Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort ***** AI

[Steve]

Moon Palace

Post comments, reviews, trip reports and links to your pictures for Moon Palace here.

Originally Posted by Travel Center

The Moon Palace Resort is located five miles south of the airport on Cancun’s tranquil south shore. Nestled between pristine 1,975 ft. white sand beach and 123 acres of tropical foilage, the Moon Palace Resort offers an incredible 2,031 rooms in three-story villas. Most of their guestrooms offer ocean views and all feature private balconies.

Their pools are among the largest lagoon-style pools in all of Mexico. Each winds its way along the beach for more than 650 feet with Jacuzzis, swim-up bars and children's areas. In addition, Jack Nicklaus has put his signature on the Cancun-Riviera Maya golf landscape with The Club at Moon Palace. This 7,165 yard, par-72 is a true championship golf course that surpasses even the highest standards set by Palace Resorts. With four sets of tees, The Golf Club at Moon Palace will be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels as this fantastic layout requires the golfer to navigate not only through the native Mayan vegetation, but also numerous natural wetland waste bunkers that have been strategically placed. Among the notable holes, No.17 is a 141-yard par-3 that plays to an island green. There is no place to bail out; it is either on the green or in the drink. Definitely a hole where you want to step up and hit that shot that you have always dreamed of!!!

They also offer a fully-equipped sports marina which offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboats. Add six tennis courts, two basketball courts, two fitness centers, beach volleyball, miniature golf, billiards, bicycles and in-line skates and you've got little reason to leave. Nevertheless, they do provide transportation to other Palace Resorts in the Cancun area throughout the day.

Your children will have a blast with all the preplanned activities at the on-site kids club. Activities include pool and beach games, painting and handicrafts, table and video games, movies and more.

With ten exceptional restaurants, you can dine at a different spot every night of the week and sample some of Mexico's best cuisine. Specialties include Mexican, International, American, Italian and Oriental fare. And your thirst for Margaritas is quickly quenched at any of our seven bars including two in the pool. After dinner the festivities continue with dancing into the wee hours at Andromeda Disco or sampling Mexico's regional beers at La Jungla Sports Bar.

Stay at any Palace Resort and you're welcome to enjoy the others at no extra charge. It's like getting six resorts for the price of one. And every Palace features a la carte restaurants, buffets and snack bars, unlimited domestic and imported drinks, daily entertainment, nightly theme parties and shows, all types of non-motorized water sports, selected tours and other activities.

Located outside of the Hotel Zone approx a 30 minute cab ride to party center. This hotel is Ocean side. Downtown is approx 20 minutes again by cab.

Check the links below for more information, availability and pricing with the following operators:

Best Day Cancun

Expedia

Cancuntravel

Travel Center

[Michael F.]

Here's the shuttle schedule for the Moon Palace to/from the Hotel Zone:

Free Lobby Bus Transportation:

Departs from Moon Palace to:

1st stop = Sun Palace
2nd stop = Cancun Palace
3rd stop = La Isla Shopping Village & Forum By The Sea
4th stop = Beach Palace

Departs Moon Palace @12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 9:00pm

Departs from Beach Palace to:

1st stop = Las Isla Shopping Center & Forum By The Sea
2nd stop = Cancun Palace
3rd stop = Sun Palace
4th stop = Moon Palace

Departs Beach Palace @ 3:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm


It is subject to change, but at least you can tell that if you're up for some serious partying in the HZ until the wee hours of the a.m., you will need a taxi to get back to the Moon Palace

[bake]

:bigband:
MOON PALACE;
THIS is a very large resort spread out, this also a convention resort also next door is the SUNRISE PALACE. HAS RECIEVED A GUINESS AWARD FOR THE FASTEST RESORT BUILD OUT THE JUNGLE IN A SHORT SPAN OF TIME.
THEY HAVE golfs carts if you rides from one resort to the other.
the pool is so large you will forget where you left your towels.
the beach and water is about like b.b.g not the beautiful carribean water.
THE DISCO IS GREAT.
THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS PLENTY OF FOOD AND VARIETY,
THE MEXICAN RESTURANT IS ALSOME.
WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE PALACE RESORTS
HOME BASE IS THE CANCUN PALACE ALSO GREAT PLACE ALSO HAS THE BEST BEACH OF ALL THE PALACES.

