Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort
The Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort completed a $22 million renovation of its Nizuc section in December 2013, including 120 newly renovated guestrooms, the main lobby, pool, food and beverage outlets, gym, beauty salon, and Tortugas Ballroom. Additionally, there’s a brand-new mini-golf course, as well as a new kids’ club, “The Playroom,” complete with 11 different game rooms, a beauty salon, mini runway, dollhouse, full kitchen, creativity area, an Xbox room, an area with “ezy rollers,” an arcade zone, a theater, two playgrounds (one inside and one outside), a pirate boat, sandbox and a mini soccer field. One of the renovation highlights is The Pub, an authentic Irish tavern with vintage aesthetics and mahogany fixtures. palaceresorts.com or palaceproagents.com
Xoximilco Cancun
This new attraction, an homage to the original World Heritage site, Xoximilco in central Mexico, opened in December 2013. It offers visitors the chance to set sail through a natural setting made up of canals and floating gardens on board colorful and picturesque gondola-like boats called trajineras. Admission to Xoximilco includes a nighttime cruise on board a trajinera; dinner; open bar with tequila, beer, fruit-flavored beverages and sodas; and different ensembles playing traditional live music such as mariachi, bolero trio, jarocho quartet and marimba. Open Monday-Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; prices are $79 per adult/$39.50 per child. xoximilco.com
Jungle Maya Adventure Park
Last month saw the opening of Alltournative’s Jungle Maya Adventure Park, a new eco-park that features the world’s largest underground river system. During their time at the park, visitors will be able to zipline through the jungle, rappel down ancient cenotes, snorkel through the river system, explore the jungle on a 4×4 vehicle, and dine on traditional Yucatecan food after an adventure-filled day. Ticket prices, which are $69 for adults and $49 for children, include an expert tour guide that accompanies guests throughout their journey, as well as all activity equipment. alltournative.com
Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort & Spa
Slated to open Nov. 15, 2014 and set along the white-sand beaches of Playa Mujeres, Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort & Spa will offer 424 luxurious suites, each featuring a king-size bed (or two double beds), private terrace or balcony, full bathroom with hydrotub, complimentary mini-bar and other amenities. On site visitors will have access to a 16,000-sq.-ft. Secrets Spa by Pevonia, five a la carte restaurants, a buffet, a grill and a cafe, as well as beachside dining. Other goodies include complimentary greens fees at nearby Playa Mujeres Golf Course, two pools, a gym, cooking and cocktail classes, and non-motorized watersports. secretsresorts.com or amragents.net
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Nestled in a private enclave between Cancun and Riviera Maya, the all-suite Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, debuted in December 2013 as the newest property of the Royal Resorts collection. Its 103 oceanview suites—all with private outdoor terraces—come in several categories including the 646-sq.-ft. jr. suite; the 1-bedroom, 1,862-sq.-ft. master suite; the 1-bedroom, 1,862-sq.-ft. penthouse suite with private pool; and the 2-bedroom, 2,486-sq.-ft. master suite, among others. Food and drink facilities include El Faro Grill, offering a Mediterranean culinary experience, and The Heaven Beach Bar, with its casual beachside ambiance. There are also four pools, tennis courts, bicycles and sailboats, as well as watersports activities and salsa classes. grandresidencesrivieracancun.com
