What it’s like to stay at Atelier Playa Mujeres, one of Cancun’s newest 5-star properties
I saw an intriguing advertisement on Staff Travel Voyage’s website to book a stay at the new 5-star all-inclusive resort, Hotel Atelier, in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. I didn’t know much about the hotel or area, but I knew I needed a beach getaway. Once I learned the property is only 30 minutes from the Cancun airport and nestled between other award-winning resorts, I happily booked a 3-night stay in paradise.
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Atelier Review- The Resort
Concept and Location
Atelier Playa Mujeres officially opened its doors in April 2019 and describes itself as a modern resort inspired by the art and design of contemporary Mexico. The hotel’s designers aimed to create a new luxury experience for guests, thoughtfully crafting 593 rooms with ocean views, jungle views, or luxurious swim-up suites. The upgraded rooms are known as the Inspira suites, which come with extra space, amenities, and service. Atelier is an adults-only resort, so all guests must be 16+.
Playa Mujeres is a renowned luxury beach destination known for its marina and world-class golf facilities. Cancun attracts guests interested in nightlife and entertainment; however, Playa Mujeres provides a small haven of unspoiled paradise for those looking to unwind. Atelier is located along an ideal stretch of sand, beckoning guests with its crystal blue waters.
Gated Entrance
Guests staying in the Mexican Caribbean value safety, so the Atelier property is gated and requires guest identification for entrance. Although it’s located in a quiet enclave of Cancun, extra security is always a welcome addition. Once you make your way through the gates, the beautiful Atelier grounds welcome you with open arms.
The drive up to the entrance is breathtaking, as the contemporary landscape and minimalist pools subtly hint at the luxury that awaits inside. As I exited my ride, the valet warmly greeted me, making me feel at home. His offer of a cool hand towel happily signaled the start of my vacation. Once I walked into the resort, the bell porter collected my belongings and set up a luggage trolley for me while I checked in. The grand lobby amenities include a full-service bar with a pool and ocean view.
Check-In
At check-in, there were no long lines or unnecessary waiting. A staff member immediately greeted me and ushered me to her private desk. As I filled out forms, waiters graciously offered me sparkling wine in a champagne flute.
Once I finished checking in, the staff shared the complimentary WiFi passcode and handed me a woven bracelet instead of keys. The bracelets serve as room keys, providing an easier way for guests to access their rooms and order all-inclusive amenities. I also downloaded the Atelier cell phone app, which provided dining information and digital room access.
The Rooms
After a long flight and a thankfully quick check-in process, I was ready to check out my room. With a flick of the wrist, my bracelet opened my door, and I admired my space for the next few days. The room was airy and bright, inviting me in with an unobstructive view of the lush greenery and expansive pool.
My room had an extremely comfortable king bed with floor lights that glowed with nighttime movement. A desk was set up behind the bed, and the room had extra cabinet space and a green couch. A new flat-screen TV was neatly placed off to the side, allowing me to simultaneously enjoy my view while browsing channels and featured hotel amenities. The vaulted ceilings added a welcoming touch to the space, and the minimalist setup helped me to relax.
The bathroom was separated by sliding doors, providing a bit more privacy. The green tiled shower beckoned me in with its ample space and luxe rain shower head. There were two marble sinks, so my partner and I didn’t have to fight over space. The luxurious touches were welcome amenities after a long travel day and time well spent in the sun.
If you book one of the Inspira suites, expect similar guestrooms but with even more space and amenities, like outdoor plunge pools, heated swim up lane, and Bali beds. Choose between double beds or king and what amenities you want.
The hotel offers 24-hour room service, so you don’t have to stress about booking restaurant reservations or waking up early to eat. They also serve guest rooms with various desserts throughout the day. Who doesn’t love a surprise little sweet treat?
The Pools
Atelier offers guests 4 pool options, although one is only available for Inspira guests. The other 3 are known as the Life & Vibe, Relaxing, and Rooftop pools. The Relaxing pool is located near the beach and is a quieter spot for guests to relax with a stunning view.
The Life & Vibe, or main pool, stretches as far as the eye can see at 14,639 sq ft. During the day, I spent copious amounts of time by the main pool, relaxing and sipping on cocktails. The pool hadstwo swim-up bars stocked with top-shelf liquor, and the bartenders are eager to serve guests their drink of choice.
Once the evening hit, I celebrated by relaxing in one of the property’s several hot tubs. I always try to book properties with hot tubs, as they are the perfect way to end an evening on vacation.
Rooftop Infinity Pool Views
I spent my night lounging by the rooftop infinity pool—as if the main pool wasn’t relaxing enough. The rooftop pool is only available to regular guests after 6 pm, so I used it for sunset views and night outings. A large bar was fully stocked with more top-shelf liquor, beer, and wine, so the relaxation continued. The bartenders were friendly, welcoming, and always nearby to take our orders.
