Review of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets: A Serene Island Escape

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A review of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, an all-inclusive, adults-only, ultra-luxury resort offering an elevated experiental getaway on a private, white sand beach.

Maybe you’ve soaked up the beach scene at Playa Norte or snorkeled the undersea wonders of Isla Mujeres’ offshore reefs.

But suspended from a cliff on its quiet southwestern shore is a new jewel; Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets.

While writing for leading magazines and guidebooks such as Lonely Planet and Fodor’s, I’ve been lucky enough to stay at dozens of luxury resorts, AirBnBs and hotels in Mexico.

I just returned from the new Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets. While I’m not one who swoons easily, this magical resort quickly vaulted onto my list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun Riviera Maya area.

So if you’re planning an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico, read on to discover why this dreamy new luxury resort should be on your radar.

My review of Impression Isla Mujeres includes the complete scoop on this resort. It’s packed with insider tips and lots of original photos so you can see what it’s really like to stay here.

Quick Overview

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a 125-suite, all-inclusive, adult-only luxury hideaway that opened in 2023.

It’s located in the southern zone of Isla Mujeres, 30 minutes by boat from Marina Hacienda del Mar at Dreams Vista Cancun on the mainland.

It joins Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres (also within the Hyatt Inclusive Collection) and is the second property in the Impression by Secrets brand. It’s designed to offer a serene resort experience that’s both sanctuary and inspiration.

Advantages  

• Dramatic architecture and original artwork.
• Appealing wedding, vow renewal and honeymoon packages.
• Memorable sense of arrival by private resort catamaran.
• Unique experiential day and night activities.
• Among the elevated Endless Privileges® at Impression by Secrets there are no set check-in or check-out times.
• Private beach has no Cancun sargassum seaweed problem.
• Dedicated butler team and thrice-daily maid service.
• Complimentary 24-hour laundry service.

Good to Know

• Property has a lot of stairs from the beach to lobby. But accessible rooms are available and there’s elevator access to guest rooms.

Is This Resort for You?

With its dreamy Bali beds for two and secluded, palm-fringed pools, this resort is ultra-romantic for couples. But it also works for a mix of other travellers such as groups of friends and solo travellers.

I travelled to this resort with my adult daughter to celebrate her milestone birthday. We didn’t feel out of place at all.

During our stay we met several guests on girls (and guys) getaways, solo travellers and a multigenerational group on a wellness break.

If you want to be close to the convenient gateway of Cancun International Airport, but want to steer clear of the hotel zone’s raucous party scene, then you’ll enjoy the soothing serenity of Impression Isla Mujeres.

There’s enough nightlife happening that you won’t be bored! And it’s got plenty of glam.

🌟 Looking for more girls’ getaway ideas? Check out this wine-themed river cruise in Germany and these Top Girls Getaways in the Caribbean.

Hotel Layout

Arriving by catamaran to the resort’s private pier is one of the most unique and memorable experiences at this resort.

Adding to the remarkable sense of arrival is The Temple, a soaring oceanfront gazebo designed by acclaimed bio architect Javier Uma according to sacred geometry.

Here, guests participate in guided meditations, painting classes, weddings, vow renewals and other special events.

Impression Isla Mujeres’ eye-catching design is inspired by, and in harmony with, nature.

Although the property is brand-new, there’s a sense of timelessness in its stone pathways shaded by mature palms, bamboo arches and overwater platforms.

The interior design echoes this by prioritizing sustainable materials, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and environmental responsibility.

Throughout the lobby and public areas, custom art draws on Mexico’s heritage with references to indigenous Huichol art work.

Some of the most striking art pieces are the shark sculptures of upcycled plastic created by acclaimed artist César Menchaca.

The artwork helps draw attention to the resort’s partnership with the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, a non-profit organization helping the traditional shark fishing community of Isla Mujeres to transition into eco-tourism and assist with shark conservation efforts.

