Our girls’ trip to the all-inclusive Moon Palace: Sunrise Palace Cancun was so much fun. We soaked up the sun, treated ourselves to some spa pampering, and dove headfirst into a week packed with incredible adventures. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins on a fun excursion to savoring every bite of our delicious dining experiences, we had an absolute blast. Curious if we’d choose to stay at the Sunrise Palace in Cancun again or venture into new territory? Keep reading to find out!
This post contains affiliate links. Which means we receive a small commission when you make a purchase at NO additional cost to you. Check out our privacy policy for more information. Thank you for supporting this site!
The Basics of the Moon Palace: Sunrise Palace Cancun
This Palace Resort in Cancun is located just south of the bustling Hotel Zone, which comes with both pros and cons. This resort has some great amenities like a massive pool area, a championship golf course, a rejuvenating spa that we visited almost everyday of our visit, and even a mini golf course for a some extra fun.
Getting Around the Moon Palace: Sunrise and Nizuc All Inclusive Resort
Moon Palace is really big and has 2 different resort sections, Sunrise and Nizuc but what is nice about it is that it has a couple of different ways to get around the entire resort area. They use a network of golf carts, each having different colors and letters for different routes to help you navigate the resort. And don’t worry, every stop is equipped with a map that will help you know which golf carts to take, also the staff are incredibly friendly and will help you find the right golf cart to take as well. But, heads up, you might need to hop a transfer depending on your destination. They also have the coach bus, looping around the property that makes a handful of stops a major destinations.
If you do decide to walk, make sure you give yourself ample time so that you can take your time and enjoy your stroll.
For the most part, I loved just walking to the places we wanted to go, there are tons walking paths – especially along the beach.
Other Palace Resorts in Cancun, Mexico
Also, important to note that there are several other Palace resorts in Mexico. This matters for a couple of reasons, the first is that Moon Palace Cancun guests can enjoy the amenities at the other Palace properties (excluding The Grand). And if Moon Palace doesn’t quite fit the vibe for you, no worries. Check out the brand’s other spots – there’s something for everyone.
We ended up staying in a Presidential suite in the Sunrise section of the resort. It’s fantastic with easy access to most restaurants and close proximity to the pool. But fair warning, it’s a hub of activity and might be a tad overwhelming for some. If you’re on the lookout for tranquility, the Nizuc side is your go-to, although getting to popular dining spots might take a smidge longer. You can request which side of the resort that you want to stay on but ultimately it is up to the resort on where your room is located.
Resort Rooms
Standard Rooms
The Moon Palace has a few different room options you can choose from, most of them are the standard set up and it is the location that is the difference. For these room, you can choose from a king-sized bed or two doubles, plus each room has a handy table with two chairs in each room plus a balcony. It’s great for all types of travelers. The room size is pretty decent and doesn’t feel cramped, a good size for having room to wind down after a day under that Mexican sun. And, don’t forget the bathroom – it has ample space for everything you need and comes with some cool extras like Chi bathroom products to make your stay even more enjoyable.
You can request things like a diffuser with a range of scents, scented or cooling pillows, and ask for extra bath products and towels all via the app. I used this the first day we were there and it was great to have these all week!
These rooms also includes a mini fridge with drinks, snacks and a pull-out liquor dispenser. You can request your favorites be stocked daily, I had all the club soda I wanted for the week, which was really nice. However, the room’s one quirky feature was a big Jacuzzi tub in the room instead of just in the bathroom. While I get that it’s supposed to be luxurious, we didn’t really use it and I couldn’t help but wish that it wasn’t there to provide more space.
Pro Tip: If you need an extra bed, you can request a rollaway at no extra charge!
Presidential Suite Extravaganza
Now, let’s talk about the room we got to stay in for the week at Moon Palace: Sunrise Palace Cancun – the Presidential Suite. This suite is giant, it has a large entryway with a table, two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and not one, not two, but three balconies. We only had 4 of us staying there but you can have up to 6. We really enjoyed all of the space and bonus was that we had an ocean view. The morning sunrises we saw from our room were some of my favorite!
For the bedrooms, one had a king-sized bed and the other had two double beds. Each room even had private balcony access, table and chairs, bathroom and closet and a dresser. They also had the jacuzzi tub in the middle of the room, so that was a little bit of a downside.
The living area was nice a big, we were there for a whole week and never felt like we were in each other’s space when trying to get ready or when we were relaxing in the room. I loved that we had the feel of an apartment but the amenities of a hotel. If it’s in your budget and you are traveling with a group, I definitely recommend this room.
Moon Palace Restaurants
Let’s talk about one of the most important parts of our stay at Moon Palace: Sunrise Palace Cancun – the dining options. From buffets to specialty restaurants, our taste buds embarked on an adventure, mostly discovering flavors that left us craving more but sometimes wishing we had chosen something else.