I loved sitting in the comfortable lounge chairs and looking out to the sea.
The Beach in Playa Mujeres, Mexico
One afternoon, I went to the beach and relaxed on a daybed overlooking the sparkling sea. As much as I loved the pools, I wanted to spend at least one day enjoying the ocean view. Few people were around, making it feel like a private beach.
A beach bar was also nearby, so an attentive waiter would occasionally pass by and offer to refill my glass. Many activities were set up for guests, such as volleyball, kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. The sand was white and as soft as clouds.
Across the ocean, the lights of Isla Mujeres flickered with invitation. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island and offers a unique snorkeling experience. Book with a tour group from the concierge or spend your day exploring the island by golf cart.
Atelier Review- The Food
Breakfast
Atelier boasts 13 distinctive restaurants and 2 coffee shops, leaving guests with several dining options throughout the day. For breakfast, I ate at El Suspiro and Mercado 19. El Suspiro serves Mexican cuisine, while the Mercado offers a Mexican buffet. I ordered my favorite Mexican breakfast dishes- huevos divorciados, chilaquiles, and enchiladas, which hit the spot for my food cravings. The buffet also offers cereal, yogurt, and hot meals.
Lunch
For lunch, I needed something quick and convenient, so I could spend as much time down by the water as possible. I mostly ate by the pool at El Suspiro and El Trompo. El Suspiro serves seafood during the day, and I loved the tuna and sea bass ceviche. El Trompo serves gourmet poolside snacks; I loved the calamari and nachos. Every meal came with chips and guacamole and attentive staff.
5-Star Restaurants
I enjoyed breakfast and lunch but was incredibly excited to try the restaurants. I find most all-inclusive food options bland and underwhelming, but Atelier offers guests high-quality options. One of their restaurants is even recommended by the Michelin guide. The food was delicious, and I never needed a reservation. During my stay, 4 of the restaurants were open.
Friday night, I ate at Los Abrazos, a steakhouse located upstairs next to the rooftop infinity pool. For an appetizer, I sampled the beef carpaccio and crab cakes, and for my main dish, I ordered the beef fillet, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes. It was a hearty meal filled with some of my favorite dining options.
On Saturday night, I was invited to the revered María Dolores restaurant. It is a restaurant dedicated to serving Mexico's ingredients in specially prepared dishes. Reservations typically cost $95 per person, but there are ways to have the restaurant included in your stay.
While each dish was small, the meal included seven courses with paired wines and dessert. The chef’s goal is to highlight contemporary Mexican cuisine through a sensorial experience.I especially enjoyed the beet coffee with dahlia flowers and the sea scallops with cured fish sauce and beans.
On my last night, I ate at Cilento, an Italian restaurant. The portions were small, so I ordered several plates. I started with beef carpaccio, octopus, and burrata. For my main meal, I tried the ravioli in veal sauce and duck confit.
Atelier Review- The Activities
Gorgeous Spa and Fitness Center
For those looking for deep relaxation, the Nuup Spa offers a selection of superior treatments and services. Once the spa is completed, there will be 18 treatment cabins with spa suites and private showers.
There will also be lounges, a tea station, saunas, pools, and a beauty salon. In addition to the spa, there will be a bridal Dress-Up Lounge ®, a private area for bridesmaids and the bride to prepare for a wedding.
The fitness center was not finished but open to guests. It includes several treadmills, bikes, and workout equipment.
The resort also provides a yoga room, tennis courts, and paddle ball courts.
Golf Course
Next to the hotel is a world-class golf course. It has 18 holes and is located in an unspoiled natural landscape. The golf course is available to guests on their first day, and reservations must be made with the concierge. Guests can practice games before tee-off, are provided transportation from the lobby, and receive club and cart rental assistance.
Art Gallery
The art gallery in the lobby is open to the public from 3 to 11 p.m. I walked in one night, and the staff was very knowledgeable about the artists and their collections. I especially loved the works of Damián Lescas and Nicolás Guzmán Aguilar. There were beautiful portraits of all types of animals and the sea.
Leaving Paradise and Hotel Atelier
My three days at the Hotel Atelier in Playa Mujeres were relaxing and fulfilling, tempting me to immediately book another stay.
The resort and facilities are A+, and the service is exceptional. I loved the secluded location and the relaxing atmosphere. Atelier is perfect for older families and couples, although friends looking for a quiet getaway would also enjoy Atelier.
Make your way to Playa Mujeres, Mexico, and experience world-class service alongside a seductive view of the Caribbean waters.