[bake]

P.S.
WE HAVE STAY AT 4 OF THE PALACE RESORT MOON PALACE
SUNRISE PALACE
BEACH PALACE
CANCUN PALACE
SORRY FOR THE P.S.

[dswfondy]

Hi all,

I will be going to the MP on the 12th and would like to know any secrets or tidbits anyone has on the resort, or getting the room that you want when we get there. Going thru RCI. Also would like info on Isle Mujeras tour, like what kinda stuff is on the boat, and is tour completly guided?


Thanks,

Dswfondy

[Michael F.]

The Isla Tour is free, but is provided by AquaWorld (AW). You leave from the Moon Palace dock after you get an extra bracelet for the tour that a.m. at the AW outpost between the Nizuc and Sunrise sections near to the beach. You'll be given an option to go snorkelling or swimming with dolphins (extra...you have to pay for these options).

The boat will speed through the waves to IM. Brace yourself. Some folks get sick on the ride. You will go the length of the hotel zone before you arrive at Isla, so you'll get a good view of all the resorts in Cancun facing the east. Great view.

Those not paying for the extra tours will disembarck at the private beach that's only a little bit better than the MP's. Very little seagrass. The water is quiet and you have floating mats and kayaks to play with in the enclosed area of water. Swim with the nurse shark in a nearby pen for a little fee. Everything is still A/I, so the drinks and stuff from the grill and the lunch are free. Bring your towel card, as it does work here. Just remember to return the towel for the card before you leave the beach. Activities staff will likely try to get a game of sand volleyball started.

After the lunch period, those who paid for the extra tours will have returned and everyone leaves on the boat again to the northern part of the island. There, if you want a golf cart, you will be directed to a particular fellow who will lead you to the shop which has some kind of arrangement with AW. You'll have little time to cruise the whole island before the boat leaves again, so get your butt movin'! :lol: This is not a guided tour...you gotta keep track of the time and give yourself some time to shop or grab a beer. You will have time to make it to the southern tip of the island to see the lighthouse and maybe even the tiny Mayan ruin. Swing by the conch house that everyone wants to take a pic of.

I think we had just about an hour to blow in the cart before we had to turn it in in time to get back on the boat. The ride back is a blast. The entertainment staff work non-stop once you leave the dock. Skits, dancing, and drinking is involved. These guys are working up a sweat, so please tip them once you return to the MP!

For those who want more "free" time to roam the island, you can take a taxi from the AW beach to the town on the northern end. ***Be sure you get from your activity director on the beach the time your boat leaves IM from the northern piers back to MP...otherwise you'll have to pay for the ferry and then a bus to a Palace resort to catch a free shuttle to MP. I'd rather take the free MP boat back, since it's included.

I'd have more detail, but darn it I never got to that installment on my TR (now over two years ago, lol). Any more specific questions, post 'em here.

[PEACHES123]

HI!! I'LL BE GOING TO THE MP ON NOV. 13-19 AND HAVE READ SEVERAL BAD REVIEWS ABOUT IT. ARE THEY TRUE?? BASIC I WAS TOLD THAT THE STAFF AND FOOD WERE HORRABLE AND THE BEACH WASN'T WORTH SWIMMING OR GOING TO.

WE ARE GOING HERE FOR OUR HONEYMOON AND WE LOVE THE WEB SITE. THOUGHT WE WOULD GET THE MOST FOR OUR MONEY AT THE MP. WERE WE RIGHT?

[Michael F.]

Well, if it's mostly or strictly bad reports on that beach and the staff/food, I can answer.

First off, the staff from the front desk to the wait staff to the maids, etc, are as good/nice as you can get anywhere in the Cancun area. On my honeymoon there, they had a lot to do with how good we felt about the whole experience. I don't know if those reports you've read had any specifics about what was wrong with the people who work there.