Navigating the Buffet Bounty
First up, the buffets – Gondola, only for breakfast and Bugambilias, serving a buffet for for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We felt like the breakfast buffets were pretty good, and we found ourselves gravitating towards Gondola for its beautiful ambiance and stunning views. There’s nothing like starting your day with good food and even better surroundings.
However, the buffets for lunch and dinner were just not good and we only really did the buffet the first couple of meals and then we just couldn’t eat at one again. We made sure that we ate at one of the specialty restaurants the rest of our stay. We found the food to all taste like it had been under a heat lamp all day and there was no freshness to be found. Even the desserts, which looked amazing, lacked any real flavor or pizzaz.
We found the bar and specialty restaurants at the golf course to be our favorite places to eat.
The staff is really amazing here, we were offered a survey half way through our stay and we made it clear that the buffets were not good. We got personally escorted by the Hospitality manager to the Rivera Maya for an incredible lunch and just had to call the rest of the trip to get reservations where we wanted to eat. I wish that the buffets were just delicious and we didn’t have to complain but I am glad that we said something, it made for better eating for the second half of our trip.
Specialty Restaurants and the Reservation Gamble
Here is the biggest issue we had about the whole resort – getting a reservation at one of the restaurants. Being limited to making reservations just two days in advance during peak times had us very frustrated. We found that our best chance for eating where we wanted was getting in line for walk-up reservations just before it opened. This not only shaved off our wait time but also left us with plenty of time to catch the nightly shows and indulge in snacks and drinks later in the evening.
Moon Palace Cancun Best Restaurants
Two spots that stole our hearts were the Rivera Maya at the golf course and Momo’s. Rivera Maya treated us to Yucatan Peninsula favorites, like Cochinita Pibil and Queso Relleno. Do not skip out on the ice cream here either, it is so good! Momo’s wowed us with pan-Asian delights, including sushi, noodle bowls, and some seriously delicious cocktails. The service in these two restaurants was top-notch and was probably the best we experiences at Moon Palace.
Sweet Indulgences and Coffee Bliss
And then, there’s the coffee shop – my personal daily must-stop. Cakes, macaroons, gelato – you name it, they had it. I couldn’t resist grabbing a little snack and coffee a couple of times a day. It became my little oasis of delight, offering a sweet escape in the midst of our adventures.
Activities on the Resort
Part of the all inclusive resort not only features food and drink but fun activities that you can participate in as well. This resort doesn’t have the giant water park, like the Grand next door but it had plenty to keep us occupied for the week and we had a fun time participating in all the offerings available.
Teeing Off at Mini Golf
So, I have mad love for mini golf and was so excited that they had a course you could play there. It is located between the Sunrise and Nizuc resorts and was a fun little course. They have 2 different paths you can play and you just pick up a ball and club at the same place you can check out a bike. It was easy to navigate and we had a great time on the course. We ended up not checking out the bikes but there are tons of great winding paths at the resort and it looked like people were enjoying their bike rides, something for me to look forward to next time.
Poolside Bliss
The resort boasts a colossal pool that’s nothing short of spectacular. We spent lazy afternoons soaking up the Mexican sun, drifting in the crystal-clear waters. I loved that they had shallow areas to just sit in the water and cool off as well as areas for swimming. What’s more, there’s a separate kids’ pool area, with fun water playground. For this trip we didn’t have our kids with us but it looked like something they would definitely enjoy.
The beach here does not boast that incredible turquoise blue waters found at the Hotel zone in Cancun but it was a nice beach and was great to relax on or walk along.
Nights of Extravaganza
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the resort hosted fun and a maybe a little cheesy, nightly spectacles. We were treated to a range of shows, from the mesmerizing fire dancing display to musical tributes. A word to the wise: for the best seats, especially during busier times like spring break, make sure to buy your drink and snacks before the show and snag your spot early. These shows get packed, we weren’t prepared the first night and had to stand way in the back.
Rejuvenation at the Therapy Spa
A hidden gem nestled at the golf course, the Awe Spa therapy area became our daily retreat. Imagine a sanctuary with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, therapy pool, and a cold plunge pool – and the best part? It’s all included! You do need to make a reservation for every visit but it was easy to call or go to the activities desk in the main lobby and make reservations for the whole week. There is a little Awe Spa in the main resort area but the golf course location is where you will find the therapy spa as well as the spa for kids.
We found ourselves making it a daily ritual, a soothing way to unwind and rejuvenate. It was probably my favorite part of the whole week.
Tranquil Escapes at the Golf Course Pool and Bar
Surprisingly, one of our favorite spots turned out to be the pool and bar at the golf course. Despite not being avid golfers, the serene atmosphere and attentive service made it an irresistible haven. It was the perfect escape from the livelier pool main pool on the property, allowing us to unwind in a quieter and less crowded setting. Even though it didn’t have an ocean view we found that we really loved being there and talked about how nice it would be to stay in the golf course area next time we come visit.