Room Amenities

Among the elevated Endless Privileges® at Impression by Secrets there are no set check-in or check-out times (subject to availability).

So, we access our room immediately. And it’s a beauty.

Unlike many resorts where suites with two beds are unavailable or relegated to less advantageous locations, at Impression Isla Mujeres friends can book double rooms and still score a fabulous ocean view.

Our spacious (71m2/764 SF) Signature Junior Suite Double with Ocean View and Hot Tub featured a seating area, bathrobes and slippers, welcome bottle of Patrón tequila, Nespresso coffee machine, fully-stocked wine cooler and a twice-daily refreshed minibar.

Decorated in inviting earthy tones and natural textures was decked out with a private terrace with a hammock, loungers and hot tub. The bathroom featured dual sinks and dual rain showers and all the amenities you could dream of.

🌟 Non-couples will appreciate the thoughtful privacy blind in the open-concept rain shower and living area.

Some room categories also contain walk-in closets, separate living room areas and beachfront views. The Presidential Suites (327 m2/3,519 SF) feature a private swim-out pool.

Thrice-daily housekeeping includes turn-down service. Butler service is available via WhatsApp or tablet.

Dining and Restaurants

Another appealing aspect of Impression Isla Mujeres is its range of all-inclusive seven reservation-free restaurants, five bars and in-room dining experiences.

They offer a gastronomic journey through regional Yucatan to contemporary international cuisine, ingredients and techniques.

Premium artisanal coffees, teas, deli sandwiches and patisserie are available at the Cacao Cafe (open 24 hours).

At Spezia, the resort’s signature dining restaurant, you can enjoy Italian dishes a la carte such as handmade tagliolini with lobster while gazing at Cancun’s sparkling skyline.

Or take a foray into Pan-Asian cuisine with sushi and the art of teppanyaki at Sake restaurant.

Then there are the classics. For my daughter’s birthday, Wildfire Grill served up a New York steak, seared to perfection over the kitchen’s Josper charcoal grill. It was worthy of the finest steakhouse.

Beyond the dining venues, curated culinary experiences such as mixology lessons, tequila tastings and herbal tea ceremonies keep guests connected to what’s fresh, local and inspired.

In-Room Dining

With private in-room dining (available 24 hours), you can enjoy a range of dishes from snacks to full meals.

The appealing options include small plates such as seabass ceviche as well as hearty breakfasts of mollete de Valladolid (bolillo bread topped with avocado, sausage and refried beans) and chilaquiles.

There are also room service classics such as gourmet burgers, club house sandwiches and more.

With the “Secret Box” for discrete room service delivery, the guest suites are true sanctuaries. 

🌟 Pro Tip: Guests can also enjoy the Sip, Savor & See Dining Experience, with access to dining and drinks at nearby Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun.

Or sail across the water to one of the mainland Secrets, Breathless or Dreams Resorts & Spas.

Good to Know: If we’d stayed longer we would have liked to have seen a buffet option for breakfast.

Although room service was fast and accurate, a buffet can be a handy alternative to a la carte dining if you’re in a hurry.

Bars and Nightlife

In addition to the fully-stocked wine cooler, complementary bottle of Patrón tequila ( or liquor of choice) and twice-daily refreshed minibar, there are five bars offering top shelf spirits, cocktails and mocktails.

For a boutique-sized property we were really impressed by the nightlife and things to do at Impression Isla Mujeres.

Nightlife

At sunset, the UNIK lounge is an especially gorgeous space and hosts most of the evening activities.

The highest rooftop lounge on the island of Isla Mujeres it offers spectacular views of ocean and the sparkling skyline of the Cancun Hotel Zone.

The schedule for the ever-evolving shows, events and activities is posted in the elevator, on the in-room ipad and within the World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection app, designed for smart phones.

🌟 Pro Tip: Download the World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection app on the App store or on Google Play before you travel. You can browse restaurant menus and plan dining as well as day and night time activities.