The food is above average for what you'd see in any Cancun area resort. Plus since they have over half a dozen of them, you have choices. The palapa grills in the pool areas also are a great option for steaks, grilled fish and chicken. What were the specific complaints you read about?

The beach gets bad press because it does not resemble the kind of beach you'd expect in the area. Seagrass collects at the surfline everyday, so a beach "zamboni" drives along at least once a day to scrape it off the sand. Not very many people care to venture out into the water because there's more of the stuff floating offshore. Upside is: this is an isolated resort, so you don't get beach vendors harrassing you with curios and things. Also, when we were there, wait staff from the swinging bar were serving people lounging on the beach. And finally, AquaWorld has a little setup catering specifically to Moon Palace guests for such things as sailboats, jetski's, parasailing, kayaks, sailboards, etc.

Here's the first four installments for our honeymoon. The fifth is a casualty, and the others are still lurking around in my hollow head:
http://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/...cgi?read=51071

http://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/...cgi?read=51203

http://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/...cgi?read=51496

http://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/...cgi?read=51852

[Michael F.]

Dress codes for the nicer restaurants:
http://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/...cgi?read=50872

[Denise-n-Jayson]

Welcome Peaches....

I'll help Michael tell you about the Moon Palace. I've been there twice, returning for a 3rd time April 22nd. :lotsofmichaelf:

What you've read about the beach is true. It's not great. They do their best to keep it as nice as possible, but it doesn't compare to the beaches in the Hotel Zone. The beauty is, you can take a shuttle from Moon to any other palace resort free. They run several times per day. You are on a scheduled return 4 hours later, but if you stay longer, it's a $20 cab ride back. We take the first shuttle, and spend the day at Cancun Palace and pay the taxi fare back. We fit in a trip to the La Isla mall, Hard Rock Cafe, and other fun stuff while we are at it. Fun Fun Fun!!!!

The pool makes up for the beach in many ways.. First, it's HUGE, and there's plenty going on to entertain you.

I disagree that the staff and food are horrible. The staff is terrific. They go out of their way to make your trip enjoyable. If you are friendly to them, and call them by name, they treat you like family.

Here's a link to our pictures taken last April. Most of them are of my family, but you can see some of the resort. Just take a look at that pool!! http://photos.yahoo.com/cotygirl2002



We debated going to Cancun Palace this year. (we spent our 10th anniversary there 2 years ago and had a blast!! ) but deciced we wanted the luxury of the Moon. We brought the kids with us last year, as you will see, but this year we are going just the 2 of us.. We coudn't be more excited!!!

If you have any other questions, one of us will be more than happy to help.. Enjoy!!!

[PEACHES123]

MIKE F OR SOMEONE I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION!!!

HOW BAD DO THEY PUSH THE TIMESHARE? WE ARE BOTH YOUNG AND IT IS TAKING ALL WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS WEDDING AND TRIP. IF WE TELL THEM NO IN THE NICEST WAY WE CAN ARE THEY GOING TO BE CRAPPY TO US. WE JUST WANT A NICE RELAXING HONEYMOON WITH NO BS.

[Denise-n-Jayson]

Hi Peaches,

They do push the time share pretty hard. Just continue to say "No, thank you" and all will be fine. They do not treat you any different at the hotel. The employees that push the time share are separate.

When you get there, you will be assigned a "representative" that will help you arrange for your free tours and give you information about the hotel. This is the person that will bug you to attend the presentation. They will not come out and tell you it's a time share thing. It's really not a time share, but a vacation club you buy into to get reduced rates for future trips.

The first time we went, we were very polite and said no and we were not bothered more than twice. The second time we decided to attend and we did purchase, but it's not for everybody.

Remember, it's YOUR honeymoon and your vacation. Don't let ANYONE ruin it for you, least of all pushy sales people.

You will have a wonderful time!!

Denise

[Ana]

Beach is no good even when they have a great reef area in front (need a boat to get there) to do a great snorkeling or fishing (one of our fav spots).

Specialty restaurants are great, the greatest for us sushi bar and italian.

Also a great kids club with tons of activities if you are travelling with children.

