspira Master Suite Ocean Front and an Inspira Junior Suite 2-Double, this suite offers a spacious terrace with its own pool and stunning views.

Each suite offers luxury, comfort, and added amenities to meet guests' needs, making it difficult to choose a favorite.

Exquisite Dining Experiences

My stay was short, and I had events to attend with my mom, so I couldn't try every restaurant. However, the ones I did visit were outstanding, and Teresa provided recommendations for my clients, which I'll share:

Takeshi: Teresa had highly recommended this Asian restaurant, and it did not disappoint. I tried tempura sushi, Malaysian soup, and duck with a delectable sauce. The meal ended with a refreshing tangerine sorbet. Despite the simple decor, the food was diverse and delicious, representing cuisines from Japan, India, Thailand, China, and Mongolia.

Cala di Luna: This Mediterranean restaurant features a wall of colorful ceramic fish as its focal point. I enjoyed a light, flaky, buttery lahmacun (Turkish pizza), Galician-style octopus with perfectly seasoned potatoes, and two soups—gazpacho and vichyssoise. The service was quick, and though I was full, I couldn't resist trying the spanakopita and barracuda, both of which were delightful. My mom raved about the mahi-mahi, and we ended the meal with a strawberries jubilee dessert that was absolutely worth it.

Los Abrazos: As Teresa's top pick on the property, I had high expectations for this steakhouse, and it did not disappoint. While I'm not typically a big meat eater, I was impressed not only by the quality of the food but also by the beautiful presentation. I started with the French onion soup and oysters, both of which were excellent. I ordered the lamb chops primarily for the mashed potatoes, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the mint jelly that accompanied the chops. For dessert, I indulged in a crepe suzette with berry compote and vanilla ice cream—a perfect ending to a delightful meal.

Maria Dolores: The resort’s only restaurant not included in the all-inclusive package, Maria Dolores costs $130-$150 per person. However, Inspira guests receive one dinner included for stays of seven nights or longer. This restaurant, helmed by renowned chef Edgar Nunez, has received numerous awards on its own, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Tips for Future Guests

Make Dining Reservations Early: I recommend making dining reservations with the concierge at check-in. The restaurants are never full, but this is a good time to learn more about each option. The property is quite large, so planning ahead can save you from long walks if you change your mind last minute.

Don’t Miss the Cafes: The cafes are great for a quick stop for coffee, pastries, ice cream, or gelato. I indulged in these treats each night of my stay.

Try Teresa's #1 Pick: She says Los Abrazos, the resort's steakhouse, is her favorite restaurant.

Final Thoughts

After this visit, I can easily see myself returning to Atelier Playa Mujeres. There was so much more to experience, and the resort continues to make headlines for its numerous awards and accolades, particularly for the Maria Dolores restaurant and NUUP Spa® Playa Mujeres, both of which I missed out on this time. This resort is truly a gem, offering luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

Contact 562-336-6915 or devans@travelbydae.com to book your next getaway to Atelier Playa Mujeres!