I spent five nights at Moon Palace on what was supposed to be a relaxing beach holiday, and I barely left the resort. The place is enormous – golf course, waterpark, a dozen restaurants, and enough pools that I found a quiet one every afternoon. The included golf sealed the deal for me; playing 18 holes on a Jack Nicklaus course without paying green fees felt like getting away with something. It is not a boutique experience and it will never win awards for intimacy, but for families or groups who want everything in one place, it delivers exactly what the brochure promises.
Moon Palace is a large all-inclusive resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, about 20 minutes south of Cancun airport. It’s known for its size, range of included activities, and family-friendly facilities.
Rooms
The resort has 690+ rooms across two towers:
Luxury Suites: King or two queen beds, private balcony, modern decor, around 550 sq ft. Views of gardens, pools, or Caribbean Sea.
Family Suites: Two-bedroom layouts with separate living areas. Children’s room with themed decor. Good for families wanting space without booking multiple rooms.
Royal Suites: Larger suites (620+ sq ft) with living area, pull-out sofa, upgraded bathrooms with walk-in showers.
All rooms include: flat-screen TV, mini-bar (restocked daily), coffee maker, in-room safe, air conditioning.
All-Inclusive Package
The rate covers:
- All meals at resort restaurants
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Room service (24 hours)
- Non-motorised water sports
- Golf (green fees at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course)
- Kids’ club activities
- Nightly entertainment
- WiFi
Not included: Spa treatments, motorised water sports, off-site excursions, premium bottle service.
Dining
Multiple restaurants with no reservations required at most:
- Fine dining: Steakhouse, Italian, Asian fusion, Mexican
- Casual: Buffet restaurants, poolside grills, pizza
- 24-hour: Magnolia’s Veranda serves American food round the clock
- Bars: Swim-up bars, lobby bars, sports bar
Dress codes vary – fine dining restaurants require smart casual (no swimwear, flip-flops, or tank tops).
Amenities
Pools: Multiple pools including family pools with slides, adults-only pool, swim-up bars.
Beach: Private beach area with loungers and palapas. Caribbean Sea – calm, warm water.
Spa: Awe Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments. Additional cost.
Golf: 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course. Green fees included, club rental extra.
Fitness: Gym with modern equipment. Yoga and fitness classes included.
Kids’ Club: Ages 4-12. Activities, games, meals. Teens have separate lounge area.
Activities
Water sports: Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear included. Jet skis, parasailing available for extra charge.
Entertainment: Nightly shows, live music, themed parties.
Excursions: Tours to Mayan ruins (Tulum, Chichen Itza), cenotes, and eco-parks can be booked through the resort.
Getting There
From Cancun Airport: 20-25 minutes by car. The resort offers transfers (additional cost) or you can book a taxi/shuttle independently.
Location: South of Cancun’s Hotel Zone in Riviera Maya. Quieter than central Cancun but less walkable to outside restaurants and bars.
Who It’s Best For
- Families with children (extensive kids’ facilities)
- Golfers (course included in rate)
- Groups wanting variety without leaving the resort
- First-time all-inclusive visitors
Less suited for: Budget travellers, those wanting local cultural immersion, adults seeking quiet/romantic getaway (it’s a large, active resort).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Moon Palace Cancun all-inclusive package?
The all-inclusive package covers all meals at 17 restaurants, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, 24-hour room service, non-motorized water sports, golf green fees at the Jack Nicklaus course, kids’ club activities, nightly entertainment, and WiFi. Not included are spa treatments, motorized water sports, off-site excursions, premium bottle service, and golf club rentals.
How much does Moon Palace Cancun cost per night?
Rates typically start around $130 per night for standard Luxury Suites, making it one of the better-value resorts in Cancun. Prices vary by season, room category, and booking time. The resort often includes a $350 resort credit which adds significant value to the stay.
Is Moon Palace good for families or couples?
Moon Palace is excellent for families due to its extensive kids’ club, family suites with themed children’s rooms, waterpark, and range of activities. The resort’s large size and family focus make it less ideal for couples seeking an intimate, romantic getaway. Couples might prefer smaller, adults-only properties like Live Aqua or Hyatt Zilara.
How far is Moon Palace from Cancun airport?
Moon Palace is located approximately 20-25 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. The resort offers transfer services for an additional cost, or guests can book taxis, shared shuttles, or private transfers independently.
Can you use Moon Palace facilities at other Palace Resorts?
Yes, Moon Palace guests can use facilities at other Palace Resorts in the area, expanding dining and activity options beyond the already extensive on-site amenities. This reciprocal access adds significant value for guests staying multiple nights.