[Michael F.]

Originally Posted by PEACHES123

THANKS I TOLD CHRIS ABOUT IT AND HE WAS UPSET. HE DOESN'T THINK THEY SHOULD BOTHER YOU ABOUT THIS AT ALL!!

It's a sad reality no matter where in Cancun you are. Just be glad the MP timeshare sharks don't haunt you while you are sitting at breakfast or lunch...happens in one or two other locations in 'cun.

[tcb2317]

Can anyone give me a quick rundown (Sunrise or Nizuc, styles, recommended or not, etc) on the restaurants at the MP? It doesn't matter-buffet, palapa grills, full service- whatever. I'd appreciate any and all info you guys could provide. Thanks

[PEACHES123]

HI!! HOW FAR ARE THE RUINS FROM THE MOON PALACE?? I KNOW ONE OF THEM IS ALMOST A 3 HOUR DRIVE BUT WHICH ONE IS IT AND WHAT ONE IS THE CLOSEST?

I'M SO EXCITED AND CAN'T WAIT TO GET THERE!! I DAYDREAM ALL THE TIME!!!

[Denise-n-Jayson]

Tulum is about 2 hours away and Chizen Itza is about 3 hours. We went to Tulum last year from the Moon Palace. They make a shopping stop on the way if you take the tour to break it up. It's a long hot day, but definitely worth it. You get free tours (like this) with your trip and can sign up when you arrive. The Tulum tour is Tulum/Xpu-Ha in one day.

[PEACHES123]

YA I KNEW ABOUT GETTING THE TOURS FROM MP JUST CAN'T DECIDED WHAT TO DO! I WANT TO SEE XPU-HA MY BEST FRIEND WENT THERE 4 HER HONEYMOON AND LOVES IT. IN A FEW YEARS WE WANT TO TAKE ALL OF OUR KIDS BACK. TULUM IS WHAT WE MIGHT DO. IF I CAN TALK CHRIS INTO IT. ALL HE WANTS TO DO IS LOUNG AT THE POOL WITH A BEER AND ON KIDS. I WANT TO GO GO GO !!! SEE EVERYTHING

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

[tcb2317]

When we're on our trip at the MP, I'd really like to charter a boat and go fishing w/ some of our group. I've checked some of the other threads on fishing, but I haven't seen any boats departing from anywhere near MP. Does anyone know if MP has a recommended or preferred vendor for fishing trips? Can you book a fishing excursion through the Aquaworld desk? Or do I have to travel into the Hotel Zone, Downtown, or elsewhere to do this? I'd appreciate any info.

T.

[Barry]

Wow, lot's of good questions regarding the Moon Palace. We have stayed at MP 5-6 times, and are returning on May 11th thru the 15th. We have visited 2 other Palace Resorts (Cancun Palace & Beach Palace) and eaten at the Beach Palace. The beaches are better in the Hotel Zone, however, we were not impressed with the ambiance at either resort. Plus the dinner we ate at the Beach Palace was lacking variety & quality.

Overall, the Moon IS a 5 Star resort. The variety of restaurants, bars, lounges, pool areas is so vast, you do not have to leave the resort to enjoy yourselves. BTW, we are not members. We just love the feel of the resort.

That said, let me see if I can put my two cents worth into answering some of the questions:

Time Share Sharks: Beware!! The desks right across from the registration area, although resembling hotel concierges, THESE PEOPLE ARE TIME SHARE. The best thing to do is to go over to the table, introduce yourselves, the room you're staying in, and tell them you have already seen the presentation, and flattly tell them that you are not interested. This should remove you from future pestering. Next, when you get to your room, you'll notice is a message flashing on your phone. This is a time share invitation. Ignore! Next, they usually slide an "invitation" under your door in the middle of the night. Ignore! (Please note; I said pestering and not harassing. They have never reached the harrassment level)

If you are inclined to purchase a time-share, look on-line for a re-sale. Much cheaper.