Property Amenities

Swimming Pools

There are several blissful pools dotted throughout the resort.

You can relax in the glass-sided rooftop infinity pool, the 30-person hot tub, the Cave Pool and/or the freeform main pool with swim-up bar.

It has a generous number of swimming pools and hot tubs compared to other romantic, but much larger, properties such as Secrets The Vine, Secrets Playa Mujeres and Secrets Akumal.

You may need to extend your stay to try them all!

Impression Pure Spa and Hydrotherapy Circuit

To unwind even further, the Impression Pure Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary complete with hydrotherapy circuit, including Isla Mujeres’ only hammam (ritual cleansing) and flotarium, a unique concept in wellness therapy using warm salt water.

The spa’s body treatments feature Natura Bissé, a luxury skincare product line from Barcelona, Spain.

🌟 Insider Tip: Don’t miss the 20-minute welcome treatment, complimentary for each guest.

Beach at Impression Isla Mujeres

Within the private beach area, guests can channel their adventurous sides by participating in snorkeling tours and non-motorized watersports such as SUP and kayaking.

This sparkling beach features turquoise water and powdery white sand. Unlike east facing beaches across the strait, this beach receives no sargassum seaweed.

Impression Isla Mujeres is a great option if you’re travelling during seaweed season of May to October.

We spotted schools of tropical fish and enjoyed watching grey heron dive for fish in the waters surrounding the pier.

There’s even a giant waterslide to wind your way with heart-stopping speed from the top of the resort to an exhilarating splash into the refreshing Caribbean Sea.

Or, you can simply sip a cocktail and relax on a water hammock, lounger or Bali bed. There’s no extra cost or reservations needed. Bar service at the beach begins at 11:00 am and food service at noon.

🌟 Insider Tip: Try spritzer featuring the local Xtabentún honey liqueur!

Fitness Centre

In addition to the fitness on demand available via yoga mats and weights provided in-suite, there’s an onsite fitness center with modern equipment.

We didn’t have time to use it but it looked modern and well-equipped.

Things to Do Nearby

Isla Mujeres is one of the Pueblos Mágicos of Mexico, a designation granted by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism to recognize “magical towns” with special qualities and characteristics.

Some of the things to do on Isla Mujeres are to:

• Go zip-lining and snorkeling at Garrafon Natural Reef Park. The waters teem with butterflyfish, damselfish, angelfish, parrotfish and other marine life such as green sea turtles and southern stingray.
• Marvel at the statues and marine life on a half-day snorkel tour (with lunch) to MUSA, an Underwater Museum of Art, an eco-project similar to Jason deCaires Taylor’s Underwater Park in Grenada). The tour usually includes time at the Manchones coral reef.
• Party with locals while bar-hopping on a Golf Cart Bar Crawl Tour.
• Swim with Whale Sharks, available from May to Septmber.
• Join the resort’s guided Island Biking Tours departing from the lobby. Book with your butler well in advance.
• Rent a golf cart from the front desk and go exploring.
• Take a walk (20 minutes) to the ancient temple of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, medicine and the moon.
• Shop for souvenirs in the tourist shops in the Centro of Isla Mujeres. Expect to pay 200 MXN pesos for a taxi each way.

Summary of this Review of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets

Get ready for a unique and memorable experience at this new, ultra-luxury adult-only resort on Isla Mujeres. It’s a haven for nature lovers and seekers, a place where you can find the serenity or inspiration you crave.

Whether you’re chasing tropical fish on an undersea snorkelling adventure or journeying inward during a Sacred Smoke incense meditation, it’s your own private island escape.

Planning

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets: https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/impression-by-secrets/mexico/isla-mujeres/

Amstar: Book airport transfer with Amstar and get Cancun International Airport pick up and transfer to Marina Hacienda del Mar for the sailing by private resort boat to the pier at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets (subject to availability and weather).

If the weather conditions are poor, you’ll arrive by ferry.  

Check rates and availability of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets on Booking.com. 

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