What It’s Like to Stay at the Luxurious Isla Mujeres by Secrets

If you’re bold enough to include the word “impression” in your name, well, then, the first one matters. So, how about, say, locating yourself on a funky island away
from the crowds of Cancún? And then inviting guests to come to your adults-only resort in style, via a private catamaran? Then welcoming them with a receiving line of white-jacketed staff bearing refreshing chilled towels and even cooler beverages?

Mission accomplished.

As my husband, Ray, and I tumbled off of the gently rocking yacht, we were indeed impressed—by the shimmering Caribbean Sea all around us, the smiling faces before us and, most of all, the 125-suite Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, rising in cliffside tiers ahead of us. The latest entry from Hyatt’s new luxury all-inclusive brand, this particular property might be small, but as we discovered, it’s mighty.

Since we had already checked in at the thatched-roof dock back in Cancún, our personal butler was ready to lead us directly to our suite via a literally breathtaking set of stairs that climbed higher and higher (don’t worry, there’s an easier accompanying ramp that traverses the property’s ups and downs). A quick look at our expansive suite revealed an ocean view: impressive. Terrace with a hammock and hot tub: impressive. Bathroom stocked with luxe Le Labo lotions: impressive.

Lunch called, so we set out for sandwiches at Cacao, a pretty 24-hour cafe that we’d return to for breakfast and midday espresso-and-pastry breaks during our stay. On another day, we picked up tacos from the takeout window at Mercado and brought them over to a nearby nook where two wicker chairs overlooked one of the property’s four infinity pools. Our dinner highlights included a romantic evening at the rooftop Continental cuisine option, Unik The Kitchen, and a serene Japanese experience at Sake.

Of course, we happily indulged in the pools, alternatively splashing away and lounging in Bali beds. And although we didn’t spend much time at the Pure Spa, you bet we took advantage of the 20-minute complimentary massages (me: neck and shoulders, Ray: feet) included with every stay. 

But we also loved the way the resort’s seclusion doesn’t mean it closes its doors on Mexican life. One morning, we walked off the property and right into a laidback neighborhood. Directly across the narrow road, we spotted a jungly backyard where the owner had set up a few tables and chairs to accompany his “coffee bus,” selling perfect flat whites and frappes. Along the strip, other casual restaurants and even an art gallery were tucked among a residential mix of grand homes and shacks alike.

A 15-minute walk took us to the southern tip of the five-mile island, where the ruins of a temple to the Mayan goddess of fertility, medicine and the moon provided the perfect vantage for sunset-watching.

One day, our butler helped us book a guided golf cart tour to the island’s Centro, about two miles north of the resort. The main beach is also here, and en route, we pulled off of the mesmerizing coastline to spend time at a little graveyard. Rows of tombs, looking for all the world like a village of gaily painted miniature terracotta, turquoise and yellow homes clustered around a wide staircase that led to a small chapel.

Later, we strolled Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, the main street of the compact downtown, packed with taquerias and fruterías and souvenir shops selling hand-painted toys and beaded purses. 

Back at the resort, there was so much we hadn’t yet tried—from Italian and Mexican fine dining to flying down the four-story waterslide. But all we wanted was to grab a book, a tall glass of something cold and some shade. Maybe we napped and dreamt of azure waters and cloudless skies...or maybe we were living the dream.