Tours: Many tours are available thru the Moon Palace. Some tours are included in your hotel package for no charge. Also, there is an area that has desks set-up with various tour agencies. You usually have to go to this area to arrange for your return tranfers to the airport. Speak with them about any additional tours.
REMINDER: Do not talk to the "concierges across from the registration areas!! These are TimeShare Sharks!

They do offer a number of fishing tours. I think some even leave from the MP dock.

Beach: The beach at the MP is vast, and well groomed. The "Zamboni" makes continuous passes thru-out the day to clean up the sea grass. My pix have 6 photos showing various cleaning activities.

There are many palapas on the beach, and usually do not have trouble getting one, even later in the day. (The ones with built-in tables need to be saved early, though)

The reasons for the complaints about the beach is due to the reef that Ana mentioned. This reef protects the area from the heavier seas and thus prevents the natural washing out of the sea grass. The water does not have that famous blue color as seen in the HZ, and really is not too inviting for a swim. That said, the pool is one of the largest in MX, and should satisfy your swimming needs.

I'm running out of time to finish, but here's our link to photos of the MP http://community.webshots.com/user/barry414
I'll pop back in later to catch up on further questions.

Hey all, don't forget your La Casita donation. It's for the kids!

[Barry]

Okay, back to try to answer some more of the questions.

Peaches you asked about the service/staff. I agree wholeheartedly with Denise. The staff is more than agreeable & friendly. They go out of their way to help make your stay an enjoyable one. Other than the front-end staff, many of the other staff speak little to no English, however a Buenos Dias y Gracias go a long way. Last year the service in the Italian restaurant, on the Nizuc side, was impeccable. I contacted the restaurant manager to commend him on the service, & also wrote the Palace Resorts separately to do the same.

The food quality is very good. The first year we stayed (1999) the food was typical of any resort in Cancun. However, we have noticed over our last few stays, the food quality & variety has gotten much better. (Especially the desserts. They used to be very bland, but now rival what we eat here in the States) With all the different restaurants, snack bars, etc, I'm sure you will find something (maybe everything) to your liking. I even enjoyed the little octopus thingies I ate in the Japanese restaurant, although I was a bit lit at the time.

TCB2317 you asked about the differences between the Sunrisa side versus the Nizuc side. Funny you ask. I have a little story about that.

The first stay, after driving you down the longgggggggggg driveway, the van took us to the reception desk on the Sunrise side. Large beautiful lobby!!! Then the desk told us our reservations were for the Nizuc side. We were then taken over there. Beautiful lobby, but no where near as large. I was cranky from the plane trip, and pitched a fit, They switched us over to the Sunrise side. Now I was happy. The rooms are newer, life was grand.

Since then we have always stayed on the Sunrise side. That is until last trip! Again, after the longgggggg drive to the lobby (Sunrise side) we were told that our reservations were for the Nizuc side. Oh boy, here we go again. The good news was the room was ready for us at 9:30AM. Not as cranky this time, I told my wife we'd check it out, and ask to be changed if necessary.

Long story, short, we LOVED the Nizuc side> So much so, we are now requesting it. The rooms are a little larger, and we enjoy the beach area more on the Nizuc side.

Our favorite breakfast restaurant (Bogenvillas sp?) is on the Sunrise side, but all that means a little walk to work of the food. No big deal. Whichever side you end up on, the amenities are there for you. And if you figure out the short cuts, the walk from one to the other is only 5-10 minutes.

Both sides of the resort have 2 swim-up bars. Both have 2 pools side reataurants &/or snack bars. However, the Nizuc side only, serves Modelo Negro. (maybe that's why I like this side)

Although, its not required, tipping does go a long way. A few dollars here & there sure helps the staff. They love the $2.00 bills.

dswfondy we'll be there the same time as you. Maybe we can catch up at the swing bar for some shots (Jaime if you read this, this is not to be confused with a swingers bar!)

[mg]

My wife and I will be staying at the Moon Palace April 27 thru May 1, and I wanted to see if anyone has any input on the spa at the Moon Palace. Has anyone had any good (or not) experiences with getting a massage there? Can you recommend a particular massage therapist. My wife already said that she would only use a male therapist. Would appreciate any info. MG[/b]

[Barry]

MG, we have never tried the spa/massage services. However the facilities look first class. I believe you can arrange for a day trip to the Adventura/Spa Palace. I'm sure you could get what you'd like there. Have an awesome trip! We'll be there a couple of weeks after you, so save me some cold ones.

