As I gazed at my view overlooking a lush garden of tropical flora, smelling the salt in the air, a fresh breeze crossing my sun-kissed cheeks, I knew I was in my happy place. It was only four months ago that I was fortunate enough to take a trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico to explore one of the newest
and grandest properties of the Palace Resort family
After I hopped on a quick 2 1/2-hour flight from Atlanta and a 15-minute shuttle ride, we arrived at The Grand at Moon Palace. Being a travel consultant and having a family that loves resort life, I have traveled to many all-inclusive properties. I am rarely surprised by the routine, layout, etc., however this resort, as I gathered in the first few glimpses, was unlike any I had ever seen. I was greeted by elaborately ornate chandeliers, exquisitely decorated lounges, upscale restaurants and a feeling I was in a chic Las Vegas hotel.
It was certainly unique in many ways, and I soon found out that it was the little things that made this place Grand. This family-friendly resort left little to be desired. With 10 restaurants and 12 bars, I was never hungry or thirsty. I literally ate my way through this resort; I mean. it was all for research, right? I have eaten at all-inclusive resorts that had delicious meals; however, I had to get my magnifying glass out. On the flip side, I have had huge amounts of food that weren’t exciting to the palate. The foodie in me was ecstatic to see great portions of delectable eats. The array of desserts, macaroons, poolside ice cream and handcrafted truffles sent me into a sweet, sugary dream.
Olympic, Caribbean, Wellness, and Family are just some of the 9 outdoor pools for every mood you are in. Unique Day Club was where you could find me, which is a chic adult-only pool area with DJs, cabanas, pool concierge, chair swings and bi-weekly hosted parties to boot. Of course, there were loungers and couches on the beach, daily and nightly entertainment and on-site shuttles and trolleys as well.
My pristinely decorated suite was equipped with the greatest of comforts—from robes to slippers, beach bags, a double-whirlpool tub, a Chi hair straightener and dryer, 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, a liquor dispenser and nightly turndown service. I loved using the Palace mobile app to order my aromatherapy and nightly pillow as I desired. I stayed in the amazing Grand Level garden view suite; however, there are Presidential, Swim-Up and Family suites as well. Every detail was considered in the Family suites—beach toys, mini robes, slippers and a kid-friendly mini-bar with juice and milk.
One of the best highlights of this resort was the kids and teen areas that release parents from the
dreaded “I’m bored” phrase. The two kid’s clubs are opened until 10 p.m. and provide supervision for
kids ages 4 and older. They can play on the indoor playground, watch a movie in their little theater, or go outside to play on the swing set.
There's a water park with huge slides, a lazy river and wave pool and an indoor zone with glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, laser tag, unlimited video games, a ropes course and so much more. Toddlers have kiddie slides and a splash pool.
They also have the Wired Lounge—the ultimate unlimited arcade that housed popular video games,
several TVs for sports games, a ping pong table and a concession stand snack counter for everything from pizza to popcorn. A night at the Ninth Pin Bowling Alley is sure to help create lasting family memories.
Did I mention the resort credit? Yes, you receive resort credit that can be used like cash for anything
from swimming with dolphins, a massage at the amazing AWE spa, a game on the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a cooking class, tequila tasting, a cenote tour or zip-lining. The list goes on and on.
With such a plethora of experiences to immerse yourself in, there is no reason to look outside the
resort. However, at Palace Resorts, there is a "Stay at One, Play at All" opportunity in which if you are staying at the Grand, you are able to visit the six family-friendly or two adult-only sister properties. You can hop a ferry to Cozumel to snorkel the second-largest reef in the world and stay for an early dinner. If you are desiring a romantic escape, head over to Le Blanc Cancun for a nice, elegant dinner on the beach. Palace Resorts has many opportunities to bring smiles to faces.
As I ended my week at The Grand at Moon Palace, I was contemplating just staying, sending my loved ones a letter to come visit as often as they could. Honestly, I was thoroughly impressed with this resort.
At Blue Pineapple Travel, our agents are always excited about new and upcoming places to send our clients, and I knew that this one was now on the top of my list to share. It was magnificent! I received impeccable service, and I can’t wait to return and help others experience the feeling as well. It's a feeling of hospitality, excitement, relaxation and ultimately being well taken care of.
I think that would be just grand.
Laura Anderson
770.378.2900