Why Atelier Playa Mujeres Stole My Heart (and My Appetite)

I’ve stayed at my fair share of luxury resorts, but few have left me as blissfully impressed as Atelier Playa Mujeres. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I knew I was in for something special. The scent alone—yes, they sell it—made me feel like I was walking into a spa-meets-art-gallery-meets-dream. But beyond the fragrance and aesthetics, what truly set Atelier apart was the attention to detail in every corner of the resort.

Let’s start with the food, because honestly, that was one of the biggest highlights of my stay. Atelier doesn't just serve meals—they serve art on a plate. Every dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavor, and often locally inspired. I was blown away by the seafood, especially the grilled octopus and scallops, which were cooked to perfection. I dined at several restaurants, including the international buffet (Mercado 19), the Mediterranean-inspired Cala di Luna, and the Asian fusion spot Takeshi.

A quick tip: you will need dinner reservations, so be sure to make those early. The restaurants are absolutely worth the effort, but they do book up quickly. Trust me—you don’t want to miss out.

The crown jewel of the dining experience? María Dolores by Edgar Núñez. Even though it’s not part of the standard all-inclusive plan, if you’re staying in an INSPIRA suite for 5 nights or more, it’s fully included. Otherwise, you’ll get a generous discount for stays of 5+ nights, and even without that, it’s incredibly reasonable. For two of us, dinner came to around $85 total, and that’s for a restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide 2024. Even better? Alcohol is still included under your all-inclusive plan—you’re only paying for the food. I had the most amazing black bean soup, octopus, and scallops, followed by a dessert I’m still craving.

Beyond the food, the resort design is impeccable. The modern architecture is sleek and welcoming, and the rooms are filled with little luxuries—Molton Brown amenities, mood lighting, and soft bedding that actually let me sleep. Plus, there was no mildew smell, which is something I’m always cautious about in tropical destinations. One of the smartest little touches? They include a stylish in-room beach bag for you to use during your stay. It’s not yours to keep (unless you want to buy one), but it saves space in your suitcase and adds a thoughtful touch.

The pools were an absolute dream—perfectly maintained and always the right temperature. And the beach? Even in April, it was fantastic. There was a bit of sargassum (seaweed), which is pretty typical for the region, but the resort staff handled it well. They cleaned it regularly, and there were nets in the ocean to help minimize buildup. The beach service was another favorite—walking out of the water to be handed a cocktail? Yes, please.

One of my favorite hangouts was the rooftop pool and bar. During the day, it’s reserved exclusively for INSPIRA guests, but in the evening, everyone is welcome to head up and enjoy a drink under the stars. The cocktails are carefully crafted and completely unique—not your average margarita. It was the perfect place to unwind, sip something delicious, and take in panoramic views of the resort and the sea.

The grounds were pristine, and the staff were genuinely wonderful. From check-in to beach service, everything felt seamless and sincere. I was lucky to have a room close to the beach, pool, and restaurants, but it's worth noting that the resort is quite spread out. If you’re in one of the farther buildings, you might be doing a bit more walking—something to consider when packing for the heat and humidity.

I didn’t golf, but the Greg Norman-designed Playa Mujeres Golf Course is right there if you want to hit the greens.

Atelier Playa Mujeres checked every box I didn’t even know I had. It’s elevated without being stuffy, artistic without trying too hard, and thoughtful in every way that matters. I’m already dreaming of going back. You can explore more about this resort further on my website. I love it so much, I have a full site dedicated to it!  Check it out or book here>