Excursions to Surrounding Area
The Moon Palace: Sunrise Palace Cancun has plenty of fun to be had but there are some really awesome things to do outside of the resort as well. You can prearrange activities through a tour operator, my favorite is Project Expedition or you can go to the excursion desk at the resort and they can also help you find fun things to do in the surrounding areas. Most of the tours offer transportation, as a majority of the people reserving excursions are staying at some sort of All Inclusive and doesn’t have transportation. I really encourage you to venture beyond the resort boundaries and dive into the myriad experiences that await you in this tropical paradise. Below are just a few of the fun activities that you can do in Cancun.
Snorkeling in the Crystal Waters
Snorkeling near the vibrant coral reefs is like stepping into an underwater paradise. The kaleidoscope of colors and seeing all of the marine life is mesmerizing. Cancun is a great place to snorkel and you can often find an excursion that combines snorkeling with a day of sailing or visiting the near by Isla Mujeres. If you don’t have experience snorkeling in open water, make sure you find a tour that has experience working with beginners.
Jungle Thrills on ATV’s
Craving a taste of adrenaline, strap on a helmet and revved up your engine for an ATV adventure through the lush Cancun jungle. These excursions include a guide to navigate you through winding trails of the jungle. This excursion can often be combined with a swim in one of the many Cenotes in the area. This is an exhilarating journey, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the tropical wilderness.
Cenote Plunge
One word – cenotes. These natural sinkholes, scattered like hidden gems in the Yucatan Peninsula, beckoned us with their crystal-clear waters. Taking the plunge into these sacred pools felt like entering a secret world. The cool, refreshing water and the mystical surroundings created an experience that was nothing short of magical. This was something I was so excited to do when we went and I was not disappointed. The one we visited had a zipline and platforms to jump off of. It was definitely cool to swim in a cave! Be prepared, the water can be chilly and you will need to wear a life vest.
Sailing to Isla Mujeres
Setting sail to the enchanting Isla Mujeres is like stepping into a postcard. The turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and the laid-back island vibe makes it a day to remember. Basking on the pristine beaches or shopping in the vibrant town, makes it a fun day trip away from the mainland. This small island can get busy during high tourist season so be prepared for crowds if you travel during spring break or during a holiday.
Private Tour Extravaganza: Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and More
You can take a small group or group tour to Chichen Itza and it would be a great day trip but we took a private tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam – it was the best day fo the whole week! We left the resort early and were at Chichen Itza before the big crowds go there and it was really cool to have a guide all to ourselves. Going to historical places on vacation is one of my favorite things to do and this one exceeded my expectations! The ancient wonders of these Mayan ruins left us in awe, and our knowledgeable guide transported us back in time with fascinating stories and facts, he was a really great guide. After exploring, we ventured to the charming town of Valladolid for a scrumptious lunch, savoring authentic Mexican flavors.
Visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun is a long day, you will be driving around 2 1/2 hours just to get there. So be prepared for a fair amount of time in the car. We left at 6:30 am and didn’t get back to the resort until 6:30 pm.
But the adventure didn’t end there. We capped off the day with a dip in a cenote, surrounded by natural beauty. The entire experience was nothing short of incredible and stood out as the highlight of our entire week. The blend of history, culture, and nature made this private tour an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Cancun. We went with My Quest Concierge and they were worth every penny, if you want to see Chichen Itza, this is the company to go with.
Final Thought and Would We Vacation Here Again
So, would we go back to Moon Palace Resort: Sunrise Palace Cancun? I would go back to stay at the golf course area of the resort but honestly if I wasn’t bringing kids, I would prefer to stay at the Sun Palace in the Hotel zone. It’s an adults only resort, has the beautiful turquoise water beach, it’s smaller and a little quieter than the Moon Palace. If you are bringing a large group with kids or don’t care about an ocean view and want to stay at the more secluded golf course area, then this would be my vote for best palace resort for families in Cancun.
What are your thoughts about the Moon Palace Resort: Sunrise Palace Cancun? Do you have another All Inclusive that you love? Let us know in the comments!
Let’s Plan Something Amazing
Helping you navigate all the details and making the most of your vacation dollars is something I am passionate about. I would love to chat about your next vacation and take the stress out of your next adventure.
Related Posts
Do you love to stay at an All Inclusive Resort? If you want to learn about other destinations, check out some of our other articles.
If you are looking for a custom vacation experience, I can help!
Let’s talk soon to start planning a vacation that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Perfect Cancun Day Trip to Chichen Itza & Ek Balam
Planning a Cancun day trip to Chichen Itza and the surrounding area is easy. There are a variety of activities to choose from in addition to visiting archeological sites, including snorkeling tours, swimming in cenotes, and jungle tours.
Jess Peterman | Key to the World Travel
Visiting one of these hot travel spots in 2024? Let me handle the details and I will make sure that you can focus on making amazing memories.