Shea and I learned a lot from a private Facebook Group dedicated to the resort we just visited and in one of my posts from the resort right before our holiday ended, I mentioned that I’d likely post a review on my blog and/or that group and/or TripAdvisor after we got home.
I still haven’t done a full review but one person commented that they’d be interested in hearing our “Must Do” list. So, while acknowledging this will be different for everyone depending on what you’re into, who you’re with (family vs. couple vs. large group) and so on, here are Ten of our “Must’s” for the Moon Palace Cancun.
This list may also overlap slightly with my earlier “10 Highlights” post though that one is maybe more about specific memorable things we did/that happened to us rather than more general things everyone should do at the resort and beyond if that makes sense.
1. Steak Supper at Nizuc Poolside Grill
We’d spent a lot of time at the Nizuc pool but hadn’t eaten at their grill, thinking it would just be the usual mix of burgers/hot dogs/nuggets. That’s true…in the day. But one night, my son and I happened to walk by in the evening and the chef mentioned that from 6pm-11pm they had a broader menu including chicken, pork chops and even filet mignon steak (he even offered a sample to take with us – delicious!) I immediately penciled this in as the place for our farewell supper the next night and even a torrential downpour couldn’t ruin it – in fact, it made it better in a way as we sat at a table in shelter under the grill’s covered area, the only people silly enough to eat outside in that weather, while the sky turned purple, the ocean sparked in front of us and the food and drink were delicious!
2. Ice Cream Truck
The ice cream truck that comes around at both the Nizuc and Sunrise pools isn’t just for kids – make sure you get some of this incredibly delicious ice cream if you’re an adult!
3. Kids Club
One thing it was sort of hard to figure out in advance but yes, all three resorts (Nizuc/Sunrise/The Grand) have their own kids clubs and all are different sizes and with different offerings. The Grand’s is easily the biggest but the other two are good in their own ways and I met one couple who brought their two girls from The Grand to Sunrise’s specifically because it had a modeling catwalk, dress-up area and styling chairs. Plus no matter which Kids Club you visit, you’ll leave wondering how they make them smell like bubble gum!
4. Crepes
The Sweet Shop in Nizuc offers made-to-order crepes which are great for a unique breakfast or late-night treat. I’m not positive but would assume the sweet shops in Sunrise and The Grand offer something similar.
5. Bob Marley Cocktail
Along with the Toucan, probably the most tropical looking cocktails you can order. (You’ll want to stir after taking a picture but before drinking as they’re pretty sweet and/or boozy in each layer alone!)
6. Michael Jackson Show
The evening shows we caught (Circus, Urban, Breakdancing, maybe 1-2 others) were all good but the Michael Jackson show was particularly enjoyable. Plus, as a bonus, the Michael Jackson shows at Sunrise and Nizuc are somewhat different so you can get twice the bang for your buck if you catch them each night they’re on (also nice that the shows at each resort are staggered – Sunrise is 8:30pm and Nizuc is 9:45pm so people who want to can catch both.)
7. The Grand Day Pass
Even if you’re staying at Sunrise or Nizuc, a day pass to The Grand is worth the money to see this higher-end sister resort and all it offers at least once. Technically a full day pass costs $200 for adults and $100 for kids but if you use Resort Credits, that $600 suddenly becomes closer to $100 since you only pay the 16% “tax” on Resort Credits – a small price to pay to get to try a whole range of other pools, bars, and other amenities. And if you’re planning a Spa Treatment, The Grand is apparently the place to do it as its the largest and most fully featured spa at any of the three resorts (though someone told me the Spa at the Golf Course is being remodelled and will be as good as The Grand’s when done though not sure if that’s true or not.)
8. Jade
I said in a different post that Habibi was the best meal of our trip and that’s true. But we also really enjoyed our meal at Jade during our other visit to The Grand although we were so full after a few rounds of appetizers, we didn’t even stay for a main course!
9. The Pub
This little British-themed hideaway off Nizuc’s lobby is much smaller than it looks in pictures online but that just makes it cozier. Plus, in a resort where the overall service level is particularly high, I found the bartenders and serving staff here to be some of the best we encountered – engaging, funny and great at their job.
10. Local Food & Drinks
There will be many opportunities at buffets and bars and a la cartes to try local food and drinks – both Mexican dishes and even those that are specialties of the Yucatan Peninsula. I tried everything from Cochinita Pibil pulled pork to a Michelada beer/caesar hybrid drink to even having a painful encounter with habanero sauce at one a la carte! 😉
And obviously, this list isn’t the definitive “must” list but basically the first 10 things that came to mind as things I really enjoyed or that others might not think to do.
But honestly, everything from having a tequila shot to trying the various a la cartes – all of which have different features and attractions (tableside guacamole! Mayan coffee! Live entertainment!) to visiting the numerous nearby attractions and other sister resorts of the Palace in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel could easily fit on a “100 Musts” list! 😉
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