[PEACHES123]

Thanks for everyones help but I have a few more questions. I was looking at paperwork from the travel agent today and noticed that they booked us the honeymoon package. My problem is I didn't think the resort offered anything out of the usual for this. Except a dinner and a fruit basket. Are we getting an upgraded room or something?? For what I understand they only offer 3 different room types. a suite, a deluxe suite and the prez. room. Am I correct and is the travel agent trying to pull the wood over my eyes??

[Barry]

Peaches, to the best of my knowledge, the room types your talking about are for the time share rooms. There is basically the presidential suite, which includes the deluxe suite and the standard suite. The presidential suite can be split into the other two, and rented separately. The good news is that these are always at the end of the rows of rooms, and have the best ocean view possible.

Does your travel agent reserve the time share units? If not you'll receive the standard rooms. The std rooms are what we always stay in, & enjoy greatly.

As for the honeymoon package, it does include the fruit basket & champaigne (sp?). It may include something more, but I don't think so. Michael F. are you out there??? (He did spend his honeymoon there, so should know better)

Don't know if I helped or made you more confused?? :-|

[Michael F.]

By stroke of luck I was just lurking by...

When we sat down with the honeymoon/wedding coordinator (strategically located at a desk next to the "guest services" representatives) in 2003, we were told the following were gratis for honeymooners:

1. Candlelight dinner for the bride and groom with special menu and decorations.
2. Fruit basket and bottle of sparkling wine in room.
3. Honeymooners weekly cocktail party. A picture will be taken and given to the couple.

We were on the Nizuc side, so we had our candlelight dinner at Arrecifes, which sports an indoor pool. See the link to the last installment of my TR posted earlier in this thread for a description of our experience at Arrecifes.

We got signals crossed or something about the weekly cocktail party and we forgot to go. It might have conflicted with plans we had already, so we probably just dismissed it.

We did not get a special room as far as we know. We did get a choice of rooms due to my wife's handicap but we chose the best one (3rd floor of in the Armadillo building).

[Michael F.]

BTW, Palace Resorts has changed the official name of Moon Palace, hence the new title of the thread.

[Denise-n-Jayson]

Michael/Barry,

Just thought I'd mention.. They changed Arrecifes Restaurant from Spanish to Brazillian. It was AWESOME!!

You're seated and then invited to the Salad Bar. You name it, the Salad bar has it.

Then back to the table. Once done with the Salads, they take your plate and replace it with a new plate containing baked potato and veggies. We had grilled Red/Green/Orange bell peppers. The baked potato was prepared perfectly! Then, just like a US brazillian restaurant, they came to the table with Skewers of meat to carve for you. Perfectly prepared and plentiful. The Beef Fillet was the best. Medium, cut with a fork delicious!! The best meal we had all week. I'm glad we saved it for our last romantic evening in Cancun.

It wasn't quite Fogo De Ciao or Texas De Brazil, but definitely comparable. +++ to us.

Barry, try it and let me know what you think.

[Michael F.]

Well, in that case, I can't really say whether the honeymoon candlelight dinner is held there anymore. Hmm. Need someone who has honeymooned there recently to speak up on this thread.

Palace resorts is doing an awesome job updating/upgrading its website to include such things as maps and sample menus. Here's what the Arrecifes restaurant menu now looks like:
http://www.palaceresorts.com/Images/...-Arrecifes.pdf

I hope they still serve the flaming Mayan coffee by request...

[Barry]

Thanks for the extra info Michael, we can always count on you. Maybe one of these days you'll celebrate an anniversary down there, and perhaps get to meet.

Denise, that sounds yummy! We will definitely try the new format and let you know. We'll also toast you & Jayson with the Mayan coffees!!

Denise, do you know if they are still offering the restaurant tour. I have missed it the last few visits, and swore to myself I would do it this year. Hope so. Let me know.